employer toolkit - United Concordia
Transcription
employer toolkit - United Concordia
EMPLOYER TOOLKIT MATERIALS FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES Everything we are and all that we do—from the products we offer, the services we provide, the innovative tools and technologies we develop—is all about connecting our members to a life of better overall health through improved oral wellness. This toolkit will provide you with resources to increase awareness with your employees around the importance of oral health as well as give you an understanding of the additional tools we offer to save you time and money. Innovative Wellness Program Smile for Health®–Wellness Toolkit Smile for Health®–Wellness helps your employees with certain chronic medical conditions get improved benefits for their periodontal (gum) disease. The Smile for Health®–Wellness Toolkit includes posters, postcards, email templates and more, all designed to encourage your employees to sign up for this program. These medical conditions include: • • • • • • • Cerebral Vascular Disease (stroke) Diabetes Coronary Artery Disease (heart) Lupus Oral Cancer Organ Transplant Rheumatoid Arthritis If an employee has a chronic condition and periodontitis (gum disease), getting the proper treatment and maintenance for healthy teeth and gums will have a positive effect on their overall health. It can also help save money on their health care costs. Encourage your employees to sign up for Smile for Health®–Wellness as part of their dental plan to take control of gum disease and receive targeted email outreach to educate them about the importance of good oral care habits. If the Smile for Health®–Wellness program sounds like something your employees could benefit from and it’s not a benefit you currently offer, please contact your United Concordia Representative to learn more about this unique wellness product. 1 Resources to Administer Benefits At United Concordia we do everything we can to make dental insurance simple and hassle-free. Most benefit inquiries can be handled conveniently online through simple, self-service tools. Online tools and mobile apps provide access to benefit information when and where it’s needed. Register for the Account Management Portal today Manage Your Account Online Quickly. Easily. 24/7. We know your time is limited, and managing dental insurance isn’t always a priority. That’s why our Account Management Portal makes enrollment and billing hassle-free. Access tools with a single log-in to manage member accounts and information quickly and efficiently. Administrative Time Savers Register for the Account Management Portal today—visit the Employers page at UnitedConcordia.com. Benefits: • Save time by using one set of credentials to access multiple applications. • Conveniently view and update additions, changes and cancellations. • Eliminate guesswork by running rosters with real-time data. Account Management Portal Account Management Portal can help improve the hassles of enrollment and billing. It allows you to access tools with a single log-in to manage accounts and get information quickly and efficiently. It helps save time, avoid late fees and more! Sign In to Account Management Portal Account Management Portal Flyer • Avoid late fees by viewing and paying bills with a click of the mouse. • Create a meaningful login with custom usernames and passwords. Pay Dental Premiums With Just a Click • Easily reset your password online. Take control over your dental benefits • Share access by managing permissions to membership data. with eBill Dental plans are administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc. and underwritten by United Concordia Life and Health Insurance Company, United Concordia Dental Corporation of Alabama, United Concordia Insurance Company of New York, United Concordia Insurance Company, United Concordia Dental Plans, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of California, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of Kentucky, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of the Midwest, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of Pennsylvania, Inc., and United Concordia Dental Plans of Texas, Inc. For information about which companies are licensed in your state, visit the “Disclaimers” link at www.UnitedConcordia.com. Administrative and claims offices are located at 4401 Deer Path Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Dental benefits administration should be hassle-free. That’s why we created eBill for group administrators—the convenient online tool that uses secure, userfriendly technology to make managing premiums quick and easy. With eBill, you enjoy: ERC-0126-0114 • 24/7 access to billing information. Enjoy the flexibility of managing