Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body – Spreading The Word On Oral Cancer

Maintaining good oral health is important at every age. Your teeth and gums play an integral part not just in your general health, but in your quality of life as well. Regular dental care can reduce the risk of harmful bacteria and infections in your mouth and enable you to continue eating foods you enjoy and speaking comfortably.Here are some common conditions that seniors may be faced with and ways that you can help manage them.Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)Your body naturally produces saliva that keeps your mouth moist and helps remove food particles as you swallow. But as you age, this saliva production can slow down leaving your mouth feeling dry. Certain medications can cause dry mouth as well. In turn, this can allow plaque and bacteria to build up on your teeth more easily and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.Drinking water throughout the day, even small sips, can add moisture to your mouth. Try to avoid too much caffeine or alcohol which can have a dehydrating effect. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy to help stimulate increased saliva production. When selecting mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free formulation or a product designed specifically for dry mouth.Tooth DecayCavities are another issue that many seniors deal with, and this can be related to dry mouth. There is not enough moisture in your mouth to keep bacteria at bay and get rid of food particles that cling to your teeth. Poor brushing or flossing habits can also be a contributing factor.Make sure youre brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Using an electric toothbrush can remove plaque more effectively and be easier to handle than a manual toothbrush. Decreasing the amount of sugary or acidic foods you eat can help as well. Drinking water with your meal can help keep these foods from sticking to your teeth, but you still want to thoroughly brush as well.Gum DiseaseIts not just your teeth you need to care for pay attention to your gums, too. If your gums are inflamed, red, or bleed easily, that can be a sign of gum disease or periodontal disease. Another sign can be a receding gum line.As you brush, make sure youre focused on the area where your teeth and gums meet. You want to keep plaque and bacteria from going below the gum line. Rinsing with mouthwash can also reduce potentially harmful germs and bacteria.Tooth LossIf left untreated, tooth decay and gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Infections around the root of your teeth can contribute as well. Missing teeth can be uncomfortable, interfere with your speech, and make it more difficult to eat foods you enjoy.If you do have missing teeth, replacing them with bridges, partials, dentures, or dental implants can help restore your oral function. They can also keep remaining teeth from shifting out of place and causing further discomfort or damage.Denture-Related ProblemsDentures require regular care as well. They need to be cleaned daily and periodically refit. Your gums can shrink, and bone can resorb changing how your dentures fit. This can lead to rubbing, sore spots, and difficulty keeping your dentures in place.Schedule regular dental appointments to have your dentures checked along with your gums and the rest of your mouth. Your dentist can work with you to correct ill-fitting dentures so you can get back to eating and speaking more comfortably and confidently.Caring for Your Oral HealthYou should see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings, and more often if youre experiencing problems. Make daily brushing and flossing part of your routine, and if you have trouble doing these activities on your own, work with an in-home caregiver who can assist. A caregiver can also remind you of upcoming appointments and work with you to adjust your diet based on your oral health. Contact Always Best Care at 412-639-8339 to learn more about the benefits of in-home care and to schedule a free consultation!

