Most people would agree that going to the dentist every six months for a check-up will lead to better oral health and less major dental work down the road. According to a new study by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian) shows that companies who encourage their employees to do so can save money on their group policies. The Fifth Annual Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, Dental Benefits: A Bridge to Oral Health & Wellness, finds that employers whose employees regularly use their dental benefits will see fewer claims for major and restorative work, resulting in lower premiums for employers and reduced out-of-pocket costs for the employees
Dental Benefits: A Bridge to Oral Health & Wellness from the Guardian 5th Annual Workplace Benefits Study As part of the Study, Guardian analyzed dental claims data from 2011-2017. Employer groups were categorized based on the utilization of preventive and major services within their companies, the groups were categorized as high preventive utilization and low preventive utilization employers. The study found that the high preventive utilization employer group spent 39 percent more on preventive care over a six-year period, but 86 percent less on major and restorative dental services. By spending more on preventive care,
this high utilization group had 16 percent lower preventive and major dental claims costs than the low preventive utilization employer group.
“Encouraging employees to regularly visit their dentists not only promotes employee wellness – it can save a company money when it comes time to renew their group policy,” said Marc Costantini, Executive Vice President of Group & Worksite Markets at Guardian. “When insurers see claim costs on big-ticket items go down, there is an opportunity to lower premiums for employers and their employees.”
The Study also reveals that access to dental coverage encourages good oral health, which translates into a number of positive benefits for U.S. workers. Regular trips to the dentist can aid in early detection of potentially serious medical conditions, as more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.
“Good oral health is linked to positive overall health and self-esteem,” said Dr. Randi Tillman, Chief Dental Officer at Guardian. “Regular dental visits can help with certain health needs including managing diabetes, lowering heart disease risk, and contributing to a healthy pregnancy.”
Although there are numerous benefits to good oral health, the Study finds more than one in four adults fail to go to the dentist once a year. Millennials are among the least likely to go to the dentist two times a year and cite many reasons why they don’t go to the dentist for annual check-ups, with cost as the primary reason. Four in ten adults have delayed recommended procedures, skipped exams, x-rays and tests in the past year due to higher out-of-pocket costs. These findings suggest that oral health is largely misunderstood and easily taken for granted. This is detrimental to their well-being as it can lead to an increase in out-of-pocket expenses to cover restorative procedures.
Effects of Cannabis Use on Oral Health and Systemic Effects Relevant for Oral Health Professionals
Currently, there is no comprehensive review of the literature on the effects of cannabis on oral health. This synthesis summarizes existing evidence on the effects of cannabis on oral health and presents the systemic effects of cannabis and the drug interactions (DIs) between cannabis and medications relevant for oral health professionals. Knowledge gaps are identified and evidence-based recommendations are provided to support patients' oral health care with regard to cannabis use.
The objectives of this review are to
raise awareness about the effects of cannabis on oral health
support continuing education of oral health professionals
facilitate public access to evidence-based information on this issue and
contribute to a preventive approach to improved oral health.
Although evidence is limited regarding the direct effects of cannabis use on oral health, the studies upon which this evidence synthesis is based suggest that oral health professionals need to be aware of the adverse effects and risks related to cannabis consumption, and to be particularly vigilant regarding drug interactions. Considering the recent legislative changes regarding the non-medical use of cannabis (Cannabis Act), it is expected that its use and inherent adverse effects and risks, including effects on oral health, will also increase in prevalence. This view is supported by data showing an increase8 in cannabis consumption after legalization in several jurisdictions in the United States, either for medical or non-medical use. It is important for health agencies to recognize the effects of cannabis use on oral health and to develop appropriate communication products to increase awareness of the public and health professionals.
Evidence Synthesis: Effects of E-cigarette Use on Oral Health
Combustible cigarette smoking (CCS) is causally associated with major morbidity and mortality. Numerous experimental and clinical investigations have linked tobacco use with over 25 different diseases, including oral diseases. According to the Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CTADS, 2017), 15% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported currently smoking cigarettes (15%), including 8% of teens aged 15 - 19 years.
In an effort to counter the adverse effects of CCS on human health, multiple smoking cessation strategies have been developed, including pharmacotherapy, nicotine replacement therapy, and abstinence; however in many cases, these have met with limited success with regards to long term cessation success rates. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were developed as an alternative to CCS that is intended to provide smokers with a less harmful source of nicotine delivery and a new smoking cessation aid.
The oral cavity is the first site to encounter tobacco smoke, which comes in direct contact with soft and hard tissues. While studies have linked smoking to an elevated risk of oral diseases6-8, evidence exists to support e-cigarettes use as a less harmful alternative to CCS associated with reduced adverse oral health effects. Nevertheless, the scientific literature on the subject is still limited and mostly based on self-reported, short-term follow-up studies. Moreover, public health strategies are needed to educate the public that e-cigarette use is not harmless, especially for young people who have never used CCS.
This report summarizes existing evidence on the effects of electronic cigarette use on oral health, identifies knowledge gaps and provides evidence-based recommendations to support patients' oral health care regarding the use of electronic cigarettes.
Smoking is a global public health issue responsible for significant oral and general health problems, which can be prevented by the cessation of tobacco use. Although complete smoking cessation is the best solution, the powerful addictive properties of nicotine represent an enormous obstacle, even for those with a strong desire to quit smoking. Different nicotine replacement strategies have been developed, including e-cigarettes. Several self-reported and randomized studies suggest e-cigarettes, while not harmless, are a harm reduction tool that may improve the oral and general health of smokers and may contribute to smoking cessation. However, additional long term studies are needed to validate these observations. Most importantly, all levels of public health should take steps to prevent initiation and encourage cessation of e-cigarette use among individuals who never used CCS, particularly in youth, as this practice is not harmless.
