HEALTH
118 MIAMI LIVING
Taking care of your teeth and gums helps to improve your overall health,
both now and for decades to come. A human mouth can be home to
more than 6 billion bacteria – a population that exceeds the human
population of earth. If that bacteria works its way under gum tissue the
ensuing infection will, left untreated, rapidly destroy gums and bones.
Oral infections have also been linked with a number of systemic
conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections,
breast cancer and difficult pregnancies.
Periodontal disease can also make it more difficult to control and treat
other conditions. And obviously a consistent stress on your immune
system certainly isn't conducive to maintaining good health and
optimum energy.
While the health of our mouth has a huge impact on our health, the
truth is that many of us want a healthy smile because it makes us more
attractive to others. Study after study shows that "nice teeth" are the
first thing we look at when sizing up another human. Thankfully you
don't need a perfect, gleaming white Hollywood smile –well-maintained
teeth are fine.
Some people naturally have beautiful smiles, the rest of us have to work
at it. Basic care – brushing at last twice a day and daily flossing – really
helps to preserve oral health. So does limiting your intake of citrus juice,
sugary drinks, and sweet, sticky snacks. Rinsing your mouth with water
after you eat is great when you can't brush. No matter how well you take
care of your teeth at home though, regular visits to the dentist are c
ritical. Professional cleanings are essential for optimum dental wellness –
the hygienist will always be able to get your teeth cleaner than you can.
Checkups and x-rays help to enable early treatment of any potential
impending issues before they become complicated and create costly
problems.
Speaking of cost, the biggest deterrent to getting dental care is the price
of services. Even if you have dental insurance, you'll likely have to pay out-
of-pocket for anything beyond the most basic care. Dental insurance is
usually capped at $1,000-$1,500 per year. A single-tooth dental implant
starts at $1,500. And few policies pay for the more sophisticated, new
treatments like implants, whitening, adult orthodontics and other
processes that help to preserve and enhance your smile.
Dental savings plans are a sensible alternative to dental insurance. A low
yearly fee opens access to a network of doctors who offer plan members
discounts on treatment fees. You get the care you need, when you need
it, at a great price. Here's to a healthy, happy 2015!
If you have any questions about Dental Savings Plans, visit
dentalplans.com or call our :DP AtYourService™ Team
at 866-230-1142. ML
