--- title: The Link Between Your Dental & Medical Health description: Preventive care and early detection is important for your patients’ physical health. But how does your dental health relate to your physical health? image: https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/August_2016/Toothbrush_and_Paste_Aug-1.jpg --- - [800-880-8181](tel:800-880-8181) - [CONTACT US](https://www.tmait.org/contact) - [SELF-SERVICE PORTAL](https://tmait.aebsys.com/#/) [![](https://www.tmait.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/logo.png?width=197&name=logo.png)](https://www.tmait.org/) Topics All Accident Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Auto & Home Insurance Auto Insurance Business of Medicine Business Overhead Expense Insurance Comparing Insurance Providers COVID-19 FAQs Critical Illness Insurance Dental Insurance Disability Insurance Employed Physicians Family Featured Financial Advice Group Benefits Group Coverage Health Insurance Homeowners Insurance HSA Independent Contractor Independent Physician Individual Coverage Insurance For Good Insurance for Women Insurance Review Key Person Insurance Life Events Life Insurance Locum Tenens Medevac Insurance Medical Insurance Medical Practice Medicare Medicare Part D Medicare Supplement Medigap Nearing Retirement Office Overhead Expense Insurance Open Enrollment Personal Umbrella Insurance Pet Insurance Practice Management Practice Managers Practice Owners Prescription Drug Coverage Renters Insurance Residents Retired Physicians Retirement Short Term Disability Short-Term Medical Insurance Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance Term Life Insurance Travel Insurance Vision Insurance Women Physicians Young Physicans Young Physicians ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/August_2016/Toothbrush_and_Paste_Aug-1.jpg) [Dental Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/dental-insurance) # The Link Between Your Dental & Medical Health 20 August 2016 As a physician, you know how important preventive care and early detection is for your patients’ physical health. You likely use these terms so often that they begin to feel clichéd. Still, the truth remains: Health problems are best prevented, and if they can’t be prevented, they should be caught early. This principle applies to dental care as well. In recent years, research has uncovered a deepening link to regular dental hygiene checkups and good physical health. ## Dental Checkups Can Reveal Symptoms of Medical Problems It is not uncommon for a dentist to inform a patient that he or she presents symptoms of a serious medical condition. According to [*Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General*](http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/SurgeonGeneral/sgr/chap5.htm)*:* - Candida lesions may go unseen inside the mouth and are a possible sign of HIV infection or TB. - Chronic dry mouth is symptomatic of several autoimmune disorders, including [Sjogren’s syndrome.](http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sjogrens_Syndrome/default.asp#drymouth) - Certain oral pigmentations can be indicative of sarcoma, Addison’s disease or cystic fibrosis. A dentist may be more familiar with these symptoms and may refer the patient to a specialist for followup. [![We're here to help - CLICK HERE or call today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/400074/70eb82ce-f11b-4db3-8359-134385e2c56b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/400074/70eb82ce-f11b-4db3-8359-134385e2c56b)***[800-880-8181](tel:800-880-8181) 7:30 – 5:30 CST Monday – Friday*** ## Regular Dental Checkups May Help Prevent Disease The correlation between good oral hygiene and cardiovascular health is becoming better established in the medical community. - There are indications that endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart, may be caused by poor oral health. Bacteria may enter the bloodstream through unhealthy gums and attach to [damaged heart tissue](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/basics/causes/con-20022403), leading to infection. - Other research links poor oral health to the incidence of heart attack. Several species of bacteria that cause periodontitis have been found in [atherosclerotic plaque](http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/heart-disease-oral-health) of the heart and arteries. - Still other studies have found that bacteria from inflamed gum tissue of pregnant women can get into the bloodstream and target the fetus, and may lead to [premature labor and low-birth-weight babies](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/). ## Healthy Smile and Healthy Life Clearly, there is strong evidence that regular dental checkups are a necessary part of good overall health. With quality dental insurance coverage through the TMA Insurance Trust sponsored plan, preventive dental care, including cleanings, is covered 100%. Having quality dental insurance just makes sense. In addition, the plan offers superior dental coverage at a highly competitive rate for Texas physicians. Would you like to learn more? Contact us to speak with an agent who can answer your questions and provide you with a personalized quote. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/400074/d3dba10a-949d-4c65-a2f6-667c7655c8ed.