Providing dental care as a caregiver is vital to the overall health of the loved ones you take care of.
Do you provide care to an elderly or disabled parent, spouse, or loved one? If so, you deserve deep admiration and much respect. It’s a physically and mentally taxing, and many times, thankless job. Many of us cannot even begin to imagine how truly hard it is to care for a loved one 24/7. Even so, with all you have to do, where does dental care as a caregiver fit in? Dental care for everyone should be a top priority.
Caregiving Defined
Bethesda Senior Living defines caregiving as “The act of assisting with the care and well-being of another person. Caregivers may be a spouse, adult children, or relatives (or friend) who step in to provide a level of care that a person is unable to provide for themselves.”
Tasks Caregivers Provide
Some of the tasks required of or provided by caregivers are:
- Meal prep
- Bathing and personal grooming
- Bathroom assistance
- Giving medications
- Housecleaning
- Companionship (such as reading, singing, talking with them)
- Doctor and dental appointments
Caregiving is extremely challenging. And providing dental care as a caregiver may sometimes fall by the wayside in importance.
Importance of Providing Dental Care as a Caregiver
Someone who is confined to bed may have so many health problems that it’s easy to forget about oral health. But providing dental care is critical in helping your elderly or disabled loved one maintain overall good health and a healthy mouth. For example, bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and cause pneumonia.
These two things are vital for your loved one to maintain a healthy mouth:
- Keep their mouth clean – brush and floss daily
- Take them to their dental office regularly
Providing Dental Care as a Caregiver – You Are Not Alone
The simple task of proper oral care can be challenging when done on your own. But its importance remains paramount in the overall health of your loved one. So, it cannot be neglected.
If providing dental care as a caregiver has become challenging for you, talk with us here at Davis Dental for helpful tips or even a different approach. We may even be able to help you find specialists in the area who provide help with dental care. Just ask.
Are you providing dental care as a caregiver? We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact Davis Dental at (307) 634-3488 to schedule a consultation for your loved one.
Quality Dental Care for Your Whole Family
3249 Sparks Road
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 634-3488
Open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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