Dental Health and Dementia

What if I told you all signs point to a positive correlation between regular, effective dental care and reduced incidences of dementia? We would all be thrilled, believing our legislators would jump on the bandwagon to provide dental care for all.

In April 2025, The Open Dentistry Journal issued a report titled “How Does Oral Health Status Correlate with Cognitive Decline in Individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: An Umbrella Review.”   They report a “complex relationship between oral health and cognitive decline in dementia,” observing that poor oral health, including high levels of dental plaque, gingival bleeding, and periodontal disease, was often associated with worse cognitive outcomes. This, and many other studies, point to a correlation between poor oral health and dementia, although all admit additional research is needed.

You might think this information would positively impact the availability of good dental care, especially among the elderly. Surely Medicare ensures that most people 65 and over can afford dental care?

You would be incorrect.

Many seniors lose their dental benefits upon retirement. There are two types of Medicare for people sixty-five and over. Traditional Medicare, chosen by just under 50% of seniors, or 34 million, doesn’t cover routine dental services. Supplemental plans offered by insurance companies, selected by just over 50% of seniors, or 32.8 million, may have dental coverage; the benefits vary. This is a positive step in the right direction.

Medicaid, the public program in which people are required to qualify, does not universally provide dental care for adults. Coverage is up to the discretion of the states, and the types of coverage vary when available.

I do not know the exact answer, but it is evident that dental care costs are astronomically less than the expense of delivering dementia care.

Added Benefits of Oral Care

Providing oral care to adults, especially seniors, offers additional benefits beyond preventing or delaying dementia.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to various issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Losing a tooth can cause surrounding teeth to shift, and bacteria may accumulate under the gum line, resulting in further gum disease and loss of bone and tissue. Missing teeth also affects self-esteem and limits the types of food eaten.

Neglecting oral hygiene can also increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even certain cancers. Poor oral health has been linked to cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. I know from being a caregiver of my parents that unavoidable health problems take a toll on both the caregiver and their loved one. Avoiding severe dental issues can take one potential crisis off the caregiver’s plate.

Important Steps

• If you have the option of dental care coverage at work, take advantage of this benefit.
• For those on Medicaid or Medicare, check to see if dental coverage is available. If not, look for a stand-alone dental plan, and pay for it if at all possible.
• If your insurance requires an in-network provider for full coverage, ensure the dentist or other specialist, such as an endodontist, is in-network. (My husband and I just ran into this issue when he was evaluated for a special procedure.)
• Be an advocate. Contact your congressional representatives and advocate for universal dental coverage for all, including those on Medicaid and Medicare. Next year’s budgets are being established, and Medicare coverage by insurance companies is being worked on. Updated plans come out in October.

Conclusion

While findings vary on the effect of poor oral care, experts agree that seeing the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth is critical to overall health, including brain health. As a caregiver, taking your loved one in for regular dental care is essential, even if they object. When my dad had advanced dementia, they put him under anesthesia to clean his teeth. This is an option.

Consult your dental specialist to ensure everyone, including seniors, gets the necessary care. Advocate to legislators for coverage. Let’s not wait any longer to make dental health a priority for all.

Visit www.gracesmessage.com for more caregiver resources.