Seniors

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.