|
Good oral hygiene can have a
profound impact on overall health 03/22/07
Did you know that poor dental hygiene can increase the severity
of heart disease or diabetes? It's true, according to Blue
Cross Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Dental Consultant
Dr. Glenn Melenyk.
"Some
of the same bacteria in the periodontal pocket create an inflammation
that causes plaque buildup in the small arteries of the heart,
restricting blood flow to the heart muscle, which can lead
to a heart attack," Melenyk said. "The bacteria grow and get
into the bloodstream. Bacteria get into the heart muscle and
cause that inflammation in the heart."
Oral
hygiene and overall health definitely go hand in hand. The
extent might come as a shocker. In fact, more than 90 percent
of all systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms,
according to the Academy of General Dentistry as cited on
the Mayo Clinic's Web site. Conversely, health issues that
begin in the mouth can quickly lead to problems in other parts
of the body.
"People
who have poor dental health, if they have certain medical
conditions, poor dental health can affect those conditions,"
says Barbara Menzies, M.D., executive medical director of
medical and benefit policy for the Blues. "One example is
if you have a diabetic who has (decayed) teeth, their blood
sugar can be very difficult to control. Even when they are
on a very good diet regimen, it still can be very difficult
to control. They can develop a problem with their teeth that
can get it out of control."
However, a cavity here or there is not going to cause such
problems, Melenyk said. But, when ignored for a long period
of time, poor oral hygiene can play a significant role in
other health problems.
Good oral hygiene is also extremely important for pregnant
women. Studies have shown that hormonal changes during pregnancy
can make women vulnerable to other conditions, such as gum
disease and toxemia. Severe gum disease and toxemia can increase
the risk of preterm delivery or giving birth to a baby with
low birth weight, Menzies said.
Such significant health problems, all stemming from poor oral
hygiene and tooth decay, can become very costly to employers
and their group members. To that end, routine trips to the
dentist are as necessary as annual checkups with a primary
care physician.
With
offerings such as Exclusive Dental, Personal Dental, Traditional
Dental, Traditional Plus Dental and Community Dental, BCBSM
and its national DenteMax network is well-equipped to handle
your company's dental benefit needs. Through DenteMax, BCBSM
gives its members access to nearly 1,600 Michigan dentists.
BCBSM
is a leader in promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing the
cost of health care for your company. For example, the Blues
recently offered a coupon for a free additional dental cleaning
to expectant mothers who have dental coverage through BCBSM.
This comes on the heels of a similar campaign in which the
Blues offered a free dental cleaning to members who suffer
from diabetes or heart problems. BCBSM also links dental plans
to its other health and wellness programs, because the Blues
understand the return on investment these programs have to
companies like yours. It is part of the Blues' commitment
to Michigan-based corporations and their employees.
To add dental coverage to your benefit offerings or to learn
more about our dental offerings, contact your BCBSM account
manager or Blues-contracted agent, or visit our Web site at
bcbsm.com.
|
