Page 10 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Page 10 Senior Times - April 2023
HEALTHY AGING INCLUDES A HEALTHY MOUTH
By: Helen Guzzo, LMSW, Manager, Calhoun County Senior Services
Healthy aging is not just limited to phys- ical health, it also includes oral health. Believe it or not, oral health has been directly linked to physical health. Good oral hygiene has been proven to produce healthier gums, which reduces risk of gum disease, reduced risk of heart attack, results in health- ier lungs, lowered chance of diabetes, and decreased cancer risk. To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association rec- ommends brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, limiting sugar intake, and seeing a dentist regularly.
of Dr. Dave Heidenreich who serves as the Dental Director for the Fountain Clinic's Dental Partnership as well as the Senior Millage Dental Program, and other dentists in the community who accept a reduced rate for payment of services for dental patients in the dental assistance programs.
My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) are located across the entire state of Michigan, including one in Battle Creek.
My Community Dental Centers provide den- tal care for those of all ages without dental insurance or access to adequate oral care. MCDC offers a variety of services such as preventative, restorative, and emergency den- tal care.
For adults 65 and older, seeing a dentist regularly can be a challenge, as Medicare does not cover dental insurance. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that only 29% of adults aged 65 and over had dental insurance. This percentage steadily declines with age as only 19% of adults 85 and over were insured. People of color and those with a full set of dentures were also less likely to be insured. Due to being uninsured, many seniors may forego dental care all together as it can be a hefty out of pocket expense.
Calhoun County residents, age 60 and over, qualify for the Senior Millage funded Dental Assistance program, which pays for restorative services including fillings, tooth extraction, and dentures. The Fountain Clinic provides the intake for older adults and pro- vides dental services in the Marshall area and refers to Grace Health who has dental clinics in Battle Creek and Albion, or to My Community Dental Clinic (MCDC) also located in Battle Creek.
The Fountain Clinic in Marshall received a thank you note from an older man who had given up smiling because of the condition
of his teeth and renewed his love with his wife after treatment when he started smil- ing again, he said his smile made her blush again. Another success story was a 61-year- old female who had not had any dental work done in several years due to lack of access. Through the Senior Millage funded dental program, the Fountain Clinic was able to restore her smile by filling in her front teeth and repairing her back teeth so she could eat better. She was very grateful for the work that was done, and staff noticed a marked difference in her self-confidence when she returned for her six-month cleaning. If you or a loved one is putting off dental work because of cost, call the Fountain Clinic at (269) 781-0952 for more information.
To bridge this gap in dental care, Calhoun County has a dental partnership coordinated by the Fountain Clinic in Marshall. In 2022, the Fountain Clinic provided 720 dental cleanings and screenings with their $5 ser- vice to low income and uninsured patients. Extractions and fillings are also provided for a $25 charge per tooth for those who qualify for the Dental Partnership Program for peo- ple of all ages. The Dental Partnership is suc- cessful because of the generous leadership
Calhoun County residents, age 60 and over with a monthly income below $3,038 who do not have dental insurance may qualify for dental care with funding from Senior Millage.
In 2022, the Fountain Clinic reported serving 286 older adults through the Senior Millage-funded dental program. Call the Fountain Clinic at (269) 781-0952 for more information.
Helen Guzzo, LMSW, is the Manager
of Calhoun County Senior Services, which funds services for Calhoun County residents aged 60 and over with Senior Millage tax dollars. To learn more, call (269) 781-0846. Mary Jo Byrne is the Executive Director of the Fountain Clinic and a member of the Calhoun County Public Health Department Board. Contact the Fountain Clinic at
(269) 781-0952.
HEROES HEALTHCARE
FACILITY FEATURES:
Rehab to Home
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services Long-Term Skilled Nursing
Respite Care
Admissions 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a week Private Rooms Available
Cable and Wi-Fi
111 EVERGREEN ROAD, SPRINGFIELD, MI 49037
of
269-969-6110 | www.evergreenscc.com
THE
STAFF AT EVERGREEN ARE THE
2023 Calhoun County Senior Expo
May 18, 2023 9:00am to 1:00pm
Kellogg Arena
40 W. Hamblin Ave, Downtown Battle Creek
A Free event featuring local businesses and services of special interest to older adults, age 60 and over, their families and caregivers.
Free Rides within Calhoun County provided by
Community Action: Call 1-800-994-9876
Grace Health offers dental assistance to low income and uninsured patients. Grace Health dental services include exams, clean- ings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, and more. Nitrous oxide can also be provided to those who may have anxiety when it comes to dental work and for more complicated dental cases.
* Free parking in parking garage * Demonstrations
* Interactive displays
* Free lunch * Wheelchairs available
* Free coffee & donuts
* Free Vaccinations & Health Checks * Give-a-ways & raffle
Generously sponsored by:
For details call 269-781-0846