Oral health under stress

Posted on May 14, 2012 by dentalinsurance.org

Our body sends signals when life gets stressful. We may feel tired or crabby; headaches may become frequent; and sleep may be disrupted. And without saying a word, our mouths may also announce stress’ presence.

One dentalinsurance.org staff member recalls a 2009 dental exam that drove this connection home. She mentioned to the hygienist that she’d been grinding her teeth a night—a new habit.

 “Has work been tough lately?” the hygienist asked, going on to say that she’d seen more cases of tooth grinding that year than she had in her entire twenty-some-year career. She attributed the surge to economy-related stress—stress over losing a job, finding a job, taking on more work after coworkers get laid off, fearing their job is not secure. “Many of us carry our stress around and grind it out in our sleep.”

She suggested talking to the dentist about getting fitted for a nighttime mouth guard—and working on stress-management during waking hours.

While other dental problems, such as abnormal bite, may also cause teeth grinding, stress is not an uncommon cause. Likewise, stress may play a factor in canker sores, cold sores and gum disease—not to mention cavities formed when you allow your oral hygiene habits to slide away with your sanity.

Stress increases the presence of dental plague. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, a 2005 study found that emotional factors played a significant role in the development of adult gum disease—and that the severity of gum disease increased with the number of negative life events in the previous 12-month period.

Your dentist can spot stress-related oral health problems and help you resolve them before they cause further angst to your body, mind and pocketbook. Get in for routine checkups and cleanings. When you are there, talk honestly to your dentist about your oral health habits and issues such as frequent canker or cold sores, clenching, grinding, diminished brushing and flossing routines, unusual headaches or jaw pain.  He or she may suggest you wear a mouth guard while sleeping, help you find ways to fit brushing and flossing into a hectic schedule, and how to treat canker and cold sores before they become too large and painful.

It’s easy to miss stress until its effects become known. Be on the lookout. If you know busy or stressful times are near, take care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat regular and healthy meals, make time for a few moments of relaxation throughout the day, get enough exercise, avoid sugary and acidic foods, keep brushing and flossing, and don’t avoid the dentist!

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Fluoridation – something to smile about

Posted on May 8, 2012 by dentalinsurance.org

Almost three-fourths of U.S. residents who receive water from community water systems now receive fluoridated water, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in a press release late last month. The agency’s latest statistics show an increase from 65 percent to 73.9 percent between 2000 and 2010.

We’ve come a long way since 1945, when Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first municipality to implement fluoridation of public water supplies. That moment in history The CDC ranks fluoridation of drinking water—adjusting naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water to levels that prevent tooth decay—among its 10 Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th century.

But why do we care so much about fluoride’s presence in our drinking water?

It promotes oral health. The practice, according to the American Dental Association, has been effective in reducing tooth decay 20 to 40 percent.

It saves money. The CDC reports that in communities with populations greater than 20,000, fluoridation costs about 50 cents per person. The agency also reports that every $1 invested in fluoridation measures yields approximately $38 savings in dental treatment costs.

It reaches the masses. The CDC points out everyone—regardless of age, income, education or socioeconomic status—may access tap water and thereby benefit from fluoridation’s benefits.

Fluoride is important to oral health in adults and children. Those who do not receive enough fluoride through drinking water may obtain it through toothpaste, dentist-office treatments, and mouth rinses. However, it is important to remember that young children should not use mouth rinses or toothpaste with fluoride. Talk to your dentist about your family’s fluoride needs.

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Energy drinks hit oral health hard

Posted on May 1, 2012 by dentalinsurance.org

With the weather warming and finals approaching, kids tend to seek refreshment with sports and energy drinks this time of year. While they may offer post-activity pick-me-ups or an extra boost after a long study-session, these beverages also serve up negative consequences to your oral health.

A recent study published in the Academy of General Dentistry’s peer-reviewed clinical journal found the high acidity levels in sports and energy drinks erodes tooth enamel. After only five days of exposure, this irreversible damage was evident to researchers, the AGD reported in a May 1 press release. Findings showed that energy drinks caused twice the enamel damage.

Our teeth need enamel. The erosion cannot be reversed and carries harmful implications when it comes to oral health, general comfort and dental bills. Without enough protection, teeth become more sensitive and face increased risk for cavities and decay. Dental work such as bonding and crowns may be used to address issues caused by lost enamel.

