Practical guide on dental benefits and health recommendations for Veterans

Service in combat areas exposes soldiers to many dangers. Jaw fracture and tooth loss are a common result of falls, orofacial injuries, and explosions.

Difficult conditions and chemicals used by the army induce lots of chronic illnesses and cancers, which impact dental health.

PTSD and mental illnesses often lead to addictions destructive for health and teeth. Psychotropic drugs cause various oral problems.

Gum disease occurs when bacteria build-up causes infection of the gum tissue. And here’s an interesting dental fact: periodontitis can be liked to systemic diseases like heart trouble.

For example, asbestos used to be commonly utilized in the construction of ships, planes, tanks, and barracks. Exposure to this material induces mesothelioma - a type of cancer that attacks the lungs and heart and influences oral health.

This condition is a common side-effect of cancer treatments and chemotherapy. Veterans are up to 75% more likely to develop some form of lung cancer. The reason is long-term contact with cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) during service.

Symptoms:

• loose and sensitive teeth,

• tender, swollen, bleeding gums,

• painful chewing.

Treatment:

• deep cleaning performed by a dentist,

• therapy that controls bacterial growth,

• quitting smoking,

• maintaining oral hygiene.

Limited saliva flow sounds innocent but has a huge impact on oral health. Spit is necessary to remove harmful bacteria and keep tissues in the mouth in good condition.

Dryness accompanies conditions such as AL Amyloidosis, which is a result of exposure to herbicides. Many Veterans serving in Afghanistan had long-term contact with these chemicals.

Dry mouth is also a common side-effect of numerous medications for anxiety and depression. 1 in 4 Veterans suffer from mental illness.

What’s more, 64% of Veterans reported that they had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lives. This also increases the risk.

Symptoms:

• tooth decay and cavities,

• gum disease,

• sores and mouth infections.

Treatment:

• ask your doctor about adjusting your medicines or therapy,

• drink plenty of water,

• chew sugar-free gum.

Cavities are detrimental to tooth enamel or dentin. They are painless at the beginning but if untreated, they may cause serious problems.

80,000 Veterans suffer from Parkinson’s disease, often due to exposure to herbicides. This condition negatively affects dental health and complicates maintaining good oral hygiene, which increases the risk of cavities.

Tooth decay is also a result of plaque build-up caused by drugs and alcohol abuse or PTSD.

Symptoms:

• a visible hole in your teeth,

• tooth pain,

• tooth sensitivity.

Treatment:

• fillings,

• crowns for damaged teeth,

• root canals in severe cases.

Bruxism is a medical name for grinding and clenching teeth. It can occur during the day or while you are sleeping. Bruxism can be very damaging to the condition of your dental health.

Veterans suffering from PTSD or anxiety are more likely to involuntarily grind their teeth. Parkinson’s disease also increases the risk of bruxism.

Symptoms:

• damages in enamel,

• cavities,

• fractured or chipped teeth.

Treatment:

• wear a mouthguard at night,

• train yourself to relax your jaw muscles,

• talk to a therapist about how you can reduce your stress.

Cranial and oral-maxillofacial damages account for 33% of visits to military treatment facilities for battle injuries. The jawbone is often broken, fractured, or dislocated.

These traumas are results of falls and physical assault during training and combat. Accidents involving bullets, artillery fire, and explosions frequently lead to oral damages.

Jaw damages require urgent dental care. Your best bet would be to look for one who specializes in surgery.

Symptoms:

• pain and bleeding,

• breathing difficulties,

• jaw stiffness,

• discomfort when chewing.

Treatment:

• the dislocated jaw must be manipulated back into the correct position (under local anesthesia),

• broken or fractured jaw requires surgery,

• while recovering from a jaw injury, follow an easy-to-chew, soft diet.

More than 60% of Veterans have at least one missing tooth. Such deficiencies in smiles may be destructive for nutrition, health, and confidence.

Given the nature of military service, many soldiers experience tooth loss due to injury. Veterans are also prone to gum disease and cavities, which often result in missing teeth.

Symptoms:

• impacted speech,

• shifting teeth,

• problems with chewing.

Treatment:

• dental implants,

• dentures,

• bridges,

• denture repair services.

Veterans who: have a service-connected compensable dental disability or condition are eligible for: any needed dental care.

Veterans who: apply for dental care within 180 days of their discharge or release from military service, and served on active duty for 90 or more days are eligible for: one-time dental care.

Veterans who: have a non-compensable service-connected dental condition or a dental disability that resulted from wounds in combat or service trauma are eligible for: any needed dental care.

Veterans who: enrolled in a qualifying VA homeless residential rehabilitation program for at least 60 days are eligible for: a one-time course of dental care that is determined medically necessary to relieve pain, assist you to gain employment, or treat moderate, severe, or complicated and severe gingival and periodontal conditions.

Veterans who: are former prisoners of war are eligible for: any needed dental care.

Veterans who: have a dental condition that VA has clinically determined to be associated with and aggravating a service-connected medical condition are eligible for: dental care to treat the oral conditions that have a direct effect on your service-connected medical condition.

Veterans who: have a service-connected condition rated at 100% disabling, or who are receiving the 100 percent rate by reason of individual unemployability are eligible for: any needed dental care.

Veterans who: are actively engaged in a VA vocational rehabilitation program under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31 are eligible for: dental care to the extent necessary to make possible the veteran's entrance into the rehabilitation program or prevent the program interruption.

Veterans who: are receiving VA care or are scheduled for inpatient care and require dental care for a condition complicating a medical condition currently under treatment are eligible for: dental care to treat the oral conditions that are determined to complicate your medical condition under treatment.