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We do our best to lead a healthy and happy life by completing our Health Assessments, exercising regularly, and opting for a nutritious meal instead of that greasy burger with fries and a soda.  However, sometimes we overlook our oral health.

Gum disease is a condition where the structures that support the teeth are weakened through infection which causes tooth loss. It is caused by plaque buildup and tartar between the teeth, which attracts bacteria that causes infection on the edges of the gums.

The first stage of gum disease is inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, and this is caused by poor dental hygiene. If gingivitis goes undetected or is left untreated, it eventually leads to gum disease.

The symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red and swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose and sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Make a dental appointment immediately if you have any one or a combination of the symptoms listed above.

Dental hygiene is vital to your oral health. Here are some simple tips to keep a healthy smile:

1. Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice daily.
2. Invest in a better toothbrush – do your research and find the best toothbrush for you.
3. Consider an antibacterial mouthwash – liquid mouth rinses access crevices and clean germs off soft tissue that you may not always brush.
4. Drink more tap water – water not only hydrates your body, but it also washes down excess food that may be left on your teeth.
5. Visit your dentist at least twice a year – dentists or oral hygienists have the equipment to deep clean, scrape your teeth and remove tartar and plaque and to clean your teeth to the required standard.

Bestmed understands the importance of good oral hygiene for you and your family. We offer preventative dentistry as part of our preventative care benefits available on Beat2, Beat3 and Beat4, and all the Pace options.

Our preventative dentistry benefits include:

• General full-mouth examination by a general dentist
• Full-mouth intra-oral radiographs
• Intra-oral radiographs
• Scaling and/or polishing
• Fluoride treatment
• Fissure sealing
• Space maintainers

Please look at the benefits included in your option to see what is covered.

The Pulse range offers preventative services under the basic and specialised dentistry benefit. Some benefits may be subject to pre-authorisation, clinical protocols, formularies, funding guidelines and the Mediscor Reference Price (MRP). You can contact Bestmed to confirm which benefits require pre-authorisation.

Sources:

Colgate. Available from: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/five-easy-ways-to-improve-dental-health

Netcare. Available from: https://www.netcare.co.za/News-Hub/Articles/gum-disease-can-damage-your-heart-as-well-as-your-smile