OHA fall campaign focuses on seniors

Oral Health America's (OHA) fourth annual Fall for Smiles campaign, which encourages maintaining good oral health by brushing and flossing, getting regular dental visits, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco, will focus on seniors.

Almost half of older adults with a household income of $35,000 or less have not been to the dentist in the past two years, according to a survey commissioned by the OHA.

Additionally, 35% of low-income older adults have gone four years or more between dental visits, the survey found, which was sponsored by Oral Healthcare Can't Wait, 3M ESPE, and Crest + Oral-B.

According to the OHA, 10,000 adults reach retirement age in the U.S. every day, but only 2% retain dental benefits. These statistics led the OHA to focus on older adults during its latest campaign.

According to the survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, over half of those who do not visit the dentist on a regular basis cite financial reasons or a lack of dental insurance