Programs Focus On Dental Care As Part Of Effort To Keep Seniors Out Of Nursing Homes

The New York Times reported that private companies are taking advantage of “a little-known Medicare program,” known as PACE, or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, “that will pay to keep older and disabled Americans out of nursing homes.” Through the program, Medicare and Medicaid pay PACE providers on average “$76,728 a person a year, about $5,500 less than the average cost of a nursing home.” The flat payment structure encourages “organizations to invest in maintaining a patient’s health and safety to avoid big hospital bills,” and given this, “dentistry — excluded from traditional Medicare coverage — is a crucial focus.” According to the article, “Programs invest heavily to fix broken teeth and dentures to avoid costly infections or poor nutrition that can cause cascading health problems.”

Many Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Dental Care

Fox Business (8/20) carried a Motley Fool article that explains some of the differences between the “original” Medicare package of Part A and Part B and the “Medicare Advantage plan, sometimes referred to as Part C.” The article noted that “while original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing, vision and/or dental care, many Medicare Advantage plans do.”

ADA Joins Surgeon General Campaign To Increase Opioid Abuse Awareness

The ADA News reports the Association is asking dentists “to take an online pledge to help curb the widespread abuse of opioid pain medications.” The clinician pledge is in support of US Surgeon Gen. Vivek H. Murthy’s national Turn the Tide campaign “to increase professional awareness about opioids abuse and mobilize health care professionals to improve their prescribing practices.” ADA President Carol Gomez Summerhays wrote in an Aug. 25 email to members, “Today, the ADA is asking dentists everywhere to take that pledge, regardless of whether you prescribe opioid pain medications or not.” Dr. Summerhays added, “The Turn the Tide pledge is another small way to show how we, as a profession, are committed stemming the tide of opioid abuse that has been devastating our families and communities.”

Brushing Teeth, Flossing Among Recommended Daily Habits

Business Insider includes brushing teeth and flossing among “17 quick and easy daily habits” that readers recommend to become a healthier person. The article notes that the ADA recommends brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Not following this guidance could increase the risk for developing other health issues, the article adds.

        In an article in the Free Press (ME) the Maine Dental Association noted that “the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner, and visiting a dentist regularly.”

        In the Harvard University (MA) “Harvard Health Blog,” Robert Shmerling, MD, an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, discusses recent news questioning the benefits of dental flossing, citing a lack of research. Dr. Shmerling states, “These headlines...miss the mark on this flossing kerfuffle,” and he adds that “unproven is unproven, not disproven.” The “obvious next step,” says Dr. Shmerling, is for researchers to have “a well-funded, well-designed study” to examine the health impact of flossing. In the meantime, “I’m not going to wait for the research; I’m going to keep flossing,” he states.

        The ADA has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners, and a Science in the News article titled “The Medical Benefit of Daily Flossing Called Into Question” discusses evidence about the impact of flossing on oral health.

Researchers Chart Microbial Ecology Of Gingivitis Progression To Periodontitis

Science Daily carried an American Society for Microbiology release announcing that “an international team of researchers and clinicians” charted “the microbial ecology of the mouth at all stages” during the progression of gingivitis to periodontitis “in nearly 1,000 women in Malawi.” According to the release, the research, which is published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, is “laying a foundation of knowledge that could lead to better oral health.” First author Liam Shaw, a PhD student at University College London, United Kingdom, said, “We’re not the first to do this sort of research into periodontal disease, but our study is the largest to be done in such a setting.”

Cheat Sheet Identifies “Essential Tools” For Oral Healthcare

Cheat Sheet states that Business Insider reported that neglecting oral health may lead to other health issues, noting that in the article the American Dental Association says, “The mouth is a gateway into your body’s overall health.” With this in mind, the article identifies “essential tools” for oral health. The article includes toothpaste and floss in its list, recommending people select “a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.” The article also includes flossing daily to remove food debris trapped between teeth in its list. The article adds that some people may benefit from using an electric toothbrush. ADA spokesperson Dr. Kimberly Harms “says electric powered toothbrushes can help people who have trouble physically moving their brushes around their mouth to clean all the surfaces of your teeth.”

