Delta Dental spotlights senior oral health

September is National Healthy Aging Month, and Delta Dental wants dental practitioners to remind their senior patients that practicing good oral health habits is part of a healthy aging process.

Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, this is a message that still needs to get out, Delta Dental noted in a press release:

• 60% of seniors older than age 65 visited the dentist in 2009 (that percentage was the lowest of any of the surveyed age groups).
• Nearly 30% of those age 65 and older have lost all of their teeth, one in five of those with remaining teeth have untreated tooth decay, and one in seven have moderate to severe periodontal disease.

Seniors taking numerous prescription drugs may be at increased risk of oral health problems, Delta Dental noted. Hundreds of common over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause dry mouth, a condition that could lead to dental decay or dentures sores.

Good oral healthcare is important even for those seniors who have lost their regular teeth, Delta Dental added. Besides helping ensure dentures and other prosthetic replacements fit properly, dentists are in a good position to identify life-threatening diseases, such as oral cancer, early when they are at a more treatable stage. For those with implants, regular home care and dental checkups are recommended.