Dental Plan Blog

Baby Boomers and dental health

Are you between the ages of 45 and 64 (and part of the “Baby Boomer” generation)? If so, you should take note of something a sizeable majority of your peers fail to see. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 63% of Baby Boomers fail to recognize the strong connection between oral health and systemic health (i.e. the simple fact that healthy teeth and gums can help them keep many chronic and fatal health problems at bay).

Findings reported in the Journal of Dental Education punctuate the need to integrate oral health and general health care as there are established links between periodontal disease and diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. That’s why it’s imperative for Boomers to take excellent care of their oral health by practicing healthy dental habits and visiting the dentist regularly.

Is Dental Care Really Necessary?

One of the main keys to maintaining a healthy mouth as you get older is establishing a strong, trust-based doctor-patient relationship with your local Massachusetts dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, almost one-third or (31%) of baby boomers don’t get preventive dental care (i.e. they only go to the dentist when they have any emergency).

We all know how costly dental care is these days (so this statistic probably doesn’t shock you all that much) but the cost of delaying your dentistry takes a much greater toll on both your health and your wallet. Affordable dental insurance alternatives such as discount dental plans put affordable dental care within reach so you can avoid the painful and costly consequences of delayed dentistry. Universal Dental Plan has options for baby boomers as well as those who have already reached retirement age (our senior dental plan) so visit our site and see what you can save.

Proper Nutrition for Dental Health

Nutrition and your oral health are highly intertwined. Good nutrition promotes good oral health by enabling your mouth and its tissues to develop and stay healthy. However, some foods and habits are known to spur on plaque development, leading to a heightened risk of tooth decay and dental disease.

With all of this in mind, we’ve put together several quick facts and nutrition tips to keep your teeth and gums disease and decay free.

Quick Facts and Tips:

• Sugars and cooked starches (fermentable carbohydrates) can make a huge impact  on your risk of tooth decay, so avoid consumption of these items in excess
• About 20-40 minutes after you eat, your mouth releases acids. Each of these “acid attacks” increases your risk of tooth decay so it's important to limit the number of between-meal snacks you have (as you’ll limit the number of acid attacks as well).
• Foods such as bread and crackers stay on teeth longer that jelly beans or caramels despite perceived stickiness of the latter two. Look to consume foods that clear the mouth quickly, as they pose less of a threat of tooth decay.
• Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when infants’ or young children’s teeth get severely damaged from prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars. For this reason, you should avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle of formula or juice.
• Make sure you get your Vitamin C. It helps protect your gums from infection and can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Last but not least, if you do consume sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, make sure it’s as part of a balanced meal. This helps to increase saliva production and neutralize acid production in the mouth.

Need more tips on nutrition for oral health? Ask your dentist at your next dental checkup.

And, for those who need to find a dentist, Universal Dental Plan can help. Universal Dental Plan is an affordable dental insurance plan alternative in Massachusetts. We connect you with local Boston dentists and providers throughout the state who will be able to answer your questions and point you on a path towards excellent oral health.

Dental Health and First Impressions

Whether you’re on   a first date, a job interview, or meeting clients for the first time one thing’s for certain—you want to make a good first impression. Many factors go into the impression that you make but it certainly starts with a bright, healthy smile.

Studies show that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. During the first few minutes of your first interaction with someone new, they’ll often make assumptions about your economic and educational level, your trustworthiness and your level of sophistication—just from the quality of your smile.

Your breath also plays a huge role in shaping first impressions (and it goes without saying that bad breath is a huge strike against you). That being said, here are 3 helpful tips to keep bad breath at bay:

1. Use a mouth rinse daily to clean out bad breath causing bacteria
2. Don’t forget your tongue when brushing (make it part of your twice daily teeth brushing routine or perhaps use a tongue scraper)
3. Get regular dental cleanings  (if you’re looking for a new dentist, our plan has a growing network of Boston dentists plus other Massachusetts dentists and specialists to choose from)

On top of bad breath, crooked, missing or broken teeth create can negatively effect your first impressions, causing a stigma in both your personal and professional life. Individuals can restore their smile and self-esteem with various cosmetic dental procedures (i.e. dental implants) and orthodontia. But, these procedures can get very expensive, especially for those without insurance (or an affordable dental plan).

Universal Dental Plan is a Massachusetts dental insurance alternative that saves its members 20-50% off all procedures according to a fixed rate fee schedule (dental implants and braces included). Visit our website to learn more about us or just give us a call.

Are you stressed? Your gums can tell

Everyone gets stressed, it’s an inevitable part of American life. Also, most of us know it can have a negative impact on our mental, physical and social well-being. But did you know that stress can negatively impact on our oral health as well?

Stress, whether at work or at home, can cause a variety of oral health complications including:

• Bruxism (i.e. teeth grinding)
• Canker sores
• Dry mouth
• Burning mouth syndrome
• Lichen planus (characterized by white lines, sores and ulcers in the oral cavity)
• TMJ/TMD
• Gum disease—Studies have shown that long-term stress affects our immune systems. This increases our susceptibility to various infections, such as the ones responsible for periodontal disease.

