Clean teeth and healthy gums not only contribute to a nice smile, but they\u2019re also a sign of good health. Brushing and flossing are known to reduce plaque and tartar and prevent cavities, gingivitis, bone loss, and bad breath.<\/p>\n
However,\u00a0gum disease is also linked to heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weight babies<\/a>. In fact, regular visits to the dentist and hygienist can reduce one\u2019s risk for heart disease and stroke, as well as diabetes-related tooth loss.<\/p>\n You might be wondering at this point: What does this have to do with my small business?<\/p>\n It is important for businesses to understand the link between dental hygiene and health, and to examine the benefits of offering\u00a0group dental insurance<\/a>\u00a0for their employees.<\/p>\n Failing to brush and floss leaves bacteria free to accumulate between the teeth, and this increases their chances of entering the bloodstream. According to the\u00a0New England Journal of Medicine<\/em><\/a>, as many as 80 percent of American adults have some periodontal disease, with severe periodontal disease affecting around one percent of Americans. These bacteria can affect endothelial cells inside the blood vessels, causing narrowing of the arteries.<\/p>\n People can contribute to their overall heart health by visiting the dentist and hygienist at least twice per year, as well as brushing and flossing after every meal, when possible. Reducing consumption of high-carbohydrate and sugary foods is also recommended.<\/p>\n Much evidence exists demonstrating a direct link between gum disease and diabetes, with each one influencing the other. In fact, the research suggests that inflammatory periodontal disease can increase insulin in similar ways to how obesity increases insulin. Further, diabetes has been shown to attack bone surrounding the teeth.<\/p>\n Not unlike other illnesses, dental disease and\/or pain is responsible for many employee absences and\/or substandard work performance. Not only does this result in reduced income for the employee, but also in reduced business revenues. Thus, not only does a high-quality dental insurance plan help recruit and retain high-quality employees<\/a>, dental insurance is increasingly being cited as among the most sought after benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thanks to increasingly sophisticated dental tools to improve oral health\u2014such as fluoride, preventive care, and sealants, for example\u2014overall oral health among Americans has, in fact, improved. In fact, the cost of dental care has risen considerably less than the cost of regular health care over the past several decades.<\/p>\n Primarily, whereas dental care and treatments are predictable, low-risk, low-cost, and usually non-catastrophic, medical needs are usually just the opposite. Thus, dental benefits plans can be easily self-funded with rare cost extremes.<\/p>\nDental Health and the Heart<\/h2>\n
The Oral Hygiene and Diabetes Link<\/h2>\n
The Link Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Work Productivity<\/h2>\n
Dental Plans are Affordable<\/h2>\n
Why Offer a Dental Benefit Plan to Employees?<\/h2>\n