your dental benefits whenever, wherever you want. Just log on to review detailed invoices and subscriber billing reports, plus invoice and payment history. • Quick and easy payment options. Set up automatic recurring payments, or pay a bill anytime using electronic transactions. • Peace of mind. Set up automatic emails to notify you when invoices are available, and never worry about checking balances or missing a payment. eBill • Less clutter. No more paper files—just download your invoice summary, invoice history and subscriber roster in PDF or Excel format. eBill gives 24/7 access to billing information, quick and easy payment options, peace of mind, less clutter and streamlined administration. It is just another way we give more control over benefits than ever before. Sign In to eBill eBill Flyer • Streamlined administration. If you participate in other plans with our parent company, you can access dental invoices along with medical and/or vision in one convenient location. View and pay invoices individually or in one easy payment. eBill: it’s just another way we combine online tools and personal service to give you more control over your dental benefits than ever before. Get started today! Visit UnitedConcordia.com/signup to register. ERC-0021-0114 2 Added Benefits for Employees My Dental Assessment An online tool for employees that helps identify oral health risks and show how lifestyle factors and medical conditions impact the health of the mouth. In less than two minutes, your employees can generate a personalized assessment by simply answering a set of questions about their dental history, oral health habits and chronic conditions, such as diabetes. A detailed report card—developed by dentists—will include information on the three most common dental issues: tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. With one click, the entire assessment can be printed and taken to an upcoming dental check-up. Dentists or hygienists can help answer questions and address any oral health concerns. My Dental Benefits Find a Dentist Oral Wellness Dental Emergencies About Us All employees can access MyDentalAssessment.com from their computer, tablet or mobile phone. Or, download the My Dental Assessment flyer. In addition, United Concordia Dental members have the option of storing their assessment report cards in My Dental Benefits, a secure online portal that comes with your dental insurance plan and contains account information to help your employees maximize their benefits. Full Site | Settings Entire Contents Copyright © 2013 United Concordia Companies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ADV-0073-0312 Encourage your workforce to take the survey, sign up for ongoing oral health tips via text message and share with family and friends. 3 Dental Health Center e-mail Promotes and reminds your employees of the Dental Health Center under the member section of UnitedConcordia.com. They can find various tips and information about their oral health. My Dental Benefits e-mail Reminds your employees to create a My Dental Benefits account. My Dental Benefits makes managing their dental benefits easy—they can check claims status and payments, print ID cards, sign up for paperless communications and so much more! Find a Dentist e-mail ALL EMPLOYEES My Dental Benefits account Managing Your Dental Benefits is Easy! After your plan’s effective date, create an account in My Dental Benefits on UnitedConcordia.com/mdb to manage your United Concordia dental Insurance! Enter the ID number found on your insurance card and birthdate. It’s a one stop shop to take care of simple tasks. (Not to mention, clear needless paper around your home)! Once established you can: • • • • • Check your claims and payments Print ID cards Keep tabs on deductibles and maximums Elect paperless EOBs Stay connected to United Concordia My Dental Benefits is also available through our member app! The mobile app lets you access your benefit information wherever you are. For more information visit UnitedConcordia.com. Promotes the benefits of using a network dentist and encourage your employees to use our Find a Dentist tool. It’s simple to search, compare and find directions to a network dentist in their area. My Dental Benefits Flyer Explains that most benefit inquiries can be handled conveniently online using our simple, self-service member portal. Have you employees Create a My Dental Benefits account to better manage their insurance coverage! 