Proper oral hygiene is essential not only to the health of your teeth and gums, but the rest of your body is well. However, as we age, complications with our memory or our mobility may prevent us from taking care of our dental health as well as is necessary. For those individuals who are in a nursing home, that responsibility then falls to their caretakers. Failure to do so may be a sign of nursing home neglect.

Seniors & Dental Health Risks

Even those who took fantastic care of their teeth when they are younger are likely to experience more yellowing and decay with age. This is often exacerbated by the medications seniors take, which cause dry mouth; saliva helps to wash away troublesome bacteria. In addition, they may lose their ability to raise their arm enough to properly brush their teeth or they may become forgetful when it comes to completing their morning and evening hygiene routines. 

Without diligent oral care, they then become susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, stained teeth, and oral cancer. Studies also suggest links between poor oral health and more serious illnesses and diseases including pneumonia, heart disease, and stroke.

Signs to Look For

If the nursing home your older loved one lives in accepts Medicaid and Medicare payments, the individual is entitled to daily oral hygiene services. These services are considered part of grooming and necessary under the law if seniors cannot perform brushing and flossing on their own. Therefore, check your older loved one’s teeth and gums when you visit. Pay attention to bad breath, red and inflamed gums, and loose teeth. If you can, ask them about what care has been provided to them. If you believe your loved one is not receiving the right attention, speak with a lawyer specializing in nursing home neglect and abuse immediately. 

If your loved one is showing worrying signs of nursing home neglect, contact Reed Law Offices in Omaha, NE. Shayla Reed specializes in elder abuse cases, using her extensive experience as a former insurance lawyer. Well-respected and dedicated, she strives every day to help older individuals and their families seek justice against those who failed to provide appropriate levels of care. Learn more about her services online. Call (402) 933-0588 today to schedule a consultation to discuss your nursing home neglect case.