A post card from my dentist arrived in the mail yesterday. It is a good thing too because I tend to forget these very important dates. We all need a little memory jog to remind us of the importance of good dental health. A healthy mouth isn’t just about straight teeth and whitening strips now, but that doesn’t mean that good preventive care isn’t important.
The only difference now is that the emphasis is on healthy gums and keeping our own teeth. Dental Health is actually a rather new concept. Our grandparents didn’t receive dental care unless they had a really bad toothache, and I don’t believe that my father ever went to a dentist. I don’t think dental insurance existed back then and the cost of preventive dental care and braces were not even an option. With this kind of background it isn’t surprising to read that 95% of older people have gum disease and nearly half of them have dentures.
Dental care has come along way; not only is it pain free but technology has improved to the point where you can keep most of your own teeth if you are willing to make the effort. So, why are there still seniors who balk at the idea of going to the dentist unless it is an emergency situation?
- Without dental insurance the cost of even a routine visit is an out of pocket expense.
- Transportation to and from the dentist office may be a problem
- Older people may find the ability to care for their teeth difficult due to physical limitations
These can be tough obstacles to overcome, but it is worth the effort to look for inexpensive programs and products designed to make dental health care easier.
Dental care is important. The two major concerns are tooth decay and periodontal disease, both of which are preventable. A thirty minute visit to a dentist twice a year can improve your health immeasurably. An infection is an infection. Researchers have found that periodontal disease has a direct link to other diseases such as heart and respiratory infections.
Dental care is important and it only takes a few minutes twice a day to keep to your end of the bargain. Brush, floss and rinse a couple of times a day and get a routine dental exam twice of year. If you keep up with your end of the bargain it doesn’t have to be a costly or an uncomfortable experience.
Comments