When it comes to your health, everything is connected. Your oral health doesn’t just affect your teeth and gums—it can have a ripple effect on the rest of your body. At the same time, conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even stress can impact your oral health. This connection is why adopting a holistic approach to health and wellness benefits is so important.
What does total health mean?
A total health approach considers how all aspects of health—physical, mental, and social—are intertwined. For example, gum disease has been linked to systemic health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Similarly, conditions such as sleep apnea or chronic stress can show up in your oral health, often before other symptoms appear.
This interconnectedness means that focusing on just one area of your health is rarely enough. A holistic approach helps identify and address the bigger picture, leading to better overall wellness.
Why dental benefits are key to total health
While dental insurance is often seen as separate from other types of health coverage, it plays a critical role in overall wellness. Regular dental visits can do more than keep your smile healthy—they can help catch early signs of health issues.
Diabetes
In some cases, your dentist may be one of the first health professionals who sees signs of Diabetes. Your dentist can even refer you to your doctor for a checkup to determine your risk.
Here are some dental symptoms that may be a sign of diabetes- Dry mouth: According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry mouth can be a sign that someone with diabetes has high blood sugar. In fact, dry mouth can be one of the first and most noticeable symptoms of diabetes.
- Gum disease: Diabetes – and some of the treatments for it – can change your saliva. The National Institutes of Health notes that having diabetes can mean there is more glucose, or blood sugar, in your saliva which can lead to gum disease, or periodontal disease. Plus, since saliva helps protect your teeth, dry mouth from diabetes can raise the risk of gum disease as well.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the early stages of gum disease and can be treated and reversed if caught early enough. The signs of gingivitis are swollen, bleeding, or red gums. Having diabetes is an increased risk factor for gingivitis due to the higher levels of blood sugar in your body.
Heart disease
Recent research has found surprising possible connections between heart disease and poor oral hygiene. For example, this study suggests a correlation between tooth loss and coronary heart disease.
Theories about the connection between heart disease and dental issues are still being tested but some believe that the inflammation caused by gum disease can have a ripple effect throughout the body. Other theories consider whether or not bacteria from gum disease can travel from the mouth into the heart – though antibacterial measures have not yet been effective in stopping heart disease.
Pregnancy
A healthy pregnancy starts with whole-body care—and that includes oral health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of certain dental conditions.
Here is how pregnancy can affect your dental health:- Pregnancy Gingivitis: Somewhere between 60% and 75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis due to increased hormone levels. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious gum disease.
- Tooth pain and sensitivity: Hormonal shifts and changes in blood flow can increase tooth sensitivity, making it more likely to experience discomfort, especially when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Increased risk of cavities: Cravings, morning sickness, and changes in oral hygiene routines during pregnancy can contribute to higher rates of tooth decay. Dental benefits that support preventive care and early intervention don’t just save money—they also contribute to healthier outcomes for you and your family. Read more at our deep dive into the connection between your dental health and your overall health.
What is the Delta Dental of Washington TotalHealth Wellness Program?
At Delta Dental of Washington, we’ve developed the TotalHealth Wellness Program (an additional diagnosis-specific benefit) to support members with coverage through their employer who have qualifying health conditions. The program includes enhanced dental benefits designed to improve their overall health.
These additional benefits include expanded coverage for services like cleanings and periodontal treatment, helping members with qualifying chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy stay healthier overall.
Learn more about how to protect your whole health through increased preventive services
Learn about TotalHealth
Why the TotalHealth Wellness Program matters for employers
Employers offering group dental benefits to more than 100 employees have an opportunity to make a big impact on employee well-being by opting into TotalHealth. When organizations support total health programs, employees not only experience better health outcomes but also feel valued and supported. This can lead to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and stronger retention rates.
By offering benefits like the TotalHealth Wellness Program, employers can play an active role in supporting their teams’ long-term health and wellness.
Take the first step toward Total Health
Your health is interconnected, and taking care of your oral health is one of the most important steps you can take to support your total well-being. To learn more about Delta Dental of Washington’s TotalHealth Wellness Program and see how it can benefit you or your organization, visit our program page.
Invest in your health today for a healthier tomorrow!
