Dental care for older adults at home
Dentures, dry mouth, bleeding gums and mouth ulcers: everyday dental care for older adults, the signs that need a dentist, and when a home visit helps.
Written by HoMedi Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Vinod Kumar, MBBS · Reg. No. APMC/FMR/97301 (Andhra Pradesh Medical Council)
Published · Last reviewed · 1 min read
Good dental health matters at every age. For older adults it affects eating, speaking, comfort and confidence. Problems in the mouth are easy to miss, especially for someone who cannot easily get to a dental clinic.
Everyday care
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth once a day, if the dentist has shown how
- If brushing is hard because of arthritis or weakness, a toothbrush with a thicker handle, or help from a family member, makes it easier
Caring for dentures
- Remove and clean dentures every day, and rinse them after meals
- Take them out at night, unless the dentist has advised otherwise
- Tell the dentist if dentures become loose, rub or cause sores. Poorly fitting dentures can make eating painful and lead to weight loss
Dry mouth
Many medicines can cause a dry mouth, which makes eating and wearing dentures uncomfortable and increases the risk of decay. Sipping water through the day helps. Mention it to the doctor or dentist, as there may be ways to ease it.
Signs that need a dentist
- Bleeding, swollen or receding gums
- Toothache, sensitivity or a broken tooth
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A mouth ulcer, lump, or white or red patch that has not healed after three weeks. This should always be checked by a dentist or doctor
When a home visit helps
For an older adult who finds travelling difficult, a dentist can visit to examine the mouth, check dentures and advise on what needs to be done. Treatment that needs a dental chair or X-rays, such as fillings or extractions, is usually done at a clinic.
HoMedi is launching in Hyderabad to help families find registered dentists, doctors and nurses who visit homes nearby.
Questions people ask
Most mouth ulcers heal within about two weeks. An ulcer, lump or white or red patch that has not healed after three weeks should be checked by a dentist or doctor.
A dentist can examine the mouth, check dentures and give advice at home. Treatment that needs a dental chair or X-rays, such as fillings or extractions, is usually done at a clinic.
