Health Canada has proclaimed April to be Oral Health Month, “an opportunity to highlight the essential role oral health plays in our overall health and well-being.”

Why Bother with Oral Health?

Oral health is not simply a matter of having nice-looking teeth for a better smile. Medical research is increasingly finding correlation between poor oral health and cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and even rheumatoid arthritis. A healthy oral microbiome seems to be as important to overall health as is a healthy gut microbiome.

In other words, a healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.

Prevention is Key

Members of the ELCIC Group Benefits Plan are fortunate to have very good dental care coverage in their Plan. Basic services (including 6-month checkup + cleaning) are covered between 60% and 80%, depending on the benefits module you are enrolled in. So is most routine treatment, such as filling cavities or getting a root canal. An annual maximum applies, though, so it’s a good idea to catch problems before they become serious!

You can find more information about your dental care benefits on the GSI website, here.

Strategies for Improving Oral Health

There are a lot of things you can to do ensure your teeth and mouth remain healthy. Here are a few tips:

1. Diet is probably the most important factor when it comes to oral health. Sugar is especially bad; soft processed foods that coat the teeth such as potato chips and crackers are also detrimental. In general, the nutritional, high-fibre foods that promote good general health also promote good oral health. Try to prioritize green leafy vegetables, crunchy vegetables such as broccoli and carrots, meat (if not vegetarian/vegan; chew it thoroughly), and nuts.
2. You’ve probably been hearing from dentists your whole life that it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. It is, but proper technique is also very important. Effective brushing includes cleaning along the gumline and in the difficult-to-reach back corners of your mouth. Flossing should scrape both sides of the tooth and extend to the gumline. Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) when it starts to look worn. If you don’t enjoy flossing manually, water flossers are great for removing particles between teeth; they can also stimulate the gums.
3. Saliva is essential; a dry mouth is not a healthy mouth. Drinking adequate water is a great way to hydrate the mouth. Breathing through the nose (so that the mouth remains closed and hydrated most of the time) helps too. Consider sleeping in a room with a humidifier if you wake up thirsty. Finally, avoiding snacking gives saliva more time to do its job of clearing away particles and cleaning teeth.
4. Acid reflux and heartburn are not only uncomfortable but also harmful for your teeth and soft tissues. If you experience frequent reflux and diet and lifestyle modifications (reducing stress, ensuring adequate sleep) don’t seem to be working, consider asking your doctor about medication.
5. Mitigate the effects of bruxism (grinding). Bruxism is damaging not only to your tooth enamel but also to your gums. If your dentist has recommended that you wear a night guard because you tend to grind your teeth in your sleep, wear it! Most people find them uncomfortable at first but quickly adapt, especially after soaking the guard in warm water to soften it before each use.

It’s Worth the Effort

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleaning can ensure that minor problems are identified and treated before they become serious.

Though your Plan provides some coverage for them, crowns, implants, and dentures are never as good as your natural teeth. It’s worth the effort to keep them as long as you can.

If you have questions about a recent claim adjudicated by Manulife, we encourage you to reach out to their customer service at 1-800-268-6195. Their representatives are ready to assist you with your inquiries. 

However, if you find yourself needing further clarification or are unsatisfied with the response you received, don’t hesitate to contact GSI. Simply provide us with your claim information, and we will connect with our representative at Manulife on your behalf to ensure you receive the answers you need.