DENTAL INSURANCE POST-RETIREMENT

Many people have dental insurance through their jobs but once they retire, they lose those benefits.

Medicare and the Affordable Care Act don’t offer dental care and even the most simple dental plans are

extremely costly.

 

With over 10,000 people retiring every day, this means that over 70% of retired baby boomers have no

dental health care! Not keeping up with your oral care can lead to a lot of opportunity for not only dental

problems, but physical illnesses too. Your oral health has a lot to do with

your physical health and when you don’t take care of your mouth, it can lead

to many diseases. So it’s very important to maintain your oral health after

retirement even if you don’t have dental insurance.
You’ve (hopefully!) been getting regular cleanings most of your life and been

taking good care of your oral health. You have most, if not, all of your own teeth. You should keep up with

your oral health after retirement since your teeth are still in their best condition. Regular 3 and 6 month

cleanings and maintenance appointments help avoid serious oral health problems and can also find and

treat potential problems earlier. This can save you from needing implants, root canal or even oral surgery.

A small cavity filling is much easier and less expensive than more invasive procedures!

 

CHEWING AIDS IN DIGESTION

Did you know that 40% of your digestion occurs in your mouth from chewing? How can you properly chew

and digest your food if you’re missing teeth or in pain? Plus, losing teeth also affects your self-confidence.

You smile and even socialize less when you’re self-conscious of your mouth or appearance. Hiding away

from social opportunities can make you feel isolated and depressed.

 

HEALTHY TEETH. HEALTHY MOUTH. HEALTHY BODY.

Getting regular cleanings has a positive impact on your overall health when gum disease or infection is

treated early and not allowed to worsen. Bacteria are present in everyone’s mouth and when it’s given the

chance to fester and grow below your gum line, that’s the start of gum disease. Even if you brush and floss

twice daily, you can’t reach the bacteria below that gum line but your hygienist can and that’s what is done

at your cleanings. That infection can continue to grow, eating away at your bone, and causing really bad

breath. That’s not even the worst things that can happen, although they sound pretty bad! This bacterium

significantly increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even erectile dysfunction. Recent

studies have even shown a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Most people don’t

realize the effect the health of their teeth has on the rest of their body.

 

HOW DO I PAY FOR DENTAL CARE AFTER I RETIRE?

 

So you know why it’s so important to keep your teeth healthy and your gums in the pink but you’re

wondering how you can afford it without insurance. Many dentists will allow you to make monthly

payments to cover the cost of your cleanings and maintenance appointments. Call your doctor and ask if

they’ll work with you. Be sure to do this before you schedule your appointment so the arrangements are in

place at the time of your cleaning. Some dentists also offer treatment priced on a sliding scale, meaning

they will adjust their rates to your income. Ask if your dentist does this.

 

 

OTHER POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE WITH DENTAL COSTS

 

1. The American Dental Association provides a helpful map that shows all of the free and low cost

2. dental treatment programs within each state. This includes dental school clinics, dental care access programs, dental clinics and organizations devoted to helping people access affordable dental care.

3. There are organizations that can help you find a dental clinic or affordable care like the United Way, a community-based coalition of charitable organizations.

4. Try the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the nation’s primary resource for uninsured citizens or those who are at high risk of developing health problems if they don’t get medical/dental care ASAP.

5. Dentistry From The Heart arranges free dental care events, during which dentists donate their time to provide dental treatment to those who can’t otherwise afford it.

6. Mission of Mercy offers free dental treatment to those who do not have enough dental insurance coverage.

 

 

 

However you can, the most important thing is to keep up with your cleanings and maintenance. By doing

so you may avoid many health issues with both your oral and physical health!

Remember: Healthy Mouth. Healthy Smile. Healthy Body.

 

Your health matters to us. If you have any questions concerning this post, call us at (248) 357-3100 today.

We’re always happy to hear from our awesome patients!

 

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or

treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding

medical conditions or dental insurance.