Delta Dental Of Virginia Introduces Benefits To Help Improve Health Of Diabetics, Reduce Rate Of Low Birth Weight Babies

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 30 Dec 2006 - 0:00 PST

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Delta Dental of Virginia, providing dental coverage for more than 1 million Virginians, today announced innovative benefits to help improve the health of diabetics and reduce the rate of premature, low birth weight babies.

Scientific evidence suggests that early treatment and prevention of gum disease and other oral conditions can improve overall health so Delta Dental of Virginia is focusing on two high-risk groups that stand to benefit most from additional dental check-ups. "This direct connection between oral health and overall health is especially evident with diabetes and, most recently, in relation to periodontal disease and the delivery of premature, low birth weight babies," says George Koumaras, DDS, Dental Director for Delta Dental of Virginia.

Launching January 1, 2007, Healthy Smile, Healthy You(TM) will offer diabetics and expectant mothers the opportunity to receive one additional teeth-cleaning procedure -- or periodontal maintenance visit if they have a history of periodontal surgery -- beyond what is already covered. Delta Dental, the leader in group dental coverage, is making this preventive coverage available for all of its members.

A number of studies, including one underway with Delta Dental support at the University of Michigan and University of Detroit-Mercy, show that when diabetics have their teeth cleaned professionally, their blood sugar levels are easier to control. Diabetics with gum disease can suffer from infections that may cause higher blood sugar levels, putting them at higher risk for complications.

Research also suggests pregnant women with gum disease can benefit from additional cleanings. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early or too small.

"Adding these additional services may lower the risk that bacteria will enter the bloodstream and cause infection, thus improving the overall health of our diabetic and pregnant members and lowering their health care costs," Koumaras says.

ABOUT DELTA DENTAL OF VIRGINIA

Delta Dental of Virginia, headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, was created in 1964 by the Virginia Dental Association and chartered by the General Assembly, as a not-for-profit service corporation the same year. Delta Dental provides employee dental benefits through a variety of managed fee-for-service and PPO plans covering over 1 million members in over 2,600 groups. Delta Dental of Virginia is a member company of the Delta Dental Plans Association, the nation's largest, most experienced, dental benefits carrier providing dental coverage to over 46 million people in over 80,000 groups across the nation. Learn more at http://www.deltadentalva.com.

Delta Dental of Virginia
http://www.deltadentalva.com