Oral health is critically important to our overall well-being from the time our first teeth emerge—and for older adults, the need for dental care is more important than ever.

Kelly Shepard, a registered dental hygienist with Home Helpers Kansas City West, is eager to share her expertise about senior dental care. To schedule a free presentation for your organization or living group, call 913-601-9068 or e-mail Kelley@homehelpers.biz.

Her presentation topics include:

• What can cause or contribute to tooth decay in an older adult
  
• Common signs of dental disease
  
• Health conditions that can make brushing or flossing difficult
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Other possible side effects of drugs on oral health
  
• The daily oral hygiene routine
  
• Dentures
  
• Nutrition
  
• Tobacco use and tooth decay
  
• Regular eating
  
• Oral cancer
  
• Oral health care for cancer patients

If you are a senior on a limited or fixed income and have a dental emergency, contact your nearest Multi-Service Center, part of the Johnson County Human Services Outreach Program. Staff can assess whether you are eligible for dental assistance through a local program called Kansas City's Medicine Cabinet or through other community partnerships.

To learn the address and phone number of your Multi-Service Center, call 913-715-8800.