Although dentists have operated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic under strict safety protocols, many people have delayed routine checkups.
Since the mouth can be a window into the health of the heart, brain and other vital systems, it’s time to get back into the dentist’s chair.
Oral Health and Overall Health
The following conditions are linked to your oral health, specifically bacteria if it takes root in your mouth:
- Heart disease and infection
- Pregnancy and birth complications
- Diabetes
Research also shows that oral health problems increase in people who have Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, certain cancers and HIV/AIDS. People with diabetes, in particular, should practice good oral health, as gum disease tends to be more frequent and severe because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection.
Dental Plans for a Healthy Mouth
U-M offers three dental plan options through Delta Dental. Each has its advantages, depending on your family's needs. This video provides an overview of each plan option.
All three cover the following preventive and diagnostic services:
- Oral exams and cleanings
- Emergency treatment
- X-rays
- Non-surgical treatment for gum disease
There are three times when you may enroll or make changes in your dental plan selection:
- When you are a new hire or newly eligible for benefits
- During the annual open enrollment period, usually in October with changes effective Jan. 1
- When you experience a qualified family status change
U-M benefit members have access to the No. 1-ranked dental school in the U.S., among additional dentists throughout the region. The U-M School of Dentistry offers a full scope of services as it educates the next generation of practitioners.
You’ll also notice state-of-the-art changes as the school embarks on a four-year renovation to expand, modernize and provide the latest in technological advances to better serve patients, faculty and staff, and students.
The clinic has enacted specific procedures to minimize the COVID-19 risk to all.
View some tips on finding a dentist in your U-M plan.
Getting Back in the Chair
If the idea of sitting in a dentist’s chair feels strange after so many months of strict safety guidelines, call your practitioner to get the lowdown on office precautions. Most dentists have operated with few hiccups since the earliest days of the pandemic. And, since Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state of Michigan guidelines are changing as more of the public is vaccinated, it’s a good opportunity to make sure you’re in tune with your dentist’s updated procedures.
