Oral Health and Overall Health Delta Dental of

Oral Health and Overall Health Delta Dental of Indiana

Dentists are Disease Detectives Oral health and overall health are connected • Dentists are in the unique position to detect undiagnosed conditions because they usually see patients more often than physicians • More than 120 nondental disease signs and symptoms can now be detected through a routine oral exam Source: James W. Little et al. , Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient (St. Louis: Mosby, 2012). 2

Health Problems with Oral Signs • Anemia: Burning, fiery red tongue, swelling of the corners of mouth or pale gums • Anorexia nervosa and bulimia: Erosion of tooth enamel, fillings raised above the eroded tooth surfaces, sensitive teeth, enlarged parotid glands and sweet-breath aroma • Deficient immune system (HIV positive): Thrush mouth, unexplained sores, nonremovable white areas on the sides of the tongue • Diabetes: Dry mouth, distinctive breath odor, burning tongue, high rate of tooth decay, inflammation and infections in the mouth • Heart disease: Pain radiating to the jaw • Kidney failure: Retarded tooth development in children, dry mouth, odor, metallic taste and ulcers on the tongue and gums Steven L. Bricker et al. , Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine and Treatment Planning (Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1994). 3

Healthy Smile, Healthy Heart Taking good care of your teeth and gums may be a key factor to good heart health. • Studies have shown that both periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease have similar underlying causes including age, tobacco use, genetics, stress, medications, poor nutrition and obesity • Reduce your risk of heart disease and periodontal disease by practicing good oral health habits every day Source: American Academy of Periodontology, “Gum Disease and Heart Disease, ” web. 4

Oral Cancer • Approximately 40, 000 Americans diagnosed annually • Five-year survival rate is only 50 percent – Many who survive are severely disfigured and suffer compromised lives • Sixth most common cancer and potentially the most expensive to treat – Average cost to treat advanced oral cancer is over $200, 000 per case Sources: 1 Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral Cancer Facts, www. oralcancerfoundation. org/facts. 2 Funk GF, Hoffman HT, Kurnell LH, Ricks JM, Zimmerman MB, Corbee DP, et. al. Cost identification analysis in oral cavity cancer management. Otolaryngol Head and Neck Surg 1998: 118(2): 211– 220. 3 2011 Medical Care CPI. 5

Oral Cancer • If detected in precancerous stage, it can be prevented • If caught early enough: Watch our short video, Oral Cancer…We Need to Talk About It, to learn more! – Five-year survival rate jumps to between 80 and 90 percent for localized oral cancer – Treatment may be less invasive – Treatment costs are lower – Recovery time is minimized www. youtube. com/watch? v=z. YG 2 s. BBZrag Source: National Cancer Institute, SEER Oral Cancer Survival Rates, 2004– 2010. 6

Rethink Your Drink • Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are beverages with added sugar – These drinks include soda pop, juice/fruit drinks, sweetened teas/coffees, flavored waters, chocolate milk, and sports and energy drinks • Consumption of SSBs can lead to tooth decay and other health issues in both children and adults • Drinking soda pop nearly doubles the risk of cavities in children 7

Rethink Your Drink Did you know? A typical 20 -ounce soda pop or juice/fruit drink contains 15– 18 teaspoons of sugar—as much as in three candy bars! To find out if a drink contains added sugar, look for these words on the label: Sugar, high fructose corn syrup corn sweetener/corn syrup, dextrose, fruit juice concentrates, glucose, honey, invert sugar, molasses, sucrose, cane syrup/cane sugar 8

Visit Your Dentist Did you know? One hundred million Americans fail to see a dentist each year • Regular dental visits can prevent many oral health problems or help identify them earlier when treatment may be simpler and more affordable Preventive care is more important than ever! American Dental Association, "Common Questions About Going to the Dentist, " web. 9

Take Care of Your Smile Between Visits Good oral health habits: • Brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss daily. This is the best way to fight tooth decay and gum disease. • Sugary beverages can wreak havoc on your smile so try to limit your intake of soda pop and sports and juice drinks. Make water your beverage of choice. • Trash the tobacco. It increases your risk of oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss and gum infections. • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months and after you’ve been sick. Using a toothbrush after a cold will let those nasty germs live on. Source: American Dental Association, "Common Questions About Going to the Dentist, " web. 2 Delta Dental Plans Association, “Stay Healthy and Save Money with Preventive Dental Care, ” web. 10

It’s Easy to Find Participating Dentists • Visit our website – www. deltadentalin. com • Use the Delta Dental mobile smartphone app • Log into Consumer Toolkit • Call Customer Service – 800 -524 -0149 11

Thank you!