Causes of Common Dental Problems during Summer

by | Last updated Aug 10, 2023 | Published on Aug 10, 2023 | Podcasts, Dental Billing & Coding (P) | 0 comments

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An experienced medical billing company that also specializes in dental billing and coding, Outsource Strategies International is a Managed Outsource Solutions (MOS) service.  We can ensure that dental diagnoses and procedures are reported using the correct codes. With our support, dental practices can benefit from smooth reimbursement processes and focus on what they do best – patient care. We provide a complete suite of outsourced dental billing services to support you with claim submissions and thus help you run your dental practice efficiently.

In today’s podcast, Amber Darst, Solutions Manager at OSI, discusses the causes of some common dental problems during summer.

Podcast Highlights

00:26 Causes of Summer Dental Problems

02:06 Importance of Dental Insurance Verification and Accurate Dental Billing

Read Transcript

Hi, this is Amber Darst, Solutions Manager here at MOS and today I’ll be discussing how summer can impact our teeth and gums, leading to increased visits to the dentist.

Summer is a season that we all look forward to, filled with sunshine, vacations and outdoor adventures.  But did you know that the hot weather can also bring some challenges for our oral health?

00:26 Causes of Summer Dental Problems

Let’s dive into the causes of dental problems during the summer.

  1. First, we have extreme heat – When the mercury rises, so does the risk of toothache due to chronic inflammation caused by bacteria in decayed teeth. The hot weather can trigger tooth infections, leading to painful experiences that require immediate attention from a dentist.
  2. Sugary acids and soft drinks – Refreshing sodas and sugary beverages might quench your thirst, but they can harm your teeth. The excessive sugar and acidic components in these drinks can contribute to tooth decay, cavities and erosion. As a result, tooth sensitivity, tooth aches and gum sores may become a common issue during the summer months.
  3. Dehydration – Staying hydrated is essential during hot weather, as it impacts our overall health including our oral health. Chronic dehydration can lead to decreased salivation levels, drying out the teeth and gums and making them more susceptible to various dental diseases.
  4. And last, we have risk of injury to the teeth. Summertime brings plenty of outdoor activities, but unfortunately, some of these activities can also lead to dental injuries. Accidents during swimming, bike riding, sports, and playground games can result in a cracked or broken tooth, tooth fractures and tooth displacement. So, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions to protect our smiles, while having fun.

02:06 Importance of Dental Insurance Verification and Accurate Dental Billing

With the various dental procedures available to treat these issues, it’s essential to ensure that both the patients and dental practices understand the financial aspects of dental care. This brings us to the importance of dental insurance verification and accurate dental billing. To avoid unexpected costs and give patients a clear financial breakdown, dental practices should conduct patient eligibility checks prior to the patient’s appointment. This process helps determine what portion of the treatment will be covered by insurance and what the patient’s responsibility will be. The dental insurance verifications and claim filing can be complex and time consuming for dental practices. That’s where professional dental billing companies such as MOS come in. These services can assist providers in submitting clean claims to insurers promptly, ensuring timely reimbursement and smooth financial operations.

I hope you found these dental health tips helpful, and if you have any questions or want to learn more, consult your dentist or dental professional.

Until next time, take care, keep smiling and have a fantastic summer.

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