True Care Advantage American Health Advantage Dreaming of better gum health

Dreaming of better gum health

How much sleep did you get last night? If it was six hours or less, you could be at increased risk for gum disease progression. A 2007 study in the Journal of Periodontology looked at the way lifestyles affect a person’s periodontal health and found that lack of sleep was one of the biggest factors in gum disease. People who had slept at least seven hours were less likely to experience advancement of the disease, leading researchers to speculate that a lack of sleep may reduce the body’s immune response, which then contributes to gum disease progression. Another major lifestyle factor was smoking. More than 40 percent of participants in the study who experienced a progression of gum disease were smokers. This may seem obvious, but it reinforces the idea that tobacco use affects far more areas of a person’s health than just the lungs. Other influential factors identified in the study included high stress levels and daily alcohol consumption. Many of these factors are related, so it’s important to be self-aware. For instance, high stress levels may cause a person to lose sleep, which can then lead to progression in gum disease. By fixing one contributing factor, other problems may be lessened, as well. Your True Care Advantage plan dentist can help you identify signs of periodontal disease and show you specific ways to stop it from progressing. By making changes to your lifestyle, you can quickly get back on the path to oral health.

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"I finally found something that really helps! The first week I received the Advantage Card, I saved $418 on Dental expenses. That was money I would have had to pay out of my own pocket."
- J. Britt, Orlando, FL

"I just want to say thanks for having this service for those that cannot afford dental insurance. I have noticed the savings since the very first time I used it, and I've never even heard of Discount Dental Plans before. I was so pleased with the company I called in to see what other programs they offer and signed up for coverage on Medical and Chiropractic as well!"
-Kevin, Philadelphia, PA

"The free prescription drug card is such an added bonus. I'm on a maintenance drug that used to cost me $107.67 every three months. After receiving my free discount drug card it now costs just $43.42. This is an annual saving of $257, which is even more than the entire plan cost. What a great free bonus to go along with my dental plan."
-Hassan, Sacramento, CA

"I became a TRUE CARE Dental Plans member on March 9th. I was able to get an appointment on the 10th and saved over $1,000. Even though I hadn't received my actual True Care Dental Plans member cards, the customer service was so helpful."
-Erin, Savannah, GA

"I am very pleased with the dental discounts offered with the Aetna Dental Access Plan. I think it's a wonderful, affordable dental plan, and have referred one friend already. I am looking forward to continue my membership into 2009. Thanks again."
-Kimberly, Tuscon, AZ

"I became a member of TRUE CARE Dental Plans last year. It was the best $135 I have ever spent! My membership reduced the price of all my cleanings, X-rays and other procedures."
-Carolyn, Jacksonville, FL

"I just wanted to thank TRUE CARE because I found a great orthodontist who gave me 30% off the new Invisalign braces. This comes out to HUGE savings for me. I didn't expect such savings on braces from a dental plan."
-Laura, Daytona, FL

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