There is a very real connection between your dental health and whole-body wellness, which is concerning especially to those that have oral issues. Studies from the Washington Post show that 26% of adults in the U.S. have untreated cavities. Health insurance agents understand this link and are quick to offer dental insurance when you are in the market for health coverage.
The Relationship Between Oral Health and Wellbeing
Your mouth can be home to up to six million bacteria, and while that seems astronomical, it’s nothing to be concerned about with good oral hygiene. This means that you need to keep up with brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Without good oral hygiene, those bacteria can cause inflammation, bleeding, infection, and even abscesses that can lead to it becoming a blood-borne infection. Your mouth needs to be clean to keep long-term problems from showing up both in your mouth and throughout your body.
Why Prevention Is Key
Research studies have shown that preventative regular oral health care checkups and screenings can help slow the progression of gum and oral diseases. This lessens the risks of heart disease and diabetes considerably. The National Institutes of Health states that over 90% of common diseases in America have oral symptoms. For example, for those with a compromised immune system, such as those with HIV, you’ll see the mouth and mucosal lesions as a symptom.
Other reasons for good oral health are the boost in self-esteem from a healthy mouth. Children especially need good oral health, as children with cavities are shown to take more time off school. This can impact their learning and educational offerings. Lastly, it is also cheaper for you to take good oral health habits to heart. In fact, according to the University of Chicago’s College of Dentistry, for every dollar taken for preventative oral care, you’ll save anywhere between $8 and $50 in emergency restoration treatments.
Conditions That May Arise From Oral Inflammation and Bacteria
There are some conditions that can be linked to bad oral health. These include cardiovascular diseases such as clogged arteries, strokes, and heart attacks. Studies indicate that gum infections and inflammation may be linked to these particular cardiovascular events. Endocarditis, another cardiovascular condition, can come from bacteria in the mouth that has entered the bloodstream and attacked the heart’s inner chamber lining. Diabetics with bad oral health can complicate the condition, making blood sugar control even worse. Other conditions can be pregnancy and birth issues, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
Get Covered
Talking with health insurance agents to make sure you are well covered for dental problems can keep you on the path to maintaining excellent oral health. Preventative measures can be taken at every stage of your dental health to keep you ahead of potential problems instead of playing catch-up. Invest in a good oral health plan such as replacing your toothbrush every three months, using a water flosser to better your gums against the chance of periodontal disease, and using a good gum defensive toothpaste. For some, a prescription mouthwash can help lower the germs in the mouth, especially if you are prone to deep gum pockets.
How Dental Insurance Can Help
By having high-quality dental health insurance coverage, you are able to have regular preventative care without the extra stress and strain on your wallet. Health insurance agents will tell you that several dental insurance policies have free or low-cost preventative care options. Keep in mind that more than 70% of people with insurance see a dentist every year versus only 40% without insurance. This means that 30% of people are not taking care of their mouth and teeth and are exposing themselves to the possibility of long-term health problems. The perception of having insurance can be enough to help ensure that you take better care of your oral health versus those who do not have insurance plans.
There are dental coverage policies that can be added through your employer or through your family health insurance provider. Health insurance agents can help guide you through everything that you need to get the best coverage for you and your family’s specific health needs. This way, you will be on the path to better health and a brighter, healthier smile. Learn more about getting excellent dental coverage by contacting Health Insurance Advisors today.
