A tooth abscess occurs when a pocket of pus forms in the gums from a bacterial infection. It can form in the gums, around the root of a tooth, or in the bone that supports the teeth. An abscessed tooth can happen to anyone at any time, but your elderly loved one may have a higher risk of developing an abscessed tooth for various reasons. If left untreated, it can spread to the jawbone and soft tissues of the face. Personal care at home providers can help seniors with their dental hygiene.
Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth
Depending on where the abscess is located in the mouth, it can result in varying levels of pain and discomfort.
Possible pain may feel like:
- Gnawing or throbbing pain in one area of the mouth.
- Sharp or shooting pain that comes and goes.
- Pain that mostly occurs when eating.
- Radiating pain from the jawbone or ear.
Other mouth symptoms could include:
- Tooth sensitivity to cold and hot.
- Gum swelling and redness.
- Tender gums
- A bitter taste in the mouth.
- Bad breath.
- An open sore on the gums that is draining.
Additional general symptoms might be:
- Fever
- Feeling unwell, lack of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
Abscessed Tooth Causes in the Elderly
Age can increase the risk of your loved one developing an abscessed tooth. Anything that creates an area for bacteria to enter the surrounding area of a tooth can increase that possibility. Here are five reasons your loved one might have a great risk of developing an abscessed tooth.
Dry Mouth
Bacteria thrive in mouths that don’t have enough saliva to continually flush them out. Due to medications or health issues, your loved one may have a dry mouth that increases her risk of an abscess developing.
Smoking
Years of smoking increases the risk of an abscess forming. Smoking can often lead to gum disease which allows bacteria to go into deeper tissues.
Broken, Chip, or Cracked Teeth
As teeth weaken over the years, the risk of them developing cracks or breaking off parts increases, creating areas for bacteria to enter.
A Weakened Immune System
If your loved one has a weakened immune system or is taking medication that weakens her system, she will be more susceptible to infections created by bacteria in her mouth.
Poor Oral Care
Some elderly individuals may struggle to care for their teeth properly. It can be due to cognitive issues that cause them to forget or complete their care, or it might be due to physical limitations such as an inability to hold tightly onto a toothbrush. Personal care at home providers can help.
Better Oral Care Helps Prevent Abscessed Teeth
The best prevention is being proactive with good oral care. Your elderly loved one may need help taking care of her teeth and gums, so having a trained professional come to the home to help with personal care at home might be the best solution.
A personal care at home provider can help your loved one with brushing her teeth daily if she struggles with this care step. They might also help with flossing if your loved one cannot hold the floss or see well enough to get to those back teeth. A personal care at home provider can also assist with reminders to brush after meals or before bedtime.
If your loved one struggles with oral care, consider having a personal care at home provider assist before an abscess develops.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Bradenton, FL, please contact the caring staff at Family First Healthcare Services today at (813) 461-8000.
Family First Healthcare Services is a top provider of in-home health services in Tampa, Bradenton, Brandon, Riverview, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Town ‘n’ Country, Florida, and surrounding areas.
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