Delta Dental of Idaho - GrinWell for You Program

Dentists, Diabetes, and You: Effects Diabetes has on Teeth and GumsOCTOBER 25, 2023In the United States, one in ten people have diabetes. However, one in five people with the disease arent aware they have it. This is concerning because managing the condition without a diagnosis can be challenging.While a medical doctor is often the first to see symptoms of diabetes, your dentist is another professional who can spot signs of the condition during your preventive checkups. Diabetes can have a serious impact on your oral health; therefore, its important to properly manage the disease if youre diagnosed.DIABETES IN THE UNITED STATESDiabetes is one of the most common types of chronic disease in America, which is why its important to understand the effect of diabetes on oral health.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 37.3 million people living in the U.S. have diabetes, yet only about half are officially diagnosed with the disease.More shockingly, as many as 96 million Americans are prediabetic, meaning they have a higher than normal blood sugar, but its not high enough to be considered diabetic.The number of diabetes diagnoses is expected to dramatically increase in the United States during the next decade. Because of this, keeping track of any changes in your oral or physical health is essential. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious medical complications and even death, so its vital to go to preventive medical and dental appointments where professionals can spot signs of the condition.Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.DIABETES AND ORAL HEALTHDiabetes impacts many parts of the body, including the mouth and teeth. If diabetes is left untreated, patients may experience the following symptoms:Dry mouth due to less saliva productionA higher risk of cavities and tooth decayIncreased risk of developing gum diseaseA higher risk of developing an infection in the gum and bone that hold teeth in placeTooth lossBad breathDuring your bi-annual preventive checkups, your dentist can compare any changes in your oral health that may indicate diabetes. Maintaining good dental health habits and receiving professional deep cleanings from your dentist can also help lower your HbA1c or average blood glucose levels.Its a two-way street! Though dental patients with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, dental cleanings help reduce a diabetic patients risk factors for unhealthy glucose levels.REDUCING YOUR RISK OF DIABETESPreventing diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, is one of the best ways to care for your oral and physical health. Medical professionals recommend the following to reduce your risk of developing the disease:Eat more plant-based food such as leafy greens, legumes, fruits from trees, and whole grainsSkip trendy diets and focus on maintenanceLose excess weightMove your body for at least 30 minutes a dayIncrease good fats, such as olive oil and nuts, in your dietDENTAL APPOINTMENTS ARE IMPORTANT FOR ORAL AND OVERALL HEALTHVisits with your dentist are important for oral and overall health. Dentist keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and are also on the lookout for changes in your overall health. Small changes in your mouth may not mean much to you, but to  dentists, these changes  can indicate bigger problems such as diabetes, oral cancer, and other medical conditions.For more information about how dental appointments help your overall health, check out this blog.CLINIC AND PROVIDER TIPS, ORAL HEALTH

Lower Your Risk of Oral CancerAPRIL 21, 2021Guest Blog by Dr. Mark Alexander, DMD*In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness month (April) Id like to recommend two easy ways you can help lower the risk of oral cancer impacting you or your loved ones. My family practice, Alexander Dental Group, has been serving the Twin Falls area for 75 years now and, in that time, Im sorry to say, we have seen oral cancer from minor and easily treated to untreatable with a grave prognosis.  Early diagnosis is critical to say the least! According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. So, my first recommendation is that everyone see their dentist regularly (once every 6 months), AND, ask your dentist to perform an Oral Cancer Screening (OCS) with each checkup, if theyre not doing so already.  While the OCS is not perfect (some cancer can be very hard to find with the OCS), this screening is very important in finding potential oral cancer. The screening is painless and only takes about 90 seconds. And while your family doctor should also be examining your mouth, your dentist probably gives you more frequent exams and therefore is more likely to catch oral pathology earlywhich is so important! Second, use sunscreen on your lips. Lip cancer is usually treated surgicallywhich includes removal of the lesion AND healthy tissue surrounding the cancer. Obviously, this can impact your ability to eat and speak and may become a cosmetic deficiency. Lip balm with SPF 15 (SPF 30 is even better) should be applied regularly, especially if you are in the sun. Its not just for chapped lips!These are two relatively easy ways to lower your risk of oral cancer; regular screenings and protective sunscreen. If you have any questions about your oral health, or have concerns about your risk for oral cancer, please talk to your dentist. Were here to help.*Dr. Mark Alexander, DMD, provides a wide range of dental care and services including restorative procedures at his practice, Alexander Dental Group, in Twin Falls. He is also a board member of Delta Dental of Idaho.