Caring For Oral Health Considered Among “Natural Ways” To Look Younger

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution includes taking care of oral health in a list of “10 natural ways to defy your age.” The article states “the health of your mouth can also affect the health of your body,” adding that “nothing can make you look older than yellow, stained or missing teeth.” Given this, the article recommends brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly.

Researcher Working To Engineer New Type Of Painkiller To Combat Opioid Abuse

Business Insider reports that James Zadina, a researcher at the Tulane School of Medicine and the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, has been “attempting to engineer a new kind of painkiller” for the past 20 years, work that has “taken on new urgency” as “opioid-related deaths and addiction in the United States reach epidemic proportions.” His pursuit is challenging since the mechanisms of painkillers that dull pain are also “the ones that too often lead to crippling addiction and drug abuse.” Scientists have been attempting for decades to “separate the addictive properties of opiates from the pain-reducing properties,” said David Thomas, an administrator at the National Institute on Drug Abuse and a founding member of the NIH Pain Consortium. “They kind of go together.” According to the article, Zadina believes he may be “close to decoupling them,” his effort representing one of many to help reduce opioid abuse.

Oral Health Issues May Point To Other Health Conditions

The Health website discusses the link between oral health and overall health, stating that several oral health issues warrant a trip to a dentist or physician. For example, having white spots appear on the tongue may be a sign of oral thrush (candidiasis), which may stem from untreated diabetes and is also more common in people who suffer from xerostomia. In another example, the article states that having bleeding gums while brushing or flossing may be a sign of gingivitis, which if left untreated may progress to gum disease. The article recommends brushing twice a day and flossing daily, noting the ADA recommends people gently “guide” dental floss between teeth.

Delta Dental Of Missouri Invests $1 Million In Statewide Youth Dental Sealant Initiative. The Hannibal (MO) Courier-Post (8/8) reported that Delta Dental of Missouri has announced it will “invest $1 million over the next five years” for a new Missouri Dental Sealant Program, which the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will administer. According to the article, “The new Missouri Dental Sealant Program is looking to reach 15,000 high-need children at as many as 268 public schools throughout the state.” The program is set to begin in early 2017. Delta Dental Of Tennessee Donates Vehicles For Dentistry Students. The Memphis (TN) Daily News (8/9) reports that Delta Dental of Tennessee has donated two vehicles for students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry to use when commuting to and from “the new clinical site in the Healing Hands Health Center” in Bristol, Tennessee. According to the article, Delta Dental’s donation “recognizes the fact that the College of Dentistry continues to expand across the state, and so does the travel required for dentistry students on clinical rotations.” Humana Encourages Preventive Dental Care. In an article on the America’s Health Insurance Plans (8/9) blog, Dean M. Fry, DDS, chief dental officer at Humana, states that the company recognizes “the importance of preventive care” and has “initiatives in place to alert and educate its members who are at risk of developing periodontal disease.” For example, the company sends an alert to members who have not seen a dentist within 12 months, reminding them to schedule a dental visit. HEALTH AND SAFETY Study Finds Oral Health Probiotic May Reduce Pregnancy Gingivitis

Reuters reported that healthcare company Biogaia announced that a study found its oral health probiotic may reduce pregnancy gingivitis. According to Reuters, Biogaia “says a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study in 45 women with pregnancy gingivitis showed that supplementation of L. reuteri Prodentis significantly reduced inflammation and plaque compared to placebo.”

Dental Care Available At the Olympic Games Rio 2016

 The Voice Online (UK) stated a report by dental researchers found athletes have “a significantly higher risk of tooth erosion than non-athletes.” The study found the athletes had “high carbohydrate consumption, including sports drinks, gels, and bars during training,” which may have contributed to “a higher risk of tooth decay and dental erosion.” Dr. Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said, “If everyday people taking part in sport, including children, are looking to copy their Olympic hero’s habits, it is important to limit the amount of times they have anything acidic or sugary.”

