Dental and oral (mouth) care is important for maintaining your oral health and overall well-being. As people age, they may have dental, mouth and throat changes that require attention and care.
Tips & Links
Dental care is important when you have a health condition because oral health can impact overall health, potentially affecting the management of chronic diseases and preventing complications like infections.
Learn More
- It is recommended to continue to see your dentist for regular check-ups, cleaning and detecting mouth (oral), gum, and throat problems as outlined by Healthlink BC.
- Learn about the different roles of the dentist, dental hygienist and dental assistance from the BC Dental Association.
- Learn about recommendations for dental care for seniors in Healthlink BC.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth at least 2x/ day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. If you have dentures, they should be cleaned regularly. Dentures should be removed at night to allow the gums to rest. Learn more about senior’s dental and oral health from the BC Dental Association.
Things You Can Do
- Ensure you inform your dentist or dental hygienist about any change in your health, recent surgery or treatments, and all medications, herbs, and supplements that you are taking.
- If you have had surgery within a year, ask your surgeon if you should be on antibiotics prior to any dental care.
- Ask your dentist if any of your medications or treatments can cause tooth or oral (mount) side effects or conditions.
- Know that staying hydrated is important as changes your health and medications can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth leading to dental problems and difficulty swallowing.
- Review your health benefits paid for by an employer or other. Inquire if you need to purchase dental care benefits or pay for dental services directly. Know that the BC medical services plan (MSP) only covers dental surgery that is completed in a hospital setting.
- Ensure you understand your dental costs, fees, and dental plans as described by the BC Dental Association.
- Know that persons on income assistance or who have disabilities may be eligible for supplementary benefits or dental benefits from the Government of BC.
- Know your patient rights to privacy and confidentiality and your right to personal boundaries.
Add your Dentist to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF found in My People. List their contact information and any questions you have. Save digital and print copies for easy access.