Cheer Home Care recently welcomed Cheryll Kidd, a passionate dental hygienist based in San Diego, for an informative Lunch and Learn session. With more than eight years of experience in mobile dental care, Cheryll specialises in delivering preventative dental treatments directly to those who may find it difficult to attend a traditional dental office (particularly seniors).
Her mission is simple but impactful: to provide personalised, accessible care in a comfortable environment. Whether visiting a private home, assisted living community, or skilled nursing facility, Cheryll ensures each patient receives the attention they deserve without the stress of travel.
Why Dental Care Matters for Seniors
Oral health plays a critical role in overall health, especially for older adults. Seniors face a higher risk of gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, and oral infections (conditions that can affect nutrition, communication, and even heart health).
Cheryll reminded attendees that prevention is key: “Regular cleanings and screenings can help avoid pain, tooth loss, and more serious health issues.” Proactive care helps preserve dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Overcoming Mobility and Cognitive Challenges
Cheryll offered practical and compassionate strategies for supporting patients with additional health challenges:
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
A calm environment, gentle reassurance, and short, simple instructions can make daily oral care more manageable. Keeping routines familiar helps foster cooperation.
Parkinson’s or Arthritis
For individuals with limited dexterity, adaptive tools such as electric toothbrushes with larger handles and water flossers can help maintain independence and reduce arm shaking.
Bedridden or Frail Seniors
Positioning support, daily oral checks, and gentle cleaning methods ensure comfort while maintaining hygiene for those who cannot leave their bed. The use of suction tools helps reduce saliva and mouth props, particularly for patients with limited opening.
Tools and Products that Make a Difference
From her hands-on experience, Cheryll shared senior-friendly product recommendations:
- Toothpaste: Gentle fluoride formulas to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Flossers: Pre-threaded flossers or water flossers for easy handling.
- Rinses: Alcohol-free mouth rinses to prevent dryness and irritation.
Small changes in products can make a big difference in comfort and consistency.
The Value of Mobile Dental Care
Cheryll’s service list includes oral prophylaxis, periodontal assessments, oral cancer screenings, scaling and root planing, fluoride treatments, silver diamine fluoride applications, digital x-rays, and dental referrals – all brought directly to the patient!
Her patients range from children as young as three to seniors over 100, with a particular focus on those who are homebound, living with disabilities, or residing in long-term care facilities. By eliminating the need for travel, she removes one of the most significant barriers to essential dental care.
Community Learning with Cheer Home Care
This Lunch and Learn is just one example of Cheer Home Care’s dedication to supporting San Diego’s senior community. These events bring together experts, resources, and practical advice for families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Access to knowledge, the right tools, and a compassionate care network make all the difference in maintaining health and dignity!
Learn More
To learn more about Cheryll Kidd and her mobile dental hygiene services for seniors, visit https://www.kiddrdhap.org/. Please stay up to date on upcoming Lunch and Learn events by visiting Cheer Home Care’s events page and following us on social media.
