Making Dental Care a Priority for Seniors
Make sure your older loved ones are getting the dental care they need to protect their overall health.
It’s no secret that people of all ages need proper dental care in order to keep teeth and gums strong, healthy, and pain-free. However, while progress has been made towards making dental care available to kids and adults who purchase their insurance through Covered California, senior citizens who rely on Medicare and Medicaid still do not have adequate coverage for necessary dental care. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, 20 percent of all seniors 75 and older have not seen a dentist in the past five years.
Seniors who live in care facilities often face additional hurdles in getting the dental care they need—not only do they face financial challenges, but they may also lack transportation or have physical or mental impairments. According to preliminary results from the California non-profit organization The Center for Oral Health, among California nursing home residents who still have their original teeth, about half have untreated tooth decay. One in seven of these seniors was in need of urgent dental care.
Why Dental Care for Seniors Is Important
Normally, brushing and flossing form the front line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease, preventing them from leading to tooth loss. However, we all need a bit of extra help with this effort from time to time. This is especially true for seniors who may have trouble being as diligent with their home care as they used to be due to arthritis, stroke, or other health issues. They may be more prone to tooth decay and gum disease and more in need of fillings and deep cleanings to protect their teeth and gums. Because nutrition and socialization can be negatively affected by tooth loss, naturally it is very important to do everything we can to help seniors keep their natural teeth as long as possible.
The importance of dental care actually goes far beyond just oral health. Poor oral health can affect overall health as well. For example, oral infections have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, aneurysms, and Alzheimer’s. Plus, the inflammation from an oral infection is unhealthy because it can lead to a weakened immune system.
Make Sure Your Loved Ones Get Dental Care
Whether you have a loved one in a care facility, living with you, or still living on their own, you may want to check up on their oral health. Find out when the last time they visited the dentist was and see if you can help them with the cash, ride, or encouragement they may need to get care.
