Age comes with knowledge, wrinkles, and a whole lot of… dental problems that younger people don’t have to think about.
Fact is dental care services only become more important the older we get. However, many seniors don’t go to the dentist and don’t receive treatment. Unfortunately, this is an issue that affects millions of seniors.
As per recent CDC data, just 63.7% of adults 65 and over reported seeing a dentist in the past 12 months. That’s over one-third of seniors going without dental care!
Why does that matter?
Because good dental care is good health care. There is a strong link between oral hygiene and many systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. Skipping dental care isn’t just going to make your teeth fall out… It will also lower your overall quality of life.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Senior Dental Challenges
- The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
- Understanding Dental Insurance & Medicare
- Choosing the Right Dental Provider
- Preventive Care Tips for Seniors
Seniors Face Unique Dental Health Challenges
Dental health looks a lot different in our older years than it does when we’re younger.
Changes happen in the mouth as we age. The gums recede, exposing sensitive roots that are more prone to decay. Saliva production often diminishes leading to dry mouth. And a side effect of a lot of medications is gum inflammation and oral health issues.
On top of these normal changes, age and medications lead to other problems. That’s why scheduling a dentist appointment for dental care services becomes essential for maintaining health and independence as we get older.
Did you know about 25% of seniors over 65 have lost all of their natural teeth? Complete tooth loss isn’t just a chewing issue — it also impacts speaking, facial structure, and self-esteem.
Thankfully most of these issues are preventable with good dental care services.
See also: Testing for Food Sensitivity: How It Can Help Improve Your Health
Regular Checkups Become More Important After 65
If you skip this section I will hurt you later.
Dental visits are more than brushing our teeth up nice and clean. For seniors, the dentist office becomes a critical place to catch health problems early.
Visiting your dentist can identify:
- Oral cancer (prevalence increases with age)
- Gum disease (which could lead to tooth loss)
- Bone density problems (jawbone can deteriorate)
- Side effects from medication (some affect teeth)
Think of dental visits like an oil change for your car. Avoid them for long enough and the engine inevitably goes kaput.
Most dentists will recommend senior patients every 6 months. However, for patients with medical conditions or high-risk factors, 3 month visits are advisable.
Dental Insurance for Seniors Gets Complicated
Hold on to your hats.
Regular dental insurance like Medigap or traditional Medicare does not cover dental care! Yes, you heard me right — the health insurance seniors depend on does not cover even cleanings or fillings.
What are our options then?
Well, there are some plans. Medicare Advantage is a newer type of Medicare coverage with options that sometimes include dental. Benefits can range from only preventative care to more expansive services.
Private dental insurance options are available specifically for senior citizens. These usually cover preventative care 100% and include a percentage of the cost for larger procedures like crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.
Discount dental plans are not insurance but offer 10-60% discounts at certain practices. These are a good option for seniors who need regular care but don’t qualify for or can’t afford private dental insurance.
The key is knowing what each plan offers before you sign up. Boring, I know… But nobody wants surprises when the bill arrives.
How to Find the Right Dental Provider
Choosing a dentist is not the same for seniors as it is for younger patients.
We need to find dentists who have special training or experience with seniors. We want a dentist who knows how to help us stay independent and address our senior specific issues.
So what makes a good dental provider for seniors?
They should have an office that is easy to get to. Wheelchair ramps, handicap parking, and staff to help patients in need should all be offered.
The way they talk to you matters too. Great dentists take time to explain what they’re doing and discuss treatment and alternatives. You should be included in decision-making.
Other helpful services are flexibility with scheduling, transportation programs, payment plans for costly procedures, and care coordination with other doctors.
Finding the right practice takes some time… But once you find a good dentist, you have found gold!
Preventive Care Tips: How to Avoid Dental Problems
Prevention is always better than the cure.
Aging gracefully means we need to set good preventive habits in place early. The daily routine will pay off big time in avoiding painful, costly dental problems later.
Begin with the basics:
Brush twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once per day. There are even electric toothbrushes which make brushing easier if arthritis or dexterity is an issue.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help with the common senior issue of dry mouth. Saliva is our mouth’s natural defense against decay so let’s keep the flow going.
Don’t underestimate diet.
Cut back on sugary snacks/drinks. Acidic drinks and sugar both erode tooth enamel. Crunchy fruits/vegetables are great for stimulating saliva flow and provide vitamins for healthy gums.
Cleaning and maintenance of dentures/partial plates is also critical. Avoid infection and ensure a good fit by cleaning them daily and following your dentist’s advice. Routine cleanings also prevent tartar that brushing can’t remove.
The Surprising Link Between Oral Health & Overall Wellness
Say what?
Poor oral hygiene does not just impact the mouth. Bacteria from our mouths can enter the bloodstream and impact overall health.
Research links periodontal (gum) disease to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and even worsening diabetes. We already know seniors are more likely to have these issues. That is why good dental hygiene becomes more important.
We also can’t ignore the social/emotional impacts of poor oral health. Missing teeth and chronic bad breath cause embarrassment and lead to isolation. Seniors are more likely to withdraw from activities or not smile as often because of these issues.
Dental care services are not vanity healthcare… They are a critical part of seniors’ overall health, nutrition, and quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Dental care services for seniors should be taken seriously and integrated into the overall approach to health and wellness.
The difficulties are very real. Coverage can be limited, incomes are often fixed, we have more mobility issues, and it can be challenging to find the right dentists. But these challenges are not insurmountable.
By understanding senior dental health challenges, researching all insurance and payment options, and finding dentists with experience in senior health we can all keep our smiles healthy and smiling for longer.
It’s not vanity to want a good-looking smile. Dentists and services are out there that can help older adults feel confident and take care of the needs that go along with aging.
Remember: oral health impacts overall health, nutrition, social well-being, and life quality. Dental care is essential and should be prioritized before more complex and painful issues arise.
Take one step today. That can be setting a long overdue dentist appointment, researching dental insurance plans, or just committing to better daily habits. Because you deserve to age with health, happiness, and a smile you aren’t afraid to show off!
