Covered medical conditions
The following medical conditions are included in Dental Xtra. If you are an Arkansas Blue Cross dental member and have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, you can enroll in Dental Xtra to receive additional dental benefits that can help improve your condition.
Diabetes
High blood sugar can increase the risk of gum disease, which further increases blood sugar.
Coronary artery disease
If people with heart disease don’t take good care of their teeth and gums, the germs in their mouth can get into their blood and make heart problems worse.
Stroke
Plaque doesn’t just affect your teeth. It can also build up inside blood vessels over time. If plaque breaks off and blocks blood flow to the brain, it can lead to a stroke.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
People with COPD have a higher risk of gum disease, dry mouth and tooth decay (including tooth loss).
End-stage renal disease
People with end-stage renal disease are more likely to develop tooth decay, gum disease and dry mouth.
Metabolic syndrome
Preventive dental care and proper oral hygiene habits can help prevent gum disease and additional complications associated with metabolic syndrome.
Sjögren’s Syndrome
This immune system disorder reduces saliva, causing dry mouth and making tooth decay more likely.
Oral, head and neck cancers
Treatment for oral cancer can reduce saliva, leading to dry mouth and making tooth decay more likely.
Pregnancy
Hormone changes during pregnancy can increase your risk of oral health issues, which may result in lower birthweight babies.
Take advantage of Dental Xtra
If you have an Arkansas Blue Cross medical and dental plan and one of the Dental Xtra medical conditions, you’re automatically enrolled in the program. If you don’t have an Arkansas Blue Cross medical plan, you must enroll yourself. Once enrolled, you’ll receive more information, including access to a number of helpful online resources that explain the connection between oral and overall health. You’ll also receive reminders that you are enrolled in Dental Xtra and a list of the condition-specific benefits available to you.
The sooner you take advantage of these benefits, the sooner you can improve your health. All you need to do is make an appointment with your dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, you can easily find one in our provider directory.