
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
5 hours ago
Today marks the first day of the Seattle/King County Clinic - a pop-up event providing free dental, vision, medical and other health care services at Seattle Center. Though organizers anticipate serving hundreds of people from King County and beyond each day through Sunday, tickets are limited. ...People are encouraged to arrive early and come prepared for a long day with food, comfortable clothes and any daily medication. #teethmatter
Patient Information Seattle/King County Clinic is a volunteer-driven, free health clinic that occurs for four days each year at Seattle Center. The...
seattlecenter.orgOral Health Watch
5 hours ago
Today marks the first day of the @seattlekingcountyclinic - a pop-up event providing free dental, vision, medical and other health care services at @seattlecenter. Though organizers anticipate serving hundreds of people from King County and beyond each day through Sunday, tickets are limited. ...People are encouraged to arrive early and come prepared for a long day with food, comfortable clothes and any daily medication. #teethmatter https://seattlecenter.org/skcclinic/patients/
Oral Health Watch
18 hours ago
The Apple Health (Washington state's Medicaid) dental program is both good policy and the right thing to do, helping:
🦷Prevent more costly emergency room visits related to dental issues
🦷Improve oral & overall health
🦷Contribute to a healthier, more productive ...society
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
24 hours ago
The Apple Health (Washington state's Medicaid) dental program is both good policy and the right thing to do, helping:
🦷Prevent more costly emergency room visits related to dental issues
🦷Improve oral & overall health
🦷Contribute to a healthier, more productive ...society
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
#DYK that Washington residents with Apple Health (the state's Medicaid program) coverage or no dental insurance can use the no-cost DentistLink directory at any time of the day? Click on the link below to get the dental care you need. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
#DYK that Washington residents with Apple Health (the state's Medicaid program) coverage or no dental insurance can use the no-cost DentistLink directory at any time of the day? Click on the link below to get the dental care you need. #teethmatter
...https://partners.dentistlink.org/dentist-finder?Miles=15