The Vital Connection Between Older Adults’ Dental Health and Overall Wellness

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Almost half of the population neglects their dental health care. This is understandable, as other health issues may seem more urgent, and there's a tendency to think of dentistry as an optional or cosmetic concern. However, what's crucial to know is how profoundly linked dental health is to a person's overall health — especially for older adults.  

More than two-thirds of older Americans live with periodontal disease, a serious chronic gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone around teeth. Though treatable, this infection — often indicated by swollen or bleeding gums and painful chewing — can affect an individual's overall health and well-being in the following ways: 

• Systemic diseases: Studies have shown a connection between poor oral health and a number of serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pneumonia and Alzheimer's. The bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation throughout the body that can cause health problems or exacerbate existing ones. 
• Nutrition: Individuals’ dental health affects their ability to chew, bite and swallow properly. Dental problems also limit dietary choices, which can lead to inadequate nutrition.  
• Social confidence: Dental health may impact a person’s self-esteem and social interactions. Oral problems like missing teeth, bad breath or oral pain can lead to embarrassment, isolation and a decline in quality of life. 

While there is typically no single cause of periodontal disease, risk factors include smoking; obesity; poor oral hygiene habits; a compromised immune system caused by a disease or treatment such as chemotherapy for cancer; and certain health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. 

In addition to tender and swollen gums and difficulty chewing, other warning signs of periodontal disease include sensitive or loose teeth, bad breath, dry mouth and any changes in how your teeth or dentures fit together when you bite down. 

The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable.  There are steps you can take to prevent and manage the condition, including choosing a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage that works best for you.

Beyond good dental habits like brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing, keeping gums and teeth healthy starts with preventive visits to your dentist at least every six months for oral exams, teeth cleanings and routine x-rays. 

If you think you may be suffering from periodontal disease, immediately make an appointment with your dentist or periodontist who can walk you through treatment options. 

If your periodontal disease is mild, it can be treated with less-invasive procedures, such as scaling, root planing or more frequent cleanings. Meanwhile, if your periodontal disease is advanced — also known as periodontitis — you may require surgical solutions to remove bacterial deposits and repair damaged tissue and bone, which can include a gum graft, regenerative procedures or pocket procedures. Your dentist or periodontist will be able to help decipher what treatment is right for you. 

The costs for dental treatment can be expensive. Without dental insurance, the average price of basic teeth cleaning and a complete set of x-rays costs between $250 and $400. If major dental work or dentures are needed, it can become extremely costly. Since Original Medicare doesn't provide dental coverage, those expenses can prevent or delay regular visits to the dentist, especially for older adults living on a fixed income. 

Fortunately, most Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, like those offered by Humana, will include dental benefits, though they may vary by plan.  

Most Medicare Advantage plans cover at least basic preventive care, and some will cover additional services and even flexible allowances to help cover out of pocket costs. You can compare the plans in your area at Medicare.gov to find the Medicare Advantage plan and dental coverage that fits your needs and budget. 

If you're unsure if a specific dental treatment is covered by your plan, you can call your insurance company or ask your dentist to send a request for a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer. 

Of course, the best way to keep your dental costs down is to take good care of your teeth and gums. It's important to check your dental plan to know your coverage and schedule regular preventive care visits with your dentist. Your overall health and well-being depend on it. 

 Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.  

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply.  

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By Humana Inc.

Humana Inc. is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.