One of the best options to manage the financial implications of dental care for a senior is to consider signing up for the best discount dental plans for senior citizens. A low monthly amount can save in the region of fifty percent if not more on dental appointments with guaranteed acceptance, with no waiting period or limitations on the number of dental visits allowed each year.
One of the most common problems encountered when it comes to senior oral health is dry mouth. Dry mouth may be caused by certain prescription medications. Saliva is essential to protect the teeth. The alkaline saliva helps to fight acids found in what we eat and drink, helping to protect the teeth. When there is a limited amount of saliva or no saliva, the teeth fall prey to dangerous acids and more in the mouth, which can result in cavities, decay and tooth pain.
Another of the very common problems found in seniors when it comes to their dental health is root decay. This may be a result of not attending routine dental appointments or not following a good oral health routine at home. Root decay can be a serious problem which will result in detailed treatments, such as root canal or even tooth extraction, depending how bad the decay is. The problem is that many seniors today live with the pain as they cannot afford the cost of dentistry. With the best discount dental plans for senior citizens, they are able to address tooth decay issues before they become more serious, by reducing the cost of their dental treatment considerably.
Gum disease is a serious problem within the elderly community and something that would be picked up quickly in routine dental checkups. Gum disease occurs in patients with natural teeth and dentures. Don’t be fooled, having dentures still means you are also in a high percentage bracket to get gum disease. Periodontal disease is the biggest concern, a bacterial disease which causes inflammation and can spread to other organs in the body.
Tooth loss is another big concern within the elderly community throughout the world. Poor oral hygiene, ignoring tooth sensitivity and more can result in tooth loss. With tooth loss comes bone degeneration. It is imperative that steps are taken to preserve the seniors’ natural teeth. This is done through a good oral health routine at home and regular dental checkups, which can be affordable with the assistance of the best discount dental plans for senior citizens.
A big concern within the elderly when it comes to oral health is poor overall oral health. This can be due to anything from the loss of fine motor skills to dementia, or simply forgetting to brush and floss. Those who are struggling with arthritis in their hands and fingers may find that brushing and flossing is a painful experience, therefore they don’t do a proper job. This is why routine dental checks ups are so important, helping the senior population preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible while maintaining an excellent level of overall oral health.