        

MouthHealthy.org provides additional information for patients on foods that affect dental health.

Dental Care Costs May Impact Retirement Expenses

In a feature piece, the Spokane (WA) Spokesman-Review examines the impact of dental care costs in retirement, stating these costs add “to the bottom line of living expenses,” and “it’s a common misconception that basic Medicare covers regular trips to the dentist and certain oral procedures.” The article notes that some Medicare Advantage plans do cover preventive dental services, although “the extra coverage varies by the plan and may not cover such expenses as X-rays, fillings and crowns.” A retired Spokane dentist recommends people receive “major dentist work” before retirement and also set money aside “to continue to come to the dentist” during retirement.

Strategies Identified To Prevent Halitosis

In a release on Newswise University of Alabama at Birmingham identifies strategies to help prevent halitosis, recommending brushing teeth and the tongue two times a day, flossing regularly, making dietary changes, and visiting the dentist regularly. “Dentists can help identify the cause of bad breath,” the release states. “If the bad breath is due to an oral condition, dentists can develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.”

CNN: Oral Health “Vital” To Overall Health

CNN reported that “research is increasingly showing” that oral health is “vital” to overall health. “A prevailing opinion among the public for many years is that a tooth is just a tooth,” said ADA spokesperson Dr. Sally Cram. “Now we are understanding that when you have inflammation and disease in your mouth, the mouth is connected to your whole body, and inflammation can spread to the rest of the body.” CNN noted that “20% of low-income adults said their mouths and teeth were in bad condition, and 20% of all adults said their unhealthy mouths caused them anxiety,” according to the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute’s report, “Oral Health & Well-being in the United States.” Dr. Marko Vujicic, chief economist for HPI, who helped conduct the survey, noted that many Americans lack access to dental coverage and copays can be high even for those with coverage.

Dental Sealants Safe And Effective In Preventing Tooth Decay

The ADA News reports that “a 6-year-old child is exposed to more BPA” from food, drinks, and cosmetic products “than from the amount that is in dental sealants,” according to research published in the August issue of the ADA Professional Product Review. The article reports that “the ADA Science Institute staff tested the BPA release from 12 dental sealants used by dentists in the U.S.,” finding the BPA released from dental sealants is .09 nanograms, “well below” the EPA’s “limit proposed for a 6-year-old child.” Dr. David Sarrett, PPR editor, said, “This issue of the PPR provides a much-needed perspective on the amount of BPA in dental materials compared with other sources of exposure.”

        In addition, a release on PRNewswire, states in continuing coverage that “a new systematic review and updated clinical practice guideline from the American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) show dental sealants are a powerful and effective therapy in the fight against childhood dental decay and disease.” The systematic review and the updated clinical practice guidelines are both available in the August issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association and the July/August issue of AAPD’s Pediatric Dentistry Journal. Lead author Dr. Timothy Wright said, “The joint report reaffirms that sealants should be a routine part of cavity prevention, as children with sealants are up to 80 percent less prone to cavities compared to those without them.”

Parents Need To Focus On Children’s Oral Care Early On To Prevent Cavities

Slate reported on the importance for parents to brush their toddler’s teeth and visit a pediatric dentist early in the child’s life. Slate claims 60 percent of five-year-olds have had at least one cavity, with many having up to 10 cavities, while the number of overall cavities has been declining. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry president Jade Miller says, “Dental decay is preventable,” and the AAPD “recommends that parents bring their children to the dentist when they get their first tooth or by the time they turn 1, at the latest.” Pediatric dentists can also stifle cavities by applying a fluoride varnish to children’s teeth, “which causes fluoride to be released when the pH of a tooth drops as a result of acid” released from bacteria in response to consumed sugary products. Pediatric dentist visits can also detect more significant dental or jaw problems, as well as “educuate parents on what to expect during teething and how best to care for kids’ teeth.”