Brushing and Flossing with Arthritis PainDECEMBER 18, 2020Our mouths need dental care day and night, and its important to find a way to make that happen. Brushing and flossing with arthritis in the hands can be painful, but avoiding daily care only leads to more pain. Ignoring oral health leads to gum disease, cavities, and even losing teeth.Lack of dental care can also be bad for the rest of the body. Theres more than one way oral health and joint pain are connected. Learn what joint inflammation has in common with gum disease and tips for an oral health routine that accommodates arthritis pain.ORAL BACTERIA, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, AND JOINT PAINResearchers have found a significant relationship between our mouths and our joints. One study found that the fewer teeth a person has, the greater their risk is for joint inflammation. Patients with fewer than 20 teeth had eight times the risk of swollen joints as someone with all their teeth!The National Arthritis Foundation writes that such stats are part of the growing body of research linking periodontal disease, or gum disease, with rheumatoid arthritis. Another study from the late 90s found that people with moderate to severe periodontitis face over twice the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than someone with even mild periodontitis.Periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis have this in common: inflammation. Inflammation in the body can lead to inflammation in the mouth. Likewise, chronic inflammation from gum disease can impact overall health, leading to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels.Poor dental health increases the bad bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to bacterial infections in the blood stream, impacting the heart. Maintaining oral health will help preserve overall health and needs to be done even with arthritis pain.BRUSHING AND FLOSSING WITH ARTHRITISBrushing and flossing problems are so common for people with joint inflammation that the UK National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society has an entire webpage dedicated to dental care with arthritis.USE THESE TIPS TO EASE THE PROCESS OF BRUSHING AND FLOSSING:An electric toothbrush helps in two ways. It does the brushing work for you, and they tend to have a larger handle that is easier to grip than a traditional manual toothbrush.A variety of materials can also be used to wrap the grip of a toothbrush to make it larger and slip resistant. If gripping something tightly is an issue, there are toothbrush accessories made just for this purpose.Sitting while brushing lets you rest an elbow on the counter for support. And remember its still important to brush even if you have dentures.Hand-held flosser tools work well for flossing with arthritis as this presents different problems for those with joint pain or dexterity issues. Hand-held flossers range in size from the smaller interdental flossers, to flossers with long handles and disposable flossing ends!Another way to replace the string altogether is an electric flosser that uses water or mouthwash to blast the plaque away.Talk to your dentist to find what best suits your needs.Looking for more tips on health care as we age? Check out:Idahos Top Lists | Why Older Adults Love Idaho

 Need help with your oral health?As we age our oral health is as important as ever. Retirement might mean taking a break from your job, but your teeth never get a rest from theirs. See your dentist at least twice each year and protect your smile and yourself with good oral health. Health conditions, such as diabetes and vitamin imbalances, among others, show symptoms in the mouth. Likewise, diseases of the mouthmostly gum diseasemay be linked to pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, among others. A dentist can tell a lot about your overall health by how your mouth looks. Thats why its important to continue to visit your dentist at least twice per year. But thats not always easy, is it?  If you need help getting dental care, Delta Dental of Idaho has a dental benefits program called GrinWell for You, for income-qualifying seniors.  So, what is the GrinWell for You program? Its a one-time gift of $1,850 in free dental coverage. While not all procedures are covered, the gift may be used over 12 months for services such as:  Exams & Fillings Cleanings X-rays Extractions Dentures and partials, including repairs There is no fee, co-pay, or deductible to use the $1,850 benefit for covered services. Delta Dental of Idaho offers the GrinWell for You program to eligible Idahoans because we simply want you to have the best oral health possible. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile because your oral health affects your overall health.  Remember, your mouth plays a crucial role for everything you do (no age exemptions!) so, its important to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. To learn more about GrinWell for You call 1-866-894-3563 or visit deltadentalid.com/grinwell.   Editors Note: This article was submitted by Heather A. Brown RDH, MPH.Heather is the director of oral health and community outreach at Delta Dental of Idaho.  

