Older adults, a rapidly growing sector of the US population, are keeping their teeth longer than previous generations, but many have impaired physical or mental abilities and limited access to oral health care, factors that inhibit proper dental care. Problems pummel our older citizens from all directions: dental disease can cause overall health problems, like heart attacks, strokes, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, and diabetes complications, and overall health problems can cause oral health issues, as well. The largest pharmaceutical company in the US, GlaxoSmithKline, has given the ADA Foundation a grant of $250,000 to promote oral healthcare access and awareness within the older adult community. The initiative is called OralLongevityâ„¢.
The goal of OralLongevityâ„¢ is to provide older adults, caregivers, families, and dental professionals with free education and information to increase awareness about oral health. Kathleen Roth, ADA president, says that this initiative is "just the beginning of a major effort."
The Facts about Dental Care for Older Americans
Of our citizens over 65 years of age, about 22 percent have private dental insurance. An ADA News Release states, "According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about half of adults aged 65 and over visited a dentist in 2001, compared with the nearly 75 percent rate for children. About three out of ten older Americans no longer have any natural teeth and over four out of ten have gum disease. Gum disease, when not treated, can result in the loss of teeth."
OralLongevityâ„¢ is still in the earliest stages, but keep your eyes and ears open to learn more. At some point, you may be invited to join the efforts by providing free educational information for your patients.
FYI: Learn more about the limited access that older adults face for dental care by reading this AGD report.