Only 60 Percent of Seniors Visit the Dentist

Every senior should make time for routine dental care.

According to data from the CDC, many Americans are not getting their routine annual dental cleaning and exam. Not surprisingly, kids aged 2 to 17 are the most frequent visitors to the dentist in Eagle Rock CA, thanks to parental intervention. According to the CDC 82.3 percent of this age group visited the dentist in 2012.

Unfortunately, older Americans don’t have such a good record. In 2012, just 61.8 percent of adults aged 65 and older had visited the dentist in the past 12 months. And since we don’t know what kind of dental service they had, it’s entirely possible that even less than 61.8 percent of seniors got dental cleanings because this figure must surely include some visits for dental pain and restorative care.

These figures are disturbing because seniors have many special dental needs. Neglecting these needs can have serious consequences for seniors’ health and quality of life.

Consider the following:

• Nearly 25 percent of adults aged 65 to 75 have periodontal disease (gum disease), which is associated with chronic health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
• Many seniors are on medications that cause dry mouth, which makes them more susceptible to cavities
• About 30 percent of older adults lose their teeth, which can affect nutrition, speech, and socialization
• Nerves in teeth may become smaller and less sensitive with age, making it more difficult for seniors to tell they have a cavity or other problem requiring professional attention

So what is it that’s keeping seniors away from the dentist?

The number one reason seniors avoid the dentist is most likely cost. After having dental insurance through their employers for many years, seniors often don’t know what to do when they suddenly lose this coverage upon retirement. Unfortunately, dental coverage is not available through basic Medicare or through Obamacare at this time.

However, even without dental insurance, visiting the dentist in Eagle Rock CA can be very affordable. For example, right now new patients visiting California Dental Group can get their first dental cleaning for just $29.

It’s very important to bear in mind that skipping your preventative dental care hardly ever saves you money in the long run. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and exams is the single best way to manage tooth decay and gum disease. These two conditions can lead to serious, costly, and painful problems if not properly managed, so you can easily see that preventative dental care is an excellent investment.

If you do require a restorative dental procedure such as a filling, a crown, or even dental implants, California Dental Group can work with you to find an appropriate financing option.

Don’t postpone your dental care any longer! Call any one of our dental clinics now and make your appointment.