Good Oral Health Prevents Costly Health Problems

Online, May 3, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Toothbrushes and dentists are two of the strongest weapons against poor health. Tooth and gum disease can cause a lot of pain and expense, but good oral health can help to avoid larger overall health problems as well.

Give Dental Coverage a Workout

Regular dental cleaning and examinations can reduce or prevent the pain and cost of dental reconstruction and surgery. Think fillings instead of crowns or even worse, more invasive dental work.

A little time and very little money spent on preventive care can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars. In fact, conservative studies find that every $1 spent on preventive care saves at least $4 in dental costs. Some authoritative estimates claim savings approach ten times that: $40 saved for every $1 spent on dental care.

Inadequate Oral Health Has Hidden Costs

Dental problems can reduce the quality of life considerably. When faced with dental reconstruction or oral surgery, many people put it off as long as possible. This means they spend weeks, even months with discomfort and pain. This can lead to missed work, additional expenses, greater discomfort and lost vacation time or pay.

Oral Health Is Great for Overall Health

Taking care of one's teeth can help them feel good all over. There's growing evidence that neglecting oral health accompanies - and can contribute to - serious medical problems. Diabetes, an increasing national health problem, can sometimes be detected early in people with gum disease. Research points to poor oral health as a contributing factor for heart disease, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Overabundant bacteria in the mouth can spread throughout the body leading to these serious conditions. Young women, in particular, should be aware that poor oral health can lead to childbirth complications and higher risks for newborns.

Front-Line Health Care Guardian

A visit to the dentist isn't just about getting a cleaning or a lecture about flossing. Regular dentist visits are becoming one of the simplest, least expensive means of preventive health care. Keep health care costs down and protect long-term health, simply by visiting your dentist regularly.

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Dental & Vision Extras (www.dentalandvisionextras.com) is a joint venture of The Dental Care Plus Group and Total Vision Services.

The Dental Care Plus Group is the largest dental carrier in the Greater
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area with expanding operations throughout Kentucky and Ohio. For more information, visit www.dentalcareplus.com.

Total Vision Services, based in Cincinnati, offers both insured and noninsured vision benefits through a nationwide network of providers. For more information, visit www.totalvisioncare.com.