Maintaining our oral health is vital to staying healthy and living well. The biological, emotional, and mental systems inside our bodies are interconnected, so if one area is out of sync, it can lead to a domino effect elsewhere if you don’t seek proper care. It is even more relevant as we get older.
For seniors, this can be especially hard. That’s why it’s important to speak to a dentist in NW Calgary for more information. They’ll be able to help you develop strategies to look after your oral health now and in the future.
Senior Dental Care Programs
Dental care in Canada can be broken down according to the various levels of the legislature since the country’s governing bodies oversee each healthcare sector. These financial programs help those within the elderly population access the care they need without having to trade a kidney for it.
Federal care
Veterans Affairs Canada and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) are two programs available. The former is specifically for veterans, and in some cases, the cost of travelling to receive senior dental care near you is also covered. As for the NIHB, general and restorative dental treatments are available. First Nations and Inuit populations are eligible for this coverage.
Provincial care
Each province and territory within Canada have its dental programs. Senior dental care in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut are comprehensive and inclusive. Each of these provinces actively prioritizes senior health care.
Multiple dental care options exist for those residing in assisted living facilities in British Columbia and PEI.
Local care
Most, if not all, local regions within each province provide good dental coverage for patients of all ages, and this, of course, includes seniors. Dental clinics operating out of Canadian universities are wonderful options because they provide reliable treatments at a more affordable cost.
Contact a dentist near you if you want to learn more about senior dental care programs, treatment plans, and insurance coverage. They will answer all your questions and concerns.
Dental-Specific Dental Treatments
Some of the most common dental issues old faces are:
- Tooth decay.
- Gum recession.
- Tooth loss.
- Fragmentation. More specifically, chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth.
- Discoloration.
With that said, although there is no dental process or procedure that’s exclusive to one demographic, there are certain treatments that are more beneficial to you as you age, such as:
- Dental implants.
- Dentures. These can be partial or complete, fixed or removable.
- Routine dental cleanings.
- Dental checkups.
- Oral cancer screenings.
Elderly patients can visit a general dentist for any of these things, or if they need more advanced care, they can see a specialist. In either case, you’ll need to attend an initial consultation before you undergo any form of treatment. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums and take X-rays to understand your oral health. It will allow them to recommend your unique case’s best action.
Ways to Maintain or Improve Your Oral Health
Preserving your oral health may seem like a chore, even a complicated one depending on your situation, but it’s much simpler than people realize. Brushing and flossing after each meal, attending biannual dental examinations, rinsing with mouthwash, eating less sugary foods and foods that leave behind dark stains, and not smoking are all fantastic ways to help boost your dental health. Not to mention these measures also help keep your smile functioning properly and looking nice and bright.
Are you interested in receiving senior dental care in NW Calgary, AB? Our Valley Ridge, Dental Centre staff, is here to walk alongside you on your journey. You deserve to love your smile no matter your age, and we’ll help make that a reality. Call, come in, or go to our website to get started!