Why Dental Care for Seniors?

Did you know

Poor oral health is an epidemic and public health crisis for seniors in the United States, with more than 25% having no remaining teeth. Establishing and maintaining good oral healthcare is critical to helping older Americans age successfully. Help seniors get the dental care they need today with a donation to the nonprofit Senior Dental Center.

3 out of 4 low-income adults see tooth loss as inevitable as they age

Losing teeth as we age is completely preventable with proper hygienic home care and access to dental services. At the Senior Dental Center, seniors learn how to take care of their teeth, gums, and mouth at home.

Only 26% of seniors have seen a dentist in the past year

Older adults are at increased risk for tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Yearly checkups by dental professionals are integral to maintaining their overall health and well-being.

96% of seniors have tooth decay, for which 1 in 5 goes untreated

Untreated tooth decay can lead to a host of other problems including increased sensitivity, pain, and infections that can spread to other parts of the body.

STATE OF THE SITUATION

NYT: With Age Comes a Mouthful of Trouble

ADVOCACY

Read about challenges with oral health among older adults and the Senior Dental Center in the New York Times

Learn More

SDUT: Keeping Up With Dental Care Challenging for Many Seniors

LEGISLATION

Learn about how we address senior oral healthcare concerns while increasing access to affordable dental care in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Learn More

A Healthy Smile Never Gets Old

ISSUE

Read the Center for Oral Health's report on the oral health of older adults in California

Learn More

Dr. Karen Becerra: Crippling Tooth Pain a Reality for Too Many Denti-Cal Recipients

ADVOCACY

Read Dr. Becerra's opinion on the importance of strengthening the Denti-Cal system in the Times of San Diego

Learn More

Legislation Addresses Oral Healthcare for Special Needs Patients

POLICY

Low Deni-Cal reimbursement rates make it challenging for dentists to care for special needs patients. Learn about legislation focused on closing this gap.

Learn More