Oral hygiene is critically important to overall health, and it's especially essential for seniors living with diabetes. Senior Helpers Dayton provides in-home care services that provide thorough assistance with daily oral hygiene practices and encourage regular visits to the dentist for checkups or other dental treatments.
We understand how crucial it is for seniors living with diabetes to prioritize their oral health.
The Relationship Between Diabetes and Oral Health
Diabetes affects numerous body systems. Oral health is one of the areas where the condition can cause serious damage, leading to a wide range of concerns that need extensive treatment solutions. Diabetes often prevents the normal healing of oral tissues, and that leaves them vulnerable to infection or decay. Seniors with diabetes are especially susceptible to developing periodontal (gum) disease as well.
The impact of poor oral hygiene on seniors with diabetes is heightened because their bodies are already struggling to keep blood sugar levels in check due to their existing medical conditions. Research has found that seniors with diabetes have an increased risk of having severe gum disease caused by insufficient brushing or flossing—averaging nearly 3 times more tooth loss than non-diabetic individuals over time if not managed properly.
How to Provide Supportive Care for Diabetics
Caregivers can provide supportive care in one of three ways:
Ensure Seniors Attend Regular Dental Visits
Part of providing supportive care for seniors living with diabetes involves making sure they have regular dental visits. It's important to visit the dentist as often as recommended. Dentists can treat existing issues that require advanced treatments or are not resolved with routine brushing and supplementation at home.
Ensure They Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene Practices
Caregivers should always encourage proper oral hygiene practices at home. This can include brushing the teeth twice per day and flossing once per day. Ensuring this occurs properly is one area where in-home care services from Senior Helpers Dayton can make all the difference. Supplementing daily activities like brushing and flossing with mouthwash can also help keep plaque buildup low.
Ensure They Follow Diet and Nutrition Advice From Their Doctor
Good diet and nutrition prioritize healthy carbohydrates with complex sugars over refined sugars that may cause rapid levels of inflammation in gums. Refined sugars may erode tissue integrity more quickly than protective measures allow for repair, oftentimes leading to periodontal disease. Caregivers should encourage healthy dietary options full of nutrients when assisting seniors living with diabetes so they remain strong overall.
Seek Additional Tips and Support Through Senior Helpers Dayton
Sometimes, it's helpful to get extra assistance on how to support seniors with diabetes with their oral hygiene needs. Senior Helpers of Dayton offers in-home senior care that focuses specifically on elderly individuals living with diabetes in Centerville, Beavercreek, Oakwood, Kettering, and Huber Heights areas.
We provide seniors with the help they need from a team of knowledgeable, compassionate professionals. We also have extensive experience caring for seniors who face complex medical issues and know just what steps will help keep them happy, healthy, and safe. Reach out today if you have any questions or would like more information about our in-home care services.