Overall Health and Wellness Includes Dental Care

By Dennis Wilson, President and CEO, Delta Dental of New Jersey On Mar 28, 2023

When most think of wellness, their thoughts immediately go to weight, diet, and exercise regimens. While all are important, it is alarming how many don’t realize the impact that oral health has on their overall wellness.

Studies have shown a relationship between gum disease and such chronic illnesses as heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary disease and dementia, among other serious health conditions. In fact, recent studies also found that poor oral health could increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction and may be connected to worse COVID-19 outcomes.

Yet, surprisingly, few are aware of this connection. The 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, commissioned by the Delta Dental Plans Association, found that 42% of those surveyed were not aware of the connection between poor oral hygiene and dementia, while 38% were also unaware of the link between poor oral health and stroke risk.

Part of the issue is that many view the mouth and body as two distinct concerns – a conditioning, perhaps brought about by how we access healthcare. While we visit a primary care physician to help keep our bodies strong and healthy, a dentist is a key partner in ensuring true overall wellness. We should all be scheduling annual physical appointments AND bi-annual dental cleanings in order to lead healthier lives.

Our notions about “wellness” need to expand. It is the only way to create healthy habits that tip the scales in favor of a lifetime of oral and overall wellness.

Often, the healthiest people are those who not only have access to healthcare, but actually use their medical and dental benefits. Among the adults and children who visited the dentist in 2021, those with dental benefits were more likely to have sought preventive care than those without coverage. 80% of adults with dental coverage visited the dentist for preventive care while only 55% without coverage did.

If there’s one main takeaway, don’t wait. Be proactive about your overall health and wellness, and remember, your oral health matters.  As the famous saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

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