Dental Health Facts for Seniors
* 3% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. result from oral cancer. (American Dental Association, 2006).
* 75% of Americans have periodontal gum disease. (American Dental Hygienists Association, 2004)
* 90% of medical illnesses, including osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, premature birth, diabetes, and respiratory infection, have an oral manifestation. (National Association of Dental Plans)
* Dental diseases account for between 5% and 10% of total healthcare expenditures. This exceeds the cost of treating cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. (Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation on Diet, Nutrition and Prevention of Chronic Diseases)
* 50% of all American youth ages 17 and under have had cavities in their permanent teeth. (ADHA)
* 50% of Americans do not receive regular oral health care. (ADHA)
* Dental related illnesses annually result in 20.5 million lost work days, 6.1 million days of bed disability, and 12.7 million days of restricted activity. (National Association of Dental Plans)
* Spending on dental services is expected to rise 54% to $93.1 million in 2008. (Healthcare Financing Administration). Yet, the Healthcare Financing Administration and Medicare - same for most supplement plans - provide few, if any dental benefits.
* Mouth and throat diseases, which range from cavities to cancer, cause pain and disability for millions of Americans each year. (U.S. Dept. Of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February, 2008)
* Tooth decay affects more than 25% of U.S. children aged 2-5 and 50% of those aged 12-15. (U.S. Dept. Of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February, 2008).
* 25% of adults over age 65 have lost all their teeth - primarily because of tooth decay which affects more than 90% of adults over age 40. (U.S. Dept. Of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February, 2008)
These dental statistics are disturbing because almost all oral diseases are largely preventable with proper dental healthcare and cost is the greatest deterrent for most peope - especially seniors - to seek dental care.
That's why we at SeniorSSuperStoreS have negotiated a 33% discount for you with DENTAL HEALTHGUARD , a dental plan with free chiropractic, hearing, and vision care along with a prescription drug card that will help you during the coverage gap in Medicare part D prescription drug benefit periods...plus interest free loans to help pay for your dental care - all for only $19.98 per month. Click on DENTAL HEALTHGUARD for details.