More Than A Number

Your general health is directly linked to your oral health. If you don’t take care of your teeth, gums, and your bite, the consequences can greatly affect your well-being. Many Americans fail to visit the dentist on time, or at all, simply because they want to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. However, a personal dental insurance plan can offer reduced fees and get you back on track with your health.

The link between diseases and oral hygiene is being studied and documented by the medical and dental communities. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, “many diseases appear first in the mouth and are thus found while patients are in the dental chair.” This includes certain autoimmune conditions, such as Pemphigus and lichen planus, as well as other medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Individual dental plans encourage routine check-ups which provide the opportunity for dentists to detect the oral manifestation of these diseases and recommend further treatment by another doctor. In the case of people with diabetes, for example, a dentist will recognize the extra bone loss of the jaw or surrounding bone structure.

In addition to the early detection of serious medical conditions, professional hygienists and dentists can perform other essential treatments to avoid serious dental problems. While brushing and flossing are important elements of your daily care, professional treatments include tooth cleaning, scraping hardened plaque, removing calculus deposits, taking x-rays, examining changes in the bite, and examining your teeth, mouth and gums for tooth decay or gum disease. That is why a quality family dental insurance plan will help to maintain proper dental hygiene, resulting in better health for the entire body.