Crisp fall weather, cozy sweaters, and cider, the start of the holiday season…there is so much to smile about with the arrival of October! But, unless you are dressing up as a jack-o-lantern or vampire, there’s no reason for spooky teeth in that smile…not with the United Concordia dental benefits our members have access to through their EWTF Health Plan.
Did you know…
- The three oral conditions that most affect overall health and quality of life are cavities, severe gum disease, and severe tooth loss.
- By age 9, half of children (50%) have had cavities in their primary (baby) or permanent teeth.
- 1 in 5 adults (21%) aged 20 to 64 years has at least one untreated cavity.
Did you also know…
- The United Concordia Dental Plan will pay 100% of eligible preventive care dental expenses when you visit a PPO dental provider. Other services are covered at 80% of the allowance with a PPO provider.
- You and your covered dependents are eligible for reimbursement of dental services of up to $3,000 per year.
- Effective January 1, 2011 children through age 17 no longer have an annual maximum.
- When you visit a PPO provider for dental care, the provider accepts the discounted rate for payment. You will need to pay your Patient’s Portion, if applicable. (If you do not visit a PPO provider, you are responsible for payment of the balance that the provider charges above the PPO rate in addition to your Patient’s Portion.)
When someone takes good care of their dental health, the benefits go beyond their pearly whites. Yes, a pretty smile says a lot, but your mouth may be saying even more about your overall health. Your teeth, gums and oral skin tissue can be indicators of health problems, such as:
Endocarditis: An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium, occurs when germs reach the heart, through the blood, from another part of the body such as the mouth. It is rare but it can be fatal.
Cardiovascular disease: Heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections stemming from oral germs.
Pregnancy and birth complications: Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Diabetes: Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes because diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection, putting the gums at risk. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.
HIV/AIDS: Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
Cancer: A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease, such as cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.
Alzheimer’s Disease: As Alzheimer’s Disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.
Pneumonia: Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs and may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Never forget that your mouth is a big part of the first impression you make on others and a big part of your overall health care. This is why dental care is a key component of the health benefits our EWTF members receive through their health plan. More information on your United Concordia Dental Plan benefits can be found on the EWTF’s Summary Plan Description at www.ewtf.org/health-benefits-spd/dental-benefits/.