As we get older, caring for our teeth, gums and eyes becomes just as important as managing blood pressure or heart health. For many Tennesseans, senior dental care and vision care can play a major role in staying healthy, confident, and comfortable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults age 65 and older face several common dental health challenges:
Tooth decay: About 20% have at least one untreated cavity.
Tooth loss: Nearly one in five older adults have no natural teeth left.
Gum disease: Around 68% of seniors experience some form of it.
Oral cancer: The median age at diagnosis is 62 years old.
If you’re caring for an aging parent, relative, or friend, these oral health tips for older adults can help you protect their smiles, and their overall health.
Healthy habits are the foundation of lifelong dental wellness at every age. Encourage your loved one to:
Brush and floss twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Eat a balanced diet, rich in calcium and fiber and low in added sugar.
Stay hydrated, water helps support saliva production and rinses away bacteria.
And don’t forget those regular dental visits! Twice-yearly exams and cleanings are key for preventing problems and spotting early signs of more serious concerns such as oral cancer. Dentists can also check for age-related issues like dry mouth, which is often linked to common medications.
Stay alert between visits for symptoms such as:
Red or white patches inside the mouth
Sores that don’t heal
Swelling or lumps in the mouth, neck, or throat
If you notice any of these, reach out to your loved one’s dentist right away.
If your loved one wears dentures, make sure they know how to keep them clean and fitting comfortably:
Rinse after every meal.
Brush daily with a soft brush and nonabrasive cleanser.
Soak overnight in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water.
Schedule regular dental checks to ensure a good fit and prevent mouth irritation or infection.
Older adults living in nursing homes or other care facilities may have added challenges in maintaining oral hygiene. When choosing or visiting a facility, ask questions like:
How do you help residents with daily dental care?
Do you coordinate professional dental checkups? How often?
Is there a dentist or hygienist who visits on-site?
How do you ensure dentures are cleaned properly?
Advocating for these details helps ensure your loved one gets consistent oral care, even in a shared environment.
One reason many older adults see a decline in oral health is loss of dental insurance after retirement. Since Medicare generally doesn’t cover preventive dental care, many Tennesseans go without regular visits, and small problems can turn into bigger, more expensive ones.
Encouraging your loved one to maintain dental coverage can safeguard not only their smile but also their overall health. Regular dental care has been linked to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections.
If your loved one no longer has employer-provided benefits, Delta Dental of Tennessee offers individual dental plans designed to fit the needs of older adults. With options for preventive care, restorative services, and affordable monthly premiums, these plans can make it easier to keep up with routine oral care.
Healthy eyes are just as important as a healthy smile. As we age, eye health can change quickly, especially for those with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration early.
Encourage your older loved one to:
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam every year.
Wear prescription glasses or contacts as directed.
Protect their eyes from the sun with UV-blocking sunglasses.
See an optometrist right away if they notice blurred vision, flashes of light, or eye discomfort.
Good vision helps older adults maintain independence, safety, and quality of life. Delta Dental of Tennessee also offers DeltaVision® plans, ensuring Tennesseans have convenient access to both dental and vision care for total health coverage.
Caring for your older loved one means more than checking off appointments, it’s about helping them feel healthy and confident every day. By encouraging consistent oral hygiene, routine eye exams, regular dental visits, and maintaining coverage, you can help the seniors in your life keep smiling and seeing clearly for years to come.