Even in retirement, life can get unexpectedly hectic, and it may be tempting to postpone regular dental checkups. But these appointments aren’t just about making sure your smile is bright and your teeth and gums are healthy. They can be vital to the early detection of many serious conditions.
Dental Health Goes Beyond Brushing and Flossing
We all know that daily brushing and flossing are key to healthy teeth and gums. Likewise, regular dental visits are also essential to maintaining a vibrant, healthy smile. These checkups allow your dental professional to monitor your teeth, gums, tongue and mouth for signs of dental or other health issues.
Cavities are, of course, a common concern. Through regular checkups and dental X-rays, your dentist can identify a small cavity before it can develop into a more significant problem, like a painful toothache or an abscess that could require a root canal procedure. Routine dental exams can also help detect gum disease, which can cause your gums to swell, bleed, and in severe cases, result in tooth loss.
Beyond these benefits, routine exams can help dentists identify several serious medical conditions in their early stages, allowing for the best possible outcome. These conditions include:
Oral Cancer – Regular checkups can help detect early signs of oral cancer, which can be treated more effectively if caught early.
Heart Disease – People who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.
Diabetes – Gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels; conversely, poorly controlled diabetes can worsen gum disease.
Respiratory Infections – Bacteria from periodontal disease can be inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory infections or worsening conditions like pneumonia.
Osteoporosis – There is a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to tooth loss.
How often should you visit the dentist?
According to the American Dental Association, there is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year; others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.
TRS-Care Members can receive rewards for regular dental visits through the Incentive Provision. Members who receive two exams and cleanings in a plan year will earn a permanent increase of $250 to their annual maximum starting the following year (capped at $500). For example, if your annual maximum benefit is $1,500, that could increase to $1,750 for the second year and $2,000 the third year you receive the exams and cleanings.
There’s Even More to Smile About
TRS-Care Dental insured by MetLife offers comprehensive coverage for services and procedures that matter to you. From routine exams and basic diagnostic services, to implants, crowns, dentures and more, this plan aims to protect your health, smile and family budget. With it, you’ll get:
An extensive provider network – MetLife’s dental network has over 133,000 licensed dentists in more than 475,000 locations nationwide.
The flexibility to see any dentist – Visit in- or out-of-network providers.
Cost savings – Preventive care is covered at 100% and includes in-network cleanings, preventive X-rays and oral exams. You can save up to 35%-50% off dentist list prices.
MetLife’s mobile app puts your ID card, plan details and claim information at your fingertips. For added convenience, it also includes features like:
A Find a Dentist tool with easy access to provider ratings
Online appointment scheduling for select dentists
Convenient claim status notifications via text messaging
Other digital tools are available on MyBenefits and include:
Access to a Dental Cost Estimator so you can view personalized, plan-specific and zip code-based cost estimates for most common procedures – as well as the deductibles, plan maximums and frequency limitations that apply.
A digital virtual assistant that’s available 24/7 to help you with common tasks like accessing coverage information, getting personalized estimates or viewing claims.
Plus, there’s an International Dental Travel Assistance program that provides international assistance tied to your out-of-network benefits, including:
24/7 help in multiple languages
Access to dental providers (based on strict credentialing criteria) in approximately 200 countries
Toll-free calling within the U.S. or collect calling outside the U.S.
Get Answers to Your Dental Coverage Questions
You can learn more about your dental benefits by visiting the MetLife TRS-Care dental website.
If you have questions about enrollment and eligibility, call TRS Health at 1-888-237-6762, Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST.
For questions about your dental benefits, call MetLife at 1-855-488-0522, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. CST.
Benefit programs offered by MetLife and its affiliates (like most group benefit programs) contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. Please contact MetLife or your plan administrator for complete details.