Word of Mouth

As a benefit administrator, you play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of your crew. Beyond traditional health concerns, there’s an unexpected connection that deserves attention: the link between oral health and breast cancer. 

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, learn more about the link and what you can do to help.
 

Gum disease and breast cancer risk

Recent studies indicate that postmenopausal women with gum disease face a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those without gum disease. Women with a smoking history are at an even greater risk. Overall, the breast cancer risk is approximately 14% higher in women with gum disease. For context, if the average risk is around 12%, a woman with gum disease faces about a 13.5% risk.
 

Chemotherapy and oral health

Chemotherapy, a common breast cancer treatment, affects oral health.
 

• Inflammation. Chemotherapy can cause inflammation in the mouth and gums. This inflammation may lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty eating or speaking.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia). Many chemotherapy drugs reduce saliva production, resulting in dry mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and preventing infections.
• Increased Infection Risk. With a compromised immune system during chemotherapy, patients are more susceptible to oral infections. Gum disease, fungal infections (such as oral thrush), and viral infections (like herpes) can occur.
• Mouth Sores (Oral Mucositis). Painful mouth sores can develop due to chemotherapy. These sores may make eating and drinking challenging. Many chemotherapy drugs reduce saliva production, resulting in dry mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and preventing infections. 
   

Employees can consult with their dentist before beginning treatments such as chemotherapy.
 

SmileWay® Wellness Benefits provide expanded coverage

Delta Dental is committed to our members’ well-being. That’s why we offer expanded coverage through SmileWay Wellness Benefits (known as SmileWay Enhanced Benefits in Texas) for those dealing with breast cancer.

The SmileWay benefit, available as a buy up under most Delta Dental PPO™ group plans and as part of most of our Small Business Program plans, provides 100% coverage for one periodontal scaling and root planing and up to four standard or periodontal cleanings per calendar or contract year. Members diagnosed with cancer or with one of 13 other chronic medical conditions may benefit with the additional teeth and gum cleanings throughout the year offered through SmileWay Wellness Benefits.

Talk to your Delta Dental representative if you're interested in adding SmileWay Wellness Benefits to a group Delta Dental PPO plan.
 

Oral health is overall health

Oral health extends beyond the mouth—it impacts overall health. Regular dental visits allow early detection of gum disease, enabling timely intervention and risk reduction.

Emphasize good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and educate your team on recognizing signs of gum disease (redness, swelling, bleeding) and prompt dental care. With Delta Dental, you can prioritize oral well-being, especially for those navigating breast cancer treatment and other chronic medical conditions.

Delta Dental PPO is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company in AL, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, MT, NV and UT and by not-for-profit dental service companies in these states: CA – Delta Dental of California; PA, MD – Delta Dental of Pennsylvania; NY – Delta Dental of New York, Inc.; DE – Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc.; WV – Delta Dental of West Virginia, Inc. In TX, Delta Dental Insurance Company provides a dental provider organization (DPO) plan.