On October 1, Canadians celebrated older adults whose mentoring, leadership and volunteerism have shaped the nation. National Seniors Day was also an occasion for dental hygienists to remind Canada’s seniors and their caregivers of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits throughout the lifespan.
“Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in oral and medical care, Canadians are now keeping most of their natural teeth,” notes Ms. Donna Scott, president of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA). “Older adults have unique oral hygiene needs that must not be ignored.” For example, seniors tend to develop more cavities on the roots of their teeth than younger adults, and many of their medications may cause dry mouth, a condition that can contribute to a range of oral health problems. As a result, dental hygienists are working with other healthcare professionals and all levels of government to make daily, professional oral hygiene care a priority for Canada’s older adults. In particular, CDHA has endorsed the Canadian Medical Association’s “Demand a Plan” initiative calling for a national seniors’ healthcare strategy by 2019, and has produced a series of oral care resources for seniors and their caregivers, available free of charge at www.dentalhygienecanada.ca. “Dental hygienists have the skills, knowledge and judgment to detect oral issues early on, and they can help you to develop a daily oral care plan that will ensure optimal oral health at any age,” Ms. Scott explains.