Whole Body Health
Renaissance protects your overall health with
evidence-based benefits.
Oral health can play a significant role in maintaining overall health. Recent research
shows a connection between oral health and diabetes, premature births, infective
endocarditis and conditions involving the weakening of the immune system.
Renaissance uses this scientific research to create smart plan designs that reduce
overall costs and improve health. Based on these studies, Renaissance plans provide
enhanced coverage for enrollees with certain high-risk medical conditions.
Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Several studies
suggest that diabetics with gum disease who have their teeth cleaned professionally
can better manage their diabetes. And better management has proven to be one of
the best ways to prevent further complications.
Women with gum disease are 7.5 times more likely to give birth to premature babies,
and premature babies are much more likely to have long-term health problems than
full-term babies. Clinical studies of pregnant women with gum disease strongly suggest
that more frequent professional teeth cleanings will benefit the health of both
the baby and the mother.
Scientific research indicates that an individual's overall oral health may be the
most important factor in avoiding infective endocarditis, a serious heart condition
with a 20 percent mortality rate. More frequent cleanings for those with certain
heart conditions can greatly reduce their risk of contracting this potentially deadly
infection.
Infections in the mouth can increase the risk of serious infections elsewhere in
the body. This risk is highest for people who have certain medical conditions, including
people with kidney failure or who are undergoing dialysis, or for those whose immune
systems are weakened due to chemotherapy and/or radiation, HIV positive status,
organ transplant and/or stem cell (bone marrow) transplant.