
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
1h
You've heard about the SmileMobile, but likely haven't seen what's inside. Check out this video to get an inside peek of the state-of-the art dental clinic that travels throughout Washington providing dental care for lower income kids, pregnant people and their families. Thanks ...Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington, Seattle Children's and caring volunteers for making the SmileMobile possible. #teethmatter
Tour the SmileMobile, a three chair mobile dental van that travels across all corners of Washington state.
www.youtube.comOral Health Watch
6h
You've heard about the SmileMobile, but likely haven't seen its inside. Check out this video to get an inside peek of the traveling dental bus that cares for lower income kids, pregnant people and their families throughout WA state. #teethmatter
Tour the SmileMobile, a three chair mobile dental van that travels across all corners of Washington state.
www.youtube.comOral Health Watch
4d
June is Pride Month! Approaching oral health care with cultural humility is key to improving access to care and health outcomes for all, and that includes LGBTQIA+ patients. #teethmatter #pridemonth🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth2023🏳️🌈 #Pride🏳️🌈
Oral Health Watch
4d
June is Pride Month! Approaching oral health care with cultural humility is key to improving access to care and health outcomes for all, and that includes LGBTQIA+ patients. #teethmatter #pridemonth🌈 #pride🌈
Oral Health Watch
4d
June is Pride Month! Approaching oral health care with cultural humility is key to improving access to care and health outcomes for all, and that includes LGBTQIA+ patients. #teethmatter #pridemonth🌈 #pride🌈
Oral Health Watch
5d
Everybody deserves to enjoy the benefits of good oral health. What better time than June (designated as Oral Health Month) to support policies, programs and efforts that expand access to preventive measures like water fluoridation & oral health care!? #teethmatter #OralHealthMonth