Many people avoid seeing the dentist, especially those who don’t have dental insurance. Others are simply afraid of the disconcerting nature of having work done in the dentist’s chair. But skipping dental visits is a bad idea, especially in light of evidence that oral health problems can indicate more serious problems, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A report published in the Journal of the American Dental Association says, “An overall assessment of the available data strongly suggests that diabetes is a risk factor for gingivitis and periodontitis.” Oral inflammation is also linked to body inflammation, and treating gum disease can increase circulation and reduce inflammation. Periodontal disease can actually cause cardiovascular disease by blocking arteries and raising levels of C-reactive protein, thought to cause heart disease.
Health problems are not always isolated to one area of the body, but can affect other areas as well.
Considering this, it’s not difficult to understand how dental problems like gingivitis (inflammation of gum tissue) and periodontal disease could be indicators or even cause more serious health conditions. Unfortunately, oral health issues like gum disease are often at more advanced stages before the person even knows there is a problem—this is why it is so important to get preventive care in the form of dental cleanings and X-rays.
Dental insurance is more affordable than you might think, and it can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on dental work. The licensed agents at Benefit Packages have been helping individuals and employer groups find affordable dental and health insurance through reputable carriers like Blue Cross of California. Call Benefit Packages to for a quote today, or visit our website here.