Here’s Why Dental Care Is Important for Seniors
The True Value of a Full Set of Pearly Whites
Senior dental care is important. With help from the McGregor Foundation, The Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine established the Lifelong Smiles van, a fully equipped dental office on wheels, to assist residents in Cleveland with getting their dental needs addressed. But why is dental health so vital to senior health? Here are some reasons why it matters:
Oral cancer is a major concern that primarily impacts seniors.
Cancers of the mouth are usually diagnosed in older adults 62 years of age or older (CDC.gov). Often, oral cancer isn’t diagnosed until it has metastasized in another area of the body, like the lymph nodes, which can be increasingly hard to treat. That’s why dental care and early detection is vital.
There is a correlation between the number of teeth you have and your life expectancy.
The number of teeth you have can be a direct result of whether or not your body has had to fight off different life-altering illnesses. Studies show that people who had lost 5 or more teeth by the age of 65 years were more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, all of which could severely limit life expectancy (Dentistry Today).
Medication can cause dry mouth which can lead to cavities.
Many seniors take a variety of medications, and they can often list dry mouth as a side effect. Saliva not only keeps the mouth moist, but it also fights off cavity-causing bacteria, so when it’s not around, the body’s defenses are down (Delta Dental).
Many seniors suffer from tooth decay.
Having healthy teeth is crucial to health, but one in five seniors suffer from tooth decay, and many of them aren’t getting the help they need to stop the effects and work towards a more healthy mouth.
Dental health care is just one of the many services provided by McGregor. We ensure that all of our residents have access to world-class health care, because their health matters to us. From head to toe, we want our residents healthier than they would be at home, ensuring that their time with us is well spent. Schedule your visit to our campus today to learn more about our health and wellness programs!
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