Preventative Oral Care Has Helped Seniors Keep More Teeth

The Poughkeepsie (NY) Journal reported that preventative measures, such as brushing with fluoride, the increased importance of calcium, and abstaining from tobacco, have helped 75 percent of people over the age of 65 keep some or all of their natural teeth, according to the American Dental Association. The article also says the source of calcium intake is important, according to the ADA, because adults who “got their calcium almost exclusively from supplements were found to be almost twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as those who took no calcium supplements.” The ADA recommends 1,000 mg of calcium daily from food sources such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Health officials say more must be done to promote senior oral care, because the CDC “reports 23 percent of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have sever gum disease.”

Coverage Continues: Research Suggests Mothers May Not Be The Only Source Of Tooth Decay-Causing Bacteria

Science Daily carries a release from the University of Alabama at Birmingham stating that ongoing research at its Department of Biology and School of Dentistry shows “more evidence that children may receive oral microbes from other, nonrelative children.” While literature has previously identified mothers as the source of microbes that cause tooth decay in children, researchers have found “72 percent of children harbored at least one strain of the cavity-causing Streptococcus mutans not found in any cohabiting family members.” The findings were presented at the American Society for Microbiology MICROBE 2016 Meeting in Boston.

More Flossing Study Updates!

ADA, Federal Agencies: Flossing Still “Essential.”

After an AP story questioned the benefits of dental flossing due to lacking research, the American Dental Association, federal agencies, dentists, and others have come out in support of continuing the practice. The ADA News(8/2, Manchir) reported the ADA released a statement emphasizing the federal government and the ADA stand behind the recommendation to clean between teeth with an interdental cleaner once a day. The ADA stated, “The bottom line for dentists and patients is that a lack of strong evidence doesn’t equate to a lack of effectiveness. As doctors of oral health, dentists are in the best position to advise their patients on oral hygiene practices because they know their patient’s oral health status and health history.”

        Business Insider (8/2, Brodwin) stated that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.”

        Wired (8/3, Simon) noted there are challenges with conducting “a real-world, longitudinal study” that is necessary to prove the efficacy of flossing, including the costs involved and the reliance on people to floss properly. Dr. Marcelo W.B. Araujo, vice president of the ADA Science Institute, said the news coverage is likely “to trigger good conversation between the public and their dentists. And that’s what we really want.”

        The Huffington Post (8/3, Williams) stated that “a lack of good research doesn’t prove something is ineffective ― just that it hasn’t been a priority for research funding.” ADA spokesperson Dr. Matthew Messina still maintains that flossing is effective. “We need to remove bacteria from the teeth, from the gums, and from in between the teeth.”

        New York Magazine (8/2, Rinkunas) added, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

        The NPR (8/2, Bichell) “Shots” blog reported that although flossing is not included in this year’s national dietary guidelines, a spokesperson with the US Department of Health and Human Services said, “They were not implying that this is not an important oral hygiene practice…although dental floss was mentioned in past editions of the guidelines, it was most likely identified as a supporting recommendation along with brushing teeth, with the primary emphasis being on the nutrition-based recommendation to reduce added sugars.”

        Fox News (8/3) spoke with ADA Member and Texas Congressman Dr. Brian Babin who noted, “As a practicing dentist for 38 years, I have literally seen with my own eyes and experienced in my own oral hygiene the benefits of flossing. It prevents interproximal tooth decay in between the teeth…every dentist believes it is beneficial to oral health and therefore overall health.”

        In addition, sources are reporting on dentists within the United States and around the world calling on patients to continue flossing their teeth, including the Boston Globe (8/3, Rao, Sitrin), WHNS-TV Greenville, SC (8/3), WDBJ-TV Roanoke, VA (8/3), WSYM-TVLansing, MI (8/3), KEZI-TV Eugene, OR (8/3), WBZ-TV Boston (8/3), WTVT-TV Tampa, FL (8/2), the Telegraph (UK) (8/3, Knapton),Dental Republic (UK) (8/3), the Irish Times (8/3), and the South China Morning Post (8/3).

