ST LOUIS — As communities observe Older Americans Month, Delta Dental and DeltaVision experts urge older adults to prioritize two often-overlooked pillars of healthy aging: dental and vision care. Routine exams help maintain independence, detect chronic disease earlier and support overall well-being.
“Dental exams are one of the most effective ways to spot early signs of systemic disease,” said Nevin Mathai, DMD, dental director at Delta Dental of Missouri. “Inflammation, infection and changes in oral tissue can raise red flags for conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease before more serious symptoms appear. Preventive care allows providers to intervene sooner and reduce complications that can affect long-term health and quality of life.”
Comprehensive eye exams offer similar benefits, with research showing they can reveal early indicators of more than 270 chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and autoimmune disorders.
“Eye exams are a powerful preventive care tool,” said John Lahr, O.D., FAAO, senior medical director at EyeMed, administrator for DeltaVision’s EyeMed℠ Insight network. “For many older adults, an eye doctor is the health care provider they see most consistently, making vision care a cornerstone of healthy aging.”
Untreated vision and dental issues can impact more than physical health. Poor eyesight or chronic dental pain can limit mobility, affect nutrition and increase social isolation—factors closely linked to mental health and overall quality of life for older adults.
Affordable dental and vision coverage helps older Americans stay on top of preventive care. Those without dental benefits can use Delta Dental of Missouri’s 2026 Dental Resource Guide at www.deltadentalmo.com/resourceguide to find low-cost and free care options.
About Delta Dental of Missouri
Delta Dental of Missouri is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization and the state’s leading dental benefits provider. As a nonprofit, its mission is to improve overall health and well-being in the communities it serves. It provides more than 2.41 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.deltadentalmo.com/resourceguide. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.
DeltaVision® is underwritten by Advantica Insurance Company, a Delta Dental of Missouri Company, utilizing the EyeMed Vision Care Insight network. EyeMed Vision Care® is a registered trademark of EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Delta Dental and DeltaVision are registered trademarks of the Delta Dental Plans Association.