700,000 Funding For Oral Health Care In Older People

Older people in Wales look set to take advantage of a £700,000 investment in oral health care, intended to improve access to dental services for disabled or ill individuals, and those in care homes. If you’re approaching your twilight years and are concerned about your own oral health, make sure you make regular appointments with your dentist in Manchester or elsewhere.

Unveiled by deputy health minister Vaughan Gething, £320,000 of the money will be used to help people living in care homes, Wales Online reports, while health boards will be given £370,000 to assist those with complex medical conditions or disabilities.

Observing that the investment is being targeted at the most vulnerable people who may not be able to access conventional dental services, Mr Gething remarked: “With this funding, we will improve access to special care dentistry services across Wales and ensure there is a consistent approach to dental healthcare for people in care homes.”

Care homes will now be required to implement a mouth care policy and have one oral care champion in residence who will be responsible for promoting best practice, with all residents given an oral risk assessment by qualified care home staff members within the first week of moving in.

Old age can bring with a variety of dental problems, including darkened teeth, root decay, dry mouth, gum disease and tooth loss. It makes sense to be as prepared as possible for getting older and making regular appointments with a qualified dentist from the outset is the best way to ensure your teeth age well with you.