Most people know that seeing a dentist regularly is good for oral health and the appearance of your smile. But not everyone knows that it can also improve your overall health. Oral health is more important than most people realize.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Oral health provides clues about your general health, and problems in the mouth can affect the entire body. The mouth is teeming with bacteria that are kept under control with good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Without proper oral care, these bacteria can multiply and reach levels that can lead to infection, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Studies suggest that oral bacteria and inflammation associated with severe gum disease (periodontitis) may play a role in certain diseases. Conversely, diseases such as HIV and diabetes can reduce the body’s resistance to infection, worsening oral health problems.
Saliva neutralizes acids produced by bacteria and washes away food in the mouth. It helps protect against microbial overgrowth or invasion that can lead to disease. Certain types of medications can reduce saliva flow. These medications include:
Health Conditions that May Be Linked to Oral Health
Oral health problems may contribute to various conditions and diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Premature birth and low birth weight
- Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart)
Diseases and conditions that may affect oral health include:
Other health conditions that may be linked to oral health include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Eating disorders
- Head and neck cancers
- Sjogren’s syndrome (immune system disorder that causes dry mouth)
How to Protect Your Oral Health
The best way to protect your oral health is to see your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene daily. This includes:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Replacing your toothbrush when the bristles are frayed, or every three to four months
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting between-meal snacks
- Getting regular dental cleanings and checkups
Do You Need Dental Insurance?
Annual physicals and regular follow-ups with your physician are important to protect your overall health. As regular dental visits are equally important, it stands to reason that you and your family need dental insurance as well as health insurance.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Dental insurance differs from plan to plan. The major differences between plans are what and how much they cover. However, most dental plans offer coverage for routine, preventative procedures, including:
- Dental cleanings (typically once or twice a year)
- Bite wing and panoramic X-rays
- Dental exams
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
Costs of dental insurance can vary widely. Factors affecting the cost include location, the type of coverage, the type of provider (public or private), and overall dental health. Our experienced agency can help you find a dental insurance plan that suits your family’s needs at the best available rates.
Watu wengi wanajua kwamba kwenda kwa daktari wa meno mara kwa mara ni jambo zuri kwa afya ya mdomo na kwa sura ya tabasamu yako. Lakini si kila mtu anayejua kwamba inaweza pia kuboresha afya yako kwa ujumla. Afya ya mdomo ni muhimu zaidi kuliko watu wengi wanavyofahamu. Uunganisho kati ya afya ya mdomo na afya ya jumla Afya ya mdomo hutoa dalili kuhusu afya yako ya jumla, na matatizo katika mdomo yanaweza kuathiri mwili wote. Mkojo una bakteria nyingi ambazo zinadhibitiwa kwa kutumia usafi mzuri wa mdomo, kutia ndani kupiga mswaki na kutumia kitambaa cha meno. Bila utunzaji wa mdomo, bakteria hizo zinaweza kuongezeka na kufikia kiwango kinachoweza kusababisha maambukizo, magonjwa ya taya, na kuoza kwa meno. Uchunguzi unaonyesha kwamba bakteria za mdomo na uvimbe unaohusiana na ugonjwa mbaya wa taya (periodontitis) unaweza kuwa na sehemu katika magonjwa fulani. Kwa upande mwingine, magonjwa kama vile UKIMWI na kisukari yanaweza kupunguza uwezo wa mwili wa kukabiliana na maambukizo, na hivyo kuzidisha matatizo ya afya ya mdomo. Mkojo huzuia asidi zinazotokezwa na bakteria na kuondoa chakula kinywani. Inasaidia kulinda dhidi ya ukuzi wa kupita kiasi wa vimelea au uvamizi ambao unaweza kusababisha ugonjwa. Aina fulani za dawa zaweza kupunguza mtiririko wa mate. Matatizo ya afya ya mdomo yanaweza kusababisha magonjwa mbalimbali, ikiwa ni pamoja na: - Ugonjwa wa moyo - Kuzaliwa kabla ya wakati na uzito wa kuzaliwa mdogo - Endocarditis (ambukizi la utando wa ndani wa moyo) - Magonjwa na hali ambazo zinaweza kuathiri afya ya mdomo ni pamoja na: - Rheumatoid arthritis - Matatizo ya kula - Saratani ya kichwa na shingo - Sjogren's oral syndrome (matatizo ya mfumo wa kinga ambayo husababisha kinywa kavu) - Jinsi ya kulinda afya yako ya mdomo. "Hii ni pamoja na: - Brushing mara mbili kwa siku na fluoride toothpaste - Flossing kila siku - Kubadilisha toothbrush yako wakati bristles ni frayed, au kila miezi mitatu hadi minne - Kuepuka matumizi ya tumbaku - Kula chakula cha afya - Kupunguza kati ya chakula - Kupata mara kwa mara meno kusafishwa na uchunguzi ""Je, unahitaji bima ya meno?" Uchunguzi wa kila mwaka na uchunguzi wa mara kwa mara na daktari wako ni muhimu ili kulinda afya yako kwa ujumla. Kwa kuwa utunzaji wa meno ni muhimu, ni muhimu kwamba wewe na familia yako uwe na bima ya afya. Bima ya meno inashughulikia nini? Bima ya meno hutofautiana kutoka mpango hadi mpango. Tofauti kuu kati ya mipango ni nini na kiasi gani wao kufunika. Hata hivyo, mipango mingi ya meno hutoa chanjo kwa ajili ya utaratibu wa kawaida, wa kuzuia, ikiwa ni pamoja na: - Usafi wa meno (kwa kawaida mara moja au mbili kwa mwaka) - Mlipuko wa kuumwa na miale ya X-ray ya panoramic - Uchunguzi wa meno Ni kiasi gani cha bima ya meno? Gharama za bima ya meno zaweza kutofautiana sana. Mambo yanayoathiri gharama ni pamoja na eneo, aina ya chanjo, aina ya mtoa huduma (wa umma au binafsi), na afya ya meno kwa ujumla. Shirika letu lenye uzoefu linaweza kukusaidia kupata mpango wa bima ya meno unaolingana na mahitaji ya familia yako kwa viwango bora vinavyopatikana.