It may be difficult to completely cut kids off from these beverages, but minimizing their intake is important. Talk to your children about why sports and energy drinks should be consumed sparingly. Save them for more rigorous activities that necessitate electrolyte replacement. When hydrating throughout the day, water does the trick.

When sports and energy drinks can’t be avoided, the AGD recommends chewing sugar-free gum and rinsing with water after consuming them to return the mouth’s acidity levels to normal. Additionally, they suggest waiting an hour before brushing teeth to prevent increasing the erosive action.

Interested in covering your teeth? Get a free dental insurance quote at www.dentalinsurance.org.

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Another reason to quit

Posted on December 22, 2011 by dentalinsurance.org

We all know smoking puts us at risk for some serious health problems. It’s responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. In addition to causing lung cancer and increasing one’s risk of heart attack and stroke, it negatively impacts oral health in many ways.

Tobacco use is linked to most oral cancer cases, and the American Dental Association says smoking may be responsible for almost 75 percent of periodontal (gum) disease, which has also been linked to heart attack and stroke.

Additional effects include:

  • Discoloration of the teeth and tongue
  • Plaque and tarter buildup
  • Bad breath
  • Decreased ability to taste and smell
  • Slower healing from dental procedures

Smokeless tobacco, which the ADA says contains at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals, also poses serious threats to oral health. It is a known cause of mouth, lip, tongue and pancreatic cancers; increases the risk of periodontal disease; and wears down teeth due to the sand and grit it contains. The favor enhancers added to smokeless tobacco products also increase one’s risk of tooth decay.

Obviously, more oral health problems, even seemingly small ones, mean paying more—and spending more time—at the dentist. Smokers also make poor candidates for some kinds of care, such as implants. According to the American Academy of Periodontology,  smoking harms the integrity of implants and causes them to fail twice as often as in nonsmokers.

Quitting can make a big difference. Many smoking-related dental problems, such as bad breath and stained teeth, are noticed quickly after kicking the habit. Within five years after quitting, the ACS says that risk of mouth, throat and esophagus cancer is cut in half, and within 10 years the risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who still smokes.

Check out the American Cancer Society’s Guide to Quitting Smoking for smoking cessation tips, as well as information about tobacco addiction and benefits of quitting.

For more dental lifestyle articles, visit dentalinsurance.org.

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Open wide for overall health

Posted on December 22, 2011 by dentalinsurance.org

We’ve said it before, and we’ll keep reminding you: Oral health and overall health go hand-in-hand. Studies have shown, for example, that health problems such as heart disease may be linked to oral bacteria and that oral health problems such as gum disease may be related to diabetes.

Recent headlines are reinforcing this interconnectedness. Several news outlets reported findings from a study that shows 20 million Americans see a dentist annually but not a general health care provider. The results, which appeared in the American Journal of Public Health, suggest that patients could benefit from health screenings administered by their dentists.

Experts are weighing in, saying that dentists could help fill gaps in preventive care by having patients fill out simple pen-and-paper screenings and recommending primary care provider visits based on the results. Such acts, they say, would help bring the medical and oral health fields closer together.

Regardless of how many dentists agree that implementing basic health screenings into routine oral health visits, such practices are obviously a ways off from becoming the norm. However, these recent reports do inspire conversation that gains media attention and remind us of the oral health-overall health connection.

The bottom line: Regular dental checkups serve an important role in preventive care. We do know that dentists are already looking for signs of disease during exams. Routinely visiting both your dentist and primary health care provider for recommended screenings means an increased likelihood of catching problems when they are more treatable and less costly.

For more information on the link between oral health and overall health, we suggest the Mayo Clinic’s article “Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health.”

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Observing diabetes, oral health

Posted on November 17, 2011 by dentalinsurance.org

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about a serious disease inflicting 25.8 million children and adults in the United States according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes complications include heart disease and stroke, kidney problems, blindness and high blood pressure. It can also impact your mouth.

Here are four things you should know about diabetes and oral health:

1. Diabetes can cause oral health problems

Poorly controlled blood glucose levels can increase the risk of oral health problems in diabetics.  Tooth decay, gum disease, fungal infections, taste impairment, salivary gland dysfunction, lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease), and infection and delayed healing are the most common oral health problems associated with the disease, according to the American Dental Association. Additionally, dry mouth tends to be an issue when blood sugar levels are high. This chronic problem can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

2. Preventive care makes a difference

Diabetes is another example of the interconnectedness of oral health and overall health. Not only do people with diabetes run an increased risk for gum disease, the American Diabetes Association reports that research shows “serious gum disease may affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.”

