Oral health care is vital for seniors
(NC)—Statistics Canada estimates seniors represent the fastest growing segment of
the Canadian population, a segment expected to reach 9.2 million by 2041. As more
Canadians age, proper preventive healthcare, including oral health, becomes
increasingly important. Today, most seniors can expect to keep most, if not all, their
natural teeth and this fact makes it especially essential to maintain regular oral
hygiene habits and visits to a dental professional.
The Canadian Health Measure Survey says 53% of adults aged 60 to 79 do not have dental insurance, and the lack of
coverage is one of the main reasons why Canadians don’t see a dental professional. Since older adults have specific dental needs, seniors and their caretakers should be aware of the importance of regular dental care. Bacteria from your mouth can travel and develop into serious infections affecting your overall health, specialists say. Many medications can cause dry mouth, a condition that can contribute to cavities and other oral problems. Seniors also develop more cavities on the roots of their teeth than younger adults.
So whether you’re at home or in a long-term care residence, regular treatments by a dental hygienist can help prevent more serious health problems. Together, you can plan a daily oral care routine that will keep your teeth, and you, healthy for life.
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