As part of National County Government Month, Linn County officials are drawing attention to the benefits good dental hygiene can have on a family’s overall health and new research that suggests good dental hygiene could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
According to U.S. researchers, there is a link between the bacterium that causes gum disease and how early the arthritis develops and how severe it is. Scientists at the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry in Kentucky have discovered that gum disease produces a unique enzyme, which enhances collagen-induced arthritis – a type of arthritis similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
Since senior citizens are more susceptible to joint inflammation due to periodontal disease and many seniors do not have a dental plan, county leaders are suggesting that individuals who have not been examined by a dentist in a long time should consider scheduling a checkup soon.
Linn County has an affordable dental services program available through its membership in the National Association of Counties (NACo).
“The discount dental card is easy to use and can save people money,” said Lu Barron, chair of the Linn County Board of Supervisors. “Cardholders simply schedule an appointment with a participating dentist or specialist and present their card to receive a discount at the time of service. There are no forms to complete and everyone in the household is eligible to receive a discount.”
With this discount card, residents of NACo-member counties can experience significant savings on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more. Residents can purchase a very affordable membership for only a few dollars per month or a very inexpensive annual membership for either individuals or families. The NACo Dental Program is not insurance.
“Especially during these tough times, NACo is pleased to provide this discount dental program to our member counties,” said NACo President and Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston. “This program is the latest of many valuable offerings that our association provides to our member counties.”
The NACo Dental Program can complement some dental insurance plans or work in conjunction with health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements. It is also a cost-effective way for younger retirees to meet their dental needs.
Additionally, the Affordable Care Act does not include adult dental care. Using the NACo dental program can help provide county residents affordable access to participating dentists and great savings with their membership without worrying about how often they can use it.
More information can be found through the Linn County office, or by going online to www.nacodentalprogram.com or by calling 877-354-6226.
THIS IS NOT INSURANCE.
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The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo assists America’s 3,069 counties in pursuing excellence in public service to produce healthy, vibrant, safe and resilient counties. NACo promotes sound public policies, fosters county solutions and innovation, promotes intergovernmental and public-private collaboration and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. More information at: www.naco.org.
Careington International Corporation, a Discount Medical Plan Organization, is the administrator of the NACo Dental Program. Since 1979, Careington International Corporation has provided affordable solutions to more than nine million members. Dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, Careington's solutions are designed to complement traditional health insurance and provide substantial savings for under-insured or uninsured individuals. For more information, visit www.careington.com.