November 2024 | Why Weekly Oral Care Should Be the Standard for Dependent Adults

In care communities, such as assisted living and memory care facilities, standard dental recommendations don’t always meet the needs of dependent adults. Many face challenges like limited mobility or cognitive decline that make daily oral care difficult, increasing their risk for serious issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. At SOS ~ Senior Oralhealth Services, we believe weekly preventive care on-site is the right approach for these residents, and we’re working to make it the new standard.

The twice-a-year dental visit rule was created decades ago as a general guide, but it doesn’t account for the needs of dependent adults. For seniors in care facilities, standard dental visits are often hard to manage, meaning they often go without consistent oral care, which puts them at risk for infections and other health problems.