Proper dental care for the elderly in nursing homes California can help prevent dental disease among the elderly. Dental diseases are disorders involving the mouth, especially the gums and teeth. Collectively they are among the most common ailments in people. Issues with the mouth can start unnoticed, however, they can worsen and escalate to a point that they become an irreversible problem. Fortunately, dental diseases are preventable if they are caught early and proper care is applied. To take care of the dental needs of an individual, people should learn what dental diseases can affect them and how to properly prevent them from damaging their gums and teeth.
Gingivitis
A plaque buildup on and between the teeth is the main cause of gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is known as the inflammation of the gums. Different signs of gingivitis include redness of the gums and bleeding. If left untreated, the tartar and plaque will start damaging the gums. It can lead to infections and severe gum disease.
Whilst failure to remove tartar and plaque due to bad dental hygiene is one of the most common causes of this condition, there are other risk factors such as hormonal changes due to pregnancy, illness, and diabetes that are uncontrolled. This problem may be stopped, prevented and occasionally reversed by taking the right steps.
Routine flossing and brushing of the teeth twice a day is the first step. A mobile dental clinic will teach you the right flossing and brushing technique and prescribe the appropriate mouth rinse to use to prevent gingivitis.
Abscess teeth
When infected materials or pus form in a tooth, it is referred to as a tooth abscess. The pus gathers in a sac and this is caused by bacterial infection. The puss-filled sac forms as the bacteria is not able to drain properly. The bacteria is caused by tooth decay or caries that has been untreated, a cracked tooth or gum disease. Root canals and other dental procedures may also lead to this problem.
When abscesses go untreated, they can cause loss of tooth or it can quickly spread and infect the surrounding jawbone. The best way you can prevent this is to follow proper oral hygiene to prevent decay. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing your teeth once a day and routine dental cleanings. Chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water regularly can reduce mouth dryness or prevent it. A dry mouth may cause decay and contribute to abscess teeth.
Gum disease
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease and is among the top challenges that dental care for elderly in nursing homes California faces. It is divided into two main categories – advanced periodontitis and gingivitis. These diseases include loss of gum tissue, and inflammation and may result in loss of teeth as it damages the jawbone that supports the teeth. Failure to remove plaque through flossing and brushing is the top cause of this condition. When left to build up, plaque will form in the area between the gums and teeth and cause the onset of the disease.
