Approximately 75 percent of Americans have dental insurance. However, since many seniors are no longer working and aren’t receiving dental benefits through their employers, many find that they can no longer afford proper oral care. But dental care is important at any age, especially for seniors. If you’re no longer covered by your employer’s insurance, there is another option for getting the dental care you need: a membership plan. Read on to learn how one can benefit you.
Medicare Doesn’t Always Cover Dentistry
For the millions of people who are over the age of 65, Medicare provides some, if not all, of their health coverage. However, Medicare covers hardly anything when it comes to dental care unless the issue is part of an emergency procedure or an ongoing medical issue. The problem with this is that dental health is directly related to medical health. Poor oral health has been linked to many serious ailments, including diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. After all, the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. Without any dental care, the rest of your health can suffer!
Seniors Are at Increased Risk for Dental Issues
Seniors have unique needs when it comes to oral health. While dental issues can affect people of any age, having many years of eating, drinking, and stress under your belt will ultimately affect your smile. Seniors are at an increased risk for tooth loss. People over the age of 64 have an average of only 19 teeth. Seniors also often suffer from dry mouth thanks to additional prescription medication to treat health conditions. Lack of mobility can limit oral hygiene practices. Ultimately, there is a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and many other dental problems.
Dental Membership Plans Are an Excellent Alternative to Insurance
Dental membership plans are a popular alternative to dental insurance because they offer significant savings on dental care for patients. Plans usually include your two professional cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, x-rays, and an emergency exam each year. This doesn’t even include the substantial discounts on in-house dental procedures, like dental fillings. By investing in a membership plan, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time when it comes to the cost of your oral healthcare. Keeping your smile healthy shouldn’t mean breaking the bank.
Retiring doesn’t have to require that you need to give up your dental visits. If you don’t have insurance anymore, talk to your dental team to find out if a dental membership plan is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Dennis E. Stansbury is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than four decades! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. He is a certified provider of oral conscious sedation and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and American College of Dentists. For more information on dental membership plans or to schedule an appointment at his office in Tyler, visit his website or call (903) 561-1122.