Do you suffer from any of these problems? Or have you just been stressed lately and perhaps worried these problems could crop up soon?

If so, it’s vital that you talk to your dentist and work together to develop healthy habits.

 Here are 3 steps you can take to decrease stress and improve your oral health:

• When you’re feeling stressed, don’t forget your oral health. Instead, take time to focus on your dental hygiene regimen.
• Don’t use tobacco or alcohol as stress relief vehicles. In addition to being highly addictive, these substances can cause significant damage to your oral cavity.
• Take proper measures to reduce stress in your life such as eating well, getting a full night’s sleep and exercising regularly

Last but not least, if you’re worried that stress is affecting your teeth and gums, call your dentist for an appointment. He or she can treat stress-related dental problems and offer suggestions for better at-home care.

Need help finding a dentist? Universal Dental Plan can help you locate one close by from our growing network of Massachusetts dentists and specialists. Call us today at 617-859-1777 and join our affordable dental plan for deep 20-50% savings on all procedures.

Can your dental health affect your overall health?

Your dental health speaks great volumes about the health of your body. With a single oral exam, your dentist can often detect any immune system problems, nutritional deficiencies, stress or infections you might have. Think of your dentist as a disease detective and your oral cavity the window to your overall health.  

Infections of your teeth, mouth and gums can take a major toll on the health of…

… your heart. Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 1.5-2 times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and even 3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke!

…your lungs. Your oral tissue can become infected with respiratory disease-causing bacteria. Once inhaled, these bacteria can cause major problems and lead to the development of diseases like pneumonia.

…people with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop periodontal disease than their non-diabetic counterparts. This is according to the American Academy of Periodontology which states that periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Research also shows that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, which puts diabetics at a heightened risk for diabetic complications.

…the intestines. Poor oral health aversely impacts the function of the digestive system. This, in turn, can lead to intestinal failure and a whole host of other problems.

…the blood stream. When your gums are healthy, bacteria in your mouth typically don’t enter the bloodstream. However, gum disease, some invasive dental treatments and medicines that reduce saliva flow may provide bacteria an easy port of entry. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria has free reign to wreak havoc on your body’s vital organs causing harmful infections.

So, it goes without saying that you should keep your dentist in the loop on your medical conditions. That way, he or she can provide care and recommendations accordingly. Also, visiting your dentist twice annually for oral exams and cleanings is one of the many precautions you can take for heart health, lung health and to keep harmful infections at bay.

Need to find a dentist? Universal Dental Plan (a discount dental plan) makes regular visits to Boston dentists and other Massachusetts dentists and specialists affordable for its members.  That way, they can stay one step ahead of the curve and ensure oral diseases and conditions are diagnosed and treated promptly.

Top 5 Tips for Senior Dental Care

Our smiles are made to last a lifetime and proper dental hygiene has a huge impact on the health of your mouth and body, whether you’re 5 or 85. However, as we get older, we become more susceptible to oral health problems such as periodontal disease, inflammation of the gum tissue, dry mouth syndrome (often caused by medications) and oral thrush just to name a few.

It’s plain to see that taking care of your oral health in your golden years comes with several unique considerations. Here are 5 essential tips for seniors to keep healthy teeth and gums (and ultimately healthy bodies).

 

#5 Keep consistent with your at home oral health care regiment: This means keep brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash as instructed by your dentist to maintain proper dental hygiene.

If brushing and flossing are difficult for you, consider using an apparatus such as a tongue depressor to lengthen your brush or flossing tool. Also, if you suffer from arthritis or a similar condition, you may want to try inserting the back end of your toothbrush into a standard tennis ball for better maneuverability.

#4 Know the warning signs to prevent harmful conditions: Elders are generally more susceptible to many major oral health problems including gum disease, tooth loss, TMJ, dry mouth syndrome and oral cancer and should be on the lookout for key signs and symptoms. Symptoms to watch out for include, swelling of the gums, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, jaw soreness, persistent mouth sores and bumps or an unquenchable thirst. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your dentist right away for diagnosis and treatment (if you live in Massachusetts and need help finding affordable dentistry, we can certainly help).

#3 Maintain dental appliances such as dentures and dental bridges properly: Contrary to popular belief, a set of dentures won’t last you 20 plus years. The ADA recommends replacing them every 5-7 years to avoid painful consequences such as mouth sores, oral lesions and difficulty chewing/swallowing/digesting food.

For denture wearers, we’ve put together 4 helpful tips to keep them in excellent shape and maintain oral health.

#2 Talk to your dentist about any medication you’re taking as dry mouth syndrome is a common side effect of many Rx drugs. For dry mouth sufferers, dentists can prescribe an array of solution such as an artificial saliva rinse to keep your mouth moist and wash harmful bacteria away.

