ADA Spokesperson Discusses Link Between Oral Health And Overall Health.

In response to a question from a Medicare recipient with Sjogren’s syndrome about dental care options,Kaiser Health News (12/8, Andrews) states that “Medicare only covers dental care in very limited circumstances,” adding that a few options remain for Medicare recipients seeking dental care, such as community health centers and dental schools. Dr. Matthew Messina, a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, explains the challenges people face who have a medical condition affecting their teeth. In healthcare, “somehow the mouth got disassociated from the rest of the body,” Dr. Messina says. “Oral health is a significant component of whole body health.”