Dental Insurance: Is it worth it?

Brushing your teeth is an important factor when it comes to maintaining your overall health.  A substance produced in the body called high-sensitivity C-reactive-protein (hs-CRP) is suspected to play a role in the link between gum disease and heart disease. Acute gum disease increases the amount of hs-CRP in the bloodstream, which is a natural response to inflammation caused by injury or infection. The American Heart Association says hs-CRP may signal an increased risk for heart attacks. 

Heart disease is the nation's top killer, claiming a staggering 450,000 lives in 2004, according to the American Heart Association. Although it's unknown how many of those deaths are linked to gum disease, oral pathologist Dr. Dwight Weathers of Emory University suspects that the number would be high, "given that 85 percent of people over age 65 and probably half of people younger than that have some form of periodontal disease. Wow. That would be a big number."

So when it comes to dental insurance, it is worth it in the long run.  Most insurance carriers offer stand alone dental coverage for cheap. For about 30 to 40 dollars a month, you can take care of any preventative care services, i.e. oral exams, cleanings, x-ray, and gap maintances once you are approved.  After 6 continuous months, you can deal with any basic dental services, i.e. fillings and cavities.  After 12 continuous months, you can deal with any major dental services, i.e. removal of any teeth and root canals.

Most insurance carriers limit the maxmium coverage to a $1,000.00 per calendar year with a $50 deductible per individual. Based on whether your denist has a contract with the insurance carrier, each procedure will have a contracted or discounted rate. So for a few bucks a month, you can improve your oral hygene and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. It's worth it!

Aetna, Unicare, United Healthcare, and Humana- all have stand alone dental plans.