Tooth decay is a significant issue for the elderly. Plaque accumulation and tartar formation are the primary causes of tooth decay. Gum recession may occur over time, exposing the tooth’s roots. Cavities are caused by dental decay and may result in discomfort, inflammation, infection, and even tooth loss. You need to ensure your senior is going to the dentist for regular checkups. If they have not been going, you need to find out why. Sometimes it is something as easy as the seniors not liking to drive or not liking to make their appointments. If this is the case, hiring a home care provider may be the best step you can take for your senior.

Home Care Providers can Help your Senior Follow the Recommendations

Home Care Bakersfield CA – How To Help Seniors With Tooth Pain

After seeing a dentist, a senior may still experience tooth pain, and luckily there are tons of home remedies a senior can try for tooth pain. A dentist may also give tips and advice for a senior to follow at home. Home care may be able to help a senior follow the advice from a dentist better than a senior could alone. Next time your senior is experiencing tooth pain, recommend these tips.

Try Using Saltwater

Using a saltwater rinse may be one of the best ways to clean out a senior’s mouth, but they should never swallow the solution. It is best to swirl it around in their mouth and spit it out when they have done it for a few seconds. Once that is complete, the seniors should brush and floss like normal. They can floss around the sore tooth, or wherever is bothering them.

Use a Cold Compress

A toothache may lead to a swollen face which can be uncomfortable and irritating to deal with. It may lead to restless nights and make a senior more grumpy than usual. One way to relieve the swelling is by using a cold compress on the face. It may alleviate discomfort, particularly if they’ve chipped or knocked your teeth loose. Swelling may also indicate the presence of an abscess, a bag of pus, and muck located deep inside the roots of the tooth. This may result in severe infection of the jaw and adjacent teeth. Fever and red gums are two symptoms.

Over-The-Counter Anesthetics

If a senior is experiencing gum or tooth pain, they may benefit from having a numbing gel rubbed on their gums. This can alleviate the pain for a little while until they figure out what is going on. Unfortunately, this is a short-term solution, and they will need to go to the dentist when it gets this bad. On the other hand, if they already went to the dentist, this might help them recover from the visit after.

Over-The-Counter Pain Medication

Some seniors may need to take Advil or ibuprofen for their pain. This is an easy and cheap way to manage any symptoms of tooth pain; however, it should be cleared by their doctors first. Sometimes OTC medication can interact with other drugs that the senior is one. It is important to note if a medication could have a bad side effect or interaction with whatever a senior is already on.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Bakersfield CA, please contact the caring staff at Everlight Home Care today. Call us at 559-353-2847.

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Gina Kendall

Gina Kendall has over 25 years of work experience serving the aging and the disabled. Her extensive experience in care and management began as a Social Services Coordinator in skilled nursing facilities. While working in this capacity, she became aware of the need for, and the importance of, good, quality, home care. Gina worked with families to keep their loved ones home and avoid a return visit to the hospital. As she continued her career of service, she began working with the disabled population helping to expand and improve their independence throughout all aspects of life.

This combination of experiences has afforded Gina a unique view of the needs of the aging and the disabled and how to best serve those needs in a home setting.

Gina’s Central Valley roots run deep. She earned her BA degree from Fresno State in 1993 and has lived and worked in Fresno for the past 20 years. In addition to raising her family in Fresno, she is actively involved in her local church and is a volunteer for various local community organizations.

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