4 Maximizing Employee Benefits We have developed resources to give your employees a better understanding on how they can maximize their benefits. Maximize Your Benefits With Preventive Incentive ® Who wants the hassle of rollovers, savings accounts or benefits tracking? Preventive Incentive is one way that you can easily stretch your benefit dollars, so you can use them for other covered services. This innovative plan feature is one way that we incentivize you for keeping your mouth healthy. Use this plan feature to get the most out of your dental insurance. Preventive Incentive® Flyer With Preventive Incentive, all covered diagnostic and preventive dental services do not count toward your annual plan maximum. This allows employees to stretch benefit dollars, so they can be used for other covered services. Depending on the plan design, these services may include cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments and more. It is available from day one—no waiting until the next plan year. How it works: With Preventive Incentive all covered diagnostic and preventive dental services do not count toward your annual plan maximum. Depending on the plan design, these services may include cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments and more. It is available from day one—no waiting until the next plan year. Assume 100% Coverage for Diagnostic or Preventive Services and $500 Annual Maximum You Pay United Concordia Dental Pays 2 Cleanings $0 2 Exams $0 1 Set of X-Rays Total Annual Preventive Care Treatments in Progress Annual Maximum Remaining without Preventive Incentive® Annual Maximum Remaining with Preventive Incentive® $126 $374 $500 $66 $308 $500 $0 $40 $268 $500 $0 $232 $268 $500 For illustrative purposes only. Assumes services provided by United Concordia Dental network dentists; savings will vary by dentist, service and geographic region. Under Your New PPO Dental PlanWith Preventive Incentive, you have $232 more to use on other covered dental services. And, no worries about more out-of-pocket costs. If your plan doesn’t currently have Preventive Incentive, contact your United Concordia Service Representative to learn more. Switching dentists isn’t always easy—especially when you have a treatment in progress, such as orthodontia or crowns, where you make multiple visits to the dentist . We can help. If you have to switch dentists—whether because of a move, or because your dentist leaves the network—we’ll switch your services and coverage, while also determining your payable benefits. MEM-0071-0214-POD As a result, you experience: • Aseamlesstransition • Clearly-explainedcoverage • Reducedtreatmentdisruptions Treatments in Progress Flyer Do your employees complain about switching dentists and how difficult it can be? Treatment in progress makes switching dentists seamless. If your employee has to switch dentists—because of a move, or because their dentist leaves the network—we’ll switch services and coverage for them, while also determining payable benefits. Dental Work Claims Coverage Endodontics ClaimsarecoveredbyUnitedConcordiabasedoncompleteddateofservice. Fixed Bridgework, Crowns, Inlays and Onlays ClaimsarecoveredbyUnitedConcordiaonlyifinitiationoftreatment(date impressions are made) and preparation of teeth and placement occur after theUnitedConcordiadentalplancoverageeffectivedate. Orthodontic Treatment Plans The total benefit payable toward orthodontic treatment in progress is calculated in one of two ways, depending on if the actual amount paid by the prior carrier is known. 5 Network Dentists Flyer Are your employees wondering how they can save money by going to a network dentist? Network dentists agree to accept United Concordia’s discounted fees as payment in full for covered services. Non-network dentists can charge more for the same services and procedures than a network dentist would. This means your employees will lower their out-of-pocket expense using a network dentist. They can still receive care from any licensed dentist, but their benefits may differ and their out-of-pocket costs could be higher with a non-network dentist. Using a network dentist maximizes your benefits Save More with a Network Dentist United Concordia’s large, nationwide dentist network, combined with our knowledge of local markets, means you can find affordable, quality care with great service no matter where you live. What Is a Network Dentist? Network dentists agree to accept United Concordia’s discounted fees as payment in full for covered services. Non-network dentists can charge you more. This means you’ll lower your out-of-pocket expense using a network dentist. You can still receive care from any licensed dentist. But your benefits may differ and your out-of-pocket costs could be higher with a non-network dentist. Using a network dentist maximizes your dental benefits because they: Predetermination Flyer We know that understanding what procedures will or won’t be covered prior to receiving services saves a lot of time and confusion. That is why we offer materials to explain the process of