
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
2 hours ago
Preventing disease is preferable to treating illness. The Apple Health (Washington state Medicaid) dental program is an essential service that leads to better health outcomes, reduces healthcare costs, and improves quality of life. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
8 hours ago
Preventing disease is preferable to treating illness. The Apple Health (Washington state Medicaid) dental program is an essential service that leads to better health outcomes, reduces healthcare costs, and improves quality of life. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Community water fluoridation is a cost-effective public health measure that prevents tooth decay, leading to lower overall healthcare costs and improved oral health for everyone regardless of age, income level or health insurance status - offering residents and health systems long-term savings. ...#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Community water fluoridation is a cost-effective public health measure that prevents tooth decay, leading to lower overall healthcare costs and improved oral health for everyone regardless of age, income level or health insurance status - offering residents and health systems long-term savings. ...#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
The Seattle/King County Clinic, where thousands of people in the Puget Sound region and beyond receive much-needed free dental, medical and vision care, is a truly uplifting event. It's also a sobering reminder that health disparities persist and underscores the importance of maintaining state... investments in the adult and children's Apple Health dental program. #teethmatter
While we wait for meaningful policy changes at the federal and state levels, we cannot afford to stand still.
www.seattletimes.comOral Health Watch
2 days ago
The @seattlekingcountyclinic, where thousands of people in the Puget Sound region and beyond receive much-needed free dental, medical and vision care, is a truly uplifting event. It's also a sobering reminder that health disparities persist and underscores the importance of maintaining state ...investments in the adult and children's Apple Health dental program. #teethmatter
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/big-seattle-free-clinic-shows-the-gaps-in-our-health-care-system