Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions that occur together. They can increase your risk or severity of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Recent research has shown that poor oral hygiene affects the different systemic disorders associated with MetS. An infection caused by bacteria responsible for periodontal (gum) disease ( a severe case can cause systemic insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction), a known cause of MetS. A recent study also found that people with gum disease were 33% more likely to develop an autoimmune disease and 7% more likely to be diagnosed with a metabolic disorder.
Preventive dental care and proper oral hygiene habits can help prevent gum disease and help you avoid experiencing additional complications associated with MetS. So, it’s important to brush after every meal and before bedtime and floss at least once a day.
By scheduling regular dental checkups, you increase your chances of catching potential problems early and reversing any damage that can impact your health.
Through our unique, integrated care program, Oral Health for Total HealthSM, our health and dental plans work together to help you improve your well-being and quality of life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with MetS, the program provides additional dental benefits that help fight gum disease and improve your overall health. They include two extra cleanings or periodontal maintenance visits per year (a total of four). These valuable services are available to enrolled members at no extra cost when visiting a participating provider.
If you have health and dental plans from HMSA and have been diagnosed with MetS, you’re automatically enrolled. If you don’t have a health plan with HMSA, you can easily enroll online.
Once enrolled, all you need to do is make an appointment with a participating dentist. You can find a dentist in your plan’s network at hmsadental.com/find-a-dentist.
Check our provider directory to see if your dentist is in-network, or find a participating provider.
Have a qualifying medical condition? Enroll to receive enhanced dental benefits that promote your overall health.
