Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Have you seen people who look young and healthy until they smile? Then you notice missing and brown teeth, and they age ten years in your estimation?

In “Pretty Women,” the Julia Roberts’ character tells her rich and handsome weekend lover, “I never neglect to floss.” It seemed like redemption.

Do you neglect to floss? I you fail to care for your teeth, today, what may be a beauty issue in your 30’s, 40’s and 50’s will become a health and wealth issue as you age. Why wealth? Research for my book, “How Not to Go Broke at 102,” Wiley 2008, revealed that the fastest growing number of bankruptcies per population are those over the age of 65. These are not credit card or mortgage bankruptcies, so much in the news, today. They are medical bankruptcies. A mouth full of implants after a lifetime of neglect can cost many thousands of dollars. And even dentures are can sink a post retirement budget.
So what should you do if you are serious about lifelong dental care?nn #1. Make the most of your routine checkups: Many of these are covered by basic insurance and include at least a yearly cleaning. Dr. Vincent Tavormina, (96 Milbu
Avenue, (973)761-5090), uses an x-ray machine that detects not only cavities, but also bone loss and potential oral cancers. You stand up in front of the contraption and it takes full jaw as well as mouth pictures.

Says Dr. Tavormina, “Newer diagnostic and treatment methods can help prevent periodontal (gum) disease or halt its progress. Symptoms of this disease include bleeding gums, tender gums, and loose teeth. Because gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, proper home oral hygiene and professional care are essential. Your teeth can last a lifetime! Also, be aware that there is a definite link between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Treating gum disease can not only save your teeth, it can save your life.”nn#2. Don’t hesitate to seek financial help for you or a loved one in need of dental care. Oral health services for older adults can be found free at Donated Dental Services, One Dental Plaza North Brunswick, (732)821-2977, and checkout Senior Dental Program, which gives 15% off dental care for PAAD recipients, (800)792-8820.nn#3. Coordinate your dentistry and your medical care. Dr. David Sinclair, who discovered resveratrol, the component of red wine said to promote longevity, sees heart disease as the number one killer. Mouth bacteria are particularly dangerous for those prone to such disease. Make sure your cardiologist and family medical practitioner knows about your dental history, and that your dentist knows your medical history.nn#4. Stay vain. Dr. Glenda Tavormina, of Milburn, offers the one hour teeth whitening system, as well as a skin care line and nutritional supplements. “When good looks are connected with good teeth, it becomes more pleasant to see the dentist.” nn.