Wellness

[Sweet_Serenity]

You might not realize our wellness is connected with healthy teeth and gums. 

Checkups vital preventive risks associated with many illnesses.

[kaydee50]

Two things I do not neglect--my teeth and my eyes.  A cousin of mine is having serious problems with an infection that may affect a heart valve.  It is suspected that it started with his gums.  I fortunately was able to find affordable dental insurance through Humana.  Medicare should make it part of its basic plan.

[Love my grandkids]

I've known this for more years than I can count. Not news to me.

[151949]

People can get all sorts of infections in their heart and joints and other organs from infected gums.

[GCR18]

I've always taken good care of my teeth and gone for regular checkups.  I don't plan on changing anything.

[Sweet_Serenity]

@Love my grandkids 

You might be surprised learning for some unaware of the risk factors. 

My hope is for those such people sharing will make a difference.

[Silver Lining]

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@Sweet_Serenity wrote:

@Love my grandkids 

You might be surprised learning for some unaware of the risk factors. 

My hope is for those such people sharing will make a difference.

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@Sweet_Serenity, you're right. There are many reasons why everyone does not  know. Even on these forums some posters have said they haven't been to a dentist in many years. In other cases if one gets their teeth cleaned regularly their dentist may assume they are already aware of the connection. 

[Mz iMac]

Senior dental is very expensive.  Most seniors cannot afford to go to a dentist because of financial reasons.  The main one is "affordable" dental coverage either through their "supplemental" Medicare coverage or a separate dental insurance program.

There are very few separate "affordable" dental programs for seniors.  And the ones out there, you better read ALL of the small print (you need a telescope to read it, magnifying glass will not do).  "Cosmetic" dentistry is rarely covered.

[Eileen in Virginia]

This is so true. We go for check-ups twice a year. It’s very important to find a good dentist who you feel comfortable going to. I resisted flossing because my gums would get so sore afterwards. Now, in addition to flossing everyday, I use Go Betweens by GUM after flossing. These look like tiny bottle brushes that come in 4 sizes. I use 3 of the 4 sizes because of the different sized spaces between my teeth. You’d be surprised what’s still in there after flossing 😧.  The same holds true true for your eyes and eye care. I’ve worn glasses since I was 8 years old. Our health plan doesn’t cover much of our dental or vision care, but we’re fortunate to be able to afford to pay for decent care. 

[Nightowlz]

I hate to go to the dentist. They hound you to death about coming in twice per year for cleanings with all the x-rays. I for one don't need all those x-rays.

I use a Sonicare Diamond electric toothbrush plus scale my own teeth.

If I had an issue with my gums I would make an appt. I don't have any gum issues.

When my dentist retired I did not see a dentist for over 10 yrs. They asked me if I could come in to show their patients how to keep their teeth clean. LOL!!! They could not believe I had not seen a dentist in over 10 yrs.

Even if I went in for a cleaning right now my teeth would feel the same as they do now. Clean.

I have only seen the eye doctor twice since I moved here in 1973. I don't wear glasses or reading glasses.