Dr. Chuck weighs in on why dental and medical insurance should be connected
Why does medical insurance cover almost every part of your body, yet leave your teeth and gums out? It is a fair question, and one many people ask the first time a dental bill arrives with no medical coverage behind it. Your mouth, after all, is part of your body. For most of modern history, though, medicine and dentistry have been kept in separate lanes. “When was the last time a physician asked you about your mouth?” asks Dr. Chuck. His point lands harder every year, because a growing body of research connects the health of your mouth to the rest of you, including a well-documented link between oral health and heart disease.
Throughout history there has been a disconnect between the mouth and the body. “When was the last time a physician asked you about your mouth?” asks Dr. Chuck. Doctors should be asking about oral health because more and more research has emerged in the last few decades showing the health of the mouth has a direct impact on the health of the body.
Studies show that gum disease is linked to several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy complications. This is because your mouth is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Without proper oral hygiene, the bad bacteria can lead to an oral infection. Since the mouth is the gateway to the body, the infection can get into your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. Regular visits to the dentist and proper oral care could prevent health problems. Your dentist is a great source for preventative care.
According to the CDC, only half of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 with private health insurance have dental coverage. The important thing to remember is you don’t need dental insurance to visit a dentist. Some dentists recommend you visit them every six months for a cleaning. Your dentist can advise you best on how often you should schedule a visit. The dentist will screen you for oral cancer and check the health of your mouth so you can prevent future health problems and treat any issues before they get worse. Prevention is the key word. It will save you money in the long run. Dental insurance generally covers two cleanings per year. Without insurance, the cost of a cleaning can range between $100 and $200.
Despite the connection between oral and overall health, doctors and dentists have separated the two. We believe it’s time doctors and dentists work together to improve patients’ overall health care. We encourage you to share information about the health of your mouth with your doctor. Print this helpful guide with the five questions we recommend you ask your dentist. We’ve included a checklist you can take with you to your next dental appointment. Share the information you learn from your dentist with your doctor. You might identify health issues that started in your mouth so your doctor can better treat them.
Do you have a question about your oral health? We want to hear from you! Send your questions to AMA@thedentalmedicalconvergence.org.
Medical and dental care grew up in separate worlds, which is why coverage still treats your mouth as though it sits apart from the rest of you. The encouraging news is that you hold more influence than the system suggests. You can bridge the gap between medical care and dentistry with regular dental visits and the simple habit of sharing what you learn with your doctor.
Dr. Chuck built this whole Ask Me Anything series around questions exactly like this one, so keep them coming. Bring your next question to Dr. Chuck, and we’ll help you get clear, practical answers you can carry into your next appointment.
