Can a smile be a window to someone’s overall health? More studies over recent years show 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 (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 people with dental benefits are healthier? In many cases across the country, it’s not only about having dental benefits, but also having easy access to dental care that determines their oral and overall health.
Access to Dental Care
We are proud to say that Delta Dental of Wisconsin is backed nationally by the largest network of dentists. Families with dental insurance are almost twice as likely to get preventive care as those without it. We understand why it’s important to you and your family that your provider 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 conveniently-located dentist, you are more likely to get the care you and your family need for a healthy smile.
Oral and Overall Health Connection
As we know, proper oral health care reduces the harmful bacteria in our mouths. That means you should brush twice per day for two minutes, floss once per day, and regularly visit the dentist. Not only do bacteria in our mouths adversely affect our oral health, but they are connected with diseases like endocarditis and pneumonia, according to Mayo Clinic.
With good oral health care, along with the body’s natural defenses, we can keep harmful bacteria and acids under control. But without good oral health care and regular visits to the dentist, these bacteria can reach levels that lead to infections.
Quality of Life and Good Oral Health Care
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 and regular visits to the dentist. Good oral health practices and regular dental visits have a direct connection to the appearance of your smile; your ability to interact with people, pronounce words, and chew food; and your quality of life.
People with Dental Benefits are Healthier
There is confirmed connection between having dental benefits and being healthier. Because those without coverage are less likely to see the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, they experience gum disease and other oral health-related problems. These problems can be uncomfortable or painful, and lead to overall health concerns.
“Delta Dental’s research shows that people continue to recognize the importance of their oral health in relation to their overall health,” said Dr. Greg Theis, Director, Dental Services at Delta Dental of Wisconsin. “It isn’t surprising that nearly 85% of Americans believe having dental insurance provides peace of mind.”
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 visit the dentist on a yearly (or more frequent) basis (77% vs. 46%).
“The benefits of healthy teeth and gums go well beyond the ability to eat comfortably or smile with confidence; a healthy mouth transcends into a healthier quality of life,” Dr. Theis said. “Dental insurance promotes the routine and preventive care to maintain our healthy smiles.”
