Have you ever wondered why your dental insurance doesn’t cover more when it comes to your overall health? Well, it seems the tides could be finally turning!
Recently, Delta Dental’s 2024 survey revealed a significant shift in understanding the vital role of oral health in overall wellness. It turns out, 92% of adults now recognize that their oral health is closely connected to their overall health, and a staggering 96% of parents see this link for their children as well.
This awareness of the mouth-body connection is growing, with more adults linking poor oral health to specific chronic conditions and diseases compared to last year. This is fantastic news for all of us championing the importance of oral health education!
So, what does this mean for you?
The question is, how will dental insurance companies change their product offerings to align with this growing understanding? Here are four suggestions I have for them:
- Coverage for Comprehensive Health Tests
Insurance should start covering essential tests like CRP (C-reactive protein), A1C (a measure of blood sugar levels), vitamin D levels, and Bristle oral microbiome testing. These tests can provide critical insights into how oral health affects and is affected by overall health, enabling better preventive care and early interventions. - Expanded Preventive Care Services
Preventive care is the cornerstone of maintaining good oral and overall health. Insurance plans should include more comprehensive preventive services, such as biannual professional cleanings, hydroxyapatite varnish treatments, and sealants, especially for adults. These services can significantly reduce the risk of serious dental and systemic health issues down the line. - Support for Holistic and Integrative Dental Treatments
Recognizing the oral-systemic connection means supporting treatments that might fall outside traditional dentistry. Insurance companies could start covering integrative approaches that include nutrition counseling, stress management techniques, and even acupuncture as part of dental care. These holistic treatments can play a vital role in maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being. - Coverage for Hydroxyapatite Varnish Treatments
Hydroxyapatite varnish is the clear winner as a safer, equally effective alternative to traditional fluoride varnish. Insurance companies should start recognizing and covering this option for patients because fluoride affects other parts of the body, namely, the brain!
Final Thoughts
The acknowledgement by insurance companies of the link between oral and systemic health is a promising step forward, BUT it’s only the beginning. It’s time for dental insurance companies to put their money where their mouth is.
As they begin to adjust their offerings to reflect this understanding, we can look forward to more comprehensive and inclusive coverage that truly supports our overall health. Keep advocating for these changes and stay informed about how your dental insurance can best serve your needs.
As always, I love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply and let me know what you think.
Now for the latest from the Ask the Dentist podcast…
 In Episode #121, Dr. David Lin, the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Bristle, and I talk about oral probiotics and who should use them. In case you missed it, Fygg and Bristle are collaborating for  Oral Probiotic Breath Mints, which are packed full of probiotics and will help fight cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath. Six professionally researched probiotic strains are used in the formulation of each mint to assist in maintaining fresh breath and help restore balance to your oral microbiota. These mints are a potent supplement to your daily routine, with 3.5B CFU. Ideal for kids over 4 and adults alike.
If you want to know how to properly use probiotics appropriately and how important they are to your oral microbiome—a topic I am asked a lot—this is a must-listen!
If you want to know how to properly use probiotics appropriately and how important they are to your oral microbiome—a topic I am asked a lot—this is a must-listen!
Wishing you a week of health and happiness,
Dr. Mark Burhenne
P.S. The single best thing you can do to prevent illness in the mouth is focus on your oral microbiome. That’s why I started Fygg—an oral care line of products that nourish mouth bacteria. Check it out here and use code “ATD15” for 15% off.
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