John B. Breaux: “the oral health of older Americans is in a state of decay. Millions of vulnerable seniors are unable to access the oral…”

“the oral health of older Americans is in a state of decay. Millions of vulnerable seniors are unable to access the oral health care they need, suffer needlessly, and ultimately require costly and invasive treatments that unnecessarily burden our troubled health care system. Good oral health care should begin at birth as part of overall health care. This important component of health care should not--and cannot-- end at retirement. Proper dental care must be a lifetime commitment. Unfortunately, for far too many older Americans, oral health care is a luxury. Too many of our ``greatest generation'' suffer from chronic oral pain and disease, severely limiting regular activities of daily living and impeding their independence. Neglect of oral health may result in the deterioration of overall physical health. Lack of access to care for even routine dental cleanings and exams can exacerbate serious and complicated overall health problems that increase with age. Limited access to oral health care poses one of the greatest crises for the health and well being of America's elderly. Not one older American receives routine dental care under Medicare. Medigap, used by some older Americans as a supplemental insurance to Medicare, is an expensive cavity when it comes to dental coverage. Less than 20 percent of Americans 75 and older have any form of private dental insurance.”