Cheering on adults who take charge

Want to send a “Well done!” message to adults who take steps to improve their periodontal health? Visit SmileWay^® Wellness for free videos, healthy recipes and articles on oral health topics to share with patients and keep them motivated to take good care of their smiles.

Remind them that if left untreated, periodontal disease can worsen many health conditions, including diabetes, according to recent research. The American Diabetes Association tells us that diabetes affects 25.8 million Americans and contributes to more than 230,000 deaths each year.

Even with these startling statistics, Delta Dental’s national study of more than 90 million dental claims showed the following:

• Only half of adults with periodontal disease received the recommended two or more cleanings or periodontal maintenance procedures per year, even though our benefits plans cover these procedures.
• More than 25% of adults did not receive an annual dental examination.

We’re helping prevent gum disease and its potential complications through enrollee material that encourages people to follow their dentist’s recommendations for periodontal care, including regular dental cleanings.