Start the year with a great smile and use your dental benefits
Having dental benefits contributes to better oral and overall health. Research shows that people with dental coverage are more likely to go to the dentist. Schedule your next dental appointment and start 2019 with a healthy smile and body. Here’s why you should visit your dentist regularly and how you can maximize your dental benefits in the new year. Getting Preventive Dental Care Avoids More Costly Treatment Regular preventive care allows the dentist to spot and treat oral health issues early, helping you avoid costly and serious dental problems in the future. Plus, most dental plans cover preventive dental care, such as cleanings, exams and X-rays, at little or no cost to you. Oral and Overall Health are Linked Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Studies show that gum disease is linked to numerous health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. In fact, more than 120 […]
How nutrition benefits oral health
While many people know that avoiding sugar is good for teeth, many do not realize that getting the right nutrients and vitamins is also essential for good oral health. Here are five nutrients that benefit both your smile and body as well as ways to incorporate them into your and your family’s diet. Calcium Calcium is critical to the structure of teeth and bones. Calcium is also the most abundant mineral in the body and required by the body’s vascular and muscular systems to function properly. When you do not consume enough calcium, your body uses the calcium stored in your teeth and bones, weakening their structure.1 Getting enough calcium in your diet keeps teeth and bones strong. Healthy foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli and Chinese cabbage. Magnesium Magnesium is another nutrient used in the development of strong teeth and bones. It helps the body […]
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Awareness Month
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a leading factor in tooth loss and is also associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The main cause of periodontal disease is harmful bacteria found in the plaque that accumulates on teeth. The disease can range from a mild stage, known as gingivitis, to a more severe stage, known as periodontitis. Prevention, and in some cases reversal, of the disease is possible by maintaining good oral health habits and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. According to the American Dental Association, the following risk factors contribute to the development of periodontal disease, and the following warning signs may help identify the condition: Tobacco (smoking or smokeless) Systemic diseases like diabetes Medications like steroids, specific types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs and some calcium channel blockers Poor fitting bridges Crooked teeth Defective fillings Pregnancy or oral contraceptives […]
