Editor's Note: The information below from the National Museum of Dentistry was originally posted in Oct. 2010. But the museum forwarded it again to RDH eVillage after reading an article by Jane Weiner, RDH, "Not like old times," in the December 2010 issue of RDH magazine. To view Ms. Weiner's article, click here.
Discover the power of a healthy smile with an informative and entertaining look at the unique oral health issues of older adults. Get MouthPower is a compelling new web resource for seniors 50 and older to learn about oral health issues specific to their age group. Created by the National Museum of Dentistry with the support of Colgate-Palmolive, this user-friendly, interactive web site includes comprehensive and quality oral health information that can be used as a personal health resource or shared with family and friends with easy-to-use online sharing tools.
Get MouthPower includes informative oral health tips for adults 50+, including an exploration of how the adult mouth is changing and what to do about it, a special look at unique nutritional issues as we age, and an exploration
of the connection between the mouth and the body. Sprinkled throughout the site is fascinating trivia about
historic objects from the National Museum of Dentistry’s collection, such as the real story behind George
Washington’s “wooden” teeth.
The unique oral health issues of older adults is quickly becoming a priority as the U.S. population 65 and over is
anticipated to increase from 40 million in 2010 to 55 million in 2020 (a 36% jump), according to the U.S. Administration on Aging. People are also living longer, averaging 18 years after age 65.
“We want this growing segment of the population to become more aware of their health needs and the
importance of good oral health,” said National Museum of Dentistry Executive Director Jonathan Landers. “Get MouthPower is an engaging resource for older adults to learn about changing oral health issues and options specific to their age group. The more you know, the healthier and happier your golden years will be.”
The web resource covers four main topical areas:
Your Sparkling Smile: A great smile is possible at any age. Oral health tips will help older adults keep their smiles in top condition, including how to address emerging mobility and dexterity issues how to care for implants and dentures, and how to be prepared for dental visits.
About Your Mouth: Our mouth is constantly changing as we age, including changes in tooth color and enamel, gum tissue, and sensation. Find out what's going on and what can be done about tooth loss, dry mouth, and more. Plus, take a risk assessment for oral cancer.
Fit to Eat: Nutritional needs change at every stage of life. Check out these food tips to boost health, including a calculator to measure daily calcium intake and an entertaining nutritional boxing bout between your favorite foods.
The Mouth/Body Connection: Your mouth and body are interconnected. Learn about the connection between oral and health and overall health, and how periodontitis can affect heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Interactive Timeline: An interactive oral health timeline that shows how a dentist to the visit has changed over the years, how dentistry has influenced pop culture, how toothbrushes and concoctions for a sparkling smile have evolved through the ages, and who are some famous and infamous dentists.
Get MouthPower was created by the National Museum of Dentistry. It was made possible by the generous support of Colgate-Palmolive.
