Adults who are in their 40s and 50s are commonly referred to as Generation X, or GenXers. Sometimes also called the “sandwich generation,” these middle-aged adults are often caring for not only their children but also their aging Baby Boomer parents. If this describes you, you might be very familiar with the issues that go along with your generation. What you might not realize is that you are at risk from developing dental issues for a few different reasons. Read on to find out more about what Generation Xers need to do to keep their smiles in tip-top shape.
Get Serious About Your Oral Health
During your 20s and 30s, you likely enjoyed good health overall, and this included your oral health. Most young adults don’t have very many issues with tooth loss or severe gum disease. Once you hit your 40s and 50s, however, that can change; part of the aging process involves bone loss and that includes the bone around your teeth. Taking good care of your teeth at this point is essential for your continued oral health.
It is also essential for your overall health; gum disease and tooth decay can cause complications with heart disease and diabetes, two conditions that are more likely in adults over the age of 40. If you have been putting off dental work or your oral health regimen isn’t what it should be, now is the time to resolve the situation.
Make Time for Dental Appointments
If you are like many Generation Xers, you are spending time shuttling kids and teens to extracurricular activities, working, and also helping your parents get to their appointments and manage their finances. If this sounds familiar to you and your lifestyle, you could be putting your own health on the back burner. Don’t wait for your dental health to become an emergency; be sure you are taking the time needed to not only brush and floss regularly but also to see your dentist every six months or more often if a problem crops up.
Plan to Pay for Dental Care
Unfortunately, many employers are no longer offering dental insurance, and some of the insurance plans that are offered have low calendar-year maximums. This means that your dental plan might not cover what you think it will. Be sure to talk to your HR department about what your dental insurance covers and plan accordingly. You can also ask for a treatment plan at our office; our staff will do their best to estimate what your dental insurance will pay. Do keep in mind, however, that we cannot know the ins and outs of every plan, so finding out exactly what your insurance will pay will be primarily your responsibility.
Take good care of your teeth now and in the future, Generation Xers! Give us a call if you need to schedule an appointment.
