Improving Oral Health for Seniors

Oral health affects more than just the mouth. Research links poor oral health to many chronic conditions including diabetes, pneumonia, heart disease and stroke. Older adults—particularly lower-income older adults—are at greater risk for these diseases, yet they are less likely to receive routine oral health care. The result is increased oral disease leading to poor overall health and costly healthcare expenditures such as hospital emergency visits for tooth pain.

Washington Dental Service Foundation is addressing these challenges to seniors’ health. Through funding non-profit dental clinics to expand services, linking oral health to community-based services, and increasing collaboration between medical and dental providers, the WDS Foundation is creating additional opportunities for care that is available, affordable, and appropriate to the unique needs of seniors.

For more information about Oral Health Connections, contact Karen Lewis at klewis@deltadentalwa.com or call (206) 528-7344.