Dental Care Essential for Seniors

Attention to oral health should not be ignored as a loved one gets older. Ignoring dental health can complicate other existing health issues or cause other aging health problems.

Recommend This Page
Dental Care Essential for Seniors
1 Min Read June 15th, 2020

While many people may not consider oral health critical to senior care, a Georgia dentist says it should be a fundamental component of every aging person's healthcare regimen.

Frank Roach, a dentist from Atlanta, Georgia, says there is a connection between oral care and senior health.

"Staying on top of oral health is critical to any person's overall health, but especially in elderly patients who don't have the ability to fight off bacteria and infections as easily as they used to," says Dr. Roach.

He explains that older patients with poor oral health may experience malnutrition, reduced social interactions, dysphagia, or other discomforting conditions.

"Poor oral health can also lead to much more severe illnesses such as tooth decay, xerostomia, oral cancer, or periodontal disease," Roach explains.

Dr. Roach suggests older people pay special attention to their oral health. Regular checkups with a dentist will help catch early warning signs of health problems and avoid unnecessary discomfort.

The loss of a person's teeth is more than just about esthetics. It can cause problems with jaw dimensions and nutrition. It also can result in discomfort both directly in the mouth and through headaches and other pains.

Research indicates that half to three-quarters of all nursing home residents keep their teeth well into their senior years. Many long-term care facilities don't have the resources, or the time, to provide the needed oral hygiene. The U.S. Surgeon General says 70% of long-term care residents are not provided with adequate dental care.

Recommend This Page

About the Author

An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.

LTC News Contributor James Kelly

James Kelly

Contributor since August 21st, 2017

Editor's Note

Advance planning for longevity is an essential part of retirement planning. The longer you live, the higher your need for future long-term health care. Just like you need to pay attention to oral health, long-term care will often become an eventuality.   

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance provides guaranteed tax-free resources to pay for your choice of care - at home or in a facility. These policies safeguard your savings and income and allows family members the time to be family.

Start researching your options before you retire, ideally in your 40s or 50s when you still enjoy good health. LTC NEWS offers many resources to help in your research - just click here.

Seek the help of a qualified and trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. They will provide you with accurate quotes from all the major companies, along with professional recommendations. 

Click here and find a specialist.

Get Published on LTC NEWS

If you have something to say, let America hear! Write a story for publication on LTC NEWS. It should fit our target audience of adults 40-70.

Topics can include stories on:

  • health
  • long-term care
  • aging
  • retirement planning
  • caregiving

There are many other related topics, as well. You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. It must have editorial content exclusive for LTC NEWS and can't be just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.

Email your story idea or article to: newsroom@ltcnews.com or click here.

Advertising and sponsored content opportunities are available as well – just click here.

LTC News Trusted & Verified

Work With a Trusted Specialist

Get Accurate Long-Term Care Insurance Quotes

  • Has substantial experience in Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Strong understanding of underwriting, policy design, and claims experience
  • Represents all or most of all the leading insurance companies
man and woman sitting at desk
Latest
  • Latest

  • Oldest

Everything
  • Homecare

  • Health

  • Government

  • Care Facilities

  • Pets

  • People

  • Lifestyle

  • Insurance

No Results

Step 1 of 4

Find a Specialist

Get Started Today

Trusted & Verified Specialists

Work with a trusted Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist Today

  • Has substantial experience in Long-Term Care Insurance
  • A strong understanding of underwriting, policy design, and claims experience
  • Represents all or most of all the leading insurance companies

LTC News Trusted & Verified

Compare Insurers

+

Claim this listing

Fill out this short form

Step Number:

1
2
3

Request Listing Edit

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Step Number:

1
2
3

Are you a customer of this business, or are you an employee?