Focusing on Adolescents by Andre Turnage Most teenagers would shrug and roll their eyes if you asked how their parent’s dental could help them take better care of their teeth. Let’s be honest, teens have other important issues to focus on like friends and school. However, practicing good oral health is especially critical during the pre-teen and adolescent years. Sixty-eight percent of 19-year olds have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What’s more, 60% of 15-year-olds have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, according to KidsHealth.org. The American Dental Association recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between nine and 16, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates about 4.5 million people in the United States are wearing braces or other appliances. The dental plan that employees choose could determine what kind of orthodontic coverage their children will have, if any. Even though orthodontics is typically covered in a dental HMO or dental PPO, it’s up to the employers to decide the plan features. So, employees should compare to choose the plan that suits their needs. But, the benefits of orthodontics can go far beyond simply having straight teeth. Braces can also help correct abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and speaking, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, and possible jaw joint problems, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. By providing a more attractive smile and profile, braces can also reduce self-consciousness in critical developmental years and throughout a lifetime. While getting braces increases the number of visits to the orthodontist’s office, routine dental check ups should not stop. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) says that teens should see a dentist at least twice a year. Continued oral hygiene is critical for those with braces. AGD suggests the following ways to help keep up good oral care while sporting an extra shiny smile: • Brush carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. • Rinse thoroughly and check teeth in the mirror to make sure they’re clean. • Take time to floss between braces and under wires with the help of a floss threader. • Have your teeth cleaned every six months to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Parents might suggest that their children carry a travel toothbrush to school so that they can brush after recess and lunch. Online Tools and Other Perks Many providers create interactive tools. Online quizzes can identify factors that may increase the risk of getting cavities. The results can be printed and taken to the dentist on a future visit. Dental treatment cost estimators allow members to estimate their out-of-pocket cost before seeking care. In some cases, estimates are based on the patient’s plan information and are adjusted for geographic location. Some plans offer online tools to allow people to compare the costs of two or more dental plan options. Another dental delight could include discounts on Xylitol-sweetened products or in teen terms – gum, mints, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that reduces the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Simply chewing a piece of Xylitol gum after meals can increase protective factors in saliva, which helps reduce tooth decay. Do as I say and as I do No matter how big or small an employee’s family is, dental plans are out there for everyone. The key is to for employees to be good consumers and do their homework. After all, parents should practice what they preach, right? q –––––––––– Andre Turnage is a sales manager for CIGNA Dental Health of California, Inc. He is located in San Francisco, Calif., and can be reached at andre.turnage@cigna.com or at 415-374-2584.