Ways to Ensure Your Dad Brushes and Flosses

June’s Oral Health Month raises awareness of the importance of proper dental care. Going to the dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months is the start of the best things your dad can do for his oral health. He also needs to brush and floss his teeth every day. If he had personal care at home services they could help him focus on his oral health.

As he gets older, is your dad doing all he can to protect his oral health? A quarter of adults aged 75 or older have lost all of their teeth. That’s just one risk. Gum disease, infection, and malnutrition are all risks that can occur with poor dental care.

Use these tips to ensure your dad brushes and flosses correctly.

Provide Incentives

If your dad makes it hard for people to help him with oral care, provide incentives. Sometimes, older adults with dementia will make it very hard to maintain proper oral health.

Use treats that you know he’ll love. If he brushes all week, twice a day, for the full two minutes, you’ll go on a family walk at a nature park. Or, you could say you’ll make ice cream sundaes at home if he does what you ask. When he has something to look forward to as a reward, he may be less argumentative.

Get Oral Care Products Designed for People With Arthritis

Toothbrushes can have larger, rounded handles to make them easier to grip. There are also flossing devices that have long necks to reach the back teeth without having to fit your fingers into the mouth.

Invest in a Water Flosser

A water flosser uses a powerful blast of water to get between the teeth and remove plaque and food particles. It can be a great device for arthritis hands. If he water flosses before brushing and uses regular floss after, it’s double the plaque removal.

While the water flosser can be filled with water, you can also fill it with mouthwash. A fluoride mouthwash or product that helps with plaque removal can also be added to the reservoir.

Use an App

There are apps that you can install that count down how much time is left when brushing. Your dad should focus on 30 seconds for the top right and top left of his upper jaw and then repeat for the lower jaw.

These apps can also be part of a toothbrush’s technology. Some can tell your dad exactly where he’s not spending enough time and if he’s pressing too hard, which can wear out his enamel.

If you don’t want to install anything, use a phone or kitchen timer to count out two minutes. He can pay attention to the 30-second intervals and know when to switch.

Purchase an Electric Toothbrush With a Built-In Timer

Many electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that count 30 seconds for each quadrant of the upper and lower jaw. With this type of timer, your dad knows exactly when he’s brushed a section for 30 seconds, bringing him to the recommended two minutes.

Personal Care at Home Dunnellon FL – Ways to Ensure Your Dad Brushes and Flosses

Hire Personal Care at Home Aides to Help With Oral Care

Arrange personal care at home services and have a caregiver help your dad with brushing and flossing. When arthritis makes the joints of the fingers stiff and achy, caregivers can brush and floss your dad’s teeth for him. A specialist in home care is happy to answer your questions and help you get started.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm#

If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Dunnellon FL please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home Ocala & The Villages, FL today. Call 352-414-5316

Touching Hearts at Home Ocala & The Villages, FL is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Ocala, The Villages, Dunnellon, Belleview, Top of the World, and the surrounding areas.