Oral Health for Older Adults
It is important to take care of your oral health at every stage in life. If you do not take care of your teeth, you can be at risk for certain disease such as cavities or gum disease (periodontal disease). These diseases can lead to other health issues if not taken care of. Below are some tips for taking care of your whether you have teeth or use dentures.
Brush 2x a day for 2 minutes using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle tooth brush. Don’t forget to floss daily.
Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and denture cleanser. Soak your dentures overnight.
Even if you do not have any teeth, you still need to visit the dentist regularly. Your dentist will tell you how often to visit to have your dentures looked at and cleaned.
Do you wear dentures?
Remember, it is important to visit the dentist even if you do not have teeth or if you have dentures. Avoid smoking or vaping and limit alcoholic beverages and sugary drinks. Drinking plenty of water instead of sugary drinks can help stop tooth decay. Click here for more denture care information.
Medi-Cal Dental Benefits
As of May 1, 2022, adults 50 years of age or older who are currently enrolled in restricted scope Medi-Cal (often called Emergency Medi-Cal) are eligible for full scope Medi-Cal benefits. Immigration status does not matter, but all other Medi-Cal eligibility rules still apply.
- Dental exams (every 12 months)
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning (every 12 months)
- Scaling and root planning
- Fluoride varnish (every 12 months)
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Root canals
- Partial and full dentures
- Denture relines
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
Do you have Dentures?
Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining.
Additional Resources