Smiles for Life: How Delta Dental of Idaho Supports Senior Oral Health in BoiseA healthy smile is more than just a confidence boosterits a window into overall health and well-being. For seniors, good oral care plays an essential role in maintaining comfort, nutrition, and even heart health. Yet, as we age, dental needs can become more complex.Thats why Delta Dental of Idaho, headquartered right here in Boise, is committed to helping older adults access the dental services and coverage they need to keep smiling at every stage of life.The Importance of Dental Care for SeniorsDental health affects much more than teeth. It impacts nutrition, speech, self-esteem, and even systemic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, many seniors underestimate the importance of ongoing dental care after retirementor struggle to find coverage once they leave employer-based plans.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly two-thirds of adults aged 65 and older have gum disease, and about 1 in 5 have untreated tooth decay. In Idaho, where retirees make up a growing percentage of the population, prioritizing oral health is more important than ever.Thats where Delta Dental of Idaho steps inhelping seniors maintain access to quality, affordable dental services through trusted local providers. Your smile is connected to your overall health, says Amanda Hamilton from the Delta Dental of Idaho team. We want seniors to feel confident that they can continue receiving the dental care they need for a healthy, active life. Why Senior Dental Health Matters More Than EverAs we age, our oral health needs evolve. Years of wear, changes in bone density, medications, and health conditions can all affect the teeth and gums. Common senior dental concerns include: Dry mouth caused by certain medications Gum disease (periodontitis), which can lead to tooth loss Tooth decay due to enamel erosion or exposed roots Ill-fitting dentures or dental prosthetics Oral infections that may worsen other health issues Regular visits to a dentist can prevent or detect these problems earlysaving seniors pain, stress, and unnecessary expenses later on.Delta Dental of Idaho: A Trusted Resource for Boise SeniorsFounded in 1971, Delta Dental of Idaho has been serving residents for more than 50 years. As part of the Delta Dental national network, they work with thousands of dentists statewide, including many in Boise and the Treasure Valley, to ensure members have access to comprehensive, affordable dental coverage.The organization is dedicated not only to providing insurance but also to educating the community on preventive oral health. Through outreach programs, school-based education, and community initiatives, Delta Dental helps Idahoans of all ages understand how oral health connects to overall well-being.For seniors, Delta Dental offers plans specifically designed for retirees, ensuring continuity of care even after leaving the workforce.What Types of Dental Services Are Important for Seniors?Whether youre maintaining a lifetime of good oral habits or catching up on overdue care, seniors benefit from a wide range of dental services.1. Preventive CareRegular checkups and cleanings help detect issues before they become serious. Preventive services typically include: Routine exams Professional cleanings X-rays Fluoride treatments Sealants (for at-risk areas) 2. Restorative CareEven with great care, teeth can wear down over time. Restorative treatments help rebuild structure and function, such as: Fillings for cavities Crowns or bridges Dentures or partial dentures Dental implants 3. Periodontal (Gum) CareGum health is crucial, especially for older adults. Specialized cleanings or treatments help manage or prevent gum disease, which is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.4. Prosthetic and Implant SupportMany seniors rely on dentures or dental implants to restore their smiles. Delta Dental plans often cover adjustments, repairs, or replacements to keep these solutions working comfortably.5. Emergency and Specialized CareUnexpected dental pain or damage can happen at any age. Having a plan that includes emergency services ensures youre protected when you need care most.Oral Health and Aging: Local Insights from BoiseBoise is home to a vibrant and growing senior population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 15% of Boises population is over age 65, and that number continues to rise as more retirees choose the Treasure Valley for its affordability and quality of life.Access to trusted dental providers is an important part of supporting this active aging community. Delta Dentals extensive network ensures seniors can find experienced dentists close to homewhether in Boise, Meridian, or nearby Nampa.Local providers often highlight the link between oral and systemic health. For example, research shows that gum disease can contribute to inflammation in the body, potentially worsening chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. Regular cleanings and checkups can significantly reduce these risks.How Delta Dental of Idaho Helps Seniors SaveOne of the biggest barriers to dental care for seniors is cost. Many retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare doesnt cover routine dental services, leaving them responsible for cleanings, exams, or dentures.Delta Dental of Idaho helps bridge that gap with affordable individual and family plans that cover preventive, basic, and major services. Plans vary based on coverage level, but most include: 100% coverage for preventive care (cleanings, exams, x-rays) Partial coverage for fillings, crowns, and dentures Nationwide access to Delta Dentals extensive provider network Transparent pricing and no hidden fees Members can choose from a range of plans designed to fit different budgets and care needs, ensuring flexibility for every stage of retirement.Tips for Maintaining Oral Health as You AgeEven with great insurance, daily habits make a big difference in oral health outcomes. Here are a few tips recommended by dental professionals: Brush and floss daily Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Stay hydrated Dry mouth is common with certain medications; drinking water helps protect enamel. Eat a balanced diet Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D strengthen teeth and bones. Avoid tobacco Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Visit your dentist regularly Routine checkups catch problems early and help maintain oral comfort. Preventive care is the best investment you can make in your oral health, says Amanda Hamilton from Delta Dental of Idaho. A simple cleaning can prevent more seriousand costlyissues down the road. Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Services for Seniors1. Does Medicare cover dental services?No, traditional Medicare doesnt cover routine dental care like exams, cleanings, or dentures. However, many seniors choose a separate dental insurance plan, like those offered by Delta Dental of Idaho, to maintain access to care.2. What dental services are most important for seniors?Preventive serviceslike regular cleanings and examsare essential. Restorative and periodontal care also play a big role in maintaining function and preventing disease.3. How often should seniors visit the dentist?Most dental professionals recommend visits every six months, but some individuals may need more frequent cleanings based on their oral health history.4. Can dental health affect overall health?Absolutely. Poor oral health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and other serious conditions. Taking care of your mouth supports your whole body.5. What if I have dentures or implantsdo I still need dental checkups?Yes. Even with dentures or implants, its important to have regular checkups to monitor oral tissue health, fit, and comfort.Tip from the Team Your oral health is an essential part of your overall wellness, says Amanda Hamilton from Delta Dental of Idaho. Were proud to help Idaho seniors stay healthy, confident, and smiling through every stage of life. Partnering with Delta Dental of IdahoAs a trusted partner in oral health, Delta Dental of Idaho believes everyone deserves access to high-quality dental careespecially seniors whove worked hard to enjoy retirement. With a wide network of local dentists, affordable plans, and a focus on prevention, they make it easier than ever to protect your smile for life.If youre ready to learn more about dental coverage options or find a participating provider in Boise, help is just a click away.Protect Your Smile TodayVisit Delta Dental of Idaho Seniors Blue Book to explore coverage options, find a dentist near you, or learn more about maintaining oral health as you age. Because a healthy smile never gets oldand neither should your access to great dental care.