Word of Mouth

Updated February 2026

Time ticks on, and with each flip of the calendar, our bodies need more to stay healthy. Especially as your employees head into their 50s and 60s.
 

Oral health challenges that come with age

Oral disease is common among U.S. adults. In the age range of 45-64, 50% have gum disease and about 1 in 4 adults has untreated cavities, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups.

Dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay, is another common condition in older adults. However, it is not part of the aging process itself. It’s likely due to side effects of certain medications and dehydration.

Poor oral health is more than what’s going on in the mouth. It’s linked to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s. The significance of all three of these conditions only increases with age. And so does the significance of a good oral health routine.
 

Vision health challenges that come with age

Vision changes often begin in midlife. Nearly everyone over age 45 experiences presbyopia, making it harder to focus on close objects, and many adults in this age range notice changes in night vision, glare sensitivity and eye dryness. Conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts may also begin to develop during these years, often without early symptoms.

These changes aren’t just about eyesight. Untreated vision issues can affect work, driving and daily activities and may increase the risk of falls and eye strain. Regular eye exams during midlife are important for detecting changes early and protecting long-term vision and overall quality of life.
 

Maintaining a healthy oral care routine

Contrary to common belief, tooth loss isn't a result of the aging process. It's primarily the result of preventable oral disease. When you take care of your teeth throughout your life, you can help them last a lifetime.

Here are some tips to pass on to your older employees:

• Brush twice a day for 2 minutes.
• Floss daily and try interdental brushes or a water flosser.
• Drink water to stay hydrated and fight dry mouth.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to help control bacteria and plaque.
• Visit the dentist twice a year.
• Talk to both the dentist and primary care provider about the connection between oral health and overall health.

Keeping the eyes healthy with age

Changes in vision are common as we get older, but serious vision loss is not an inevitable part of aging. Many eye conditions can be managed or even prevented with regular care and healthy habits.

Here are some tips to pass on to your older employees:

• Get a comprehensive eye exam regularly.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Use proper lighting and take breaks from screens.
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can affect eye health.
• Eat a balanced diet that gives you complete nutrition, supporting eye health.
• Avoid smoking.
• Talk with an eye care professional about any changes in vision, eye discomfort or family history of eye disease.

Education is just as important

What’s equally important as the tips above is education on oral health and its connection to overall health.

That’s why Delta Dental commissioned a survey to explore how older Americans feel about the level of care they’ve given to their teeth; their understanding of oral health’s importance; barriers to oral care and the outcomes of not taking better care of their teeth.

The Senior Oral Health Report found that 80% of older adults do not visit the dentist as often as recommended, which means they’re missing out on valuable care and information on how their mouth affects the rest of their body.

What over half of older adults in the U.S. may not know:

• 64% of older Americans don’t know their dentist can tell if they might have cancer via oral exams.
• 61% don’t know gum swelling can be linked to diabetes, heart disease and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• 55% of older adults never discuss their overall health or share current medications with their dentist.
• 2 in 3 haven’t mentioned oral health’s connection to their overall health with their primary care physician.
  
  

Delta Dental is committed to providing older adults with consistent, quality access to oral health care, improving education and driving lasting policy changes to address systemic issues.

Help keep your employees healthy

Educate them early. Remind your employees of the importance of routine dental visits for long-term oral and overall health benefits.

Start by helping them find an in-network dentist near them.