Good oral hygiene is important—not only for looking great, but for preventing diseases in other parts of the body as well. Studies show that poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems, such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes, and more.*

The good news is your employees can prevent many of these problems with regular dental checkups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene. Feel free to share the following tips with employees in your next employee newsletter.

5 Ways to Smile Brighter

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the following for good dental care:

    • Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
    • Floss – Clean between teeth daily with dental floss. Bacteria linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach, which can cause tooth decay. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line.
    • Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed—a worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning teeth.
    • Eat a balanced diet, and limit between-meal snacks.
    • Visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and routine oral exams.

 

Also, our mouth-body connection handout is a great resource you can share with your workforce to help employees understand the importance of oral health and how good oral hygiene can help prevent other diseases. Download and share our one-page handout, here. >>

If you have a dental plan as part of your benefits package, remind your employees that preventive care (such as cleanings) is covered at little or no cost.

Interested in adding dental to your coverage? Check out our dental plan options, and contact your agent or PacificSource Client Service Representative.

* Aetna/Columbia University study published in 2012.

 

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