CLICK TO CALLSenior Dental Care
Oral health is an important part of a person’s overall health and well-being. Not only does maintaining good oral health help you maintain a bright, healthy smile as you get older, but studies have shown direct correlations between poor oral health and serious conditions like tooth loss, diabetes, and heart disease.
Throughout your life, it’s important to see a dentist regularly and maintain a thorough and consistent home-based oral hygiene routine that includes flossing and brushing your teeth twice each day.
However, as a person ages, the risk of developing gum disease and plaque buildup that causes cavities increases. Elderly people take more medications, many of which impact the saliva production in the mouth which is important for rinsing food particles and bacteria from the teeth.
To add to that, nerve sensitivity and bone density both decrease with age, making it more likely to develop cavities and other issues, and less likely that you’ll notice them right away.
This makes it even more important to maintain that home-based routine and visit your family dentist in Whitby regularly. These regular visits can help the team of experts at Birch Dental examine your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue and identify any small, easily treatable problems before they develop into more serious conditions that require more invasive treatments.
If you are a senior who is overdue for a dental checkup, call our team to schedule an appointment today.
Senior Dentistry FAQ - Birch Dental
Who qualifies for senior dental care in Canada?
Senior dental care in Canada typically applies to adults aged 65 and older, though some provincial programs start at 60. At Birch Dental in Whitby, we provide specialized elderly dental services that address age-related oral health challenges like decreased saliva production and increased cavity risk.
FAQs
No. The Canadian Dental Care Plan does not cover dental implants for seniors or any age group. The CDCP focuses on basic dental services like fillings, cleanings, and pain control. At Birch Dental in Whitby, our team can discuss alternative treatment options and payment plans for senior patients requiring implant procedures.
Ontario's senior dental program covers essential services including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency treatments for eligible low-income seniors. Birch Dental in Whitby accepts these provincial benefits and provides comprehensive elderly oral health care to help prevent serious conditions like gum disease and tooth loss.
Seniors should visit their dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. At Birch Dental in Whitby, we recommend more frequent visits for elderly patients taking multiple medications, as these can reduce saliva production and increase cavity risk, requiring closer monitoring of oral health.
Senior dental concerns include decreased nerve sensitivity, reduced bone density, and medication-related dry mouth that increases cavity risk. Birch Dental's experienced team in Whitby specializes in identifying age-related oral health issues early, helping prevent serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes complications linked to poor dental hygiene.