Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew. Many people assume that they only need to see a dentist when they are in pain, but regular dentist visits can provide a lifetime of good oral health. There are steps that you can take to protect that beautiful smile.
Good oral hygiene can prevent common diseases that can have a lasting impact including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Your oral health is important. Taking care of your teeth and gums can help prevent serious diseases and reduce complications from chronic conditions that affect your overall health.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, don't cover exams and services related to basic dental health care. Oral health affects more than your teeth and can be the key to preventing chronic diseases that plague many American citizens. By ensuring your oral health you're protecting your overall health. According to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 65% of Medicare beneficiaries did not have dental coverage.
Oral diseases can range from tooth loss to periodontal disease
Poor oral hygiene can hurt your quality of life, affecting your ability to eat, speak, smile, and even show emotion. Surprisingly, as pointed out by the Oral Health Foundation, your oral health has been linked to things such as heart problems, strokes, diabetes, and lung disease. So if you have not been to the dentist in a while you may want to take time out to schedule an appointment. After all, taking preventative methods now can save you across the board later in life.
The point of this article is to give you some ways to improve your self-care, but it does not replace sound instruction from a professional. The goal is that you look at taking steps that can increase the longevity of your teeth, improve your health, and ultimately lower your medical bills.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing your teeth helps remove bacteria, known as dental plaque, that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. This colorless film of bacteria can further damage teeth that have already been filled and cause new decay.
But how do you know if you have done a good job of brushing your teeth? Sometimes dentists may recommend disclosing tablets. They are readily available at over-the-counter pharmacies. After you brush your teeth chew one tablet thoroughly, and the dye will stick to the plaque and give you a better idea of where to pay extra attention when brushing. Although disclosing tablets contain simple food dyes and will pass through the system, it can not be stressed enough to consult medical professionals before introducing anything new to a routine.
Eat nutrient-rich foods
Diseases that affect the entire body may first present themselves in the mouth with mouth lesions or other oral problems. As illustrated by the ADA, relatively 100 million Americans fail to see a dentist each year, even though doing so can prevent most dental diseases. Adjusting your diet can be just the thing you need to help protect yourself, particularly your teeth. Maintaining a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Avoiding starchy or sugary foods works wonders, especially since dental plaque loves the stuff. Here is a list of some foods you may want to consider:
Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt: low in sugar and high in calcium, dairy foods help balance pH levels in the mouth and preserve tooth enamel.
Water: Staying hydrated helps your system distribute nutrients and wash away food particles.
Crunchy Vegetables: Firm foods that contain a lot of water are natural cleaners that remove food particles and bacteria.
Leafy Greens: These are rich in calcium and other vitamins necessary for healthy teeth and gums.
Fibrous Fruits: Increases salivation and helps clean your teeth. Fruits like apples and pears stimulate your gums and reduce cavity-causing bacteria. These fruits are also good for neutralizing the acids in your mouth.
This is not a full list, so consult your dentist to get a better idea of what foods you can add to your diet and which ones to remove.
Use your insurance regardless of if a private, employer-sponsored, or Medicare Insurance plans
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in 2019 only 47.2% of Americans visiting a medical and dental provider used their insurance. Oftentimes, we allow time to pass us by without taking our health into account. Other times, it is simply that we may not understand exactly what our plans cover. That is even more prevalent with people on Medicare. There are policies available to fill in the gaps in Medicare Insurance plans, regardless of whether you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage Plan, or a Medicare Supplement policy.
It is not a crime to ask for help on something foreign. Insurance companies, agents, and brokers are professionals with a wealth of information you can tap into to know more about the policies you sign up for. And they are a necessity even when enrolling for company-sponsored insurance. Insurance agents and brokers do more than just sell insurance, we are your fiduciary who helps you understand your options and consider things that you may not normally consider. Of all the available insurance policies to consider, dental insurance has some of the lowest premiums and can allow enrollees to enjoy the benefits without a waiting period. Waiting periods depend on what insurance carrier you use.
Learn more about health and life insurance options by clicking here.
Feel free to leave a comment and share, hopefully with as many friends as possible.
Comments