Council on Aging Answers 2015 - 38

COUNCIL ON AGING - ORANGE COUNTY

Dangers of Neglecting Oral Health
hEALThCARE

n Dr. Charles Zahedi, PhD
Your eyes may be the windows to your soul, but
your mouth mirrors your health and well-being
throughout your life. According to a report of the
Surgeon General, "You cannot be healthy without
good oral health."
Oral diseases, which range from cavities, to periodontal disease and cancer, cause pain and disability
for millions of older adults each year, yet almost all
oral diseases are largely preventable. These diseases
lead to partial or total loss of older adults' teeth and
result in the oral handicap and disability. Oral diseases disproportionately affect the health and wellbeing of those living in long-term care and assisted
living communities.
Untreated oral disease complicates medical conditions commonly diagnosed in older adults, such
as diabetes, heart disease, poor cognitive function
and Alzheimer's, all which jeopardize the health of

the elderly and the disabled. Preventive and routine
dental services help save overall health care dollars
by eliminating costly visits to the emergency room.
Although life expectancy continues to increase,
few health professionals in other disciplines receive
training in regards to the importance of oral and
dental health to the overall health of the elderly. As a
consequence, many older Americans suffer in silence
as their oral health is neglected.
It is important that caregivers and family members recognize orally handicapped residents that are
missing a significant number of their teeth and/or
not wearing their dentures. Signs and symptoms to
watch for include:
n Pain and discomfort
n Bad breath, bleeding
n Difficulty chewing and swallowing
n Difficulty speaking
n Decrease in socialization
When symptoms arise, immediately contact a

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Answers Guide 2015

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Council on Aging Answers 2015

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