Five Flossing Health Benefits That Go Beyond Oral Health 

If your elderly loved one still has most or all of her teeth, that’s an accomplishment worth celebrating—with more flossing! Many seniors lose teeth as they age due to improper care or injuries. This is often because, years ago, society was not as informed about oral health, and the dental products we have today were not widely available. Regular dental exams were also less common 50 or more years ago, making proper oral care more challenging.

Now that your loved one has done so well in maintaining her teeth, it’s important to remind her that good dental care should remain a priority. Personal care at home providers can play a key role in encouraging consistent oral hygiene practices, helping her maintain the health of her teeth and gums for years to come.

 

Five Benefits of Flossing Beyond Better Teeth

One of the most overlooked steps in personal care at home is flossing. While brushing is essential, flossing is just as important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Flossing cleans between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach, removing food particles and preventing bacteria from growing in these hard-to-reach areas. Make flossing a part of your daily personal care at home services routine for better oral health.

1. It reduces the risk of heart disease. Not flossing properly can lead to gum disease, and gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease can make gums more tender and prone to bleeding, which opens up areas in the mouth where bacteria can directly enter the bloodstream and possibly reach the heart, leading to a heart attack.
2. It can lessen the risk of certain cancers. Some types of cancer that affect the pancreas, lungs, or even breasts can be increased by a lack of good oral hygiene, such as flossing and brushing.
3. It can minimize the chance of your loved one getting Type 2 Diabetes. Regular flossing and brushing will greatly reduce the number of bad bacteria in the mouth, which then helps the body process insulin more efficiently.
4. It can slow the progress of memory-related diseases such as dementia. Research has shown that oral bacteria can increase amyloid in the brain, a protein plaque connected with Alzheimer’s disease. Flossing helps protect against bacteria from building up.
5. It makes for better breath! Bad breath is often caused by food trapped between teeth. Flossing helps to get rid of those before they begin to smell.

 

Getting Personal Care at Home for Oral Care Needs

For some elderly individuals, dexterity can become a problem, especially if they have arthritis or another condition that limits their range of movement in the shoulders, arms, or hands. Those obstacles can make flossing and other essential aspects of oral care difficult for them to perform independently. While there are plenty of flossing alternatives your loved one can try, having someone to help with her personal care at home may be the best option.

With a provider trained in offering assistance with personal care at home, your loved one can have a person who will gently help her with her personal care at home needs, from oral care to bathing to grooming. Personal care at home providers are trained to support your loved one’s needs for daily living so that she can remain independent while retaining healthy living practices.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Mclean, VA, please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. (703) 371-2113