Older adults are keeping their teeth later in life, but studies indicate that the overall dental health status of older adults is not good. Today, nearly 60 percent of individuals 65 years old or older have some or all of their natural teeth, compared to only 44 percent in 1960. Even so, dental problems are a leading cause of discomfort, impaired quality of life, and even fatal disease.
Oral health is a barometer for general health problems in the elderly.
Because most health insurance plans provide virtually no dental coverage, older adults are largely required to pay for services themselves. There are nearly 120 physical or mental conditions with symptoms that show up in the mouth or that affect an older person's ability to perform good oral hygiene. People with diabetes are at risk for oral infections and impaired healing that can result in periodontal disease. Malfunctioning salivary glands can cause pain in the mouth, affecting the ability to speak, taste, chew or swallow. People with impaired hearing, vision or motor function may have difficulty caring for their teeth.