Facts About Oral Health and Older Adults...

 
  •   Oral health is an essential component to overall health.

  •   The U.S. population on aging Americans continues to grow.
       The proportion of the U.S. population 65+ in 2000:
       12%.... In 2030 20%.

   •   More aging adults are keeping their natural teeth.
       Decrease in edentulism: 1986-41% had no natural  
       teeth… 2004-21% had no natural teeth.

   •   Older adults have chronic health concerns, such as
       cardiovascular problems, diabetes, pneumonia that can    
       adversely affect their oral health status. The aging with
       periodontal disease face a 25% higher risk of death
       from aspiration pneumonia.

   •   Older adults take numerous medications adversely 
       affecting their oral health. Many medications cause
       xerostomia (dry mouth) which leads to increased root
       caries.

  •    Access to oral health care is limited for aging adults.Only
      38% of nursing home residents receive an exam by a
      dentist.