🫀Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes & Gum Disease: The Link Your Insurance May Be Overlooking

📑 A recent study published in *The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA)* reinforces something I’ve long believed:

“Oral healthcare is the conduit to better, more predictable overall health outcomes.”

The study analyzed over 1,100 patients and found a strong connection between cardiovascular wellness and reduced rates of periodontitis, especially in those managing diabetes. Individuals with higher Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) scores had up to a 64% lower chance of developing gum disease compared to those with the lowest scores.

🧠 WHAT IT MEANS

This data reminds us that oral health isn’t isolated from the rest of the body. It’s a vital part of the whole health ecosystem.

Yet most dental plans still treat it like an afterthought—placing limits on coverage, frequency, and medically necessary care that could prevent larger systemic issues down the line.

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

- Gum disease is strongly linked to cardiovascular and diabetic health

- Routine oral care is a prevention tool—not a luxury

- Dental plans often downplay these connections in coverage decisions

💡 SAVVY TIP

If your plan only allows two cleanings a year—even with a history of gum disease—it may be time to request a periodontal exception or review your plan’s exclusions.

At Savvy Smiles Consulting, we don’t just decode benefits—we connect the dots between dental coverage and long-term health.

That’s why our Plan Decoder isn’t just a billing tool—it’s a “compass to better health decisions”.

We help you anticipate costs, understand your options, and avoid surprise denials— so you can support your total health journey, not just your next appointment.