Dental Health and Preexisting Conditions Costa Mesa, CA
Dental health and pre-existing conditions can impact each other, along with a person's overall health and well-being. People can benefit from dental care that addresses their oral health history and pre-existing conditions that may affect it. Do not hesitate to seek treatment for their dental health and reduce the risk of exacerbating conditions affecting their overall health.
Brighter Smile Dental provides dental health plans for pre-existing conditions in Costa Mesa and the surrounding area. Our team can help you improve your oral and overall health. Call us today at (949) 220-0198 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Oral-Systemic Health and Preexisting Conditions
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may be considered the primary component of the oral-systemic connection. The mouth is one of the primary entryways into the digestive and respiratory tracts, making it a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Most of such bacteria are harmless, but poor oral hygiene may allow them to multiply to dangerously high levels. At this point, the mouth becomes at risk for several oral infections. Inflammation will then enter the bloodstream, weakening the body's immune system.
Oral health is most notably linked to preexisting heart conditions and diabetes. However, others involve pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Research has shown that heart conditions and periodontitis have a positively correlated relationship and that diabetes and oral health exist bidirectionally. As such, receiving treatment for one condition often treats the other. Poor oral hygiene can increase elderly patients' risk of pneumonia. Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are both linked to severe inflammation — making patients more susceptible to further health problems.
“Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may be considered the primary component of the oral-systemic connection.”
Creating a Health Plan For Pre-existing Conditions
Dentists can create health plans to prevent a patient's oral health from adversely impacting their pre-existing conditions. Our team creates personalized treatment plants to strengthen patients' oral and overall health. Dental care goes beyond the mouth. We understand the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body. This well-rounded approach allows us to devise the optimal health plan for a patient. To develop the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, we will consider how a patient's dental health affects their pre-existing conditions and vice versa.
“Dentists can create health plans to prevent a patient’s oral health from adversely impacting their pre-existing conditions.”
Preexisting Conditions, General Dentistry, and Insurance
Insurance companies typically define preexisting conditions as those conditions a patient had either been diagnosed with or received treatment for before enrolling in their current health plan. Examples include chronic illnesses, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, lupus, various forms of cancer, and more. Since January 1, 2014, it has been illegal for health insurance companies to refuse to cover or charge individuals more for their preexisting conditions, nor can they limit benefits for such conditions.
No insured person can be denied treatment for their preexisting conditions. As such, it is easier than ever for patients to find the right insurance policy for them. Still, certain health insurance plans may be a better fit for certain conditions. Those with chronic or ongoing illnesses, for instance, may benefit from choosing policies that allow more frequent care. Patients must have a comprehensive understanding of their medical and dental needs when selecting both a health and dental insurance plan.
“Patients must have a comprehensive understanding of their medical and dental needs when selecting both a health and dental insurance plan.”
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Addressing Preexisting Conditions in General Dentistry
Studies have shown that general health has a bidirectional relationship with oral health, meaning that good health is impossible without a healthy mouth. Some conditions may put patients more at risk for periodontal disease. At the same time, periodontal disease may further aggravate certain conditions. As a result, patients require comprehensive treatment for optimal care. General dentists can treat isolated oral health conditions. However, having access to the patient’s previous and current medical history can inform the dentist on how their oral health impacts their overall health and vice versa.
With the patient’s permission, general dentists can also work with their primary medical provider to personalize their treatment plan to their unique needs. This allows the dentist to address any warning signs of oral disease that they may have otherwise missed. Comprehensive care between dental and medical providers can also help avoid any factors that may aggravate the patient’s oral or overall health.
“Studies have shown that general health has a bidirectional relationship with oral health, meaning that good health is impossible without a healthy mouth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What preexisting conditions are linked to oral health?
Q. How can I find an insurance plan that will cover my preexisting conditions?
Q. What ways does a dentist create a health plan for pre-existing conditions?
People Also Ask
Q. What are some of the common dental conditions that occur during pregnancy?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. What should patients do if they have sensitive teeth?
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the risk factors associated with gum disease?
A. One of the main risk factors for gum disease is plaque from insufficient oral hygiene. Smoking, tobacco usage, and medications can also contribute to gum disease. People with certain genetic markers, systemic diseases, or a tendency to clench or grind teeth may also have an increased risk of developing gum disease.
Q. What are the symptoms of a cavity?
A. Cavity symptoms will vary depending on their location and their severity. The beginning stages of tooth decay may not cause any symptoms. However, as the decay progresses, people may experience tooth pain, sensitivity, visible holes or pits, tooth discoloration, or pain when biting.
Q. What happens if I do not have a cavity treated?
A. Cavities can lead to various complications, including pain, swelling, chewing issues, and teeth shifting. Without treatment, a cavity can progress into an abscess or a pocket of pus. This infection can spread and even become life-threatening in extreme cases.
Q. What are the symptoms of gum disease?
A. Healthy gums appear pink and fit tightly around teeth. People with gum disease may have red or purplish and swollen gums that bleed easily. Teeth may also appear longer as the gums recede and the periodontal pockets grow in size.
Q. What happens during scaling and root planing?
A. Scaling and root planing treats chronic gum disease. During scaling, we will remove the plaque from teeth and pockets between the teeth and gums. Root planing involves smoothing out the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to teeth.
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Dental Terminology
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If you live in the Costa Mesa area, call 949-220-0198 for an appointment in our Costa Mesa office.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Costa Mesa, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, Dental Fillings, Teeth Whitening and Gum Disease Treatment.
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