Oral Health Guide for 

Older Adults 

Thank you for everything you do to 

support oral health for older adults. 

To help you in this role, we’ve provided 

the following fact sheets for your use. 

By using the first two sheets in your

office, you can remind your staff how

they can help older adults care for their 

oral health. By handing out the last two 

sheets to older adults, you can help 

them learn more about the importance

of caring for their teeth and gums.

With your help, we can continue to 

ensure older adults have access to 

essential oral health services and more. 

Thanks again for everything you do 

for older adults! 

This project was supported in part by grant number 90PPNU0002 

from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, 

Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, 

D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government

sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings

and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore,

necessarily represent official ACL policy.

Sources: 

Relationship of Oral Health and Nutrition (2. Oral Health Tips Sheets 

for Providers and Consumer: Relationship of Oral Health and 

Nutrition) 

Build the Foundation Today (2. Oral Health Tips Sheets for Providers 

and Consumer: Oral Health and Older Adults) 

Delight in Every Bite (2. Oral Health Tips Sheets for Providers and 

Consumer: Diet, Nutrition, and Oral Health) 

Resources to Help Maintain Good Oral Health (2. Oral Health Tips 

Sheets for Providers and Consumer: Resources to Help Maintain 

Good Oral Health) 
Relationship 

of Oral Health 

and Nutrition: 

• 96 percent of all adults, 65 years and older, have

had a cavity.

• 2 in 3 adults, 65 years and older, have gum disease.

• 1 in 5 adults have lost all of their teeth.

• 85 percent of older adults have at least one chronic

health condition.

• 60 percent of older adults have at least two chronic

health conditions.

• 1 in 5 adults have untreated tooth decay.

• Adults with chronic diseases — arthritis, diabetes, heart

disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

(COPD) — may be more likely to develop gum disease.

• Some medications may cause dry mouth by reducing

saliva, which may lead to an increased risk of cavities.

PROMOTE ORAL HEALTH BY 

ENCOURAGING ADULTS TO EAT 

THE FOLLOWING: 

• Calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese,

and fortified soy milk, promote strong teeth and bones.

• Phosphorus is a mineral essential for strong teeth and is found in

eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts, and beans.

• Vitamin C promotes gum health and is found in citrus fruits,

tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, potatoes, and spinach.
Build the foundation 

today! 

Aging does not mean having poor oral 

health and tooth loss. 

SIMPLE STEPS TO ENSURE ORAL 

HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS: 

• Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day with

fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to

remove plaque.

• Drink fluoridated water, if available.

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products.

• Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables.

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.

• Limit alcohol.

• If you have diabetes, work to maintain control

of your blood sugars.

• If medication causes dry mouth, ask your

doctor for a different medication that may not

cause dry mouth.

• If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty

of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid

tobacco products and alcohol.

• Consider using an electric toothbrush to make

it easier to brush teeth.

• Visit the dentist at least once a year —

regardless of whether you have teeth or

dentures.
Delight in Every Bite 

Diet, nutrition, and oral health all impact each other. Diet can affect teeth and the tissue of 

the mouth and gums, which then impacts the foods and nutrients one can eat.

TIPS FOR GOOD 

ORAL HEALTH: 

• Consume a balanced diet (fruits,

vegetables, lean proteins, whole

grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy).

• Resist the urge to snack or sip on 

sugary treats or drinks. 

• Snack wisely — make nutritious

choices, such as vegetables, fruits, lowfat or fat-free yogurt, unsalted nuts, or

whole-grain crackers.

• Enjoy calcium-rich foods, such as lowfat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese,

tofu, canned salmon, almonds, and

dark green leafy vegetables.

• Get plenty of vitamin C, which

promotes gum health, such as citrus

fruits, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli,

potatoes, and spinach. 

• Drink plenty of water, with fluoride

(if possible), and limit alcohol

consumption.
Resources to Maintain 

Good Oral Health 

Good oral hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, and regular dental checkups are essential steps 

to a healthy mouth. Dental and oral procedures should not be delayed or avoided due

to the inability to pay. The following can provide options to help overcome barriers to

accessing and paying for dental and oral health care: 

AGING NETWORK 

Organizations and committed advocates working to 

support older adults and people with disabilities. Visit 

the Eldercare Locator website or call 1-800-677-1116.

FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY 

ORGANIZATIONS 

Some organizations provide access to health

and dental care for those in need. 

MEDICAID 

A state-run program that provides medical benefits 

and, in some cases, dental benefits. Visit Medicaid & 

You for more.

STATE AND LOCAL 

RESOURCES 

State and local health departments may know of 

additional programs that offer free or low-cost 

dental care. 

DENTAL SCHOOLS 

A good source of quality, low-cost dental care where 

students gain experience by providing care to patients 

for a reduced fee. Search for a dental school. 

MEDICARE 

Serves those 65 and older as well as individuals of 

any age with disabilities. It only covers dental services 

related to specific medical conditions or treatments. 

Visit Medicare Dental Services or call Medicare at 

1-800-633-4227.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINICS 

(CHCs) 

The Health Resources and Services Administration 

(HRSA) funds CHCs that care for older adults when 

adults cannot pay for health services. Locate a 

community health clinic. 

DENTAL HYGIENE SCHOOLS 

Offering supervised, low-cost preventative dental care 

from students training to be dental hygienists. Go to the 

American Dental Hygienists’ Association website.

VETERANS 

ADMINISTRATION (VA) 

Dental care is offered to eligible veterans at over 200 

locations across the country. Visit the VA Dental Clinic 

to search by city, state, or postal code.