Monday, June 1, 2015

When was the last time you saw your dentist?

Taking care of your teeth isn't just about having a nice smile. Recent research has found that the condition of your mouth is closely linked to your overall physical health. Whether the disease or condition is the cause or the effect is not always clear, but the links are apparent between diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis with poor oral health.  

Regular visits to your dentist should be part of your overall health care plan. But, unfortunately, dental options are very limited for anyone without dental insurance or who has Original Medicare. Original Medicare does not pay for routine dental care including the costs of exams, teeth cleaning, tooth extractions, x-rays and dentures. This means that you can expect to pay 100% of the costs for all these services if you want to keep your healthy smile and you don’t have supplemental dental insurance.  (Original Medicare will only cover the cost of dental procedures related to covered medical procedures that are necessary to treat a non-dental condition and must be treated at the same time and by the same doctor as the covered condition.)

There are affordable options to help you with the cost of routine dental care. These include private insurance plans and Medicare Advantage Plans with dental coverage. Some plans cover a percentage of your costs for cleanings, x-rays and exams while other are more comprehensive and will cover major dental services like crowns, bridges, root canals and denture, in addition to your routine care. It all depends on what type of coverage you are looking for.

Another option is to check with dental colleges and dental hygiene schools. Many, including Lakeland Community College, offer dental clinics for adults and children for preventive services. Students gain valuable experience and provide services at a reduced cost, all under the supervision of licensed professionals. For more information on the clinic at Lakeland, visit their website at http://www.lakelandcc.edu/web/about/clinic-dental.

Whatever you do, it’s time to stop neglecting your dental care. Stop skimping on this and realize that your dental health as an investment in your overall health. Call me today at 440-255-5700 or email me at Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com and let’s look at the affordable dental insurance options for you and your family. For more information, visit our website at www.mutskoinsurance.com.


10 comments:

  1. Hey, I did not knew about our mouth is closely linked to our overall physical health. Thanks dear!

    Excel Companion Care

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  2. Honestly, it's been quite a while since I last had a visit with a dentist. I make sure to stay on top of my oral hygiene, but it just seems like there's never enough time in the day to set up an appointment to get a cleaning and cavity check. The cost of a checkup isn't really an issue for me. I'll just have to clear out some time in my schedule to get it done.
    http://www.sundental.ca/about_us.html

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  3. Totally agree that regular visits to your dentist should be part of your overall health care plan. http://www.esteticomanila.com/

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  4. Thanks for focusing on such valuable discussion – dental care. According to my dentist, Dr. Kevin Gasser in Arizona – good oral health implies goodness of overall health and you also pointed out the same thing in the post. Most of us ignore dental care and just concentrate on brushing and not even flossing. But a good dental regime includes both brushing and flossing and most importantly scheduling appointment with qualified dentist if also you are not having any dental problem. Hope your post will help people realize the importance of visiting dentists.

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  5. I had no idea that dental care was linked with Alzheimer's! Both of my grandmothers had dementia, and I think it's safe to say that neither of them visited the dentist like they should. Even if there wasn't a link, it's still important to take care of your oral health! I'm trying to really brush and floss and do everything else I can to keep my teeth in the best possible shape. Thanks for the advice!

    Couchman Dental

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  6. This dentist has addressed all my dental issues with detailed care and sensitivity. That says it all. You can trust Torrance dentist to do it right and treat you fairly. I highly recommend him.

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  7. Most often, decay that has penetrated the tooth and reached the nerve chamber is identified on X-rays by the dentists. There are instances where root canal therapy is dictated not by the infection, but by other treatment including missing teeth replacement and aesthetic procedures.

    Root Canal Therapy in Ocala

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  8. Along with this it is also important to know what Seniors can expect during a dental exam:
    If you're a senior headed for a check up, your dentist should conduct a thorough history and dental exam. Questions asked during a dental history should include:
    The approximate date of your last dental visit and reason for the visit
    If you have noticed any recent changes in your mouth
    If you have noticed any loose or sensitive teeth
    If you have noticed any difficulty tasting, chewing, or swallowing
    If you have any pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in your mouth
    If you have noticed any lumps, bumps, or swellings in your mouth. If you haven't done your dental check-up of late it's time to book your appointment and get complete dental examination done.

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  9. The dentist office has really changed since the last time I went. Not only was the waiting room super cool, they had flat screen televisions on the wall playing soft rock music. I was listening to Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Queen waiting to go see the dentist. It really did have some soothing effecting on me that day for sure.

    Joanna @ Westheimer Dentist

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