Newswise — The potential associations between oral health and overall health, including heart problems, diabetes and pneumonia make it even more important for older adults to maintain good dental health for a lifetime.
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more adults are keeping their natural teeth longer well beyond the age of 65. But changes in physical and mental functions could hamper some older adults from taking proper care of their teeth and gums, increasing the risk of dental disease that could complicate other health conditions.
OralLongevityTM initiative addresses oral health of older adults To help older adults, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation this week introduced a new, unique initiative called OralLongevityTM that focuses on improving and maintaining good oral health throughout life.
OralLongevityTM will provide older adults, their families, caregivers and dental professionals with education and other free resources to increase the awareness of and need for better oral health.
"OralLongevityTM is just the beginning of a major effort to help serve the oral health care needs of this growing and important segment of the U.S. population," says Dr. Kathleen Roth, ADA president. "We are very pleased to be part of this initiative that will benefit so many older adults, their family members and caregivers." "The OralLongevityTM initiative is dedicated to helping oral health care providers and consumers understand the unique problems facing older patients, and to help find solutions that will enhance the oral health care of this fast-growing population group," states Dr. Ronald Rupp, US professional relations, GSK Consumer Healthcare.
Web site offers free, downloadable dental tipsDental problems can cause pain and suffering as well as difficulty in speaking, chewing and swallowing. Older adults also can suffer from dry mouth, resulting from certain medications used to treat other health conditions. Complications associated with medical conditions can impact the ability to maintain good oral health.
These conditions are manageable to help improve the quality of life, and the OralLongevityTM resources provide daily care tips. Dr. Richard Price, ADA consumer advisor and retired dentist, advises consumers to speak with a dentist about their dental problems to maintain good oral health. "For example, dry mouth and sensitive teeth can be managed and relieved through dental care, behavioral changes and over-the-counter products," he explains.
"The dentist is a key part of your health care team to advise you on individual oral health needs as you age," Dr. Price emphasizes.
Consumers can download the free OralLongevityTM DVD and brochure that was unveiled to nearly 50,000 dental professionals here attending the ADA's 148th Annual Session by visiting http://www.orallongevity.ada.org .
About the American Dental AssociationThe not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at http://www.ada.org.
About the ADA Foundation The ADA Foundation is a catalyst for uniting people and organizations to make a difference through better oral health. Since 1991, the ADA Foundation has disbursed nearly $31 million dollars to support such charitable activities. In addition to funding grants for dental research, education, scholarships and access to care, the Foundation supports Charitable Assistance Programs such as relief grants to dentists and their dependents that are unable to support themselves due to injury, a medical condition or advanced age; and grants and loans to those who are victims of disasters. http://www.adafoundation.org.About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicorette® and NicoDerm®, as well as many medicine cabinet staples, Abreva®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne® and Tums®, which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies, is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.
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