Dental Care After 65: Common Concerns and How Medicare Fits In

More people than ever are keeping their natural teeth for life, and that's great news. It also means dental care in your 60s, 70s and beyond matters as much as ever. Your mouth changes with age, and many of those changes are easy to manage when caught early. Here's what to watch for, and how to navigate coverage after 65.

Common dental concerns with age

• Dry mouth. Many medications for blood pressure, depression, allergies and other conditions reduce saliva, raising the risk of cavities and gum problems. Our post on dry mouth covers what helps.
• Root cavities. As gums recede, exposed root surfaces, which lack enamel, are more vulnerable to decay.
• Gum disease, which is more common in older adults and is linked to other health conditions such as diabetes.
• Worn and cracked teeth, after decades of chewing, grinding and older fillings.
• Dentures and partials that loosen as the jaw changes shape over time.
• Oral cancer, whose risk increases with age, so regular screening matters.

Everyday habits that help

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and ask whether a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste makes sense for you.
• Clean between your teeth daily. If arthritis makes flossing hard, try floss picks, interdental brushes or a water flosser.
• Consider an electric toothbrush, which is easier to use with limited hand strength or dexterity.
• Stay hydrated and limit sugary drinks and snacks, especially between meals.
• Clean dentures daily and take them out at night unless advised otherwise.
• Keep regular checkups, and bring an updated list of your medications to every visit.

Your health history matters

Tell us about your medical conditions and medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medications, bone-strengthening medications such as those for osteoporosis, and any recent hospital stays or surgeries. This helps us plan safe treatment and coordinate with your doctors when needed.

How Medicare fits in

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer often surprises people:

• Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally doesn't cover routine dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, extractions or dentures. Coverage is limited to certain dental services connected to specific medical treatments.
• Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include dental benefits, ranging from preventive care to more extensive coverage. Benefits, networks and annual limits vary widely from plan to plan.
• Standalone dental plans can be purchased separately if your Medicare plan doesn't include dental.
• People with both Medicare and Medicaid may have dental benefits through Medicaid. Zen Family Dental accepts VA Medicaid and DentaQuest.

Medicare is among the plans Zen Family Dental works with, but because dental coverage depends so much on the specific plan, the best step is to call us with your card. We'll verify what your plan covers before treatment. If you're comparing plans during Medicare open enrollment, look closely at the dental benefits, annual maximum and network.

Options if you're paying out of pocket

If your coverage is limited, ask about the Zen Family Dental membership plan, and financing through CareCredit and Cherry. We'll always explain costs before treatment begins and help you prioritize what's most important.

Keep smiling for life

Healthy teeth and gums support good nutrition, clear speech and confidence at every age. Learn more about our general and preventive care, then request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772.