Oral health problems — ranging from cavities to cancer — are painful and costly, affecting millions of people each year. This is alarming because almost all oral diseases can be avoided with proper oral hygiene. Tooth decay Cavities are a common problem for children. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection, which can lead to difficulty eating, speaking, playing and learning. Tooth decay is also a problem for adults, especially for the increasing number who retain most of their teeth throughout their lives. Tooth loss can become an issue as adults get older — affecting self-esteem and contributing to nutrition problems by limiting the types of food that someone can eat. In addition, poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of diseases and conditions, including gum disease and oral cancer. Prevention Keep your oral health in good shape by practicing the following: Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste. Take care of your teeth and gums. Thoroughly brushing and flossin...

Did you know that poor oral health can lead to many seemingly unrelated medical conditions? In fact, oral bacteria and oral disease have been linked to a variety of serious illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and pregnancy complications. That’s why it’s essential for employers to understand the importance of dental care and how it relates to their employees’ benefits. The importance of oral health The following examples illustrate the relationship between your oral health and general health. Tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs affect both your overall and oral health. Dry mouth, or a lack of saliva increases your risk of tooth decay. Oral pain resulting in an inability to eat properly prevents you from getting the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy. Periodontal disease Oral health can often be used to diagnose underlying health issues. For example, the advanced form of gum disease, called periodontitis , causes tooth loss and is also sometimes associated with ...

As the Great Resignation continues, the importance of employer dental benefits has skyrocketed. A  Forbes study  found that 8% of respondents with health insurance left a job they liked because they wanted better health coverage. To help you prevent turnover and reinforce the importance of offering robust  employee benefits , we’ve put together answers to frequently asked questions. Consider it a quick refresher on the importance of employer dental benefits. Why should I offer employer dental benefits? It is relatively inexpensive to include dental benefits in an employer’s benefits plan, and it may help the employer attract and retain highly skilled employees. According to the  Employee Benefit Research Institute , employees made dental or vision insurance the third most important benefit in making a job decision.  Because dental hygiene is associated with overall health, employees with dental plans are often healthier. Employees without dental benefits may pos...