If you have soreness or bleeding when you brush your teeth, don’t dismiss it as aggressive oral care. These minor symptoms can be the first signs of gum disease.
Gums to Heart to Gut
Gingivitis and its advanced neighbor, periodontis, are caused by infection in the gums. If left unchecked, chronic gum disease can decimate your teeth. Not considering wisdom teeth, the following populations have lost at least one tooth to these infections:
- People ages 20-39 – one tooth
- People ages 40-49 – three teeth
- People older than 60 – eight teeth
Bacteria, particularly in oral spaces, also is a window to more serious health conditions. You might even be asked to see a dentist before undergoing certain heart surgeries. This precaution can identify any bacteria in your mouth that could travel through your blood and settle into surgical areas.
In addition, a recent Michigan Medicine study linked oral bacteria to Irritable Bowel Disease, or IBD.
Healthy Gums How-to
The best way to keep your gums healthy is to follow a daily oral health regimen and visit your dentist regularly. These routine visits have produced anxiety for some during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The dental profession has enacted comprehensive safety measures to protect patients and health professionals.
The American Dental Association in June 2021 released a study that concluded your risk of exposure to COVID-19 at your dentist’s office is about .02 percent.
Dental Plans for a Mighty 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.
All plans cover the following preventive and diagnostic services:
- Oral exams and cleanings
- Emergency treatment
- X-rays
- Non-surgical treatment for gum disease
After you’ve enrolled, you won’t receive an identification card. Your dental insurance ID is the eight-digit UMID number on your Mcard.
Put the ‘Me’ in Dentistry
Do your part to keep your dentist’s office safe. If you’re eligible, get the COVID-19 vaccine and successive booster shot. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, postpone your check up if you feel ill or have been exposed to COVID-19. View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines about prevention and quarantine.
Open Enrollment Begins October 18
Open Enrollment for U-M benefits is Oct. 18-29. During this time, you can enroll in or change your health, vision and dental benefits, and enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), if you're eligible. Selections will be effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Remember: If you have a small child, don’t forget to enroll them in your dental plan. This must happen prior to their first check up – or unplanned situation.
