Reviews
Diabetes, especially type 2, is becoming increasingly common. In fact, about one out of every ten Americans is diabetic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re diabetic, you already know how important it is to maintain good control of your blood sugar levels. What you may not have heard, however, is how important it is to stay on top of your dental hygiene. People with diabetes, especially when it’s poorly managed, are more prone to certain oral health problems. With that said, continue reading to learn how you can keep your mouth healthy and save money in the long run by using your dental insurance benefits before 2020 ends!
Diabetes and Your Oral Health
About half of American adults currently have gum disease, but diabetics are significantly more likely to develop it. Additionally, chronic high blood sugar can cause multiple oral health issues, such as dry mouth and fungal infections. Your mouth may also have trouble healing. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many diabetics suffer from tooth loss. That’s why your twice-a-year dental appointments are crucial!
The Importance of Routine Checkups and Cleanings
Your dentist understands the oral health risks that come with diabetes. During your checkup, they thoroughly examine your mouth for problem areas that could indicate problems like gum disease or tooth decay. They can then address these issues before they become more difficult (and expensive!) to treat.
Next, the dental hygienist removes built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Not only does this leave you with a brighter smile, but it greatly reduces your risk of infections or other issues.
How to Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance Benefits
In most cases, dental insurance fully covers the cost of regular preventive visits. However, very few patients utilize all of their benefits each year, resulting in hundreds or even thousands of dental care dollars wasted.
To prevent this from happening to you, schedule two checkups and cleanings a year, or more if your dentist suggests it. Also, be sure to take care of any necessary additional dental work, such as root canals or crowns, before the year ends. Most dental insurance plans reset in the new year, and any unused benefits vanish. Don’t let the coverage you’ve been paying for go to waste!
Because your oral health directly impacts your general health, it’s absolutely essential for patients with diabetes to take good care of their teeth and gums. Fortunately, using your dental insurance can make it easy and affordable to maintain a healthy smile!
About the Practice
Our team of dentists at Island Daily Dental Care understands how important it is for everyone to have a healthy mouth, but especially diabetic patients. That’s why we emphasize preventive services like cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and fluoride treatments. We’re in-network with several dental insurance providers, including Cigna PPO, MetLife, and Aetna PPO. To learn more about making dental care more affordable, you can contact our Medford, NY office by calling 631-286-9000.