predetermination and how it works. Predetermination calculates the total amount your employees owe and what the plan will cover based on coinsurance amounts. It also makes them aware of alternate treatment options covered by the dental plan. Predetermination is not a guarantee of payment—it is an estimate of what your employees can expect to owe. Save money—A network dentist saves you the difference between our negotiated fees and the dentist’s regular charges. And, you stretch your benefit dollars by getting more services before reaching your annual maximum. Savings Example1 Member’s Annual Dental Care How Much Will It Cost? The Benefits of Predeterminations 2 Cleanings 2 Exams 1 Set x-rays 2 Composite fillings 1 Crown TOTAL Example Dentist Charge Network Dentist Visit—Member Responsibility 2 Non-network Dentist Visit— Member Responsibility Member’s Savings for Visiting a Network Dentist $74 $41 $114 $110 $904 $1,243 $0 $0 $0 $22 $324 $346 $0 $0 $0 $54 $460 $514 $0 $0 $0 $32 $136 $168 1. Savings estimates based on internal data for zip code 17110, as of 4/14; savings will vary by dentist, service and geographic region. 2. All services performed by an Alliance network dentist. Save time—Network dentists file your claims for you, saving you time and the hassle of paperwork. You’re at the dentist and you’ve been told the tooth that’s been bothering you will need some extensive dental work. How much will it cost? How much will your dental plan cover? Are there any alternative treatment options available? Get the answers to these questions, and more, by submitting a predetermination before you receive treatment. What is a predetermination? A predetermination lets you know what procedures will or won’t be covered prior to receiving services. It calculates the total amount you owe and what your plan will cover based on your coinsurance amounts. It also notifies you of alternate treatment options covered by your dental plan. A predetermination is not a guarantee of payment—it is an estimate of what you can expect to owe. How should I submit a predetermination? Your dentist can submit predeterminations electronically or by mail. Electronically submitted predeterminations are processed instantly, unless additional supporting documentation is required. Mailed predeterminations are typically processed within 14–30 days. The results are then summarized and mailed to both you and your dentist. How does it work? We use predetermination of benefits to confirm member eligibility and to review the treatment plan to determine the extent of coverage. This process lets both you and the provider know that the service being performed is covered. It also informs you of your financial liability at the time the predetermination is processed. Save worry—Every network dentist goes through a rigorous review, so you know you’re getting high-quality care. In cases where alternate methods of treatment are available, we approve and/or make payment based on our allowance for the less expensive procedure, provided it meets accepted standards of dental treatment. We base your financial liability on information that is current when we process the predetermination. However, your financial liability may change when services are rendered as a result of meeting the deductible or exhausting the maximum. When should I ask for a predetermination? We encourage you to request a predetermination whenever the amount of a proposed treatment is more than $500. MEM-0372-0314 6 Dental X-Rays Flyer Provides your employees with information on the new found dangers of too many x-rays and how United Concordia has updated its standards to protect them from overexposure. What you should consider before your next x-ray. FDA and ADA guidelines on frequency of x-rays have changed to further reduce radiation exposure. Dental X-Rays and Radiation Exposure: Why You Should Talk To Your Dentist Dental x-rays, also known as radiographic images, require very low levels of radiation. However, radiation from all types of x-rays builds up in the body adn never goes away. Your dentist knows your health history and your risk for oral disease and should take every precaution to minimize the exposure to you and their staff. By keeping radiation exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable, better known as the ALARA principal, your dentist is able to ensure you are not being exposed to unnecessary radiation. Why do I need dental x-rays? Dental x-rays can play a role in effectively diagnosing oral diseases. