Take advantage of Medicare dental benefits and coverage

Older adults often ignore their annual dental checkups for many reasons, including lack of dental coverage, having dentures, not having time or disliking the trips to a dentist in general.

Based on statistics, 62% of Medicare beneficiaries rate dental care as the highest need. Most Medicare Advantage Plans have preventative dental care included in their plans that covers semi-annual oral exam and cleaning, and yearly dental X-ray and fluoride treatment.

Medicare Supplemental Plan beneficiaries or those who want more comprehensive coverage can add dental coverage through their Medicare insurance broker. Even people with dentures should have a yearly checkup of gums and fit of the dentures, which may be affected by changes in weight.

Many diseases can also be detected through X-rays and oral exams such as tumors, mumps, tuberculosis, HIV, malignant melanoma, Parkinson’s disease, pancreatic cancer, COPD, Addison’s disease, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, and stroke or heart disease. Something as simple as a cheek swab can detect cancer of head, neck or lungs.

Adults with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease causing the inflammation that can increase insulin resistance and affect blood sugar levels. Poorly controlled type two diabetes may lead to development of a gum disease.

People with swollen or bleeding gums, ulcers, dry mouth, bad breath (halitosis), metallic taste, burning sensation or growths should see their dentist as soon as possible. Bacteria from the mouth can migrate to lungs or other organs in the body.

For questions or more information on Medicare plans, call Medicare insurance broker Sandra Teel at 657-204-4224 or email Steelmedagent@gmail. com. —Sandra Teel