World oral health day: dental health for life

World oral health day: dental health for life

Age Concern New Zealand is marking World Oral Health Day on September 12 by stressing the importance of good oral health for healthy ageing.

"Good oral health is an important part of healthy ageing," Age Concern New Zealand president Liz Baxendine says.

"Good oral health is not 'the icing on the cake'; it's an essential part of good general health and nutrition. We reach a stage of life where good nutrition is very important, so it's vital that teeth or dentures allow us to bite into an apple, eat a handful of nuts or chew a piece of meat," Mrs Baxendine explains.

"Dentists tell us that the most important thing we can do to prevent oral problems is to look after our teeth effectively at home. If an older person can no longer clean and floss their own teeth then they need the proper assistance from a caregiver. We can also make a difference to our dental health by limiting sugar, and visiting a dentist regularly.

"But for some older people distance to the dental surgery, cost, or health problems can make it harder to see the dentist or to look after their own oral hygiene."

These problems should be addressed says Mrs Baxendine. “Without the dental hygiene and treatment they need, an older person’s general health, nutrition and quality of life will suffer.

As part of World Oral Health Day, Age Concern is calling on people of all ages to take responsibility for their own, and their loved ones', dental health. Let's all give teeth the priority they are due." Mrs Baxendine says.

ENDS