It’s important for people with diabetes to get regular dental cleanings and exams – their dentists may even ask them to visit more frequently. Dental providers can offer suggestions for issues like dry mouth, monitor the progression of any existing problems, and find potential issues early when they are more treatable.

3. Daily dental hygiene matters

The American Diabetes Association says controlling blood glucose levels is first and foremost when it comes to preventing dental problems associated with diabetes. Bacteria thrive in saliva with high glucose levels, which is why people with diabetes should vigilantly follow their dentist’s daily brushing and flossing recommendations. Additionally, they should regularly check their mouths for problems such as sores, white patches and bleeding gums and be aware of dryness, soreness or the presence of a bad taste. If changes are noticed, it’s time consult a dentist.

4. Smoking makes gum disease worse

The National Institute of Dental and Crainiofacial Research reports that smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Furthermore, people with diabetes who smoke are as much as 20 times more likely than nonsmokers to develop thrush and periodontal disease, according to WebMD. A doctor or dentist can recommend a smoking cessation plan to help you quit and lessen your risk of gum disease – not to mention other health problems associated with tobacco use.

As we observe this disease, take time to learn more and assess your own risk. As always, if you have any concerns about your overall or oral health, be sure to visit your health care provider or dentist to discuss them.

For information about dental health or dental insurance, visit www.dentalinsurance.org.

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Don’t forget dental

Posted on November 7, 2011 by dentalinsurance.org

For many who receive employer-sponsored benefits, it’s open enrollment season. Those who insure themselves must also begin planning for their 2012 insurance coverage and health care budget.

As consumers, we often focus health insurance costs, especially monthly premiums and deductibles. However, looking at the entire picture can help ensure enough money is set aside and the right coverage is secured to meet all health-related needs —expected and unexpected.

Remember to factor in oral health care. How will you pay for routine exams and cleanings, as well as dental work such as sealants, fillings or crowns? It may be easy to consider dental insurance unnecessary when money is tight, but can make a big difference in oral health and, consequently, overall health.

According to the 2008 National Health Interview Survey, dental insurance is a primary indicator of access to dental care. Numerous studies have shown that preventive care helps avoid more serious — and costly — oral and other health issues. The American Dental Association says prevention is key and that dental disease is almost entirely preventable. Problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer are more treatable when caught early on. When left untreated, dental problems lead to missed work and school, as well as trouble sleeping and eating.

There is a proven connection between oral health and overall health. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, research has shown gum disease is a risk factor for heart and lung disease; diabetes; premature, low birthrate babies; and other conditions.

Finding affordable dental insurance can be a major concern for individuals and families. There are many plans available for various budgets and dental needs, and most can be quickly and easily applied for online. Programs such as the State Children’s Health Insurance Program may help poor children get the coverage they need. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control offers a state-by-state synopsis of dental public health programs, which provides statistics as well as links to state health department sites.

Covering all your health-related expenses without help from an employer can seem overwhelming. Taking time to plan comprehensively can ease that burden. Remember to work affordable dental insurance coverage into your 2012 benefits plan. Consult your licensed insurance agent for assistance or visit dentalinsurance.org for a free quote.

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Fight oral health fears this Halloween

Posted on October 19, 2011 by dentalinsurance.org

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls may inspire shrieks this time of year. However, Halloween inevitably reminds us of some real-life spooks: cavities, fillings and decay.

While Halloween may only last a single night, the weeks preceding it and following it seem to contain more candy, cupcakes and cookies than one consumes all year. In addition, this holiday kicks off what may be the year’s “sweetest” months as Thanksgiving and Christmas follow with their many goodies.

The toll the extra sugar can take on small teeth may be frightening and some parents may be tempted to eliminate treats all together. However, there are ways to keep Halloween—and other indulgence-prone holidays—enjoyable while preventing truly terrifying trips to the dentist.

Limit the loot – Enjoy trick-or-treating in moderation. Rather than filling a pillowcase with as much candy as your child can carry, come up with a plan. Decide on a set number of stops ahead of time — then stick to it.

