Most Medicare Beneficiaries Lack Dental Coverage

Reuters reports in continuing coverage that a recent study suggests that “only about one in nine U.S. adults with Medicare coverage” also have dental coverage, and “many of them may be putting off oral healthcare as a result.” Researchers “examined nationally representative survey data for 56 million people on Medicare,” finding 80 percent of seniors with dental coverage had a dental visit in the previous year, while only 41 percent of seniors without dental coverage received a dental exam. “We knew that older adults in the U.S. have substantial oral health problems in the way of tooth loss or untreated tooth decay, but this article really brings to light the substantial differences in access to dental services by income groups and how dental insurance mitigates much of these access issues across incomes,” said lead study author Amber Willink, a public health researcher at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The analysis found dental coverage status “appeared to be the biggest predictor of whether a person received oral health care.”

        The findings are published in the December issue of the journal Health Affairs.

Research Team Develops Model To Digitally Reconstruct Teeth

Engadget reports that Disney Research and ETH Zurich have developed a method “to digitally recreate teeth beyond the gum line” using “source data and everyday imagery.” After creating a model for an “average” set of teeth using 3D scans, the team “wrote an algorithm that adapts that model based on what it sees in the contours of teeth in photos and videos.” According to the article, the technology will benefit “digital actor models in animated movies and video games,” but also has “plenty of medical uses.” For example, dentists could use the technology “to previsualize a patient’s mouth before they sit in the operating chair.”

        A release on EurekAlert states that the model-based method to reconstruct teeth uses “just a few, non-invasive photos or a short smartphone video of the mouth.” In addition, the “method can digitally reconstruct teeth even though some teeth are obscured in the photos or videos by the edges of the mouth or by other teeth.”

Archaeologists Find Earliest Dental Prosthesis In Medieval Tomb

International Business Times (UK) reported that archaeologists have discovered “the earliest dental prosthesis in Tuscany” during excavations “inside the S. Francesco Monastery at the town of Lucca.” The dental prosthesis, which may date back to the 14th century, is made of “five human teeth linked together by a golden band” to “replace the anterior arch of the jaw.”

        The archaeologists said in their paper published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, “This dental prosthesis provides a unique finding of technologically advanced dentistry in this period.”

Archaeologists Unearth “Ancient Set Of Dentures”

The Telegraph (UK) reports in continuing coverage that archaeologists have discovered an “ancient set of dentures” made from human teeth in Tuscany. Found at the monastery of S. Francesco at Lucca, the prosthetic teeth “include three central incisors and two lateral canines, repurposed from their original owners and strung together with a golden band.” Simona Minozzi, a paleopathologist at Pisa University, said, “This is the first archaeological evidence of a dental prosthesis using gold band technology for the replacement of missing teeth.” The archaeologists describe the dental prosthesis in their paper published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research.

The Motley Fool: Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan

The Motley Fool encourages people to consider Medicare Advantage plans since they may offer “greater coverage at a lower price than original Medicare.” The article noted that “a Medicare Advantage plan must offer at least as much coverage as original Medicare (i.e., Part A and Part B),” and “it will often provide more than that,” such as dental care.

        In a second piece, the Motley Fool stated that “many people sign up for Medicare without realizing the limitations of the program: what you do get and what you don’t.” For example, original Medicare does not cover “dentures or most dental care,” the article stated.

Many Seniors Need Dental Care But Lack Coverage

The Boston Herald carries KHN contributing columnist Michelle Andrews’ piece stating many seniors need dental care, but paying for it can be “a serious concern” since traditional Medicare does not cover dental care. According to an analysis by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, over a third of low-income seniors “had untreated tooth decay between 2011 and 2014.” Some have proposed adding dental coverage to Medicare Part B to increase seniors’ access to dental care, while others advocate for seniors buying private dental coverage. Marko Vujicic, the vice president of the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, said that private dental coverage often lacks value for seniors, because the premiums and copays exceed the benefits.

        MouthHealthy.org provides a guide to finding and paying for dental care, listing factors to consider when determining if purchasing a dental benefit plan will save money on dental care costs.

Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan

The Motley Fool encourages older Americans to maximize the Medicare benefits that are available to them to help offset the rising healthcare costs many experience during retirement. Among the tips provided to help get the most out of Medicare, the article encourages retirees to look into Medicare Advantage. At a minimum, Medicare Advantage plans “match the coverage of Medicare Parts A and B,” and many offer additional benefits, such as dental care coverage. The article also recommends retirees sign up for Medicare on time, review prescription medication needs, and receive any free preventive care services offered through Medicare.

Tips For Choosing New Health Benefits Includes Recommendation To Consider Dental Plans

Virginia Business Magazine features a list of five tips for people taking advantage of open enrollment season to find a new healthcare plan, so that they can “make more informed choices that may improve [their] health and even save money.” The first four tips include: “take time to review your options;” “look for incentive-based wellness programs;” “take advantage of health care apps and online tools;” and “open a health savings account.” The fifth piece of advice is to pay attention to other sorts of benefit plans, notably dental, vision, accident and critical illness insurance plans. The magazine states, “Research shows a connection between oral health and overall health, so adding a dental plan may help prevent larger medical problems.”

