Oral Health and Older Adults

Published Sep 8, 2014

1 Post

Regardless of age, maintaining good oral health is an important part of supporting good overall health. Many people do not realize the significance of oral health, and often times the dental health needs of older adults are overlooked. It is important to appreciate the importance of oral health in older adults, because poor oral health can lead to many other serious problems. Older adults who have dental health problems may have problems with speaking, chewing, and swallowing, and they are also more likely to suffer with dental caries, gum disease, and oral cancers (Vargas, Kamarow, Yellowitz, 2001). In addition, older adults dealing with severe gum disease are at a greater risk for other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, pneumonia, and respiratory disease (Administration on Aging, 2014). The good new is that as a nurse working in nursing homes or long term care facilities, you have the opportunity to help ensure your residents enjoy good oral health as they age. Educating yourself on the types of oral health needs unique to the elderly and the warning signs of poor oral health is a great place to start. You can make a difference in the overall health and happiness of your residents if you know what oral health needs they are likely to have!

Vargas, C.M., Kamarow, E.A., & Yellowitz, J.A. (2001). The Oral Health of Older Americans, Aging Trends: No. 3. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics.

Administration on Aging. (2014). Older Adults and Oral Health. Retrieved from http://aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HPW/Oral_Health/index.aspx