3 Reasons to Keep Dental Insurance After Retirement

Retirement is a big milestone in life, and one that deserves to be enjoyed to its full extent. To get the most out of your retirement years, it’s important to maintain your physical, mental and oral health, and insurance will help you do so.

You may not know where to start when determining which dental coverage is best for this new phase of life, but luckily Delta Dental of Rhode Island makes it easy for AAA members in Rhode Island to have affordable, quality care.

Here are three reasons why continuing to have dental insurance after retirement is an important choice to make.

Aging Changes Our Teeth And Gums

Cells renew at a slower rate as we age, which means older adults are more at risk for certain oral health conditions such as dry mouth due to prescription medication side effects or certain health conditions. When salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, it can increase the risk for problems tasting, chewing, and swallowing, mouth sores, gum disease, tooth decay and yeast infection in the mouth (otherwise known as thrush).

Receding gums due to periodontal disease is also common in older adults. This is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the base, or root. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and cause inflammation and decay. Not brushing and flossing every day, not receiving regular dental care, smoking, diabetes or a weak immune system are all conditions that put older adults at risk for developing periodontal disease.

Without a competent dental insurance plan, these conditions may be left to fester and ultimately put you at risk for a range of side effects from uncomfortable to deadly.

Most Dental Care Isn’t Covered by Medicare

It seems like a safe assumption to make that once you retire, Medicare will cover general dental work like cleanings, fillings and dentures — but unfortunately that is not the case. Medicare only covers certain dental procedures that one would receive in the hospital, leaving your basic oral health in limbo.

With an individual plan through Delta Dental of Rhode Island, you can get coverage that compares to the insurance you’re used to through your place of employment.

Those With Dental Insurance Get Checked More Often

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, folks with dental insurance are much more likely to visit a dentist on a consistent basis than those without, as paying out-of-pocket can be costly. Easy accessibility to routine dental care through individual dental insurance is the simplest way to maintain your healthy smile – and be prepared for the unexpected.

With Delta Dental of Rhode Island through AAA Northeast, AAA members living in Rhode Island can stay covered and worry-free through their golden years. Explore the benefits and enroll now.