Affordable dental plans are very important components to overall health coverage. A recent study named dental care as the most prevalent unmet health need among Americans. Another report states that dental-related illnesses result in 164 million lost work hours, and 51 million lost school hours (per every 100,000 children) in the United States each year. So why don't more people have dental plans? Basically, most people think quality dental plans are not affordable. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Quality dental plans can be affordable dental plans. Many major insurance companies offer affordable dental plans that are a quality product. There are so many dental plans to choose from with low affordable rates, there is a quality dental plan for every budget.

Published statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 27% of children and 29% of adults are living with untreated cavities. Many know they have these cavities, but because they are lacking dental coverage, they are left untreated. This is a very unhealthy practice. If you do not have health insurance that includes dental coverage, you should seek coverage with an affordable discount dental plan. Dental care is an important part of your overall health regimen. Healthy teeth reflect a healthy body. Unhealthy teeth reflect an unhealthy body. It is that simple.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), researchers have found that periodontitis (the gum disease that can cause tooth loss) is associated with stroke, cardiovascular disease, and bacterial pneumonia. Other reports show an unhealthy mouth may be linked to diabetes. Without regular dental care including cleanings and check-ups, small cavities or painful teeth often lead to tooth and gum decay resulting in not only tooth loss, but these much more serious conditions.

It is bad enough that you will lose your teeth if you do not seek dental care, but you may also be affecting your brain, heart, and immune system. Mark Feldman, the president of the ADA states that "so many Americans still lack access to basic oral care" and calls it a "disgrace". Feldman also states that there is a need to "get better dental care to the millions of Americans who don't receive it."

Affordable dental plans are not luxuries. They are necessities. I took a friend to the dentist a few weeks ago to get a wisdom tooth pulled. The oral surgeon pulled the tooth and found the culprit that caused the tooth to rot... a popcorn hull. Both my friend and I were astounded that something so small and seemingly insignificant could cause tooth loss. Then I asked her when the last time she went to the dentist was. Her response: "Ten years ago, because I didn't think I could get an affordable dental plan." Enough said.

Regular visits to the dentist are key toward achieving perfect oral health, and there are lots of affordable dental plans with low rates available. It is important not only to keep your teeth and oral health in perfect working condition for vanity reasons, but also to prevent you from developing other health conditions. It is recommended by experts to visit the dentist regularly, every 6 months. With quality dental plans that are affordable, you can do it.

There is a saying that goes, 'ignore your teeth and they will go away'. I would rather not find out if that's true or not. My great grandfather still had his teeth when he passed away in his 80's. He always made sure he went to the dentist, and he always made sure he had a quality dental plan. So I'm going to do like my great grandfather always told me: be good to my teeth so they will be good to me.

Don't be afraid of the cost of a quality dental plan. Check out these affordable dental plans today for overall good health tomorrow.

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