Gingivitis: Prevention and Treatment Methods

Gingivitis is a common periodontal disease and can become a serious problem if allowed to go untreated. The disease attacks the tissue at the base of the teeth, called gingival tissue, and causes swelling and inflammation. It occurs when food particles and other substances are left on the gum line where sticky plaque and hard tartar forms at and below the gums.

Dr. Tien Jiang, assistant professor in oral health policy and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, says with the correct oral care gingivitis can be controlled with proper teeth brushing and routine dental cleanings. If left untreated, inflammation from gingivitis can lead to an irreversible form of gum disease called periodontitis, and damage the tissue and bones supporting the teeth. If your dentist suspects periodontitis, they can use x-rays to see how far the disease has advanced. 

Studies have linked inflammation of the gums to a higher risk of many serious diseases including heart, stroke and dementia. Poor dental hygiene like not flossing, smoking, misaligned teeth, diabetes that is not well-managed, and infections in other parts of the body can put you at higher risk for gum disease.    

While early gum disease usually does not cause symptoms, as the disease progresses; signs include sore, red, sensitive, or swollen gums. Gums that bleed when brushed or flossed, mouth sores and bad breath are other symptoms. 

Dr. Jiang says prevention and treatment begins with home care and should include brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Pay attention to areas where plaque tends to grow such as between the teeth and at the gum line. If your dentist visits show lots of plaque buildup, they may recommend using anti-plaque or anti-tartar toothpaste or mouth rinse. 

At the dentist’s office, your dentist or dental hygienist is equipped to remove plaque deposits before gingivitis can cause more serious problems. For cases where inflammation is below the gum line, they have special tools to clean the area. Your dentist’s office is also a good place to learn how to properly care for your teeth. 

MorningStar at Jordan provides exceptional senior living in Centennial, Colorado. Our 55 well-designed suites for assisted living are available in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Residents enjoy amenities including chef-inspired meals, bistro, theater, salon, general store, all-season porches and fireside patio. To promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, our daily calendar is full of wellness programs and activities such as exercise classes, games, crafts and entertainment. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 suites for all-inclusive, specialized dementia care. Contact us or visit our website to schedule a tour of our beautiful community.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and dementia care in Centennial, CO. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gingivitis-reversing-and-preventing-early-gum-disease

Moving a Loved One to Memory Care

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you most likely understand the challenge of introducing changes into their day-to-day routine. One big change, which can be stressful for all involved, is when a family decides it is time to move a parent or another loved one into an assisted living community offering memory care.

A Place for Mom’s website warns families it can take a while for a loved one to adapt. They encourage the family to take an optimistic view about the move, and help the person focus on the positive aspects of the community, talking up the programs and activities, quality of care, and the social interactions. Moreover, rather than spending time second-guessing your decision, remember you carefully searched for the best place for your loved one and now you need to trust the experts in the community.  

A few of the tips to help your loved one’s transition is to fix up the suite much like their old home, adding family photos and other favorite mementos. In addition, while you need to give the person time to adapt, this doesn’t mean you cannot add your input regarding their care. During the intake process, the staff will look to the family to provide details regarding the person’s day-to-day routine, their background and likes and dislikes. Visit regularly in person or virtually but don’t get upset if they tell you they want you to go. Avoid arguing but reassure them they are safe, and offer to take them for a walk, listen to music or something else you know they will enjoy.     

At MorningStar at Jordan, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing loving, compassionate dementia care and we help families transition their loved ones into our welcoming home. Every aspect of our care caters to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia including purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care#how-do-i-ease-my-loved-ones-transition-to-a-memory-care-facility

MorningStar at Jordan Supports Your Independence

One of the hardest things many seniors face is a chronic illness or condition that interferes and limits their independence. Burdening our spouse or another loved one with our day-to-day care is not the thing most of us want to do. In fact, it may be the time to investigate assisted living and discover what it can offer to you and your family.

Assisted living is not skilled nursing but rather compassionate dementia care for the ADLs (activities of daily living). It is based around the person’s needs to ensure they get the proper support to maintain their independence within a community setting. Senior living communities like MorningStar at Jordan provide residents with responsive 24/7 caregivers, access to licensed nurses, medication management, third-party care providers and more. 

Our spacious suites available in a variety of floor plans are meticulously designed with high ceilings, large windows, handicapped-accessible bathroom and emergency call system. Each unit is equipped with a kitchenette and private temperature control. To maintain cleanliness and comfort, weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, as well as daily spot cleaning and trash removal, are provided.

In addition to senior care services, residents are provided with hospitality amenities such as all-day restaurant-style dining, eliminating the need to shop, prepare, and cook meals independently. The resort-style facilities include an onsite salon, game room, general store, bistro, fitness center and theatre. Our all-season porches and fireside patio encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors. We also accommodate pets, subject to our pet policy.

In addition, MorningStar at Jordan offers trusted dementia care in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood based on Lavender Sky, our programmatic approach to memory care. It is our philosophy of everything we believe and strive for in service to our memory-impaired residents. Our ambition under a Lavender Sky is to Enter, Embrace and Explore. 

For more information about MorningStar’s senior living in Centennial, Colorado, please contact us. We would love to set up an in-person tour and show you firsthand our beautiful community. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.

Balance Issues Are Common in Seniors

The statistics of older adults taking a fall each year are alarming, and consequences can impact the person’s independence, or in the worst case, be deadly. Experts say as we age, our bodies may start to feel less stable due to things like a loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility and slower reflexes. Poor balance and dizziness can also be a result of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, poor vision, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels as well as medications. 

Another culprit interfering with balance is inner ear problems. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that controls balance and when it becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause lots of problems including vertigo. The condition called Labyrinthitis generally is a result of other issues such as head injuries, viral or bacterial infections, and circulatory system conditions like strokes or low blood pressure. 

The National Institute on Aging says families and caregivers should be on the lookout for an older person complaining of unsteadiness; the feeling the room is spinning or moving; confusion; blurry vision; and falling. To determine the cause of the symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness as well as the best treatments available, consult with your doctor, and if needed, seek the care of a specialist.

Your doctor can provide information regarding exercises targeted at improving balance, strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility. The Harvard Medical School reports walking can help build lower-body strength, an important element of good balance and is safe for most people but be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

Along with getting medical care for balance issues, experts say avoid walking in dimly lit or dark spaces, wear properly fitted footwear, and use a cane or walker if you need more support. Your home should be modified with handrails in the bathroom and more lights on stairways. Repair loose railings and uneven porch steps; and remove floor mats that affect elevation.   

MorningStar at Jordan is a senior living community in Centennial, CO with 55 private assisted living suites in various floorplans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 dementia care suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents, and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and dementia care in Centennial, CO.