May is Older American’s Month. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”
So what does that mean to you? Our older dental patients in Wynnewood, OK are now living longer and healthier lives, and older adults are more likely than ever before to keep their teeth for a lifetime. However, research has shown that older people also have the highest rates of periodontal disease. In fact, at least half of people over age 55 have some form of periodontal disease, and almost one out of four people over 65 have lost all their teeth. No matter what your age, it is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you’ve succeeded in avoiding periodontal disease as you age, it is especially important to continue to maintain your oral care routine.
That is why you need to maintain a healthy oral routine. Continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Because you have a higher chance of getting periodontal disease, you have to maintain regular dental visits as well. That is why Dr. Ledbetter takes care of his patients in Wynnewood. If left untreated, periodontal disease has been linked to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease. Other factors that may influence the progression of gum disease include medications, mental health, worsening memory, diminished salivary flow, and functional impairments.
If it has been a while since you have seen a dentist in Wynnewood, OK, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ledbetter. He has over 30 years of experience and would love to see you. Schedule an appointment, today!