While we tend to think of dental care as separate from other sorts of healthcare, the mouth is as much a part of the body as the heart or the brain. In fact, poor oral health is linked to heart disease, pneumonia and a variety of other conditions in seniors. Dry mouth or dental pain also make it harder for older people to enjoy a good meal, which often reduces their food intake and quality of life.
Here’s the good news, though: There are plenty of resources to help Columbus seniors get the dental care they need so they can continue to thrive.
Dental Care Resources for Columbus Seniors
Proper dental care is crucial for seniors’ health and quality of life, but it’s not always practical to access. Fortunately, the Columbus area is home to plenty of top-notch dental professionals and other resources to help. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Grab Tools to Help With Oral Hygiene
As people age, oral health issues tend to worsen. Gumlines recede over time, and dry mouth becomes more common—and is exacerbated by many common medications. Both can increase the likelihood of infections and tooth decay, and they cause discomfort that can also make it harder to eat.
At the same time, aging imposes a number of barriers to oral hygiene. Many older people lose coordination and dexterity, making it harder to brush and floss teeth.
While it’s always better to have someone to help with self-care, the right tools can go a long way. Swing by Uptown Pharmacy to pick up essentials like:
- Lozenges for dry mouth like TheraBreath.
- Flossing aids like dental picks or water flossers, which are easier to handle than traditional floss.
- Bite guards to prevent nighttime tooth grinding, which can contribute to tooth and gum sensitivity.
If you need help finding the right self-care essentials for a senior in your life, a professional caregiver can help. Not only do they know exactly what to find, they can go with your loved one, making the trip easier.
- Find a Dentist They Actually Like
On top of aging-related difficulties with oral hygiene, many seniors have had negative experiences with dentists when they were young. This bad association can last a lifetime, making the idea of caring for their teeth unappealing or even frightening.
For seniors with dental anxiety, it’s not enough to get a good dentist—they need the right dentist. Finding your loved one a dentist they actually like can dramatically improve their oral health, helping them overcome their fear and shame and feel confident enough to take care of themselves.
Look into practitioners with a warm, comforting personality, who can answer questions with respect and give steady, positive encouragement. Then, bring your loved one in to meet them and make sure they get along before arranging an appointment.
Luckily, one of the kindest dentists we know practices right here in Columbus. Dr. Michael Firouzian of Firouzian Dentistry has a compassionate, personalized approach that goes beyond visible oral health issues to account for your loved one’s broader health and comfort. In addition to offering general dentistry and dental implants, Dr. Firouzian specializes in treatments for sleep apnea and TMJ. These procedures can increase sleep quality and reduce oral discomfort, dramatically improving quality of life.
- Connect Them With A Good Oral Surgeon
Most oral health issues can be prevented (or at least delayed) by good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, but not all of them. Some infections and cancers can lead to mouth pain, and they often need to be removed. In addition, seniors are prone to mouth and jawbone injuries, which are often a result of biting hard foods or falling.
When your loved one has oral health issues that regular dental care can’t cover, it’s time to connect with a trusted dental surgeon like Dr. Pooja Banga at The Oral Health Center. In addition to being a leading expert in her field and equipping her office with state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. Banga goes to great lengths to listen to patients’ needs and concerns and set them at ease.
Get a Caregiver to Help With Oral Health
If your loved one is struggling to care for their oral health, never fear: With self-care essentials and dental experts readily available, Columbus knows how to put good dental health within reach.
If your loved one needs a little more assistance to care for their teeth, the compassionate caregivers at FirstLight Home Care of Columbus are here to help. Not only can they handle daily brushing and flossing and pick up essentials at the drugstore, our caregivers will also transport your loved one to the dentist’s office and give them a friendly companion while they wait.
Want to learn more about how our caregivers can help your loved one care for their teeth? Contact us today.
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