Healthcare is a big topic in the White House, and we have all been
hearing about recently. With the huge debate over repealing and replacing
Obamacare, it is all over the news and blowing up the media. But how will all
of this affect dental care? Or will it? Shockingly, dental is not a part of
most insurance plans. South Charlotte Dentistry
finds it heart-breaking that many healthcare plans don’t consider dental
coverage. As a dental provider, South
Charlotte Dentistry values dental health and recognizes its effect on your overall
health and body. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the importance of
dental care and it is not included in most healthcare plans.
Public health coverage currently allows dental services for
children under the Children’s Health Insurance Plan with Medicaid, because children
in a certain age range are protected. Medicaid is required to cover children
but is not required to cover adults, as Medicaid’s adult dental plan is
optional. It is determined by a state-to-state plan. Medicaid in most states has some dental
coverage for adults, but most of the plans are very limited, often for
emergencies only. Medicare only covers dental services that are emergencies and
take place in a hospital. Important dental needs, such as dental crowns or root
canals, are often not covered. Currently, 15 states provide extensive coverage
for adults! And South Charlotte Dentistry gives these states a high-five! Most
states provide care for minimal services, and 4 states provide no dental
benefits at all! The
Atlantic reports that, “A survey of Medicaid patients in Chicago, Denver,
and Portland conducted by the PerryUndem research firm last year found that
better dental care was at the top of most beneficiaries’ wish lists.”
Okay, so children are covered, but only if they are enrolled
in the Children’s Health Insurance plan. Many families do not qualify for
Medicaid. And Medicaid requirements could see a huge change depending on the
outcome of the Affordable Care Act. Medicaid is completely separate from Obamacare
but could be affected by what is happening in the White House. The Affordable
Care Act expanded Medicaid by expanding the income range for Medicaid
requirements. If Obamacare is repealed, many could be left without coverage. So
what about adults and those who do not have Medicaid?
Dental vs
Medical: The History
Dental and medical health have always been two very separate
things. Although, they both have effects on a person’s overall health and body,
they are treated as inherently different practices. The healthcare system and insurance programs
look at the two with very different perspectives.
Dentistry use to be an offshoot of hairdressing!
An
article in the Atlantic provides a little insight on dental history. Up
until the 1800s, dentistry was done at the hair salon. Hairdressers would pull
teeth or do small dental work after styling someone’s hair. This is because dentistry was mostly viewed
for cosmetic purposes.
Dental school was not a thing until about 1840 when a school
in Maryland was founded. Dentistry was not valued as highly as most medical
care. The original Medicaid program was released in 1965 and only 2.3 percent
of Americans held some form of dental care insurance.
Wow, dentistry has come a long way since the 1800s. But still
today, dentistry is not available to the level it needs to be for Americans to
have access to dental services. This
goes back to the fact that Medicaid covers very limited forms of dental.
Why Is Dental Care So
Important?
Dental care is more than just a pretty smile, but people
often under estimate the effects of feeling confident in your smile. Having a
nice smile and healthy teeth says a lot about a person. If a person has healthy
teeth it shows good hygiene, along with positive character traits like being
responsible and trustworthy. If someone has missing teeth he or she is often
viewed differently. People with missing teeth or poor oral health typically
suffer socially and financially. Having a smile to be proud of is healthy both
physically and emotionally. Healthy teeth equals confidence. With a healthy
smile, it is easier to find jobs, increase earnings, and find housing.
Oral health is also very important. There have been cases of
people dying from problems that derive in the mouth. Simple tooth infections
can cause major problems if the infection spreads. Even minor problems like a
toothache can cause serious problems to occur. The mouth is located near one of
the most important parts of the body: the brain. And because eyes and ears are
also located by the mouth, this means that oral problems will likely affect
these areas as well. Have you ever had a toothache that also caused you to have
a headache? That is perfectly normal and is a sign that you need to visit a
dentist. The
Mayo Clinic reports that the following conditions can be linked to oral
health:
·
Endocarditis- When bacteria from an area of the
body, such as the mouth, spreads through the blood stream it can attach to the
inner lining of your heart.
·
Cardiovascular Disease- Oral bacteria from the
mouth can cause infections and inflammation that can cause heart disease,
clogged arteries, and strokes.
·
Birth Defects- Gum infections can cause
premature birth or low birth weight.
South
Charlotte Dentistry strives to encourage people to practice good oral
hygiene. Dr. Wells recommends that people visit the dentist every six months.
This helps encourage healthy teeth and a confident smile. While dental care in
not a part of the regular healthcare system, South Charlotte Dentistry hopes
that this will one day change. Schedule an appointment with South Charlotte Dentistry by
calling 704-759-0908.