#1 Visit your dentist as often as he or she recommends for regular checkups: Even if you wear dentures, it’s still vital to visit your dentist twice-yearly per-ADA recommendation. On top of keeping your mouth in tip top shape, your dentist can alert you of developments in your mouth that point to problems elsewhere in your body or pick up on early signs of improper jaw alignment or poor nutrition which may become problematic down the road.

Want more advice on senior dental care? Universal Dental Plan is out on tour this year with a full presentation on the importance of oral health and hygiene in the golden years. Sign up here to bring our Golden Smiles Tour to your local council on aging or senior center.

Four things every denture wearer must know

Contrary to popular belief, your at-home oral health care regimen doesn't stop the day you get dentures. Your dentures still need daily cleaning and upkeep. Otherwise, oral health problems such as plaque, stains and infections that you thought were long gone could very easily come back with a vengeance.

In your golden years, oral health issues should be the least of your worries. That's why all denture wearers need to follow these 4 simple steps.  

Step 1: Thoroughly clean your dentures every day

Just like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed every day to remove plaque and prevent the development of permanent stains. Since dentures are very delicate, you should use a brush with soft bristles that is specially designed to clean dentures. Also, between your daily brushings, you should rinse your dentures after every meal.

Step 2: Remove your dentures at night to avoid bacteria growth

Dentures must be kept moist when they're not being worn so they won't dry out or lose their shape. Soak your dentures at night in either a denture cleanser soaking solution or water. Soak them in water if your denture has metal attachments, as they can easily tarnish when placed in denture cleanser. Also, you should avoid soaking your dentures in hot water, this will cause them to wrap.

Step 3: Be aware of any changes in the fit of your dentures

This could be a sign of gum disease. Also, if your dentures don't fit you properly, it can cause irritation and sores in your mouth. When dentures stop fitting properly, they can be repaired. However, do-it-yourself kits and over the counter denture glues can cause permanent damage or contain harmful chemicals. That's why you should always visit your dentist for denture repairs.

Step 4 Get replacement dentures every 5-7 years

Generally, complete dentures can be used for about 5 to 7 years before replacements are necessary. However, over time your dentures may need to be periodically relined, rebased or remade due to age related changes to your face, jaw and gums or if they become loose. As a general rule of thumb, people with dentures should visit their dentist every 6 months. In these twice-yearly visits, the dentist will examine your mouth for proper denture fit and check for signs of oral cancer or other harmful diseases.

 

3 Ways for Massachusetts to better their average dental health grade

When it comes to meeting dental health standards, Massachusetts has a C average, according to The Pew Center on the States' survey. Massachusetts meets just 4 of Pew's 8 national dental policy benchmarks leaving the Commonwealth in the precarious position of near dental policy failure. So, what can Massachusetts learn from their mediocre score and how can it be improved?

1. Seal the deal!

Two of the 4 areas where Massachusetts fall short of Pew's benchmarks have to do with sealant programs. In Massachusetts, dental hygienists are prohibited from placing sealants in a child's mouth without a prior exam from a dentist. However, as a national rule of thumb, hygienists are trusted with this decision.

One action Massachusetts dentists could take is to possibly begin training hygienists on making  the judgment calls for sealant placement in order to ensure that children are getting sealants when they truly need them. Other good news, for 2010 dental health care, there is a primary focus on implementing sealant programs in schools!

2. Falling short on fluoride. 

Only 59% of Massachusetts residents receive water supply containing fluoride, while the national average is much higher at 75%. Fluoride in drinking water is important because it reduces tooth decay and protects against enamel demineralization.  

The health board of Massachusetts is in charge of any policy changes regarding water supplies, but could make a beneficial and cost-effective difference by encouraging a mandatory water fluoridation policy. And, in case they need more motivation to do this, experts determined a savings of $24 per child in Medicaid expenditures (i.e. fewer cavities needing to be filled) just from drinking fluoridated water.

3. Providing providers.

The state of Massachusetts did not authorize new primary dental care providers in 2009, while the national policy benchmark stipulates the authorization of new providers.

Providing new dental professionals is vital, especially in rural and low-income communities where there is less access to and a higher demand for dental care. Massachusetts could strive towards hiring general practitioners first and foremost to meet the basic care needs of underserved populations. They could refer more complex cases to specialists. The state of North Carolina utilized this approach for toddler care which resulted in a 40% cavity reduction in children.

4. Following their own example.

Massachusetts exceeds the national average of children for Medicaid-enrolled children who receive dental care by about 7%. This is commendable because it shows how dental care is accessible through Medicaid. Additionally, dental fees reimbursed by Medicaid are approximately 11% higher than the national average.

So, moving forward, it's important to focus on the positives as a way to improve the shortcomings of Massachusetts dental standards.  The standards may reflect state policy, but the residents of the Commonwealth themselves can take actions to get changes moving in the right direction.

Below is the full Massachusetts report:

 011_10_DENT Cost of Delay Factsheets_Massachusetts