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/400074/d3dba10a-949d-4c65-a2f6-667c7655c8ed) For over 60 years, TMA Insurance Trust advisors have been serving Texas physicians, their families and staff. TMA Insurance Trust prides itself on offering unbiased information and strategies to members, along with exclusive group rates on a range of the highest-rated plans in the industry. ** [ Dental Insurance ](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/dental-insurance) ** [**Previous Entries](https://www.tmait.org/blog/5-things-to-know-before-you-buy-dental-insurance) [Next Entries**](https://www.tmait.org/blog/interview-with-wendell-england) ## Recommended Posts ### [Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-and-the-habits-it-helps-shape) ### [Confident Smiles Begin With Dental Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/confident-smiles-begin-with-dental-insurance) ### [Strengthen the Health Plan You Just Renewed](https://www.tmait.org/blog/strengthen-the-health-plan-you-just-renewed) ### [Don’t Let These Coverage Gaps Surprise You in Retirement](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dont-let-these-coverage-gaps-surprise-you-in-retirement-medicare) ### [Dental Insurance May be The Missing Piece in Your Health Plan](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-may-be-the-missing-piece-in-your-health-plan) ### [Dental Insurance: Opening Doors to Better Health and Savings](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-opening-doors-to-better-health-and-savings) ### [Help Protect Your Smile and Your Budget with Dental Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/help-protect-your-smile-and-your-budget-with-dental-insurance) ### [Dental Insurance: A Wise Choice for Your Health and Finances](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-a-wise-choice-for-your-health-and-finances) ## Speak with a TMA Insurance Trust Advisor: ### Latest Post ![A New Alternative for Group Health Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/July%202026/July%202026%20Week%201%20-%20Group%20Health.png) ### [A New Alternative for Group Health Insurance](https://www.tmait.org/blog/a-new-alternative-for-group-health-insurance-group-benefits) Jul. 04 2026 ![Why Going It Alone on Group Health Coverage Costs Your Practice](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%204%20-%20Group%20Health.png) ### [Why Going It Alone on Group Health Coverage Costs Your Practice](https://www.tmait.org/blog/why-going-it-alone-on-group-health-coverage-costs-your-practice-group-benefits) Jun. 27 2026 ![Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%203%20-%20Dental.png) ### [Dental Insurance and the Habits It Helps Shape](https://www.tmait.org/blog/dental-insurance-and-the-habits-it-helps-shape) Jun. 20 2026 ![Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/June%202026/June%202026%20Week%202%20-%20Accident.png) ### [Unexpected Doesn't Have to Mean Unprepared This Summer](https://www.tmait.org/blog/unexpected-doesnt-have-to-mean-unprepared-this-summer) Jun. 13 2026 ### POPULAR TOPICS - [Practice Owners (218)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-owners) - [Women Physicians (182)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/women-physicians) - [Independent Physician (175)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/independent-physician) - [Young Physicians (163)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/young-physicians) - [Insurance for Women (162)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-for-women) - [Employed Physicians (155)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/employed-physicians) - [Locum Tenens (136)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/locum-tenens) - [Residents (134)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/residents) - [Disability Insurance (128)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/disability-insurance) - [Health Insurance (127)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Practice Managers (94)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-managers) - [Life Insurance (86)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/life-insurance) - [Independent Contractor (84)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/independent-contractor) - [Open Enrollment (73)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/open-enrollment) - [Group Benefits (65)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/group-benefits) - [Group Coverage (61)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/group-coverage) - [Retired Physicians (59)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/retired-physicians) - [Individual Coverage (58)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/individual-coverage) - [Nearing Retirement (57)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/nearing-retirement) - [Family (52)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/family) - [Medicare (43)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare) - [Medical Practice (39)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medical-practice) - [Business Overhead Expense Insurance (35)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/business-overhead-expense-insurance) - [Practice Management (35)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/practice-management) - [Critical Illness Insurance (33)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/critical-illness-insurance) - [Medicare Part D (31)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare-part-d) - [Dental Insurance (30)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/dental-insurance) - [Medicare