Dental Care and
Mental Care
A Guide to Maintaining Dental Hygiene
As we advance in our age, we tend to get more susceptible to various physical illnesses. One aspect that needs to be noted is oral health. A lack of adequate dental care puts many seniors at risk of arising oral illnesses such as darkened teeth, dry mouth, root decay, tooth loss, gum disease, uneven jawbone, and various other ailments.
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Hence, preventive measures to mitigate such related illnesses is the wisest option. These include:
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Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride-based toothpaste and drink fluoridated water.
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Keeping your dentures clean.
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Applying dental floss to clean off dental plaque stuck in gums.
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Rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash one or twice a day.
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Visit the dentist at least once a year.
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Taking calcium supplements.
In addition, the consumption of certain substances should be reduced or eliminated such as:
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The limitation of alcoholic drinks.
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Avoiding the usage of tobacco products and quitting smoking.
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Consulting with your doctor to use other medications that do not cause dry mouth.
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Avoid sugary foods and drinks if you have diabetes as it contributes to gum disease.
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Further reading regarding dental hygiene could be seen in the following articles:
Types and Symptoms of Mental Illness
A common misconception is that the various mental ailments that are suffered by the elderly are deemed to be part of the ageing process. However, we must take note that their burden can be alleviated by identifying the early symptoms of mental illness.
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It is important to know what exactly is mental illness. It encompasses emotional, psychological and social well-being. Their mental health status influences their cognitive abilities, behaviour and their decision making skills. The initial symptoms include:
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Short term memory loss
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Extreme fatigue and energy loss
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Problems in concentrating and decision making
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Increase and decrease in their appetite and;
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Long bouts of depression
With those symptoms in mind;
1. Constant communication with the elderly needs to be emphasised so as to be alert to these changes.
2. Furthermore, a close relationship with them strengthens your bond which is important for the elderly to feel welcomed in their advanced age.
3. Though the elderly may eventually fall victim to these illnesses, a strong support system is important for them to get through these challenges.
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Further reading regarding dental hygiene could be seen in the following articles:
Mental Assistance Provided for the Elderly
A branch of psychiatry specialisation focused on the study, prevention and treatment of mental disorders and cognitive decline among the elderly. It essentially deals with disturbances of mental health such as dementia, depression and psychosis through therapy and consultation.
The first Malaysian geriatric psychiatry unit was established at Hospital Sultan Aminah in 1998. Currently, there are 10 specialised psychologists for the elderly in the country.
They are mostly located in urban areas such as in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and Sunway Medical Centre.
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This app is a subscription-based platform that helps users to focus on their mental health through ‘self-serve’ tools and daily coaching sessions with certified mental health professionals.
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It can be downloaded through Google Play and the App Store.
An online mental health service platform. Various programs include therapy sessions for as low as RM10.00, webinars for underprivileged communities, free mental health screening and has conducted a workshop for caregivers regarding emotional support.
There are organisations in Malaysia that provide immediate on-the-clock assistance and emotional support for 24 hours towards individuals that require it. Their hotlines are as follows:
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Befrienders: 03-76272929
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Talian Kasih: 15999
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Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA): 1-800-820066
Further reading regarding mental health could be seen in this website here.
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Initiatives such as social interaction with family members and friends and carrying out light physical activities is important to keep them physically and mentally fit which will contribute to their mental well-being.
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Some recommended activities include light stretches and Zumba which does not require any additional expenditure but merely as little as 45 mins each day.
