
Nationally, 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement age every day. In Washington that means approximately 830,000 adults are over age 65 and the number is growing rapidly. Typically by age 65, older adults are managing at least two chronic conditions and are usually taking multiple medications to control symptoms.
Older adults are more likely to have diabetes. Severe gum disease can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Lack of blood sugar control leads to costly diabetic complications. Many seniors take multiple medications which increases their risk for dry mouth, which can quickly lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Untreated dental disease can also result in pain, infection, poor nutrition, and even social isolation, all of which can have a devastating impact on quality of life. Yet regular preventive dental care may help avoid these issues and expensive emergency department visits.
Most seniors lack private dental insurance and Medicare does not cover dental care. Many seniors on a fixed income cannot afford to pay the usual and customary fees of private dentists or do not understand the importance of oral health and thus do not prioritize paying out-of-pocket for care.
What the Legislature can do:
- Protect existing dental coverage for vulnerable adults on Medicaid.
- Protect state funding to Area Agencies on Aging, which play a critical role in promoting healthy aging including good oral health.
Oral Health Watch
16 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay can be prevented? Access to preventive oral health care like regular check ups, sealants and community water fluoridation can help a child grow up cavity free, setting them on a lifelong path of good oral - and overall - health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
17 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay can be prevented? Access to preventive oral health care like regular check ups, sealants and community water fluoridation can help a child grow up cavity free, setting them on a lifelong path of good oral - and overall - health. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
December 4th is National Cookie Day. #DYK that drinking water is the preferred beverage because it is a sugar-free way to quench thirst and helps wash away food particles? And if your water is fluoridated? Even better! #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
December 4th is National Cookie Day. #DYK that drinking water is the preferred beverage because it is a sugar-free way to quench thirst and helps wash away food particles? And if your water is fluoridated? Even better! #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Thanks to the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program, Washington state is a national leader in providing dental care for young lower-income kids and has dramatically increased the number of Apple Health-insured children accessing preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments. ...#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
Thanks to the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program, Washington state is a national leader in providing dental care for young lower-income kids and has dramatically increased the number of Apple Health-insured children accessing preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments. ...#teethmatter