
Healthy aging includes good oral health
The number of older adults retaining their original teeth has increased steadily since the 1970s, and that trend is likely to continue with broader access to fluoridated tap water, advances in dentistry and a greater understanding of the role oral health plays in influencing overall health and wellbeing. That is why ensuring seniors get routine and preventive oral health care is more important than ever.
Older adults are more likely to take prescription and over-the-counter medications that can cause dry mouth and experience chronic ailments like diabetes that can affect gum health and worsen oral health. Unfortunately, this also comes at a time when adults ages 65 and older lose coverage through workplace insurance plans once they retire. Medicare does not include routine dental care, forcing many older adults to pay out of pocket for vital care or forego care altogether.
Oral Health Watch supports efforts to expand dental care access for senior citizens and raise public awareness of the importance of maintaining good oral health in retirement. Programs that promote collaboration among health care professionals like dentists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, home care providers and nursing home aides can help address oral health concerns before they become more serious or impact overall health. Providing older adults access to essential dental care improves overall health and quality of life.
Click here to tell legislators that you support dental care coverage for seniors.
To find a dentist, click here.
Oral Health Watch
13h
Poor oral health disproportionately affects lower-income, BIPOC, and underserved and rural communities. Programs like Apple Health adult dental and Access to Baby and Child Dentistry are wise investments that connect Washington residents to dental care. #teethmatter #waleg
Oral Health Watch
13h
Poor oral health disproportionately affects our lower-income, BIPOC, and underserved and rural communities. Programs like Apple Health adult dental and Access to Baby and Child Dentistry are wise investments that connect Washington residents to dental care. #teethmatter #waleg
Oral Health Watch
1d
Thank you @First5LA, @APHAOralHealth, @nccPAHealthFdn & @CommonHealthACT for joining our Tweetchat today on promoting children's dental health. #NCDHM #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1d
👇#NCDHM #teethmatter
A7: The health of a caregiver can have a direct impact on the health of their children. We need to continue advocating for retaining the adult dental Apple Heath benefit, as well as increasing community water fluoridation, so we can keep entire families healthy! #NCDHM https://twitter.com/OralHealthWatch/status/1364647441048342530
Oral Health Watch
1d
#NCDHM #teethmatter
A8: @MightyMouthWA is a social marketing campaign to raise awareness and promote preventive oral health habits for kids and young parents! We have videos, blogs, and other materials to promote good oral health in your community: https://www.themightymouth.org/ https://twitter.com/OralHealthWatch/status/1364649160276725765
Oral Health Watch
1d
Absolutely @tookatooth. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. #NCDHM #teethmatter
Because Health is important. Health helps folks live without chronic pain. Health helps folks live more comfortably. Health helps people live. Health does not equate to worth but disease prevention is something everyone is worthy of
#NCDHM #oralhealthishealth https://twitter.com/OralHealthWatch/status/1364637004630093828