Good dental hygiene is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for seniors. Because of the various changes the body goes through with age, oral health problems may become more common. Canker sores are a prevalent issue that can cause discomfort and interfere with day-to-day activities. The good news is that with a good support team by their side, including companion care at home providers, seniors can learn about their risk for canker sores, what causes them, and how to manage them.
What Are Canker Sores?
Also referred to as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are painful, shallow lesions that appear on the tongue, inner lips, cheeks, and base of the gums. Usually round or oval in shape, they have a red border around them and a white or yellow center.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Although the precise cause of canker sores is unknown, several factors may be involved in their development, such as:
- Oral trauma or injury, such as biting the inside of the cheek or using an excessively forceful brush
- Anxiety or stress
- Certain foods and drinks, including coffee, spicy foods and acidic fruits
- Malnutrition, particularly in the areas of folate, zinc, iron, and vitamin B12
- Certain illnesses, like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
In addition to these, other factors, such as aging-related changes in oral tissues, compromised immune systems, and underlying medical disorders, may make seniors more susceptible to getting canker sores. Additionally, seniors who frequently take blood thinners and other medications may be at higher risk for their development.
How Can Seniors Manage Canker Sores?
Even though canker sores can be uncomfortable and painful, there are a few tips that companion care at home can offer seniors to help them prevent and manage them:
Focus on Good Oral Hygiene: To prevent irritating oral tissues, seniors should be advised to brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Daily flossing can also aid in the removal of bacteria and food particles that might otherwise lead to the development of canker sores.
Steer Clear of Trigger Foods: With the help of companion care at home, seniors can determine which foods and drinks—such as acidic and spicy foods, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks—may cause or worsen canker sores and steer clear of them. Instead, they can focus on a well-balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Control Stress: Chronic stress can impair immunity and raise the risk of canker sores. Seniors should be encouraged to engage in stress-relieving activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or hobbies.
Seek Professional Advice: Seniors should speak with their dentist or other healthcare provider for a more thorough examination and treatment recommendations if their canker sores worsen or continue. Treatment options for pain and inflammation reduction may include oral rinses, topical medications, or prescription drugs, depending on the severity.
Canker sores can be an annoyance, particularly for seniors, but their effects can be reduced with the help of companion care at home, which teaches them some valuable prevention techniques.
Sources: https://hhcseniorservices.org/health-wellness/health-resources/health-library/detail?id=zd1065&lang=en-us
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/canker-sores.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21766-mouth-ulcer
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Lauderhill FL, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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