You’re loving everything about retirement so far, but there’s just one problem – you didn’t get to keep your employer-provided insurance. Medicare can help you afford your general healthcare expenses, but it tends to not offer much dental coverage. Although this may not seem like a big deal, oral health problems can lead to overall medical conditions. So, how can you maintain a healthy mouth without dental insurance? With an in-house dental savings plan! Here’s why a dental membership plan is the perfect way to make dental care affordable for seniors.
How Oral Health Changes with Age
Gray hair and wrinkles are far from the only changes that occur as a person grows older. People of advanced age have a higher risk for a particular set of oral health concerns, including:
- Worn-down tooth enamel – After decades of pressure from chewing, grinding, and other factors, the protective outer layer of the teeth begins to wear down. Since enamel doesn’t grow back, you’re more likely to experience tooth sensitivity, cavities, and discoloration.
- Tooth loss – While most adults have 32 permanent teeth, the average patient over the age of 65 only has 19 teeth, and more than a fourth of them are missing all of their natural teeth! Tooth loss isn’t necessarily inevitable with age, but factors like damaged teeth, bad habits, and gum disease can increase the risk.
- Gum disease – Mobility issues become more common as a person ages, which might make daily brushing and flossing difficult. Inadequate oral hygiene can cause plaque buildup that leads to gum disease. Not only can gum disease contribute to tooth loss, but it has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and a host of other general health problems.
As you can see, dental care for seniors is more important than you might have thought!
An In-House Dental Membership Plan Can Keep Your Smile Healthy
Medicare provides decent coverage for general healthcare costs, but not so much for dental care. The plans they do offer come with annual maximums, deductibles, and many other confusing terms. Luckily, an in-house dental savings plan simplifies the process of getting care.
Like traditional insurance, these plans work by paying a monthly (or yearly) fee to your dentist’s office. They also tend to cover similar treatments, like preventive exams and cleanings. However, in-house plans can only be used at a specific practice. They also provide discounts on multiple treatments that insurance won’t cover, including cosmetic services and dental implants. Better yet, you won’t need to worry about unfamiliar terminology, annoying restrictions, or any of the red tape that comes with insurance.
No matter your age, maintaining a healthy smile is essential for your overall well-being and quality of life. To make the care you need affordable, ask your dentist about their in-house membership plan today!
About the Authors
Dr. Robert C. Fromuth and Dr. Steven L. Langlois pride themselves on treating each of their patients like a member of their own families with their clinical expertise and gentle chairside manner. They also aim to make dental care affordable for patients of all ages. To that end, Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester has their own in-house membership plan designed to make high-end care accessible. To learn more about how you can start saving today, contact Dr. Fromuth and Dr. Langlois at 603-644-3368.