By Lisa Richter, Neighborcare Health 

Dental care is a key part of caring for your whole health. It is important to take care of your mouth and teeth, especially before something starts to hurt. 

Research shows that the health of your mouth can reflect the health of the rest of your body. As many as 90 percent of people with ongoing health issues (such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and some cancers) also have oral health symptoms, like sores in the mouth, swollen gums, dry mouth, tooth pain and more. According to the American Heart Association, gum disease is linked to other health conditions such as stroke and heart disease. Pregnant women who have gum disease are also more likely to have pregnancy complications.

Get regular dental checkups

Regular visits to the dentist are important, even if you don’t have a dental problem. It is recommended that people of all ages get regular dental checkups twice a year. At a checkup, the dentist will look at the overall health of your mouth, and a dental hygienist will clean your teeth and gums. Regular checkups not only help you stay healthy but also gives your dentist a chance to identify problems, such as cavities, before they get worse. Getting cavities and other dental issues taken care of early is essential and can help prevent infection, pain and tooth loss in the future. The dentist can also help identify possible health problems before they become serious.

Take care of your teeth at home

You also need to take care of your mouth and teeth between visits to the dentist. Here are some important ways to maintain a healthy mouth, and prevent gum disease and cavities:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with toothpaste
• Floss regularly
• Eat healthy foods full of vitamins and nutrients, and limit sugary foods
• Avoid all tobacco products - these contribute to gum disease and cancer

Find a dentist

Finding a dentist that accepts your health insurance or provides low-cost comprehensive dental services can be difficult. In Washington State, dental care is considered to be an essential health benefit and is covered by Medicaid/Apple Health insurance. Helpful online resources, such as DentistLink, can connect you to a dentist that takes your insurance.

Neighborcare Health accepts Medicaid/Apple Health insurance, and welcomes new patients of all ages at 7 neighborhood dental clinics:

• Neighborcare Health at 45th Street
• Neighborcare Health at Georgetown
• Neighborcare Health at High Point
• Neighborcare Health at Meridian
• Neighborcare Health at Pacific Tower
• Neighborcare Health Dental at Providence St Peter Hospital (Olympia)
• Neighborcare Health at Rainier Beach

This article was provided by Neighborcare Health, an SHA partner. Neighborcare Health is the largest provider of primary medical and dental services for low-income and uninsured families and individuals in Seattle. They serve more than 75.000 patients each year at nearly 30 medical, dental and school-based clinics. Find a clinic in your neighborhood. All are welcome at Neighborcare Health.