HJAR Jul/Aug 2021

42 JUL / AUG 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS DIALOGUE COLUMN ORAL HEALTH The first type is dental caries, better known as tooth decay. Decay can be treated and to- tally removed and restored to a healthy oral status. The second type is periodontal disease, better known as gum disease. This disease must be treated to achieve a healthy oral maintenance status. It is a chronic disease that needs regular and consistent care in or- der for it to be managed properly. This type of dental disease does not go away, however, with consistent oral hygiene and treatment, it can be managed to achieve an inactive status. In the Medicare population, there are many conditions and diseases that are interrelated to oral health and peri- odontal disease. These include diabe- tes, heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer There is a large amount of research and science-based evidence of oral health and overall health association. In fact, one cannot have good overall health without good oral health. Medicare Advantage Benefitting the Connection Between Oral and Overall Health MEDICAL-DENTAL INTEGRATION is an approach to care that integrates and co- ordinates dental medicine to primary care and behavioral health to support individual and population health. This concept and ap- proach of medical dental integration focuses on a patient-centered model. This means that healthcare providers communicate and col- laborate in treating patients based upon the principle of what is in the best interest of the patient. The association of oral health and overall health is bacterial related. It is obvious the mouth is part of the body; that is a given. First, we need to understand the distinctive types of dental disease. There are two forms of dental disease, and both are bacterial oriented.