Did you know your senior is at risk of developing an abscessed tooth? This serious dental condition is more likely to happen to the elderly, and it’s also more likely to cause other complications that could lead to serious health problems if not treated right away. Personal care at home services can help.
Knowing the symptoms can help you make sure your loved one gets the help he needs before things escalate and become much more serious.
Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth
If your loved one says his jaw hurts or he has a toothache, ask him to be more specific so you can help find out if he’s experiencing any of these symptoms.
- Pain or discomfort when eating or drinking items that are extremely warm or cold.
- Pain or discomfort when chewing food or biting down on something.
- A throbbing pain that radiates from his tooth to his jaw, neck, and ear.
- One side of his face looks swollen or is tender to the touch.
- Swollen and sore lymph nodes under the jaw area.
- He has a low-grade fever.
- His breath is bad, or he reports having a constant bad taste in his mouth.
- A sudden surge of foul-tasting and smelling fluid in the mouth when the abscess ruptures.
What Causes a Tooth Abscess?
An abscess develops when bacteria enter a cavity, crack, or chip in a tooth and spread down the root. That infection causes swelling at the base of the tooth, leading to pain and discomfort. The elderly are more prone to developing an abscess because they are more likely to have several factors that increase the risk.
Risk Factors for an Abscessed Tooth
- Having gum disease. Gum disease is common among the elderly, and it causes the gums to recede from the teeth. This increases the risk that bacteria can get close to the roots or find nicks and cracks where they can enter.
- A weakened immune system. Conditions like diabetes or going through chemotherapy treatments can make the body more susceptible to infections.
- Some medications. Medications can affect oral health in several ways. Some medications create a dry mouth as a side effect, and having a dry mouth makes infections more likely in the mouth, including possible abscesses.
- Eating too many sugary treats or drinking too many sugary drinks. Having sugar constantly in the mouth can increase the risk.
- Not taking good care of his oral health. Whether intentional (he doesn’t think he needs to floss), forgetful (he forgets to brush his teeth each day, or due to physical restrictions (he can no longer hold onto the floss correctly), the elderly often neglect their oral health.
When Your Loved One Needs Help with His Oral Health
If your loved one is neglecting his oral health, it might be time to have a personal care at home provider help him with his oral care. As mentioned earlier, sometimes a person can no longer grip their toothbrush or hold onto floss due to arthritis, or they are at a point in their cognitive decline that they keep forgetting to brush.
A personal care at home provider can help make sure your loved one is brushing and flossing as needed. By having someone help him with her personal care at home needs, he will reduce the risk of having most dental issues, including developing a painful and dangerous abscess.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Personal Care at Home in Fairfield, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
