Dental health tends to deteriorate with age, sometimes resulting in the need for dentures. This can be a challenge for many seniors, as they already struggle with a fear of the dentist. However, adjusting to dentures is easier with support from loved ones and personal care at home providers.
This blog post will talk about how to help seniors get used to dentures and provide suggestions to help them feel good about their smiles again.
Determining the Need For Dentures
First, it’s important to know why seniors might need dentures. Some common reasons are:
- Old age, cavities, or gum disease can all cause tooth loss.
- Replacements are needed for teeth that don’t fit right or are uncomfortable.
- A lack of teeth makes it hard to chew and speak.
- Unsatisfied with the appearance of their mouth.
Patience and Encouragement Are Crucial
It can take a long time and be frustrating to get used to dentures. At first, seniors may feel pain, have trouble eating, and have trouble speaking. At this point, it’s important to have patience and support them with whatever they need. With personal care at home, they can learn to be patient during this difficult time. At the same time, loved ones and the home care team can ensure seniors maintain their dental appointments, especially when their dentures are still new.
Tips to Help Seniors Get Used to Their Dentures
Seniors should follow the instructions they get from their dentist to help them get used to their dentures. In addition, they can lean on home care assistance to provide tips that can make this time easier.
Use Proper Cleaning Methods: Seniors should use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a cleaning product made just for dentures to clean their teeth every day. Cleaning often can help stop bad breath and infections.
Focus on Soft Foods First: At first, seniors should eat soft foods that are easy to chew, like oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. As they feel more comfortable with their dentures, they can slowly start eating solid food.
Practice Speaking: Some seniors may have trouble speaking at first. They can start to feel more comfortable speaking with their dentures by reading out loud, singing, or speaking more slowly. With home care assistance supporting them, they can practice consistently.
Treating Denture-Related Issues
There are a few issues that seniors might encounter when wearing dentures. The first one is the need to treat sore spots in their mouth. When this occurs, seniors should call their dentist to ensure their dentures fit properly. Unfortunately, not wearing their dentures during this time is the easiest way to heal, which can feel like a step back if they’re just getting used to them. If their medical team approves, they can also use certain medications.
Additionally, seniors who wear dentures often have problems with dry mouth. The personal care at home team can remind them to drink plenty of water and, if necessary, think about salivary replacements.
Assisting seniors as they get used to dentures takes time, support, and dedication to their oral health. Seniors can get their confidence back, make their lives better, and enjoy their golden years with a beautiful smile if they get the right help and advice. With loved ones and personal care at home, they gain the support they need.
Sources:https://www.idahopremierdentures.com/our-services/dentures/getting-used-to-dentures/#:~:text=First%2C%20you%20may%20want%20to,both%20sides%20of%20your%20denture.https://www.prevention.com/health/a20428941/20-ideas-to-help-you-get-used-to-wearing-your-dentures/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/tips-for-eating-with-new-dentures-2507129
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Germantown TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (901) 300-8576
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland, Hernando, Olive Branch, Arlington, Atoka, Southaven, Bartlett, Marion, Shelby County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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