A healthy mouth for a lifetime

Older adults

Older adults in the United States are living longer and retaining more of their natural teeth than ever before. In fact, the Kaiser Family Foundation reports just 14.4 percent of Wisconsin adults had all their natural teeth extracted, compared to 18.5 percent of all U.S. adults. Healthy at-home oral health habits, smart diet and lifestyle choices and regular dental care help teeth last a lifetime.

Dental home care needs change when people reach their 60s. Patients must use products with fluoride to harden teeth, such as mouthwashes, toothpaste and application of fluoride in a dental office. Teeth with crowns and fillings are especially susceptible to decay.

Regular visits to the dentist are important to help evaluate problems that medications may create in your mouth, develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique dental needs and assist you and your caregivers in maintaining your oral health.

Tell your dentist about all medications you are taking, both prescriptions, herbal and over-the-counter, as they can affect dental treatment.

The American Dental Association’s OralLongevity™ initiative addresses the oral health needs of older adults and supports dental professionals as they work to provide the best care for older Americans. MORE>>



Smile Contest winners dazzle judges
More than 100 youngsters, newborn to 16 years old, displayed their pearly whites at the 23rd annual Wisconsin Dental Association Smile Contest on Aug. 13 at the Wisconsin State Fair presented by U.S. Cellular.

First, second and third-place prizes were awarded in seven age categories and a “tin grin” competition for those wearing braces. All contestants received a collection of personal oral health care products and educational items made possible through generous donations and financial support from D&S Dental Lab Inc., Patterson Dental Supply, Procter & Gamble/Crest, Saber Dental Studio, WDA Insurance & Services Corp., WDA Foundation and the WDA. Click here for a photo gallery and see this year's winners.

 

Mission of Mercy
New on WDA.org is a video of the 2010 WDA Mission of Mercy event in Sheboygan featuring interviews with volunteers and patients about their experiences.
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WDA Smile Contest winners dazzle judges at State Fair
WEST ALLIS, WIS., Aug. 16, 2010 – More than 100 youngsters, newborn to 16 years old, displayed their pearly whites at the 23rd annual Wisconsin Dental Association Smile Contest on Aug. 13 at the Wisconsin State Fair presented by U.S. Cellular.
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WDA Foundation seeking Board of Directors nominees
The WDA Foundation is seeking nominations to fill one empty seat on its Board of Directors. Candidates must be located in Southwest Region 5 and can nominate themselves or a colleague by Sept. 30.
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Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence in the Dental Office: A Practical Approach to Help Your Patients Quit
A 2.5-credit CE program on smoking cessation designed to help you to help your patients quit using tobacco. Open to all dental office staff. This program is being offered in five locations across Wisconsin.
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Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence in the Dental Office: A Practical Approach to Help Your Patients Quit
A 2.5-credit CE program on smoking cessation designed to help you to help your patients quit using tobacco. Open to all dental office staff. This program is being offered in five locations across Wisconsin.
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Events and CE offerings
See a list of upcoming dental-related CE offerings sponsored by other organizations.
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