Be sure to settle on how candy may be consumed at home — talk about where will it be stored, how many pieces may the child have, when it may be eaten, and whether or not the child must ask or may self-regulate.

If you wind up with too many treats, consider looking into a candy buy-back program. This time of year, some dental practices and other organizations will take excess candy in exchange for cash and other incentives. Operation Gratitude Halloween Candy Buy Back is one such organization.

Offer alternatives – Remind your child that not every snack can be a sugary snack. Alternate trick-or-treat bag raids with tasty but healthier options such as carrots or celery and peanut butter, apple slices, cheese and crackers, and raisins and nuts.

You might consider handing out something other than candy. Give away stickers, pencils, trail mix, apples and other low-sugar or sugar-free snacks and items. Plenty of others will be handing out candy, and this helps add variety and promote health.

Take time to teach  – Not only does Halloween present an ideal time to revisit oral health basics with your child, it also offers an opportunity to talk about healthy eating. Spend this time working on daily brushing and flossing routines. Discuss the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. Treats don’t have to be off-limits; they should just be enjoyed on occasion.

For additional tips and ideas, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry or the American Dental Association.

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What are the Benefits? Dental Insurance for Baby Boomers

Posted on October 18, 2011 by dentalinsurance.org

You’d never dream of going without health insurance because you’re retiring and your health is just fine. We all know that throughout a lifetime, our health care needs change—oral health included.

A well-planned retirement includes dental insurance. After all, regular cleanings remain important to overall health and aging teeth often bring about new concerns requiring special attention. Routine dental care is not covered under Medicare, which means you will want to control out-of-pocket dental expenses with a good oral health plan that includes preventive and major care benefits.

Few senior-only plans exist, but most dental insurance provides benefits for the treatments seniors need most.

Such benefits include:

Preventive care

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 25 percent of Americans older than 65 no longer have any natural teeth. Gum disease and tooth decay are most often to blame.

Continuing routine oral exams and cleanings into your retirement years means keeping your mouth healthy and catching problems early—when they are most treatable. Regular dental checkups also allow you time with your dentist to discuss common problems such as dry mouth and tooth sensitivity as well as health issues that impact oral health, including diabetes and arthritis.

Dentures

Complete dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and are specifically designed to fit your individual mouth. In insurance literature and dental offices, they are frequently referenced in relation to prosthetic services or prosthodontics, which is the field of prosthetic dentistry.

Dentures themselves often fall under major care. Once you have them, they must be maintained. Repairs, adjustments, religning and rebasing often fall under basic care and are typically subject to time limitations.

Partials

When some natural teeth remain, partials, which are a type of denture, help complete the picture. Like dentures, they usually cost less than implants; however, they may require more care. (See Dentures vs Implants for more information on their differences.) Partials can also be more complicated than complete dentures depending on how many teeth are missing and where they are located. They, too, fall under the label prosthodontics and are subject to the same benefits as dentures.

Implants

For one missing tooth or several, dental implants are another replacement solution. Implants are essentially posts made of titanium that are inserted into the jawbone to replicate a root. Prosthetic teeth are then attached to the implant.

Implants are not classified under a specific field of dentistry and at this time are not typically covered by dental insurance plans.

Fillings

As you age, cavities remain a threat and fillings—also known as restorations—help prevent further decay. Fillings are typically subject to basic care benefits and generally include the following varieties:

  • Amalgam – permanent restorations made from a mix of metals
  • Composite – permanent restorations made from synthetic resins
  • Sedative – a temporary method for soothing tooth pain; sedative fillings last only a few months and may be applied to a tooth that needs a root canal or permanent filling

Most dental insurance plans also cover common services such as X-rays, extractions, antibiotic injections, oral surgery and root canals. Remember to consult your licensed insurance agent when choosing coverage. Finding the right plan for your needs and budget can help make your retirement more carefree!

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Dental health – is there such a thing as too soon?

Posted on August 15, 2011 by dentalinsurance.org

Mountains of articles have been written about good child dental care. When do you start brushing? When do you start taking your child to the dentist?

Dentalinsurance.org recently found a first hand account about how to teach oral hygiene to not just children, but babies. The author is also a dental hygienist. Read Awww, your ‘teef’ hurt and learn what one mom is doing with her daughter each day to teach good brushing habits.

Want to learn more about what dental insurance covers for children? Visit dentalinsurance.org.

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