        The ADA has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners and a Science in the News article titled, “The Medical Benefit of Daily Flossing Called Into Question,” discusses evidence about the impact of flossing on oral health.

        MouthHealthy.org also provides resources for patients on flossing, including the correct flossing technique.

New Study Emphasizes Importance Of Oral Health In Children With Disabilities

Cerebral Palsy News Today reported that children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome “may need particular attention to their dental care,” according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Experimental Dentistry. The researchers, led by Montserrat Dieguez-Perez of the School of Dentistry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain, found that “in general, children with cerebral palsy were more likely to have cavities than children without a disability,” while “children with Down syndrome did not have a higher rate of cavities, but they did have worse gum health and poor dental habits (such as tooth grinding) compared to non-disabled kids.”

Researchers Use Nanoparticles To Reduce Plaque, Prevent Dental Decay

Science Daily carries a University of Pennsylvania release stating “the bacteria that live in dental plaque and contribute to tooth decay often resist traditional antimicrobial treatment, as they can ‘hide’ within a sticky biofilm matrix, a glue-like polymer scaffold.” University of Pennsylvania researchers have conceived a new strategy that uses “iron-containing nanoparticles to catalyze the activity of hydrogen peroxide,” finding it effectively “reduced the onset and severity of cavities” in an animal model. The findings were published in the journal Biomaterials.

Statement from the American Dental Association about Interdental Cleaners

CHICAGO, IL - Recent news reports question whether existing scientific research support oral health benefits associated with flossing.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), interdental cleaners such as floss are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. Interdental cleaning is proven to help remove debris between teeth that can contribute to plaque buildup.

More than 500 bacterial species can be found in plaque; some are good and some are bad for your mouth. Together with food debris, water and other components, the plaque buildup around the teeth and on the gum line will contribute to disease in teeth and gums.

Whether you use floss or another interdental cleaner is a personal preference, but it’s very important to understand the proper technique for each tool so that it is effective. Patients should talk to their dentists about how to use interdental cleaners to ensure efficacy.

To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist.

ADA Responds To News Story Challenging Benefits Of Dental Flossing

The ADA News reports that the American Dental Association has released a statement on the benefits of using interdental cleaners after the AP questioned the oral health benefits of flossing. “To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by your dentist,” the ADA said in the statement, adding that interdental cleaners, including floss, “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.”

        Business Insider states that the AP report “comes in sharp contrast to recommendations from basically every major dental hygiene organization, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.” The article adds that experts say flossing helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, which can contribute to receding gums and gum disease.

        The New York Times reports that there is “evidence that flossing does reduce bloody gums and gum inflammation known as gingivitis.” For example, “a review of six trials found that when professionals flossed the teeth of children on school days for almost two years, they saw a 40 percent reduction in the risk of cavities.”

        New York Magazine adds, “This very intense investigation doesn’t mean flossing isn’t beneficial,” noting that a dentist for the National Institutes of Health encourages people to continue to floss, stating that “it’s low risk, low cost.”

Senate Passes Bill That Allows Veterans To Purchase Low Premium Dental Coverage

The ADA News reports in continuing coverage that on July 13 the Senate passed the VA Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act, which would allow “veterans to purchase low premium dental coverage from private insurers.” ADA president Carol Gomez Summerhays, a third-generation Navy veteran, said, “We’re supportive of all efforts to extend dental coverage to veterans, and reauthorizing this program certainly would do that.” Sen. Richard Burr, (R-NC), who sponsored the bill, said in a news release, “Making sure veterans have dental care is the right thing to do.”