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) now recommend different frequencies for different patients based on certain factors. Online and in person, we’re there for you Your time is valuable— and you’d rather not spend it managing dental insurance. That’s why United Concordia combines online and personal service to make dental insurance easy. Manage Your Benefits and Oral Wellness … on Your Smart Phone Download our FREE apps at the App Store or Google Play. Just search for “United Concordia.” Member App • Findadentistnearyou • Learnaboutoralhealthandwellness • Accessyourbenefitsinformation • GetavirtualIDcard Chomper Chums™ App for Kids • Usethetwo-minutebrushingtimer • Developproperbrushinghabits • Encouragehealthyeating • Interactwithfunanimalcharacters … on Your Computer Visit UnitedConcordia.com to access these and other helpful tools. Scan now to download: Member App Online Services • Updateyourprofile • ManageyourpolicyonlinewithMy Dental Benefits • Findadentist • Connectonsocialmedia … over the Phone Call1-800-332-0366tospeaktodentalprofessionalsandgetbenefitsinformation. Chomper Chums™ App Mobile App Flyer Gives your employees information about how to manage their benefits and oral wellness on their smartphone, computer and even over the phone. No matter how they prefer to manage their dental benefits we have quick and easy options to meet their needs. Award-Winning Customer Service • Tenured,US-basedrepresentativeswithspecializedknowledge • Littletonowait • 24/7interactivevoiceresponsesystem • 97%ofcallsresolvedonfirstattempt How often do I need x-rays? As a dental wellness company, we are concerned about the overall health of our members. Our plans have changed to better support the FDA and ADA guidelines for frequency and further reduce exposure. Some additional factors that go into determining how often you need x-rays after a clinical exam are: • age • risk for oral disease • oral history • current health • signs of oral disease • restorative/endodontic needs Can I get an x-ray if I am pregnant? Always tell your dentist if you are pregnant before getting an x-ray. Dental x-rays are usually avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy and often postponed until after the baby is born. In the case of a dental emergency, it may be necessary to take a limited number of x-rays to determine the course of treatment. A lead apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental x-ray is taken. Dental x-rays do not need to be delayed if you are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. How do I know the equipment is safe? Today’s x-ray equipment is able to eliminate most unnecessary radiation. All x-ray equipment is subject to state and federal regulations regardless of age or manufacturer. In addition, some states also require inspection and testing of the equipment, training or certification of personnel, permits or licensing or additional record keeping. United Concordia Dental’s IVR System What is so great about the IVR system? • It’sfree,easytouseandavailable24hoursaday,7daysaweek. • Thevoicerecognitionfeatureallowsyoutosaywhatyouarecallingusabout. • Youcanobtaininformationbyvoice,fax,mailoremail.Justfollowtheinstructions. • Obtainaccesstoyourdentalinformation,includingclaimstatus,benefitsand coverageinformation. • Itoffersproviderdirectories. No matter how you prefer to manage your dental benefits, we have quick and easy options to meet your needs. Dental plans are administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc. and underwritten by United Concordia Life and Health Insurance Company, United Concordia Dental Corporation of Alabama, United Concordia Insurance Company of New York, United Concordia Insurance Company, United Concordia Dental Plans, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of California, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of Kentucky, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of the Midwest, Inc., United Concordia Dental Plans of Pennsylvania, Inc., and United Concordia Dental Plans of Texas, Inc. For information about which companies are licensed in your state, visit the “Disclaimers” link at www.UnitedConcordia.com. Administrative and claims offices are located at 4401 Deer Path Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Our simple to use IVR system will help you obtain information about your dental insurance. Quick-Step User’s Guide TousetheIVR,callthetoll-freenumberonthebackofyourIDcardandtelluswhoyouare,“member.” MEM-0343-0314 NavigatethroughtheIVRsystemtoretrieveyourdesiredinformationaboutyourdentalbenefitsforyourself oranyfamilymemberundertheageof18.Youcanalwayshaveinstructionsrepeatedbysaying“repeat.” Oryoucanreachaliverepresentativeduringnormalbusinesshoursbysaying“agent”orpress“0.” Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System Member User Guide Our IVR system is available 24/7 where your employees can access their dental information including claim status, benefit coverage, provider directories and more! Say “Coverage Information” or press 1 Say “Claim Status” or press 2 Other Options • Coverage – EffectiveDate – GroupName – NetworkName • BenefitInformation – Summary – Details • SayorEnterDateofService • ListentoStatusoftheClaim • ProviderQuestions,orpress3 • IDCards,orpress4 • Billing,orpress5 • DentalHistory,orpress6 • SomethingElse,orpress7 – UpdatePrimaryDentist(DHMOOnly) –FindaDentist –OrthodonticInformation –DeductibleandMaximumAccumulation –CopaymentSchedule(DHMOOnly) MEM-0362-1213 7 Benefits Bridge United Concordia’s new blog, Benefits Bridge, offers valuable content to help employers manage and understand benefits, and sharable resources to help employees stay healthy and productive. Created with employers in mind, Benefits Bridge offers high-quality, bite-size articles to provide support on the following topics: • Managing Wellness: help employees make the most of their coverage with sharable information on benefits utilization and wellness. • Navigating Benefits: straight talk on benefits administration for busy employers and HR professionals. • Running Your Business: expert tips for work-life balance, talent acquisition and retention, and more. Each original article is written by established industry experts including business owners, wellness coaches, and benefits administration professionals. Fresh content is added 3-4 times a week, so there’s always something new to discover. Visit our blog today: benefitsbridge.unitedconcordia.com Or, download the Benefits Bridge flyer. 8 Chomper Chums® Mobile App Card Reminds your employees about our Chomper Chums app so they can teach their children how to properly brush and floss their teeth and build lasting oral health habits. MAKE MAKE BRUSHING BRUSHING Benefits Benefits & oral & oral health health information information onKIDS! on the the go!go! FUN FUN FOR FOR KIDS! FREE FREE Chomper Chomper Chums Chums App App Our Our FREE FREE Member Member App App •Two-minute Two-minute brushing brushing •Find •• Find a dentist a dentist near near youtimer youtimer •Learn Learn proper proper brushing brushing •Learn •• Learn about about oral oral health health •Encourage • Encourage healthy healthy eating eating •Access • Access benefits benefits information information •Interact • Interact withwith fun fun characters characters •Get • Get a virtual a virtual ID card ID card Scan Scan now now to to DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD TODAY! TODAY! download download or visit oror visit Scan Scan visit or visit Google Google Play Play Google Google Play Play or the or the or the or the AppApp Store Store AppApp Store Store My Dental My Dental Benefits Benefits FindFind a Dentist a Dentist OralOral Wellness Wellness Dental Dental Emergencies Emergencies About About Us Us Also, Also, try our try our United United | Settings Concordia Dental Dental app!app! FullConcordia Site Full |Site Settings tm tm AlsoAlso get get our our Chomper Chomper Chums Chums app,app, making making brushing brushing fun fun for kids! for kids! Entire Contents Entire Contents Copyright Copyright © 2013©United 2013 United Concordia Concordia Companies, Companies, Inc. All Inc. Rights All Rights Reserved. Reserved. ADV-0073-0312 ADV-0073-0312 MEM-0329-0913 MEM-0329-0913 MEM-0344-0913 MEM-0344-0913 Front Front Benefits Benefits & oral & oral health health information information on the on the go!go! OurOur FREE FREE Member Member App App •Find • Find a dentist a dentist nearnear you you •Learn • Learn about about oral oral health health •Access • Access benefits benefits information information •Get • Get a virtual a virtual ID card ID card DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD TODAY! TODAY! My Dental My Dental Benefits Benefits FindFind a Dentist a Dentist OralOral Wellness Wellness Dental Dental Emergencies Emergencies About About Us Us Back Back Scan Scan or visit or visit Google Google PlayPlay or the or the AppApp Store Store Member Mobile App Card Reminds your employees about our member mobile app so they can find a dentist, learn about oral health and wellness, access their benefits information and get a virtual ID card. TM TM AlsoAlso get our get Chomper our Chomper Chums Chums app,app, making making brushing brushing fun for funkids! for kids! | Settings Full Site Full |Site Settings Entire Contents Entire Contents Copyright Copyright © 2013©United 2013 Concordia United Concordia Companies, Companies, Inc. All Rights Inc. All Reserved. Rights Reserved. ADV-0073-0312 ADV-0073-0312 MEM-0344-0913 MEM-0344-0913 Front Front Back Back 9 Oral Wellness Materials Brushing your teeth is fun when you brush with Toothbrush Timer App for Kids We want to increase awareness of the connection between oral and overall health and these oral wellness materials will do exactly that. Parents: Scan the code below