Gum disease is more formally known as periodontitis. It is an infection of the gums and soft tissues that surround the teeth. It is fairly common, especially in the elderly, but with good oral care and regular dental visits, it can usually be managed. If your loved one has an aversion to visiting his dentist regularly for cleanings or has some of the risk factors that increase the likelihood of him developing gum disease, helping him be aware of the symptoms and then encouraging healthy oral care may be a part of a personal care at home provider’s responsibilities so that he can keep his teeth and not develop any other serious health issues that can be related to gum disease.
Gum Disease Risk Factors
Most people will often have one or two risk factors for just about any type of disease, especially as they age, because simply being older is often a big risk factor. When caring for an elderly loved one, it’s important to consider not only their age when considering their risk level, but also any other factor that may increase the original age risk. Some risks can be changed, removed, or altered with lifestyle changes, while others are predetermined.
- Age. The older generation has the highest rate of having some type of periodontal disease, with some studies saying that at least 70% of the elderly have a form of it.
- Genetics or family history. Some people are just more likely to develop the disease despite their best efforts to practice good oral care.
- Smoking or tobacco use. Regularly using tobacco is an activity that is known to increase the risk of gum disease the most.
- Consistent levels of high stress. Stress can affect how well the body can fight off infections, and this includes infections that affect the gums.
- Certain medications can affect the gums. It’s important to talk with your loved one’s pharmacist about any known connections between the medications he is taking and an increased risk of gum disease, especially if he has other factors to consider as well.
- Habitual clenching of the jaw or teeth grinding. Both of these activities can put extra pressure on the gums and increase the rate at which tissues are damaged.
- Poor nutrition. A diet that is lacking important vitamins and minerals can increase the risk of periodontal disease.
- Finally, and often most importantly, poor oral care habits.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Healthy gums are tight up against the teeth and are a nice pink color. When gum disease begins, it can show up slowly in different ways.
Some symptoms of gum disease can include:
- Gums that appear swollen or puffy. They might be tender to the touch.
- Gums begin to change color and become a dark purple or dark red.
- Gums that bleed easily, especially during flossing or brushing.
- Bad breath.
- Teeth that feel loose.
- Teeth that begin to appear larger because the gums are receding and showing more of them.
If your loved one gets help with his dental care from a personal care at home provider, the personal care at home provider is often the first person to notice symptoms when helping your loved one care for his teeth. If your loved one has several high-risk factors, ask your personal care at home providers to alert you if any symptoms appear when they help your loved one brush and floss. The sooner he can get examined, the quicker you can help stop or slow his gum disease.
Source: https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-risk-factors/
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home Services in Wellesley, MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today at (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn, MA, and surrounding areas.
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