Published on September 15, 2023
FRIDAY, Sept. 15, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Good oral health is one of the keys to healthy aging, but a sobering new study shows that many U.S. nursing home residents have significant dental issues.
Close to two in every 10 residents have missing teeth, about 8% have broken teeth/cavities and another 11% report pain while chewing, researchers found.
“Inadequate oral health has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the mouth, profoundly affecting one’s overall well-being, nutritional intake and general health,” said study author Dr. Natalia Chalmers, chief dental officer at the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in Baltimore.
“This interconnected relationship between oral health and overall health underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth,” Chalmers said.
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