September Is Healthy Aging Month: Don’t Forget Your Smile

September is Healthy Aging® Month, an annual observance that celebrates the positive aspects of growing older and encourages people to take an active role in their physical, mental, social and financial well-being. Created in 1992, Healthy Aging® Month reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t something that should stop at a certain age, it is a lifelong investment.

When it comes to healthy aging, your mouth deserves just as much attention as the rest of your body.

Your Smile Is Part of Your Overall Health

It’s easy to think about dental care as something separate from general health. In reality, the two are closely connected. Oral health is particularly important as we age because changes in our teeth, gums, medications & overall health can all affect our mouths.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that oral health is associated with overall health, particularly among adults age 65 and older. Chronic health conditions can affect oral health, while poor oral health has also been associated with other health concerns. That makes preventive dental care an important part of a healthy-aging routine.

Healthy Teeth Support Healthy Eating

Healthy aging involves eating a nutritious, balanced diet, but enjoying those foods can become more difficult when teeth or gums are painful or missing.

Untreated cavities, gum disease, loose teeth & tooth loss can make chewing uncomfortable and may cause people to avoid certain foods. Poor oral health can therefore affect nutrition and quality of life. Keeping your natural teeth healthy or making sure dentures, bridges or implants function properly can help you continue enjoying a varied diet as you get older.

Gum Health Matters, Too

Brushing your teeth is important, but healthy aging requires paying attention to your gums as well. Gum disease can develop gradually, sometimes without significant discomfort in its early stages. Signs like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum tenderness or changes in how your teeth fit together shouldn’t simply be dismissed as “part of getting older”.

Aging does not automatically mean losing your teeth. Good daily oral hygiene and regular professional dental care can help protect your teeth and gums throughout life.

Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits

Regular dental appointments become especially valuable as we age. Your dentist can identify cavities, gum disease, worn or damaged teeth, problems with dental restorations & other changes that may be difficult to notice on your own.

Dental visits are also an opportunity to discuss changes in medications, dry mouth, denture concerns, tooth sensitivity or difficulty chewing.

Per its April 2024 National Center for Health Statistics report (the most recent study), the CDC reports that only 63.7% of adults age 65 and older reported having a dental visit during 2022. This means that a significant number of older adults were not receiving routine dental care.

Healthy Aging Goes Beyond the Dentist

While your smile deserves special attention this September, healthy aging is about the whole person. Staying physically active, eating nutritious foods, getting adequate sleep, maintaining social connections, managing stress, keeping up with recommended health screenings and continuing to challenge your mind can all contribute to overall well-being.

This year’s Healthy Aging® Month theme is “Curiosity Has No Age Limit”. It encourages adults to keep learning, exploring, connecting with others & embracing new experiences at every stage of life.

So this September, make your health a priority from the inside out. Schedule that overdue dental appointment, refresh your daily brushing and flossing routine, pay attention to changes in your mouth, and keep making choices that support your health for years to come!

After all, healthy aging isn’t about simply adding years to your life. It’s about making those years healthier, more active & more enjoyable, and that includes keeping your smile healthy along the way.