What Do You Have In Your Mouth?

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – PLANTATION, FL  — The average mouth is home to more than 6 billion microbes, nearly the number of Earth’s human population.

Some of the 700 different species of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, and other tiny creatures- that live in people’s mouths are benign. But others determinedly work their way under gum tissue, causing periodontal (gum) disease. Untreated, the infection will eventually destroy gums and bones. Oral infections have also been linked with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory and digestive conditions, specific types of cancer and premature births.

Regular professional cleanings can prevent infection or stop it before it has a chance to cause significant health damage. If you haven’t seen your dental hygienist lately, consider celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) – otherwise known as October – by booking an appointment for a cleaning.

If your budget doesn’t stretch far enough to include dental care, you’re not alone. The Federal Reserve’s recent Report on the Well-Being of U.S. Households, found that a quarter of the survey’s participants had skipped dental treatment because of the expense.

Unfortunately, putting off care causes big problems in the future. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advanced gum disease affects 4 percent-12 percent of U.S. adults. And one-fourth of U.S. adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth.

“Dental care should not be treated as an optional indulgence. Oral health issues are painful, can cause people to miss school and work, and have a terrible impact on people’s overall well-being and confidence,” says Bill Chase, vice-president of marketing at :DentalPlans. “Our mission at :DentalPlans is to provide everyone with affordable, quality dental care.”

:DentalPlans, in business since 1999, is a leading online marketplace for dental savings plans. An alternative to traditional dental insurance, the typical dental savings plan provides a 10%-60% reduction on the cost of most dental procedures, including preventative care and treatment.

People who have had to delay getting dental care may end up with severe oral health issues that require immediate (and expensive) treatment. Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans can be used right after activation to reduce costs on treatments for pre-existing conditions, such as root canals, crowns and other restorative care.

:DentalPlans will be blogging (blog.dentalplans.com) about the importance of preventive care throughout October in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month. Dentalplans.com also offers a medically-vetted Dental Information Center (www.dentalplans.com/dental-information) devoted to helping people understand how to take great care of their smiles.

About :DentalPlans

:DentalPlans, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives.

We provide comprehensive resource centers aimed at helping people to maintain/regain optimal health, and successfully navigate the maze of healthcare payment options (including Obamacare and Medicaid.) Our independent research – the :DP SmileMeter^TM and :DP SmileIndex^TM – delivers a unique look into the consumer healthcare market. We offer user-friendly access to a wide selection of traditional dental insurance and 30+dental savings plans, along with innovative healthcare offerings including telemedicine, medical advocacy, and online counseling services. Our online plan comparison and savings calculator tools help consumers to make smart choices about essential healthcare services, and our :DP AtYourService^TM customer support team leaves no question unanswered. For more information, visit us atwww.dentalplans.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest andYouTube.

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