Federal Government, ADA Emphasize Importance Of Flossing

The ADA News (8/2, Manchir) reported the US Department of Health and Human Services has released a statement calling flossing “an important oral hygiene practice” and not mentioning it in the federal dietary guidelines released in 2015 does not imply otherwise. The article added, “Although dental floss — along with brushing teeth and using fluoridated water — was mentioned in past editions of the guidelines (in both 2005 and 2010), the statement said ‘it was most likely identified as a supporting recommendation along with brushing teeth, with the primary emphasis being on the nutrition-based recommendation to reduce added sugars.’” The Associated Press had noted the omission in a story questioning the benefits of using dental floss. In response to the news story, the Association also released a statement, emphasizing the federal government and the ADA stand behind reiterating its recommendations to clean between teeth with an interdental cleaner once a day. The ADA stated, “The bottom line for dentists and patients is that a lack of strong evidence doesn’t equate to a lack of effectiveness. As doctors of oral health, dentists are in the best position to advise their patients on oral hygiene practices because they know their patient’s oral health status and health history.”

Increasing Number Of Adults Turning To Braces

US News & World Report reports that adults are increasingly “getting braces to straighten their teeth, fix their bites and improve their smiles.” The article reports that “adults made up a record high of nearly 1.5 million orthodontics patients in the U.S. and Canada,” according to a 2014 survey from the American Association of Orthodontists. According to the article, “This rising popularity” is due in part to “orthodontic options that make braces inconspicuous.”

Presidental Health: 3 Historical Tooth Tales

From the myth about President George Washington’s wooden dentures to the alien conspiracy theory surrounding President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s emergency crown, commanders in chief have quite the history with their teeth. Here are three more fascinating facts about past presidents and their connections to dental health.

Legend has it that during the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant went into battle for six days with no other baggage but a toothbrush. Unfortunately, his later affinity for cigars took a toll on his mouth and his overall health. Our 18th president was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1884 and died the following year. 

Abraham Lincoln’s signature style was a stovepipe hat. Teddy Roosevelt’s was a mustache. “As he approached early adulthood, TR made a conscious decision to grow a ‘walrus mustache’ to cover his prominent, but attractive set of teeth,” states an article in the Fall 2007 Journal of the History of Dentistry. 

Still, that didn’t stop people from referring to his “squirrel teeth”, as seen in a 1903 newspaper article. The article reads: “When President Roosevelt was in Sharon Springs, Mo., a countryman stepped up and said to a member of the presidential party:’ Whar’s the President?’

Mr. Roosevelt, scenting something good, said: ‘Do you wish to see him particularly?’ 

‘I never seen but one president in my life, an’, of course, I would like to see him on gen’ral principles,’ replied the countryman. ‘But what I wants to see this one fur mos’ particular is to see if he’s got them squirrel teeth the papers say he has.’ 

And then and there the president displayed his ‘squirrel’ teeth in the broadest of grins. ‘Gosh, ter blazes, you’re the feller,’ said the man as he hurried away.”

Chewable Vitamins Recommended Over Gummy Vitamins For Children

The Oklahoman states that children’s multivitamins and a variety of supplements are increasingly in the form of gummies, with as many as “70 percent of children’s vitamins” in gummy form. According to the article, each gummy vitamin may contain about a gram of sugar, “which troubles both nutritionists and dentists.” American Dental Association spokeswoman Dr. Mary Hayes offers advice for parents providing vitamins and supplements to their children. “Switch to chewables. Give them with a meal; don’t make them a treat,” she says. Limiting sugar content is also advised. “We know that eating sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that causes decay,” says Dr. Hayes. “It may be only one gram, but the bacteria is happy, they don’t need a lot.”

People Encouraged To Plan Ahead For Healthcare Expenses In Retirement

US News & World Report (7/20, Reiss) states that “mitigating potential health care expenses” before retirement can “make all the difference.” In a list of six tips for future retirees “to protect their retirement nest eggs from sky-high medical bills,” the article recommends people “start by understanding the system.” For example, individuals can select Medicare Advantage, “which allows companies regulated by Medicare to cover dental care, eye exams and other medical services.”

The Jackson (TN) Sun (7/19, Thomas) added that “one of the biggest questions” for retirees is “whether to sign up for the original Medicare plan or an Advantage Plan.” According to the article, Medicare Advantage “bundles services and costs and might offer some extra benefits like vision and dental coverage but include some restrictions.”

MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on paying for dental care after retirement.