Seniors and Oral Health

Today’s dentistry and good oral health habits are helping people keep their teeth for a lifetime. As we age, our health care needs change.  The importance of keeping teeth and gum tissues clean and healthy does not diminish over time. In fact, paying attention to oral health is critical to being able to maintain optimal overall health.

The resources listed below may be helpful regardless of whether you are an older patient yourself or have the responsibility to care for someone else who is elderly or who has special needs.

• ADA's Oral Longevity Initiative
• Oral Health Guide for Seniors
• National Institute on Aging

NEW! If you are an administrator or a caregiver in a long-term care facility or nursing home, you may find this video and accompanying workbook very helpful in providing oral health care to your residents. Just scroll down to “Growing Old with a Smile: Oral Health for Older Adults in Long-Term Care” to find the video and the workbook.  Instructions on how to use this DVD as well as a DVD and workbook outline are available.

 www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/videoindex.cfm

Caregivers may also find these resources useful:

• Collis-Curve TM Toothbrushes - www.colliscurve.com/
• Specialized Care Company: Products for Residential Facilities/Home Care - www.specializedcare.com/
• Special Care Dentistry Association Annual Product Guide  - www.scdaonline.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=124
• University of Minnesota- Nursing Home Regulations Plus - www.hpm.umn.edu/NHRegsPlus/
• University of Minnesota Geriatric Education Center - http://www.sph.umn.edu/hpm/coa/MAGEC/
• University of Iowa Geriatric Education Center - www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/igec/publications/info-connect/default.asp