Many seniors enjoy their independence and the ability to age in place, and that can be a wonderful thing. They can take comfort in the familiarity of their own home and consistent routines. However, aging in place can also increase the risk of isolation and loneliness, especially if seniors live alone. They may not get out as often as they used to or have people come visit.Studies have shown that isolation and loneliness can take a negative toll on health, increasing risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and even Alzheimers disease. If you do live alone, it is important to make socialization part of your daily routine to boost your physical, mental, and emotional health.Here are a few ways you can build more social connections and interaction: Get to know your neighbors. The people who live around you can be a wonderful source of companionship. You dont have to travel far to see one another and can enjoy simple activities like going for a walk, chatting over tea or coffee, playing with pets, or just checking in on one another. Schedule family visits. Coordinate times for family to come, whether for a few hours or a few days. This can give you something to look forward to and a way to stay connected. Plan outings to a favorite restaurant, to go see a movie, or to visit a local park or museum. If your family lives further away, schedule regular phone calls or video calls to catch up and share recent happenings. Volunteer in the community. If youre still able to get out and about, spend time volunteering. There are plenty of organizations that would love the help, and it can give you a greater sense of purpose. You can put your time and talents to good use, doing something to help others and give back, which can boost your mood. Plus, youll have the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. You can volunteer at a food pantry, soup kitchen, animal shelter, school, library, or other nonprofit that fits your interests and abilities. Join a club. Being retired, you have more free time in your day. Check out the different groups and activities that local organizations are offering. You could participate in a book club, card or game club, exercise class, or another hobby. Challenge yourself to learn something new or pick up an old activity you havent done for a while. This is a wonderful way to stay mentally stimulated, interact with others, and be more active. You can get out of the house and join an in-person group, or if mobility or transportation are an issue, you can join a virtual group. Coordinate transportation. A lot of seniors are isolated because they either dont drive anymore, or they dont get around as well as they used to. Look into different transportation options that can help you get out into the community. There may be senior agencies that offer pick-up and drop-off services, you could carpool with friends, or take public transportation. You could also host small get-togethers at your home, so you dont have to worry about travel or transportation. Get involved with in-home care. In-home caregivers can not only help you with different activities of daily living, but they can provide companionship as well. A caregiver is more than happy to sit and talk about current events, listen to stories about your grandkids, reminisce about the past, or read you the newspaper. They can be a partner for playing games or cards. If you want to go somewhere, they can escort you on errands, to the movies, or out to lunch. At the same time, they can assist you with different tasks around the house and ensure you stay safe.Fight back against isolation and loneliness and live a life you love. Contact Always Best Care at (412) 492-8500 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the benefits of in-home care in Oakmont, PA.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this leading cause of blindness among older adults. Glaucoma affects the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. While theres no cure, early diagnosis and proper treatment can slow the progression and help individuals maintain their independence and quality of life.Here are practical tips and strategies to help seniors living with glaucoma adapt to their condition and continue enjoying a fulfilling lifestyle.Improve Visibility at HomeCreating a glaucoma-friendly living environment can make day-to-day activities safer and easier. Increase lighting: Use brighter lights and add task lighting for areas like reading nooks and kitchen counters. Use high-contrast colors: Add contrasting colors on steps, doorframes, and edges to make them more visible. Label items clearly: Use bold, high-contrast labels for important items like medication bottles or remote controls. Utilize Visual AidsTechnology and simple tools can help enhance vision and reduce frustration. Large-print materials: Use books, calendars, and documents in larger font sizes. Magnifying devices: Handheld magnifiers or electronic magnification tools can help with reading and detail work. Tactile markings: Add textured markers to appliances, light switches, and other frequently used items for easier navigation. Declutter and Organize SpacesMinimizing fall risks is essential for individuals with glaucoma. Clear walkways: Remove unnecessary furniture, loose rugs, and cords from high-traffic areas. Organize belongings: Keep essential items in consistent, easily accessible locations. Install safety features: Consider grab bars in bathrooms and non-slip mats in kitchens and hallways. Engage in Adaptive ActivitiesLiving with glaucoma doesnt mean giving up hobbies or social interactions. Many activities can be modified to accommodate low vision. Listening to audiobooks: A great way to enjoy stories and stay mentally stimulated. Music and movement: Activities like singing, playing an instrument, swimming, and yoga dont require strong vision and promote overall well-being. Arts and crafts: Explore tactile or larger-scale projects like pottery or knitting. Social card games: Use large-print cards or Braille decks to keep social connections alive. Stay Connected and InformedMaintaining a strong social network is vital for emotional and mental health. Seniors with glaucoma should actively engage in community events, support groups, or online forums for encouragement and resources.Take Control of Glaucoma TodayFacing life with glaucoma does require adjustments; however, with the right support and approaches, seniors can continue to thrive. If your loved one is living with glaucoma and could benefit from personalized care and assistance, Always Best Care is here to help. Contact Always Best Care at 412-639-8339 today to schedule a consultation. Let us work together to create a tailored care plan that ensures safety, comfort, and an active, enriching lifestyle for your loved one.