Maintaining good oral health becomes increasingly important as we age, yet seniors tend to overlook its importance for one reason or another. The problem is that poor oral health doesn’t just lead to tooth loss—it can impact overall wellness, nutrition, and quality of life. With companion care at home in place—helping seniors implement the tips and tricks below—seniors can be encouraged to take charge of their oral health.
Why Oral Health Matters for Seniors
The connection between oral health and general health becomes more pronounced with age. Research shows that poor oral hygiene can contribute to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. For seniors, these risks are amplified as the immune system naturally weakens over time.
Beyond physical health, dental problems can affect social confidence, speech clarity, and nutritional intake. Many seniors often find it necessary to modify their diets due to dental discomfort, potentially missing essential nutrients when they avoid certain foods.
Practical Oral Care Tips for Seniors
With the help of companion care at home, seniors are not only encouraged to pay more attention to oral health, but they’re also provided with tips and tricks on how to do so, including the following:
- Adapt the brushing technique. If arthritis or limited mobility makes traditional brushing difficult, seniors can consider using an electric toothbrush with a larger handle. Additionally, adaptive devices like toothbrush grip enhancers or extended handles can also make brushing their teeth more manageable.
- Pay special attention to dry mouth. Many medications commonly prescribed to seniors cause dry mouth. What seniors might not know is that this issue can increase cavity risk. To combat this, seniors might use an alcohol-free mouthwash or talk to their dentist about specialized products for dry mouth relief.
- Clean dentures properly. For seniors who wear dentures, it is important for them to remove and clean them daily. Companion care at home can remind them to soak the dentures overnight in a denture cleanser and brush them thoroughly before putting them back in. Also, ill-fitting dentures can cause sores and difficulty eating, so seniors should have them checked regularly.
- Monitor gum health. Gum disease risk increases with age. Seniors should watch for signs like bleeding, swelling, or receding gums and report these to their dentist right away.
- Schedule regular checkups. Even if seniors have dentures or only a few natural teeth, they still need to maintain regular dental visits. Professional cleanings and examinations can catch problems early and help maintain the natural teeth that remain. In addition, seniors with companion care at home by their side can be transported to their checkups, alleviating the concern of how they will get there.
Making Oral Health a Priority
Integrating oral care into the senior’s daily wellness routine is essential. Companion care at home can help them set reminders for brushing and flossing if memory issues are a concern, as well as put dental appointments on a calendar so they’re not missed.
Maintaining oral health in senior years isn’t just about having a nice smile—it’s about preserving dignity, comfort, and overall health. Companion care at home can help seniors take charge of their oral health by encouraging them to try some of the tips and tricks above, as well as transporting them to their appointments.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care in Lewisville, TX, please contact the caring staff at Arcy Healthcare today at (469) 293-1515
Providing In-Home Healthcare Services in North Texas, including Dallas, Hurst, Grapevine, Keller, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Gainesville, and more.
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, Arcy Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (Arcy Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
- Encouraging Seniors to Take Charge of Their Oral Health - April 16, 2025
- 4 Ways Seniors Can Manage Diabetes at Home - April 3, 2025
- Five Signs Seniors Might Be Having Trouble with Emotional Overeating - March 19, 2025
