
Healthy aging includes good oral health
Older adults today retain more of their original teeth than their predecessors, thanks mainly to water fluoridation and dental care advances. Yet this comes at a time when many seniors lose their work-based dental coverage as they retire. Traditional Medicare coverage does not include routine dental care, forcing many older adults to pay out of pocket or defer essential oral health care.
The loss of work-based dental coverage is also happening at time when many older adults experience dry mouth from commonly prescribed medications, increasing the risk for oral health problems like gum disease and cavities. Like other age groups, poor oral health can impact seniors’ quality of life and overall health. Painful cavities and swollen gums can affect nutrition, social situations, and general satisfaction with one’s life. Untreated cavities and oral disease also can affect overall health, influencing chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and systemic health.
That is why access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments is critical for all ages, including seniors on fixed incomes. Click here to tell legislators that you support dental care coverage for older adults and preventive public health measures like water fluoridation that promote lifelong good oral health for everyone.
If you or a family member needs help finding a Washington state dentist, click here.
Oral Health Watch
6 hours ago
Family schedules tend to be less structured as routines shift away from fixed wake-up times, school, and homework requirements. But don't forget to ensure ample time to maintain a good oral health routine. This includes regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and hydrating with ...water (fluoridated is best) instead of sugary drinks. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
19 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay is largely preventable? Proven-effective strategies like access to regular dental visits, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and community water fluoridation can help kids and adults avoid the physical discomfort and burdensome cost of cavities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
#DYK tooth decay is largely preventable? Proven-effective strategies like access to regular dental visits, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and community water fluoridation can help kids and adults avoid the physical discomfort and burdensome cost of cavities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Thank you, Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington, Seattle Children's, and caring volunteer providers for making the SmileMobile possible. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
💯 Arcora Foundation. Oral health care needs don't go away just because coverage does. The estimated 250,000 Washingtonians in need of dental care to either pay out of pocket, delay preventive care and/or forego necessary dental treatment, leading to:
🤒 Needless pain and suffering
... 💵 Burdening patients with costly care
🏥 Straining hospital emergency departments and our health care system
💪 Compromising individual and community health
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Is it important for both parents and kids to have access to preventive oral health care? 💯 Parents who model good oral health habits make it more likely for children to adopt these practices from a young age. This proactive approach can help prevent future dental problems, missed school days due... to pain, and potential long-term health issues. #teethmatter