Oral Health in Old Age
As we age, it is more important than ever, to be aware of the importance of our oral health. Regular dental care is especially important for older adults, who are at higher risk for numerous oral conditions and diseases because of age-related changes including use of various medications, and underlying chronic diseases. Oral diseases and related conditions can negatively impact the quality of life among older adults . However, regular dental visits allow dental health professionals to provide preventive services, early diagnosis, and treatment. This regular care can greatly enhance the quality of life and health for older adults. Older adults who do not receive regular care can be at increased risk for serious oral diseases. Thus, annual oral examinations are recommended for all adults, especially those 55 years or over. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends annual oral examinations for persons 40 and over.
Even older adults who have lost teeth or had them removed still need to maintain a clean mouth. If you have bridges or dentures they must be kept clean to prevent gum disease. Changes in physical health or weight loss may affect the fit of your dentures. To insure proper fit, they will need to be adjusted and relined, by your dental professional, as necessary. These adjustments will also help to prevent red, swollen, or tender gums.
As long as you keep your teeth, you will also be at risk for tooth decay. Tooth decay, is an infectious disease which damages the structures of tooth. If it is untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss and in extreme cases, death.
It is also important to monitor the health of your gums. If you have kept your teeth this far in life, you probably want to keep them the rest of the way. One of the best ways to keep your teeth, is to have healthy gums.
Traditional dental insurance is a good way for senior citizens to get the regular dental care required to maintain their oral health. The problem with traditional dental insurance is that it is usually provided as an employee or group benefit. Therefor, retired persons are less likely to be covered by a dental insurance plan. In most cases, Medicare does not cover dental care services , and only a few states provide adult dental coverage under their Medicaid programs.
One solution to this access problem is non-insurance dental discount plans. The plans are affordably priced and have very few restrictions. They offer 25-80% discounts, with no deductables, no claim forms, no limits on the number of visits to your provider dentist. All pre-existing conditions are covered, with the exception of orthodontic treatments already in progress. With the baby boom generation rapidly approaching retirement age, these plans are gaining in popularity.
Tooth loss is not an inevitable factor of aging. Providing oral health and quality of life among older adults living in the United States will continue to be a challenge in the years to come.
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