Col. Gary Martin, USAF, DDS, MPH
Dental Care Division Director
TRICARE Management Activity
With 2008 in full swing now, you are probably
aware of which New Year's resolutions are working
out and which ones are not. If you're looking for
a “replacement” resolution that's easy to
keep, try this one: Resolve to take advantage of all the great
benefits the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) has to offer.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly For optimal oral health, the
American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist
twice a year. As a part of the TDP benefit, you are
entitled to two examinations and two dental cleanings per year.
“I encourage all of our enrollees to take advantage of this
benefit,” says Dr. Gary Martin, an Air Force
colonel, dentist and TRICARE Dental Care Division Director.
“In most cases, with regular, preventive care you can
avoid major dental complications or costly procedures in the
future.”
During your semiannual visits, your dentist will examine
your teeth, mouth and gums for any abnormalities or signs of
disease, which includes an oral cancer screening. These
preventive examinations, which are of no cost to you,
help identify any small or potential problems before they progress
into more serious conditions like gum disease, dental decay
or oral cancer.
Early detection of oral cancer is critical to improving the five-year
survival rate for those affected by this disease. You can
significantly reduce your risk for oral cancer by avoiding use
of alcohol and tobacco products.
Take Extra Care during Pregnancy Pregnancy is a time
when women need to pay special attention to their oral
health. The hormonal changes that occur in a woman's
body during pregnancy are believed to put a pregnant woman
at risk for developing infections and gum disease.
Research indicates that women who are pregnant and have
gum disease are 60 percent more likely to deliver
prematurely than those who don't.
If you are pregnant, be sure to visit your dentist
for appropriate preventive services, including an
examination and dental cleaning. “Since any type
of infection present in the mother can pose serious
risks for her unborn baby, maintaining good oral
hygiene habits is vital during pregnancy,” adds
Dr. Martin. “With preventive screenings,
your dentist may be able to spot any potential problems
before they can harm the unborn child.”
Enroll Children under Age 4 in the TDP If you are a
parent of a child who is under the age of 4, consider
enrolling your child in the TDP today. Remember,
the recommendation is to have your child visit the
dentist by his or her first birthday. If you are
already paying the family premium, the premium will
not increase as you enroll additional family members.
It's never too early to begin taking care of your
children's teeth!
