How Smoking Affects Your Dental Insurance

If you are a smoker or had smoked cigarettes or any other tobacco products for the past year, then chances are you’re charged higher on your dental insurance premiums. And now you are asking, “How is this so?”

​Here are the reasons why smoking affects your dental insurance.

What Your Dental Insurance Pays For

1. Preventive
   Generally, dental plans can cover up to 100% of your annual or semi-annual preventive care such as:
        - Cleaning
        - X-rays
        - Sealants
   
2. Basic
   For basic procedures, 70 to 80 percent are covered by your policy. The remaining costs of the procedure shall be paid out of the pocket.
        - Gum disease treatment
        - Extractions
        - Fillings
        - Root canal
   
3. Major
   You can expect higher out of pocket expenses for major procedures like:
        - Crowns
        - Bridges
        - Inlays
        - Dentures

 
Risks for Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are taking more risk in granting you dental coverage because of the oral health hazards brought about by smoking like:

• Fifty percent of smokers get gum disease
• They are prone to teeth loss
• Twice as much at risk of needing root canal treatment
• Resistance to gum disease treatment
• Risks of mouth pain, cavities, and gum recession
• Diminished resistance to mouth or gum infection
• Slow healing of gums
• Susceptible to some cancers like cheek, gums, and lining of the lips.

 
To sum it all up, if you are a smoker and have less than stellar oral care, then you’ll be needing a lot of work done. These are just a few of the reasons why your insurance company is charging you more on your premium.
 
Ways on How You Can Save on Your Dental Insurance
Short of quitting smoking, there are steps that you can take to help you save on your dental insurance.

• For preventive procedures like cleaning – It would cost you less if you consider having your teeth cleaned in dental schools that accept insurance.
• Improve your oral care routine – Take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing. Get preventive care regularly so dentists can identify problems before they can become severe and may require more expensive procedures.
• Negotiate prices – Ask and compare prices for items or procedures before purchasing. Find dentists who can give you the treatment you need at a lower cost. Know your options before you commit.

 
Having dental insurance is just one way to protect your oral health, the rest is ultimately up to you. At Insurance Savings Group, we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (661) 432-1474. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.