Question: I just shopping for dental insurance and want to know how to get the best dental insurance plan.

Answer: This is a question that comes up quite frequently, however I will tell you there is no sure answer. The real reason why is because no one knows the condition of your teeth except you and your dentist. The second thing is what “best” means to you? Is it the best price, or deductible, or maybe you need coverage for orthodontics.

I found if you use the web site to compare the dental plans that would be your best start. At least you will have a bunch of dental plans to compare. Also we provide a member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about any of our plans they will be happy to help you pick the best plan for yourself.

Question: What type of dental insurance offers you full dental coverage’s? I am an adult with no kids. I am looking for a dental insurance plan that does not exclude coverage’s for cosmetic dental services. I want a plan that does it all.

Answer: Finding one dental insurance plan that does covers all dental services may be pretty hard thing to do. We offer over a hundred dental insurance plans in all states and none of them offer as you say full coverage’s. I do not know of a dental insurance plan that covers cosmetic dental work.

However we also sell dental discount plans in most states. With a dental discount plan you will receive discounted saving off of cosmetic services if needed. With a dental discount plan you get a discount off of any type of dental procedure but you need to go to dentist that take the plan.

Dental Insurance, Dental Discount, Need Major Dental Work

Question: I have not been to the dentist since I was on my parents dental insurance plan, which has been some time now. I know I need dental work. I am not in any major pain or anything I just know that my teeth are not in good shape. I am not sure if I should get a dental insurance plan with its waiting period and yearly max limitations and do my dental services a little at a time. Or go for a dental discount plan for the dental saving and get my dental work done all at once. Which way in the long run would be cheaper?

Answer: It is a personal choice for you to make. As you know with most PPO plans you will have waiting periods and maxim limitations to deal with. As long as you fully understand the plans terms and conditions PPO plans are great dental insurance plans to stay with or choose your own dental provider. However, you may want to review a discount plan option if you do not want to have to wait for dental services. Also think in the long run when you have a lot of major dental services needed waiting for coverage’s to begin may not be the best option for your oral health

There are many seniors that suffer from arthritis or have other dexterity problems, making it difficult for them to brush and floss their teeth and maintain good dental care habits.  Here are some tips that may help:  

1) Use a wide elastic band to attach the toothbrush handle to the hand.  
2) Enlarge the toothbrush handle with a piece of wood or plastic.  
3) Use an electric toothbrush.  
4) Tie the ends of floss together, making a circle before flossing or use a floss holder.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, bringing thousands of dedicated health care providers and educators together to spread the word on the importance of good oral health to children, their caregivers, and teachers. Since 1941, Children’s Dental Health Month has grown from a single day to a whole month celebrating healthier smiles without tooth decay – the most common chronic health condition for children in the U.S., according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

According to research, three out of four adults will experience gum (periodontal) disease at some time in their life. However, gum disease can often be prevented or treated in its early stages.  

Severe periodontal disease causes damage to the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth. Regular dental checkups along with brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, are the best ways of preventing costly dental problems.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, on average, 318 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed and 72 deaths occur each year in Colorado. Which shows just how important it is to have regular dental checkup, dentists can examine oral tissues for cancerous or per-cancerous lesions. As with all cancers, early detection is key to survival

Many seniors suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when the salivary glands do not provide enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, increased rates of gum disease, burning mouth syndrome, and trouble speaking, swallowing and tasting food.  

Often times dry mouth is caused by the prescription drugs seniors are taking. More than 400 drugs, many popular with seniors, can interfere with good dental health. Seniors should let a dental professional know what medications they are taking

Staying healthy and looking good is important to todays’ seniors. Therefore many more seniors are exercising and eating right. Equally important however is having  good oral care of teeth and gums. Simply by brushing twice a day with fluoride,  toothpaste and flossing daily seniors can avoid many oral health problems. Regular dental checkups and having their teeth professionally cleaned are also important.

Research on sealants shows an 80 percent reduction in the risk of decay when adding this to a comprehensive dental health routine as recommended by the ADA. Dental sealants – a thin, nontoxic protective coating painted on the surface of teeth – are typically applied for children and teens once permanent molars have emerged, between 6 and 14 years of age. Dental sealants help keep cavities from forming but do not replace regular brushing and flossing.

Question: Do Seniors need to brush and floss more frequently?

Answer: Although it is important for senior to keep maintaining good oral health habits because they are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. However dental habits do not change just because of your age.  Seniors still need to floss daily and brush their teeth at least twice a day. 

If you have arthritis or other condition that limits movement, try an electric toothbrush. Be sure to clean between teeth daily with floss. If floss is too difficult to work with, try a floss pick or tiny brushes made specifically to clean between teeth.  Seeing a dentist regularly is very important to maintain your dental health and catch any minor dental issues before they turn into larger ones. 

Snacking on sweets too often without brushing increases the acid in your mouth, giving you a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Munch on vegetables fruit and cheese instead.

Think twice before using your teeth as tools. Many people get into a bad habit of opening a stubborn chip bag or holding objects in their mouth however doing so can  cause chipped or cracked teeth. You do not live in the Stone Age, so there is really no excuse to use your teeth to open a bottle of beer, the bottle opener was made for that. Tools are easier to replace than your teeth, which were really meant to last you a lifetime.