Symptoms of Gum Disease in Your Senior Loved One and How Home Care Assistance Can Help

 February 21, 2025

Gum disease (also known more formally as periodontitis) is a common condition among the elderly. It is a serious gum infection that damages the soft gum tissue in the mouth. 

When it’s not treated, it can harm the bone that supports the teeth, causing tooth loss and other health complications. The bacteria that cause gum disease might enter the bloodstream through the gum tissue, and lead to respiratory disease, coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and problems controlling blood sugar levels. Home Care Assistance can help your senior loved one manage these symptoms and help prevent further loss.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

Anyone can develop gum disease, even those who take good care of their teeth and gums, but some factors can increase the risk that your loved one will develop gum disease or perhaps already has it. 

• Regularly using chemical products such as smoking cigarettes, using pipes for marijuana or nicotine, as well as using newer products such as vape pods or vape pens.
• Poor nutrition, especially not consuming enough foods that are rich in vitamin C.
• Not performing regular care of teeth, such as brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental visits.
• Having gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of bacteria and plaque on the teeth).
• Dry mouth caused by medications or illnesses.
• Other health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer. 

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Your loved one may develop gum disease slowly over time, but with regular dental checkups, his dentist should be able to help him determine if he has gum disease. If it’s been a while since your loved one has been to the dentist, or if these symptoms start to appear and bother him, you should help him make an appointment to get his gums and teeth checked. 

• Gums that change their appearance. They may become swollen or puffy and change color. Instead of being light pink, they might become a bright or dark red or a dark purple. 
• Gums that cause discomfort. Your loved one might complain about tender gums or gums that are more sensitive. He might also complain about pain while chewing that doesn’t seem to be linked directly to just one tooth. 
• Gums that bleed more easily. He might notice it when brushing his teeth. The toothbrush might be pink as he brushes or when he rinses, the rinse may be pink. He might see more blood when flossing his teeth. 
• He might have bad breath that doesn’t go away. 

When Your Loved One Needs Home Care Assistance For Help with Oral Care

For some elderly individuals, they may struggle to perform the daily and routine care tasks needed for healthy oral care. These seniors may struggle with physically handling the implements needed to take care of their teeth (such as holding a toothbrush or using dental floss), or they might struggle to remember to care for their teeth because of cognitive issues like dementia.

If your loved one struggles with oral care, he will benefit from having home care assistance. A home care assistance provider can help with grooming and personal care needs such as brushing and flossing his teeth as well as taking care of dentures. 

Maintaining good oral health is an important aspect of your loved one’s overall health and will help him to remain independent and healthy as he ages. It should not be overlooked. 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Oakland, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202