Dental Insurance Articles

3 Ways Dental Insurance Plans Can Help People With Gum Disease

2010-12-22

Gum disease isn't uncommon, particularly in adults over 35. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the gums and the tissues surrounding the teeth. By making the most of your dental insurance plan, you can help prevent and treat gum disease.

The condition is often caused by plaque, a film of bacteria that lives on the surface of teeth. But the condition can also be caused by genetics, medication, diabetes, stress, or other factors. Since you first had your adult teeth, your parents, dentist, and the tooth paste companies have been encouraging you to brush and floss your teeth. Keeping them clean is essential to control and eliminate plaque.

Through good teeth cleaning practices, you can reduce the risk of gum disease. That's where your dental insurance plan comes in. First, it covers regular dental visits and cleanings. Second, if you get gum disease, insurance may cover the cost of treatments such as deep cleaning (scaling), laser surgery, and the grafting of tissue to replace damaged gum tissue. Third, dental insurance may also cover continuing care so that dental professionals can monitor the condition of your gums and take steps to prevent a recurrence of the condition.

Various studies show that dental health is related to general health. The theory is that oral bacteria-all that plaque-can clog the blood vessels. The result can be a stroke or a heart attack. Plaque bacteria can also travel to other organs where it can cause damage. The findings support the importance of making the best use of your dental insurance plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy. And because gum disease is related to other health conditions, most dental insurance plans cover some form of treatment for gum health and restoration.

All dental plans differ. All cover regular check-ups at least once a year. However, for the best results you should go twice a year for professional dental care. If your health is compromised by factors such as genetics, chronic illness, medications, or immunosuppression, then you should go three or four times a year.

However, you can practice good dental care yourself for little cost. You already know how: brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss them once a day, use antibacterial mouthwash (brushing and flossing aren't enough), and visit your dentist regularly.

Because your health, speech, appearance, and food intake depend on healthy teeth, it's wise not to let your insurance company limit your dental care. Instead, make the most of it by getting regular dental check-ups. In addition, be pro-active by paying for any treatment necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums.