Diabetic? Here’s Why You Should Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Now

In life, there are just some things that go well together: peanut butter and jelly, thunder and lightning, and yes, even diabetic care and oral health care. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, protecting your teeth and gums is essential to not just safeguarding your smile, but to keeping your diabetes well controlled. Here’s why oral health is so important for diabetics, and how your dental insurance can play a starring role in keeping you safe!

An Ounce of Prevention…

Do you have dental insurance? Unlike medical insurance, these plans focus on preventive care over emergency care. That means that they’d rather you see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to keep your smile healthy, than treat a problem caused by neglect later on.

Thankfully, most dental insurance plans allow for two preventive oral health check-up and cleaning appointments each year, or every six months. In fact, if you’re paying for this type of plan, you’re already paying for these appointments – and if you don’t use them, you’ll lose them!

The Diabetes / Oral Health Connection

Regular preventive oral health coverage is a great option for diabetic patients, because it automatically builds in an extra level of protection for your smile, as well as for your diabetes management. You see, studies have shown that patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing dangerous oral health problems like periodontal disease and dry mouth, which can increase your odds of developing cavities and decay. Thus, staying on top of your oral health care can help prevent this and other issues that could be harming your body.

Next Steps

If you are diabetic, be sure to let your dentist know, as he will want to keep a close eye on your oral health and the condition of your gums before, during and after your exam.  Furthermore, be sure to disclose any medications you may be taking, as these could cause side effects that could cause changes to your oral health such as dry mouth.

Remember, oral health and overall health go hand in hand. If you are diabetic, it is extremely important that you take excellent care of your smile and of your medical condition, so don’t skip your regular preventive oral health care, and be sure to make the most of your dental insurance benefits, too!

About Dr. Capehart

Dr. Christopher Capehart earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was elected to the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.  Today, he proudly calls Lewisville home, where he has been helping make patients smile in his own private practice. If you are a diabetic patient looking to maintain your smile and manage your condition, Dr. Capehart and the team at Capehart Dental are proud to help. To schedule your appointment, please visit our website or call us directly at 972-436-1325.