How overall nutrition of seniors improved because of visits to dentist

Dr Anthony Tay at his dental clinic on Oct 30, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI
Dr Anthony Tay at his dental clinic on Oct 30, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI

SINGAPORE - Dr Anthony Tay has been seeing seniors who have not been to a dentist in years trooping into his dental clinic in Geylang since last month.

That was when Singaporeans aged 65 years and older could use their Pioneer Generation card to get subsidies of up to $266.50 at a private dental clinic.

Some had missing teeth, others had cavities or gum disease that needed treating.

A few actually had lost all their teeth on their upper or lower jaw, requiring a full set of 14-teeth acrylic dentures.

This would normally cost them $550, but with the subsidy from the government, they need only shell out $283.50.

And what a big change it has made to their health and life - before getting the dentures, these seniors were eating only soft food, as they were not able to bite. But with their new teeth, they now can return to normal food.

Dr Tay said this should improve their overall nutrition, and result in better health for them.

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