Benefits of Dental Coverage

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Dental member runningDid you know that comprehensive dental care can help detect other health problems before they become more serious? We did! That’s why we offer four dental plans for family members age 19 and older and all of our plans provide kids under 19 with dental benefits at no charge.

Oral health is about more than just teeth. It has been estimated that more than 100 systemic diseases and upward of 500 medications have oral manifestations.1 Numerous research studies have shown a connection between heart disease and key bacteria in periodontal disease.2 In addition, inflammation in the mouth can cause inflammation throughout the body (including the arteries), which can lead to a stroke.3 When you visit the dentist, you are not just keeping your smile bright, you are improving your overall health.

1 The effects of oral health on systemic health

2 American Dental Hygienists Association. Oral Health-Total Health: Know the Connection.

3 Harvard Medical School. Heart disease and oral health: role of oral bacteria in heart plaque. CareFirst accessed this information on October 31, 2014.