|
|
|
Find discount plans for your dental needs |
|
|
 |
 |
Join a plan online instantly |
|
Start as low as $79.95/year for individual dental plan |
|
Save 10% to 60% on most dental procedures |
|
Free to choose from over 30 discount dental plans. |
|
No health restrictions, paperwork hassles or annual limits. |
| |
Some with prescriptions, vision, hearing and chiropractic services! |
|
 |
|
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
The mouth is a window into the health
of the body. It can show signs of nutritional
deficiencies or general infection.
For example, systemic diseases—those
that affect the entire body, such as diabetes,
AIDS and Sjögren’s syndrome—may first
become apparent because of mouth lesions or
other oral problems.
The mouth is filled with countless bacteria,
some linked to tooth decay and periodontal (gum)
disease. Researchers have found that periodontitis
(the advanced form of periodontal disease
that can cause tooth loss) is linked with other
health problems, such as cardiovascular disease,
stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, pregnant
women with periodontitis may be at
increased risk of delivering preterm and/or
low-birth-weight infants.
|
|
What You Can Do |
Given the potential link between periodontitis and
systemic health problems, prevention may be an
important step in maintaining overall health.
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Clean
between your teeth with floss or another type of
interdental cleaner once a day. Your dentist may
recommend using an antimicrobial mouthrinse as
part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Choose dental products with the American
Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, an important
symbol of a dental product’s safety and
effectiveness.
Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks, which may
reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal
disease.
Schedule regular dental checkups. Professional
cleanings are the only way to remove calculus
(tartar), which traps plaque bacteria along the
gum line.
If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist:
-
gums that bleed during brushing and flossing;
-
red, swollen or tender gums;
-
gums that have pulled away from your teeth;
-
persistent bad breath;
-
pus between your teeth and gums;
-
loose or separating teeth;
-
a change in the way your teeth fit together when
you bite;
-
a change in the fit of partial dentures.
Tell your dentist about changes in your overall
health, particularly any recent illnesses or chronic
conditions. Provide an updated health history,
including medication use—both prescription and
over-the-counter products. If you use tobacco, talk to
your dentist about options for quitting.
If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming
pregnant, pay particular attention to your teeth and
gums. That’s because pregnancy—and the changing
hormone levels that occur with it—can exaggerate
some dental problems. Taking good care of your oral
health is important for you and your infant.
|
|
|
|
