Is Poor Dental Care Nursing Home Abuse?

When you speak to your loved one at a nursing home, you may have concerns about his or her dental care. When your loved one's well-being is entrusted to a nursing home, you count on them to provide the care that your loved one needs.

This may involve dental care and oral hygiene. Good oral care is essential for overall health, and it can be a challenge for nursing home staff to provide adequate care for all residents. Poor dental care could be a sign of nursing home abuse.

Many People Overlook Dental Care as a Sign of Abuse

Oral health is an important part of overall health, but it is often overlooked. This is especially true for older adults. Nursing home staff may not prioritize dental care, or the facility could be understaffed and unable to provide care.

The truth is that if your loved one's teeth are not being brushed or their gums are not cared for, he or she could be experiencing neglect. Your loved one may not be receiving other types of care, including medications or hygiene.

Poor Dental Care Leads to Other Health Issues

There are many potential consequences of poor dental care. These can range from cavities and gum disease to more serious health problems like heart disease. This is not simply an issue of bad breath or discomfort.

When dental problems are not treated, they can lead to pain and infection. This can make it difficult for your loved one to eat and could lead to malnutrition. Risks of infection should also never go overlooked for somebody in a nursing home.

Poor Dental Care Could Indicate Other Types of Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, and it is often difficult to spot. Poor dental care could be a sign that your loved one is being neglected.

You should be aware of the signs of neglect, which can include dirty clothes, bed sores, weight loss, and changes in mood or behavior. These could be signs that there are other types of neglect or abuse happening in the nursing home.

You Can Pursue a Nursing Home Abuse Case

If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you have the right to pursue a case. This can help ensure that your loved one receives the care he or she needs and that the responsible party is held accountable.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and navigate the process. Contact an attorney today to learn more about nursing home abuse.


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