Can a smile be a window to someone’s overall health? More studies over recent years show that a connection between oral health and overall health in both adults and children. This connection is due in large part to an association with periodontal disease, or gum disease, and systemic diseases. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and respiratory disease all impact an individual’s oral health. Since the health of our mouth impacts our overall health, can we reason that having dental benefits can contribute to being healthier? In many cases across the country, it’s not only about having dental benefits, but also having basic and easy access to dental care that may determine their oral and overall health.

Access to Dental Care

We are proud to say that at Delta Dental of Kansas, we are backed nationally by the largest network of dentists. You are far more likely to visit the dentist if your plan’s network of dentists are accessible far and wide. We understand why it’s important to you and your family that your dentist is someone you trust. It’s also important that they are close to where you live or work. If you have dental benefits and a dentist that is convenient to get to, you are more likely to get the care you and your family needs for a healthy smile.

Having Dental Benefits

So, with access to a dentist, what is the general impact of having or not having dental benefits?

• Those people who do not have dental benefits are more likely to have extractions and dentures.
• Americans with dental benefits are more likely to go to the dentist, receive restorative care, and experience greater overall health.

Those without coverage are less likely to see the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, they experience periodontal (gum) disease and other oral health-related problems. These oral health related problems can be uncomfortable, even painful, and lead to overall health concerns.

“Delta Dental’s annual survey shows that nearly all Americans recognize that their oral health is important to their overall health,” said Joe Dill, DDS, MBA, Delta Dental Plans Association’s vice president of dental science and network strategy.

“With this growing appreciation of oral health, it isn’t surprising that nearly 85% of Americans believe that having dental insurance provides peace of mind,” Dr. Dill told us.

The Adult’s Oral Health & Well-Being Survey sponsored by Delta Dental shows that Americans with dental insurance are 40% more likely than the uninsured to see the dentist on a yearly (or more frequent) basis (77% v. 46%). 

“The health of our teeth and gums contributes to our overall health and general quality of life, including the ability to eat without pain or to smile with confidence,” Dr. Dill said. “Dental insurance helps to promote routine, preventive care to maintain our healthy smiles."

Oral Health and Overall Health Connection

As we know, proper oral health care decreases the number of harmful bacteria in our mouths. That means brushing twice per day for two minutes, flossing at least once per day, and regular checkups with the dentist. Not only do bacteria in our mouths adversely affect our oral health, but they can lead to diseases like endocarditis, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, as well as pregnancy and birth complications can be linked to poor oral health, according to the Mayo Clinic.

With good oral health care, along with the body’s natural defenses, we can keep these harmful bacteria and acids under control. But without good oral health care and regular visits to the dentist, these bacteria can reach levels that can lead to infections.

Quality of Life and Good Oral Heath Care

Preventing tooth decay, tooth loss, or fractured teeth can have a substantial impact on your self-esteem. The good news is that these conditions are nearly 100% preventable with proper at-home oral health care along with regular visits to the dentist. Good oral health practices and regular dental visits have a direct connection to:

• Your ability to interact with people
• Your quality of life
• The appearance of your smile
• Your ability to pronounce words
• Your ability to chew food

 

To get more information about our individual and family dental benefits plans, click here.