with your smartphone to download the FREE app today. Your child will enjoy brushing with three fun and lovable characters who will help teach them healthy brushing habits that will last a lifetime! e APP GET th ! NOW iPhone® Android tm Coloring Book Chomper Chums® Coloring Page Brushing your teeth is fun when you brush with Chomper ChumsTM This coloring page gives your employees something to keep their children entertained with during their free time! They can also scan the barcode on the coloring page to download the Chomper Chums app to teach their kids more about healthy brushing habits. SPO-0071-0313 CCpage Chomper Chums® Coloring Book Kids can color in their favorite Chomper Chums animals while learning about healthy oral choices. By downloading the app on the back of this book it can help your employees’ children think brushing is fun because they are brushing with Chomper Chums! Soft Drinks & Sugary Beverages How Much Sugar is in Your Soft Drink? The hard facts on soft drinks We all have a sweet tooth—and enjoy the taste of soft drinks and sugar. There’s nothing wrong with that. Unless you overdo it. Soft drinks and sugary beverages can hurt your teeth. Acids and Sugar: The Real Culprits When you sip a sugary drink, the sugar mixes with bacteria in your mouth and produces acid. The acids coat your teeth’s enamel, and wear away this outer covering. That can open the door to tooth decay. So what can you do? First of all, limit the amount of soft drinks you consume. The less added sugar in your diet, the better. Women and men should consume no more than 6-9 teaspoons of added sugar per day.* That’s about half the sugar in most 20-ounce soft drinks. Sugar in Drinks Flyer Do your employees know which soft drink has the most sugar? Help educate them on the impact of sugary drinks to their oral health. By maintaining good oral health, you help keep your whole body healthy. Secondly, limit the time the sugars stay in your mouth. Drink your beverage in one sitting. Sipping keeps sugars and acids in contact with your teeth and wears down the enamel faster. Or, use a straw and position it toward the back of your mouth. That helps keep the sugar off your teeth. When you’re done, rinse with water to wash off the sugar. M ou ntain Che rr Dew y Co ke Pep si Dr. P epp er Coke Mu g Ro o t Be er Spri te The best solution? Drink water! It cleans the mouth and neutralizes acids. It’s a healthy alternative with no added sugar. 7UP Lem on N este a 0 5 10 15 20 25 Sugar (tsp) in 20 oz. drink Maximum recommended daily intake of added sugar: 9 tsp for men, 6 tsp for women* *American Heart Association recommendation For illustrative purposes only. All information on nutritional content is publicly available to the consumer. United Concordia does not endorse or discourage consumptions of beverages represented. Visit our Dental Health Center at UnitedConcordia.com for more information on oral health. 10 Oral Health Newsletters Send these newsletters out monthly to remind your employees about oral health and how it can impact the overall health of their body. • Liquid cold medicine can make your teeth sick • Don’t rush the brush, brush to the beat! • Oral health habits to boost your wellness • Diabetes and gum disease • Pregnancy affects oral health too? • Holiday eating habits to save your teeth! • Maximize your benefits • Don’t wait to floss! • Baby’s teeth need special care too! • Eating disorders can affect your mouth too! • Never let Your lips go naked • Piercings can affect your teeth? • Be smart don’t start! • Sports drinks can damage your teeth • Special needs children need dental care for healthy teeth! • Sugarless gum can help prevent tooth decay! Don’t Rush the Brush, Brush, theBeat! Rush Don’t Brush tothe the Brush, ’t Rus Don Beat! tohthe Brush t! 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Visit UnitedConcordia.com for more dental health tips. for more dental health Visit UnitedConcordia.com MEM-0263-1014 MEM-0263-1014 MEM-0263-1014 • Stages of Life flyer • Tobacco flyer • Eating Habits flyer Tobacco & Your Oral Health Tobacco & Your Oral Health We all know smoking is bad for us, but did you know that chewing tobacco is know that chewing tobacco is you didas just as harmfulisto your health cigarettes? us, but fororal bad smoking We all know cigarettes? just as harmful to your oral health as Tobacco causes bad breath, which nobody likes, but it has far more serious risks serious risks your oral which nobody likes, but it has far more breath,including: badhealth, Tobaccotocauses to your oral health, including: • Mouthsores • Slowhealingafteroralsurgery • Mouthsores • Difficultiescorrectingcosmeticdentalproblems y • Slowhealingafteroralsurger • Stainedteethandtongue rectingcosmeticdentalproblems • Difficultiescor • Dulledsenseoftasteandsmell andtongue • Stainedteeth • Dulledsenseoftasteandsmell The Biggest Risk? Risk? The Biggest Cancer.TheCentersforDiseaseControlhavelinkedsmokingandtobaccouse ngandtobaccouse tooralcancer.OralcanceristheeighthmostcommoncancerintheU.S.,and ntersforDiseaseControlhavelinkedsmoki Cancer.TheCe ncerintheU.S.,and it’sverydifficulttodetect.Asaresult,two-thirdsofallcasesarediagnosedin Oralcanceristheeighthmostcommonca tooralcancer. 