You’ve worked for it. You deserve it. You have great plans for it. Retirement can be a great time in your life. It can also have unexpected surprises if you haven’t planned for it. For example, in an article by Kimberly Blanton* of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College from March 2017, a majority of working baby boomers aren’t aware of the fact that Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care. Citing a study conducted by Richard J. Manski, DDS, MBS, PhD et al., published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, she states that uninsured seniors pay about $1,126 on average each year for dental work. So why should you get your dental work done before you retire?
Here are three reasons
Dental Health is linked to your Overall Health
The evidence keeps growing that a personal dental health is linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Your mouth is full of bacteria. Some if it is good. But some of these bacteria can cause disease. Normally the body, aided by good dental care, brushing and flossing, keeps things in balance. But when bacteria overwhelms the body’s system, such as in the case of periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and its associated inflammation may play a role in these other diseases. The time to make sure your oral health is in top condition is before you retire.
Dental Insurance
As mentioned, dental insurance isn’t provided under Medicare. It is available in supplement plans but many people just aren’t aware. While you are still covered by dental health plans, take advantage of them to assure your dental health is optimal before retirement. Have you thought about an implant for that missing tooth or cosmetic dental treatment such as veneers so your smile doesn’t make you look older than you feel? Consider doing it before you retire. (Even though dental insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic treatment if it’s something you’ve been thinking about it’s usually a good idea to do it before your income changes.) Then look into Medicare dental supplement plans before you enroll to make sure to maintain your dental health for years to come.
If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about our Patient Loyalty Plan. Although it is not dental insurance it is a plan we offer in our office that covers your regular dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings each year PLUS gives you a 20% discount on most all other dental treatments we offer, including cosmetic dental procedures. Take advantage of this plan to get your oral health in shape before you retire. (Unlike dental insurance, our Patient Loyalty Plan won’t retire when you do.)
Be Proactive in your Dental Care
One of the comments made about our care by one of our patients in a review recently was, “[I] highly recommend Dr. Davis and his staff…. I know I won’t be having any unnecessary treatments, because he’s very honest and a wonderful dentist.” We were grateful for her comment, plus it underscores one of our key philosophies at Eagle Rivershore Dental. You are in control of your dental health. We will suggest the best treatment plan based on your needs plus any options that could be considered but we won’t pressure our patients into treatment. Having said that, before you retire we can help you proactively look at your dental needs and with you recommend treatment using your current benefits to help avoid or reduce more complicated and costly treatment later.
There’s three reasons to get needed dental work done before you retire to safeguard your oral and total health so you can focus on enjoying your retirement. If you have specific questions on your dental care or on any dental concerns you’d like to plan for, please just ask.
• https://squaredawayblog.bc.edu/squared-away/get-dental-work-before-you-retire/