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Office of Health Promotion

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 Steps to Healthy Aging

• Be physically active

• Eat well

• Avoid tobacco use

• Get enough calcium

• Drink alcohol in moderation

• Take care of your teeth

• See a health care provider regularly

• Take medications properly

• Be social and get involved

 

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Take care of your teeth and visit a dentist regularly. Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging, but is caused by untreated mouth and gum disease.
  • 95% of cases of oral cancer occurs among people over 40 and the average age of diagnosis is 60 years.
     
  • Dry mouth contributes to increased risk for tooth decay. Over 400 different prescription drugs can cause dry mouth.
     
  • Replacement teeth, or dentures, only provide about 60% of the ability of real teeth to chew easily.
     
  • Regular check-ups allow your dentist to catch problems early. Taking care of these problems help you keep your teeth healthy. Stick to the schedule of visits your dentist recommend for you.
Information on affordable dentists in Washington:
Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging

Washington Association of Community & Migrant Health Centers

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor - Washington State Office of the Insurance Commission

Other oral health links:
Oral Health for Older Americans - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
 

Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.

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Washington State Department of Health

Office of Health Promotion

P.O. Box 47833
Olympia, Washington 98504-7833

360-236-3736    FAX: 360-664-4500
 

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Documents posted in .pdf version on the Department of Health Web site will be made available in an alternative format on request to users who are unable to download or view .pdf files on the Web. To request an alternative format contact the Office of Health Promotion at 360-236-3736.

Last Updated: 08/28/2007 08:54 AM