Oral Health in Aging America

Our nation is facing unprecedented growth in the senior population, owing to longer lifespans and aging baby boomers. The elderly often neglect their oral health due to lack of access or adequate insurance, and there are far too few providers well trained in geriatric care. As such, the dental and medical professions may be facing a looming health care crisis.

In 2008, Institute for Oral Health addressed "aging America" with focus groups and our 3rd annual conference dedicated to identifying key challenges and progressive solutions to improve quality and access of dental care for seniors.

"Dentists are experiencing a quiet revolution as the number of older patients increases. This group may require special consideration because reduced mobility may make daily oral hygiene difficult. Sometimes, lack of awareness about available treatments leads older patients to make false assumptions about their dental health and tolerate conditions such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures."

-- American Dental Association

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