Oral and Overall Health
The Health Connection
It all starts with your smile.
Your oral health is vital for your overall wellbeing. Since your mouth serves as a gateway to your body, maintaining good oral health can have surprising positive effects on other areas of your health. Let's explore how oral health and overall wellness are interconnected.
The oral health connection
By simply incorporating daily habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, alongside a balanced diet and regular dental check-ups, we hold the power to transform our smiles and safeguard our health.
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To receive these advantages, choose a dentist from Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier network.
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Your mouth is talking, are you listening?
Our mouths offer valuable insights into our overall well-being. For more information on the overall health connection and your needs, be sure to talk with your dentist. Looking for a dentist? Use our Find a Dentist tool.
Remember, prevention goes beyond just your home habits.
Diabetes
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Choosing an Out-of-Network Dentist
Your Amazon dental plan always allow you to choose the dentist that is right for you and your family – even if that dentist is not part of the Delta Dental network.
If your dentist is not part of the Delta Dental network, please note:
You will be responsible for any difference between your provider’s normal charge and Delta Dental’s allowable fee for that treatment. This is in addition to your coinsurance and deductible.
Out of network dentists may ask you for full payment upfront, which means you’ll have to wait for reimbursement until after your claim has paid.
Many out-of-network dentists will handle the claim submission process for you, but there are some providers that ask their patients to file their own claims with Delta Dental.
If you're curious about your financial responsibility when seeing a dentist who isn't in your network, you can simply ask them to send a "Confirmation of Treatment and Cost" (also called a "predetermination") to Delta Dental. This way, both you and your provider can know exactly what your dental plan covers. It's a great way to avoid any surprises!
The Confirmation of Treatment and Cost (also known as a “predetermination”) will be available to view within the MySmile benefits portal in as little as 2 business days but can take up to 2-weeks for more extensive procedures. Regardless of if you see an in-network or out-of-network dentist, Delta Dental is here to help you. If you have any questions about your benefits or upcoming treatment, please reach out to us on our dedicated Amazon line at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Watch: The overall and oral health connection.
Have a question? We’re happy to help.
Simply send us a text, chat with us, or give us a call. Our Contact Center is open M-F from 6am to 5pm PT.
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Think of your mouth as a doorway to the rest of your body. It's not just connected to your digestive system, but the oral tissues in your mouth (gums, tongue and cheeks) can introduce bacteria directly into your bloodstream. Yes, the same bacteria responsible for gum disease can cause inflammation in other parts of your body.
Conversely, health issues elsewhere in your body can weaken your body's ability to fight oral infections, increasing the risk of oral health problems. The complex connection between oral and overall health emphasizes the important role of prioritizing oral hygiene in a holistic healthcare approach.
Here's the good news!
Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Use mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and fight bacteria
Use dental floss to clean between teeth and along the gumline
Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium
Daily best practices to help keep you smiling.
Did you know? 4 in 5 adults who maintained regular dental office visits said they did not require unexpected care in the future.
Limit consumption of sugary snacks and beverages
Avoid tobacco products and avoid alcohol
Here are different ways oral health is connected to health throughout the whole body. Select one below to learn more.
Diabetes
The elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can create an environment conducive to increased risk of infection and inflammation in the gums.
Heart Disease
Heart Disease
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, individuals with gum disease face nearly double the risk of heart disease compared to those with healthy gums.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
The hormonal changes of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Moreover, studies have suggested a potential link between maternal periodontal health and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Kidney Disease
Anxiety
Anxiety and stress can lead to teeth grinding and poor oral hygiene, which increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Anxiety
Kidney Disease
There are links between kidney disease and oral health problems including gum disease and tooth loss.
Make sure to see your dentist regularly and utilize your preventive dental benefits.
Your mouth is talking, are you listening?
Our mouths offer valuable insights into our overall well-being. For more information on the overall health connection and your needs, be sure to talk with your dentist. Looking for a dentist? Use our Find a Dentist tool.
Find a PPO or Premier dentist >>
Find a PPO or Premier dentist >>
Here are different ways oral health is connected to health throughout the whole body. Select one below to learn more.
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What your mouth can tell you
Problems in your teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues can indicate underlying health issues in other parts of your body.
Remember, prevention goes beyond just your home habits.
Find a PPO or Premier dentist >>
Find a PPO or Premier dentist >>
Have a question? We’re happy to help.
Simply send us a text, chat with us, or give us a call. Our Contact Center is open M-F from 6am to 5pm PT.
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Call: 1-844-466-8847
Text: 1-833-604-1246
Text: 1-833-604-1246
Text: 1-833-604-1246
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