Dry mouth, staining, tooth wear, periodontal disease, sensitive teeth, difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing and the ever-popular gum shrinkage… ahh, aging. Ain’t it grand?
The potential association between oral health and overall health, including heart problems, diabetes and pneumonia, make it even more important for seniors to maintain good dental hygiene as long as possible. Studies show that approximately 50 percent of people 55+ have at least 23 of their 32 natural teeth and more adults are keeping their natural teeth well beyond the age of 65.
“Thanks to the advances of modern dentistry, regular preventive care, the use of fluoridated toothpastes and the benefits of water fluoridation, many are keeping their teeth for a lifetime, spurring a lifelong need for oral health care,” according to a joint letter from ADA president Kathleen Roth, DDS and Arthur Dugoni, DDS, president of the ADA Foundation. But changes in physical and mental functions could hamper some older adults from taking care of their teeth and gums, increasing the risk of dental diseases that could complicate other health issues.
“A growing percentage of these adults are semi-dependent and living on fixed incomes. Many contend with chronic health conditions and have limited access to transportation,” the letter states.
To this end, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation introduced OralLongevity, an initiative that focuses on improving and maintaining good oral health over a lifetime.
The goal? To provide older adults, their families, their caregivers as well as dental professionals with education and other resources to increase the awareness of and need for better oral health.
The cooperative relationship began in 2004, when GSKCH funded six grants through the ADA Foundation to support state and community-based oral health awareness programs for seniors. Building on the success of the initial grant program, GSKCH entered into a three-year, $1 million partnership with the ADA and the ADAF to help address the oral health needs of the exploding demographic of aging Americans, according to the ADA’s website.
“The goal of OralLongevity is to create a dialogue between patients, caregivers and oral health professionals,” said Dr. Ronald Rupp, senior manger of professional relations, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. “OralLongevity will bring patients into the dental office, where they can receive information and guidance from trusted professionals.”
Consumers can download the free OralLongevity DVD and brochure that were unveiled to almost 50,000 dental professionals attending the ADA’s 148th annual session in San Francisco at: www.orallongevity.ada.org.
“One of the shared goals of all humanity is to grow old with dignity. We as dentists have the knowledge and skills to help make that happen for the older adults in our communities,” the joint presidents’ letter to the industry states. “Now, thanks to the OralLongevity campaign, we also have the tools.”