Study: Tooth Loss Associated With Reduced Physical, Mental Health Among Older Adults

Science Daily carried a release stating “older adults who have significant tooth loss are less functional when compared with people who lose fewer teeth,” according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. For the study, researchers “examined information from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) project,” which asked participants questions about the number of teeth they had, their physical and mental health, and their ability to perform common activities. The researchers suggested “it is essential that older adults receive the support they need to maintain good oral health self-care practices, and that they receive adequate dental care.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides oral health information for patients over 60.

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.”

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.”

Washington Post Columnist Questions Benefit of Dental Benefit Plan

A Washington Post columnist wrote about his experience trying to select a dental benefit plan. After doing the math, he determined there didn’t seem to be much benefit to cost of the premium and deductible compared to simply paying for dental care out of pocket. The ADA has resources for consumers on finding and paying for dental care at MouthHealthy.org and also provides numerous resources for ADA members on third party payer issues at ADA.org/DentalPlans.

WebMD Considers “15 Myths And Facts” About Dental Caries

WebMD provides a list of “15 myths and facts,” about dental caries, featuring quotes from American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Kimberly Harms throughout. For example, the list states that it is a myth that sugar is the only cause of dental caries. Dr. Kimberly Harms states, “The truth is, acid produced by bacteria in your mouth is the cause of cavities.” Another myth is that children have more dental caries than adults. As a result of fluoride in tap water, “we’ve actually cut decay in school-aged children by half in the last 20 years,” Dr. Harms says. On the flip side, more senior citizens are getting dental caries because of medication that reduces saliva, she says. WebMD also states that the following are myths: aspirin on a tooth will alleviate a toothache; all fillings will eventually need replacing; people will know if they have a cavity; bruxism causes dental caries; gaps in teeth lead to dental caries; dental sensitivity means there is decay; dental caries are the cause of root canals; and dental caries aren’t possible in baby teeth. In addition, the article states it’s true that acid causes dental decay; once treated, the decay stops; dental caries are more likely to appear between teeth; dental chips and cracks can lead to decay; and proper dental hygiene helps prevent decay.

New HPI Report Details Troubling State of Oral Health in U.S.

A new study published by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute (HPI), released in conjunction with Families USA on June 8, reports large numbers of adults suffer from dental problems that affect their quality of life. The report, “Oral Health & Well-being in the United States,” found across all income levels, nearly 30 percent of those surveyed said life is “very often” or “occasionally” less satisfying because of the condition of their mouth or teeth. The full report includes data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and is based on the responses of nearly 15,000 adults nationwide.

Inexpensive Oral Rinse Test May Distinguish Head And Neck Cancer Patients From People Who Are At High Risk For The Disease

Medscape (6/7, Harrison) reports that “an inexpensive oral rinse test has been shown to distinguish head and neck cancer patients from people who are at high risk for the disease, and offers hope that the diagnosis of oral cancer could be made at a much earlier stage than it is currently.” According to Medscape, “the test, OraMark, measures levels of a specific biomarker and total protein in a sample of saliva and has just become commercially available.”

Budgeting For Dental Costs Advised For Those With Medicare

In a broader piece listing out-of-pocket costs those with Medicare can “expect to pay,” US News & World Report (5/9, Brandon) states that Medicare does not cover some medical services, including dental care. The article recommends budgeting for “commonly needed medical services that Medicare doesn’t cover,” including dental care.

Researchers Find Neanderthals May Have Used Toothpicks

LiveScience reported that scientists have “found traces of wood trapped in fossilized plaque stuck to Neanderthal teeth,” indicating Neanderthals may have used “prehistoric toothpicks” to remove bits of food out of their teeth, according to a new study, published in the April issue of the journal Antiquity. A group of scientists led by Anita Radini, an archaeologist at the University of York in the United Kingdom, “examined teeth found at El Sidrón cave in Spain,” finding “bits of nonedible, and noncharred, conifer wood tissue in the plaque.”

Many Seniors Experience Xerostomia

Long-Term Living Magazine (3/24) discusses oral health problems that some seniors face, including decreased saliva production. According to the article, seniors are naturally at risk for xerostomia, with “nearly 30 percent of people age 65 and older” experiencing dry mouth. “There are 400 commonly used drugs that can cause xerostomia as a side effect, including antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants and anti-angina,” the article states.

        The ADA provides additional information on xerostomia online.

People May Not Realize Medicare Does Not Cover Most Routine Dental Care

Fox Business (3/28) carries a Motley Fool article exploring three items many people approaching retirement may not know about Medicare, including that “some services and products are surprisingly not covered.” According to the article, “One surprising fact about Medicare is that it doesn’t cover a lot of services that millions of elderly patients typically need,” such as dental visits. “Medicare won’t pay for trips to the dentist for basic services such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or dentures,” the article states, although for “an extreme dental emergency” that requires a hospital visit, Medicare will cover “certain dental services” as part of the Part A benefit.

        MouthHealthy.org provides information for adults over 60, including tips on paying for dental care after retirement.

Coverage Continues: Study Finds Patients With Diabetes Lose Twice As Many Teeth As Those Without The Disease

The Albany (NY) Daily Star (3/28) reports in continuing coverage that a study from Duke University researchers found “people with diabetes lose about twice as many teeth as people without.” In addition, the study found that “black people with diabetes in the US have a higher risk of tooth loss compared with white and Mexican Americans with the same condition.” Although the study did not examine the potential causes of the health disparity, “it’s possible that gaps in” dental care “played a role,” the article adds. Bei Wu, a nursing professor at Duke University and a co-author of the study, said, “For African Americans, the lack of access to care is profound.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on diabetes and teeth.