Word of Mouth

Diabetes and periodontal disease have a two-way relationship. People with diabetes have a higher chance of developing serious gum disease, while severe periodontal disease can make blood sugar harder to control. This creates a cycle that impacts oral and overall health.
 

Did you know?¹

• 38.4 million people have diabetes (11.6% of the U.S. population).
• 97.6 million people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes (38.0%).
• People with diabetes are 3x more likely to develop severe gum disease.
• Periodontal disease can worsen blood sugar control in diabetic patients.
• Poor oral health increases diabetes complications and health care costs.

Support employee health through enhanced benefits

Managing chronic conditions like diabetes requires more than routine care, especially when it comes to oral health. Enhanced dental coverage can support better diabetes management by providing access to preventive treatments, more frequent cleanings and specialized care that goes beyond what traditional plans may offer.

Delta Dental’s SmileWay® Wellness Benefits² address this gap with enhanced dental coverage designed to support chronic medical conditions. Many Delta Dental PPO™ employer-sponsored plans offer these benefits for members and their dependents diagnosed with diabetes and other qualifying conditions. This comprehensive approach helps employees maintain better oral health, which directly supports diabetes management and overall well-being.

If you're interested in adding SmileWay Wellness Benefits to your Delta Dental plan, contact your sales representative.

Important resources for your teams

Help employees understand their increased oral health risks with these educational materials:

• Diabetes and oral health connection — Easy-to-understand patient handout
• Home care tips for diabetic patients — Daily oral hygiene guidance
• Diet when living with diabetes — Empowers patients to make healthier choices

By educating employees about the diabetes-oral health connection, you're helping create a healthier culture in your workplace and your community.