Everyone wants to look their best in their holiday photos, but one thing that many people overlook is their teeth. Proper dental care has been shown to not only improve your smile, but it also has been linked to better overall health. If your insurance plan includes dental coverage, why not take advantage of it and take care of those pearly whites? Normally, dental insurance will include a cleaning 2 times per year, as well as basic x-rays and exams at no cost to you. If the dentist finds cavities or other issues that need to be fixed, typically insurance will pay 50% or even 80% of the cost depending on what treatment you need. There is a limit on benefits every year, so it is important to read your plan carefully. In the meantime, here are 5 key benefits to taking care of your teeth, which hopefully will motivate you to get that perfect smile for 2015!
1. Boosts Your Self-esteem and Confidence
Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated not only with an unsightly mouth, but very bad breath. Bad breathe can affect your confidence, self-image, and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth, that's free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better.
2. May Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes. Experts stop short of saying there is a cause-and-effect between gum disease and these other serious health problems, but the link has shown up in numerous studies.
3. Preserves Your Memory
Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than those with healthier gums and mouths, according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.
4. Reduces Risks of Infection and Inflammation in Your Body
Poor oral health has been linked with the development of infection in other parts of the body. Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say the mechanism of the destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is similar. Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth decay and gum disease.
5. Helps Keep Blood Sugar Stable, especially if you have diabetes
People with uncontrolled diabetes often have gum disease. Having diabetes can make you less able to fight off infection, including gum infections that can lead to serious gum disease. And some experts have found that if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop severe gum problems than someone without diabetes, which may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting your oral health may help with blood sugar control.