1esarediagnosedin latestages,makingtreatmentandsurvivaldifficult. lttodetect.Asaresult,two-thirdsofallcas it’sverydifficu ifficult.1 latestages,makingtreatmentandsurvivald Oral Wellness Series: ancy Oral Wellness Series: Pregn Pregnancy There are different things that can impact your oral health—your age, what you eat, and pregnancy. We understand those impacts and want to help educate your employees on how to maintain the best oral health possible. Tobacco Oral Health Flyers Oral Wellness Series: Oralco Wellness Series: Tobac • Get to the heart of the matter! Oral Health & Pregnancy Oral Health & Pregnancy You’re expecting—congratulations! You probably have a lot on your mind. Don’t let have a lot on your mind. Don’t let You probably your teeth andngratulations! gums take a back seat. You’re expecting—co your teeth and gums take a back seat. Maintaining good oral care can keep you and your baby healthier in many other other in many your baby you and ways.good For this routine checkups arehealthier not just safe but encouraged keep dental care can oralreason, Maintaining just safe but not are checkups during pregnancies. share your stage of pregnancy withencouraged your dentist, and keep dental routineJust this reason, ways. For with your dentist, and keep stage ofinpregnancy him or her informed of any your mouth. yourchanges Just share during pregnancies. mouth. your in changes any of informed her him or Dental Concerns During Pregnancy During Pregnancy Concerns Dental Pregnancy can actually make some dental problems worse, so good oral care care so good problems dental is more nowsome than ever before. Be onworse, the lookout fororal these common actually make canimportant Pregnancy on the lookout for these common important now than ever before. Be is moreconcerns: concerns:• PregnancyGingivitis. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase can increase pregnancy during changes your risk of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes redness, soreness, Hormonal • PregnancyGingivitis. soreness, redness, that causes disease and of of thegum gums. Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more mild form gingivitis, ableeding ofoccasional your risk to a more can lead Untreated serious form of gum Help prevent gingivitis it by practicing regular brushing and the gums. ofdisease. bleeding and occasional brushing and regular it by practicing Help prevent your dentist if you notice any changes in your mouth. disease. gumsee form ofand seriousflossing, mouth. changes in your and see your dentist if you notice any flossing, • PregnancyTumors. In some women, tissue overgrowths called “pregnancy “pregnancy overgrowths tissue women, tumors” appear onsome the gums, most often during the called second trimester. These mors. In • PregnancyTu These the second duringbetween oftenfound most noncancerous growths usually the trimester. teeth and are believed gums,are appear on the tumors” are believed teeth and between the to be related to excess plaque.found Like pregnancy gingivitis, you can help prevent are usually growths noncancerous gingivitis, you can help prevent good Like oral pregnancy care. excess plaque. relatedbytopracticing to be these by practicing good oral care. these • DentalX-raysandMedications. Your dentist can recommend pregnancypregnancyrecommend dentist can Yourtreatment ions. safe medications to make dental more comfortable. If you need andMedicat • DentalX-rays you need comfortable. dental x-rays,toa make leadeddental aprontreatment can help more minimize exposure Ifand keep you and safe medications you and your baby safe. apron can help minimize exposure and keep a leaded x-rays, dental baby safe. your • MorningSickness. Repeated contact with stomach acid can erode tooth erode tooth canbrushing acid stomach withthis enamel and leadRepeated to decay.contact To prevent erosion, avoid your teeth ness. • MorningSick teeth your brushing avoid directly after to illness. Instead, rinse this witherosion, a teaspoon of baking soda mixed To prevent decay. and lead enamel of baking soda mixed withafter water. illness. Instead, rinse with a teaspoon directly with water. • Pregnancy flyer • Oral and Overall Health flyer 11 We hope that this toolkit has provided you with the right resources for you and your employees! Connect with us: ERC-0160-0716