Home Health Care Gastonia NC
When many people think of taking care of their own teeth or the teeth of their young children, they think of brushing and flossing. Some family caregivers, however, think that the need for flossing decreases with age, and may not even consider flossing something their older parent needs to think about when they are taking care of their teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, however, this is not the case. This oral health authority emphasizes that flossing or an alternate form of interdental cleaning is a critical element of oral health for anyone who has two teeth that touch, regardless of their age. Handling this step of their oral health routine carefully and effectively is essential to keeping your parent’s mouth clean and healthy, and preventing health problems throughout their body, such as cardiovascular risks and digestive problems.
Flossing works in conjunction with brushing to keep your parent’s mouth clean by removing food particles, bacteria, and plaque between the teeth where toothbrushes do not reach. If these particles and bacteria are not removed, they can develop into tartar or lead to infection, both of which contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious problems.
Studies have shown that approximately 53 percent of people floss their teeth prior to brushing, while 47 percent brush after. The American Dental Association says that it does not matter when your parent flosses, as long as they do. Encourage your parent to add this step to their routine wherever it is comfortable for them so that they are more likely to keep up with it and do it effectively.
If your parent deals with sensitivity, does not have the dexterity to floss effectively with traditional floss, or is uncomfortable with the idea of flossing, talk to their doctor about the possibility of using an alternative, such as a water flosser, to get the same benefits without the discomfort or difficulty.
Starting home health care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them during the course of your caregiver journey with them. An elderly home health care services provider can be with your aging loved one on a fully customized schedule to ensure that they get all of the care, support, encouragement, and assistance that they need while also maintaining their independence and activity for a quality of life that they desire and deserve.
When it comes to helping them stay healthy, an elder home health care provider can be an invaluable addition to your parent’s life. By helping them to understand their health needs and creating a routine with them, this care provider can support your loved one in following through with the hygiene needs that they have on a regular basis.
This will keep their body safer and healthier so that they can enjoy a higher quality of life as they age in place. An elderly home health care services provider can help your aging parent create and follow through with an oral health care routine that is right for their needs, including helping them to floss properly, safely, and effectively. This will help them to get the most benefit from their flossing while also helping to reduce the risk of damage and other problems.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing
