Companion Care at Home: Symptoms of Receding Gums to Watch Out For

January is Receding Gums Awareness Month and since oral health is a big concern for seniors it’s a great time to learn more about receding gums and what they might mean for your senior loved ones. Receding gums, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, is something that is very common in older adults. Receding gums can be caused by many different things but they are a key indication of periodontal disease. Having companion care at home services can help your senior take proper care of their teeth and watch for potential problems.

According to the CDC over 70% of adults over the age of 65 have periodontal disease. Left untreated periodontal disease can cause tooth loss and other dental problems for seniors. The good news is that periodontal disease can be treated. Getting regular dental cleanings and paying attention to oral health can significantly reduce periodontal disease. If your senior loved one has trouble with personal care a companion care at home provider can help them to brush and floss their teeth to avoid periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease doesn’t happen overnight. If you or the companion care at home provider helping to take care of your senior loved one sees any of these signs of receding gums or periodontal disease make an appointment for your senior loved with a dentist for a deep cleaning and treatment.

Companion Care at Home Aides can Watch for These Potential Problems

Red, Irritated Gums

One of the first warning signs of receding gums and periodontal disease is red and irritated gums that don’t go away. Ask the companion care at home provider helping your senior loved one to pay close attention and chart whether or not your senior loved one’s gums look red and irritated over the course of a week. If their gums are still irritated after a week of twice daily brushing and care then schedule a dental visit.

Loose Teeth

If you or your senior loved ones notice that their teeth are loose or seem to shift and move in their mouth that’s another sign that the gums are beginning to recede. Immediately schedule a dental exam for your senior loved ones if their teeth are starting to become loose or move in the mouth at all.

Gum Tissue Pulling Away From Teeth

You can see just by looking at your senior loved one’s mouth if their gums are starting to pull back. If they look shriveled or shrunken, red, or if a lot of the teeth is showing because the gum is pulled back then your senior loved one has receding gums and needs treatment. Even if there is no pain they need treatment to prevent any further damage to their natural teeth.

Excessively Bad Breath

It’s common for senior to have bad breath. Dry mouth, some types of medication, poor oral care, and many other factors can contribute to seniors have chronic bad breath. But if you or a companion care at home provider notice that your senior loved one’s breath has gotten worse or notice that your senior parent’s breath doesn’t get better after brushing and flossing call a dentist and schedule an exam.

Sources: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000951.htm https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/concerns https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Companion Care at Home Services in Marrietta GA please contact the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712