At Risette Dental Hygiene, we’re working to make smiles a little healthier across Langley. Why are we so passionate about dental cleaning for seniors? It’s no secret that oral health is related to overall health, especially for our senior Canadians. Changes occur throughout the body as we age, and the mouth is no exception.

Yet, for many seniors following a strict budget or for those who have retired and no longer have dental insurance, oral health can fall by the wayside. Regular checkups and teeth cleaning can offset huge problems linked to oral care, which is part of why the Canadian Government launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to make dental hygiene and care more affordable to all Canadians.

On May 1, 2024, coverage began for seniors 70 years and older. Canadians aged 65 to 69 can also now apply for the program online. Coverage will first extend to children under 18, then subsequently to eligible Canadians of all ages as the CDCP program continues.

The public oral healthcare insurance program will eventually cover one-quarter of Canadian residents who don’t have private dental plans. We know many seniors are excited to take advantage of the program, especially if it has been many years since they had their teeth professionally cleaned.

Risette is proud to be one of the over 6,500 oral healthcare providers who have signed up so far for the CDCP. We understand that many dental offices have opted out of accepting CDCP coverage, so we are able to step in to provide this service if your current dental office is not participating.

For seniors, poor oral health can compound with other health considerations. Regular dental checkups are vital to ensure overall health. Research has shown that poor oral health is associated with increased risk of heart disease, and may be linked to risks of arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimers, and other systemic diseases. Oral infections can lead to trouble by spreading elsewhere in the body – for example, an infection in the mouth can spread to the lungs, leading to pneumonia, or to the heart causing endocarditis. Even a simple condition like dry mouth, caused by medication or aging, can exacerbate tooth decay and oral infections, making eating and achieving proper nutrition difficult.

Oral health is an easy way to improve senior health. At Risette, every dental cleaning appointment include a thorough assessment. Our dental hygienists are able to:

• Take medical and dental history
• Perform a dental and perio assessment – teeth and gums
• Assess the bite – occlusion, TMJ joints and soft tissues
• Take an oral cancer assessment – risk management and visual and VELscope® screening

We’ll flag any potential issues for follow-up with a dentist when necessary and can refer to great local dentists if you need treatment.

Maintaining regular dental health routines can help older adults detect and treat instances of certain illnesses. Day-to-day tips seniors can follow for better oral health include:

• Brushing twice daily (an electric toothbrush is recommended)
• Flossing once daily
• Clean dentures every day and removing them overnight
• Reduce habits like smoking/tobacco use and alcohol
• Enjoy a nutritious, well-balanced, and a varied diet

Book Dental Cleaning for Seniors in Langley

At Risette, our hygienists examine your mouth to screen for any problems that may need referrals, such as cavities, receding gum lines or oral cancer. We will then perform a thorough teeth cleaning. Don’t put off oral health care – Almost 1 in 5 adult Canadians have dental issues and don’t know it!

Call 778-807-9631 to make an appointment or book online!