Supplement (29)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medicare-supplement) - [Life Events (28)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/life-events) - [Insurance For Good (26)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-for-good) - [Business of Medicine (25)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/business-of-medicine) - [Auto Insurance (21)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/auto-insurance) - [Accident Insurance (20)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/accident-insurance) - [Homeowners Insurance (19)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/homeowners-insurance) - [Retirement (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/retirement) - [Short Term Disability (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/short-term-disability) - [Young Physicans (15)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/young-physicans) - [Medical Insurance (12)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medical-insurance) - [Featured (11)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/featured) - [Medigap (11)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medigap) - [Accidental Death and Dismemberment (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/accidental-death-and-dismemberment) - [HSA (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/hsa) - [Personal Umbrella Insurance (10)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/personal-umbrella-insurance) - [Insurance Review (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/insurance-review) - [Renters Insurance (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/renters-insurance) - [Term Life Insurance (9)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/term-life-insurance) - [Auto & Home Insurance (8)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/auto-home-insurance) - [Supplemental Hospital Indemnity Insurance (6)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/supplemental-hospital-indemnity-insurance) - [Travel Insurance (6)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/travel-insurance) - [Comparing Insurance Providers (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/comparing-insurance-providers) - [Pet Insurance (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/pet-insurance) - [Short-Term Medical Insurance (3)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/short-term-medical-insurance) - [Medevac Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/medevac-insurance) - [Office Overhead Expense Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/office-overhead-expense-insurance) - [Vision Insurance (2)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/vision-insurance) - [COVID-19 FAQs (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/covid-19-faqs) - [Financial Advice (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/financial-advice) - [Key Person Insurance (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/key-person-insurance) - [Prescription Drug Coverage (1)](https://www.tmait.org/blog/topic/prescription-drug-coverage) [See all](https://www.tmait.org/blog/the-link-between-your-dental-and-medical-health#) ### Newsletter signup to receive our monthly newsletter [* * Request a Quote](https://www.tmait.org/blog/the-link-between-your-dental-and-medical-health#bott-scroll) ![border](https://www.tmait.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/border.png?width=1200&name=border.png "border") ### Quick Links - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Home](https://www.tmait.org/) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Testimonials](https://www.tmait.org/testimonials) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [About](https://www.tmait.org/about) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Privacy Policy](https://www.tmait.org/privacy-policy) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Contact](https://www.tmait.org/contact) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Resources](https://www.tmait.org/resources) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Our Blog](https://www.tmait.org/blog) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Self-Service Portal](https://tmait.aebsys.com/#/) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Insurance For Good](https://www.tmait.org/blog/insurance-for-good) - ![](https://www.tmait.org/hubfs/TMA%20Insurance%20March%202019/Image/double-arrow.png) [Anticipate Joy](https://www.tmait.org/anticipate-joy) ### Connect With Us - [* *](https://www.facebook.com/TMAInsuranceTrust) - [* *](https://twitter.com/TMAIT) - [* *](https://www.youtube.com/user/TMAInsuranceTrust) We were created and are exclusively endorsed by the [Texas Medical Association](https://www.texmed.org/) © 2026 TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INSURANCE TRUST © 2026 TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INSURANCE TRUST ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/956622860/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://analytics.twitter.com/i/adsct?txn_id=l5yi3&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://t.co/i/adsct?txn_id=l5yi3&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://analytics.twitter.com/i/adsct?txn_id=nukif&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0) ![](https://t.co/i/adsct?txn_id=nukif&p_id=Twitter&tw_sale_amount=0&tw_order_quantity=0)