DENTAL CARE
In your golden years
SENIOR ORAL HEALTH
PROBLEMS
Oral health is part of your overall health. With a healthy
mouth you can eat, speak and smile in comfort, which helps
you feel physically, socially and mentally well.
A healthy mouth helps you enjoy life. There is a direct link
between the health of a senior’s teeth and their overall
health
Oral disease, like any other disease, needs to be treated.
A chronic infection, including one in the mouth, is a
serious problem that should not be ignored.
Bleeding or tender gums should not be overlooked.
SIGNS OF ORAL CANCER
- Bleeding or open sores that don't heal
- White or red patches
- Numbness or tingling
- Small lumps and thickening on the sides or bottom of your tongue, the floor or
roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, or on your gums
IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE ABOVE, VISIT YOUR DENTIST IMMEDIATELY
MEDICATION AND DENTAL ISSUES
Medications can cause gum problems such as inflammation, bleeding or ulcers.
Diseased gums can lead to other dental problems, including tooth loss. Some of
the medications that can damage teeth and gums include:
Antidepressants – this range of medicines can cause
Xerostomia(Dry mouth) : Leads to rampant tooth decay, root caries, gum
disease, bad breath, yeast infections. Without the cleansing effects of saliva,
tooth decay and other oral health problems become more common
Can lower blood pressure:
1. Low blood pressure when lying down
2. Dizziness during prolonged dental work
LOVE YOUR DENTURES
You need to care for complete and partial dentures as carefully as you
would look after natural teeth
Clean them every day. Plaque and tartar can build up on false teeth, just
like they do on natural teeth
Take them out every night. Brush your teeth and gums carefully, using a
soft toothbrush. Be sure to clean and massage your gums. If your
toothbrush hurts you, run it under warm water to make it softer OR try
using a finger wrapped in a clean, damp cloth
Soak them overnight. They can be soaked in a special cleaner for false
teeth (denture cleanser), in warm water or in a mix of warm water and
vinegar (half and half). If your denture has metal clasps, use warm water
only for soaking. Soaking will loosen plaque and tartar. They will then
come off more easily when you brush.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
Daily mouth care is the simplest way to keep teeth and gums healthy, regardless of age
Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to protect teeth against decay
Consider using a fluoride mouth rinse every evening for added protection. Don’t forget to brush
your tongue and floss daily too
Limit intake of high-sugar foods and drinks, which can cause cavities
Drink lots of water throughout the day in order to relieve dry mouth, and if the condition is serious,
consult with a physician about medication. It’s not uncommon for dry mouth to be caused by
certain prescription drugs
And most importantly - visit your dentist on a regular schedule for cleaning and an oral exam
YOUR DENTAL VISIT
You may retire but your teeth don’t! It’s important to take care of your teeth and gums to ensure a healthy body
Visit your dentist every year whether 65 or 95 years old, even if you wear dentures.
At your dental visit:
Tell your dentist if you need help with brushing and flossing
Inform your dentist about changes or trouble signs in your mouth
Ask your dentist about tips for dry mouth or other oral health issues
Let your dentist know about any new or existing health conditions
Bring a complete list of medications with you, including OTC, Herbal supplements
CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN
(CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is one of the
most important advances in Canadian health
care thanks to the accessible and affordable
dental care it provides.
The collaboration between the Canadian
government and oral health providers across
the country is making it possible for more than
one million seniors to now receive dental care.
DO I QUALIFY?
No access to private dental insurance
Have an adjusted family income of less than $90,000
Be a Canadian resident
Have filed your taxes the previous year
IS IT FREE OR DO I HAVE TO PAY?
Based on your family net income.
Income Lower than
$70,000:
Income Between
$70,000 & $79,999
Income Between
$80,000 & $89,999
100%
60%
40%
of eligible service cost will be
covered at the CDCP established
fees
of eligible service cost will be covered
at the CDCP established fees
of eligible service cost will be
covered at the CDCP established
fees.
Note:
Note:
Some providers may charge
additional fees not covered by
CDCP
Note:
You will have to pay 40% as COPAYMENT to the provider
Some
providers
may
charge
additional fees
You will have to pay 60% as COPAYMENT to the provider
Some providers
additional fees
may
charge
HOW DO I APPLY?
Visit Canada.ca to apply online
You will need your SIN number
Home and Mailing address
List of dental coverage you have through
government social programs (such as ODSP, Ontario
Works, etc.)
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Once confirmed, Sun Life Insurance Company will send
you a Welcome package which will include:
information on the CDCP and your coverage
percentage
Your member card
Your coverage start date
WHAT SERVICES ARE COVERED?
Preventive services - including cleaning, sealants and fluoride
Diagnostic services - including examinations and x-rays
Restorative services - including fillings
Endodontic services - including root canal treatments
Periodontal services - including deep scaling
Oral surgery services - including extractions
OTHER IMPORTANT SERVICES
Complete Dentures will be covered starting
November 2024
Crowns/ Cap on Teeth are COVERED ONLY for
select cases that require additional investigations
and approval
Bridge is NOT covered under the plan
Dental Implants are NOT covered under the plan
CONCLUSION: A LIFELONG
COMMITMENT TO ORAL HEALTH
As you age you may need to make a few changes in the way you care for your teeth and gums.
If you need advice on looking after your teeth and gums, a dentist or any dental health care
provider can provide you with valuable information.
REMEMBER:
You are never too old to have healthy teeth and gums.
And you are never old enough to stop seeing a dentist!
THANK YOU VERY
MUCH!