National Dental Hygiene Month: Why Good Dental Hygiene Is Important for Overall Health

Oct 10, 2023

PFRPA

October is recognized nationally as Dental Hygiene Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of oral health and emphasize the importance of good dental hygiene as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

PFRPA’s Partnership With MetLife Brings the PFRPA Dental Plan to Retired NFL Players

PFRPA has proudly partnered with MetLife since 2017 to offer the PFRPA Dental Plan to retired NFL players. In 2018, PFRPA and MetLife extended the benefit to retired players’ spouses. PFRPA pays for 100% of the monthly premiums under the Plan, which offers a broad range of preventive and curative dental care. Since the PFRPA Dental Plan’s inception in 2017, more than 13,000 individuals have enrolled to receive the dental benefits available to them. Together, PFRPA and MetLife will continue delivering premium dental coverage for retired NFL players and their spouses.

Why Is Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene Important?

Aside from keeping your smile healthy, a good dental hygiene routine has many health benefits. According to sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these benefits include:

1. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums for everyday use

Regular visits to the dentist help control plaque and bacteria, as well as preserve natural teeth.

2. Prevention of oral diseases

Maintaining good dental hygiene preserves the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. This also contributes to preventing gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), tooth decay and the risk of oral cancers.

3. It contributes to improved overall health

Your mouth acts as a gateway to the inner workings of your body and can be used to detect early signs of illness. For example, broader health conditions may first appear as oral lesions or dental issues, like gum infections. It is important to visit the dentist regularly to detect and diagnose early signs of health change.

Brushing your teeth twice per day (including flossing daily); eating a healthy and balanced diet; and attending regular dental checkups will assist in maintaining your dental and overall health. Always seek guidance from your dentist to determine a routine that works best for you.

For more information about the PFRPA Dental Plan, including eligibility, enrollment and coverage, email [email protected].