According to the National Association of Dental Plans, approximately half of the U.S. population does not have an affordable dental plan. The cost for affordable dental insurance can vary.

Therefore, it is important to understand all your options in obtaining the most affordable dental plan coverage. The company where you work may provide the most affordable dental insurance plan options. Dental insurance plans for individual and families are usually an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provided Organization) and operate much like traditional health insurance organizations. Affordable dental insurance plans from an HMO have a limited pool of dentist to select, but it is a more affordable insurance plan. If you are self employed and looking for a more affordable dental plan, a discount dental plan may be an alternative.

Indemnity dental insurance is an insurance package where the policyholder can choose his or her own dentist and the insurance provider will be the one to pay that designated dentist your fees or, usually, around half of them. Indemnity Dental insurance plans pays the dental office (dentist) on a traditional fee-for-service basis.

There are several features of indemnity dental insurance plans for individuals that make these plans different from many other types of dental coverage: Insurance providers will pay up to 100% of preventative dental care. Unlike a dental PPO plan where if you go outside the plan network of providers your coverage limits may change on an Indemnity Dental plan there is no plan network provider and your coverage’s are the same regardless of what dentist you may wish to see.

When reviewing an Indemnity Dental Insurance plan make sure you read the plan term and conditions because like a dental PPO these plans normally have waiting periods and annul dollar maximum limitations.

Is going to the dentist twice a year really enough?

Around 50 years ago (give or take) American did not take the best proper care of their teeth. There were no guidelines set forth on how often one should see a dentist. In fact at that time many dentist were about fixing dental problems rather then preventing them. Dental and health care organizations tried to set standards for preventive dental care. Not having any guidelines or much evidence to go by they made the best guess or judgment call they could at the time. Which was that people should see the dentist twice a year for check up and cleanings. Over time this became the rule of thumb. And for the many people seeing a dentist twice a year still is acceptable.   

However there are many reason why you may need to see a dentist more often then just the twice a year suggested average. People with high risk of dental disease may need to visit the dentist three to four times year or more as suggested by their dentist. This high risk group of people could include:

1. Smokers
2. Diabetics
3. People that currently have gum disease or gingivitis
4. People that have a weak immune response to bacterial infection
5. Seniors may need to see dentist more often due to illness and or medications they are taking
6. People who tend to easily get cavities and plaque build up.
7. People that had very poor dental care in the past may also need to see the dentist more often in the future
   

By taking good care of your teeth at home you may still be in the group of people that only has to see the dentist twice a year. However, talk to your dentist, and see what is best for you and your dental care. Everyone is different and have different dental needs the rule of seeing a dentist twice a year is still just a good guild line to go by but it is not written in stone.

One complaint that I hear about dentist is that they do not seem to listen or they seem to always be in a rush to get to the next person in the waiting room. So when picking a dentist for yourself or your child an important factor to consider is whether you feel comfortable with the dentist you are seeing.

Are you able to explain symptoms and ask all the questions you may have without getting the feeling the dentist is checking his clock. Do you feel like your dentist hear and understands your worries or concerns? If you have dental fears and or anxiety are you able to address them with your dentist?  Would you refer a family member or friend to your dentist without thinking they may not like him or her?

Some people feel locked into staying with their dentist even if they feel they are not the best dentist for them. But that does not have to be the case. You are in control over who you see.  Even on a dental HMO plan where you have to choose from the plan providers, there is no stopping you from changing dentist if you choose to do so. Just make sure if you choose a dental HMO insurance plan that it has more then just one local dental office near you. The more options you give yourself the higher likelihood of finding the dentist you like and will see on a regular bases. At the end of the day that what’s important.

Do you know what plaque is and how to avoid having plaque build up?

First it helps to know what plaque is. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It is normally colorless until there enough build up on your teeth which it then becomes tartar. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease like gingivitis. That is why it is very important to brush twice a day to remove plaque before it causes dental problems.

You should know that everyone develops plaque because bacteria is always forming in our mouths. What is important to understand is to avoid plaque build up. Preventing plaque buildup is easy with proper preventive dental care such as brushing thoroughly twice a day. Flossing daily to remove plaque form in between your teeth and under your gum-line. Try to limit the amount of sugary or starchy foods. And make sure you schedule regular dental check ups at your dentist.

Flossing is not only good for your teeth but very important to maintaining healthy gums.  When you flossing you want to use about 18” of floss making sure you leave an inch or two to work with. Gently follow the curves of  your teeth being sure to clean beneath the gum line. Avoid snapping the floss on the gums and be gentle and take your time you want to avoid cutting your gums. If you have any questions if your are flossing correctly talk to your dentist. Show your dentist how you normally floss a dentist will tell you if your are flossing incorrectly.

Many people may brush their teeth twice a day but still not get the full benefits of brushing since they are brushing incorrectly. When brushing your teeth you want to make sure you tilt your brush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Sweep or roll the brush away from your gum line. Gently brush the outside and inside of your teeth make sure you brush the chewing surface of each tooth using short back and forth strokes.

Also when you finish brushing your teeth gently brush your tongue this will help to remove bacteria and also freshen up your breath. If you are not sure if you are brushing correctly ask your dentist to show you.  This is not a silly question since preventive dental care starts at home.

Good Oral Hygiene and Proper Dental Habits.

Having good dental care habits and maintaining proper care of your teeth is your first step in having a life time of healthy teeth and low dental cost. Good dental hygiene up to you to maintain. Having good dental hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums. Daily preventive dental care start with you by properly brushing and flossing your teeth. By brushing and flossing you will help help or prevent dental problems before they develop. Keeping your dental cost at the dentist low and affordable and making going to the dentist less painful and worrisome.

Good daily dental healthcare would include:

Brushing thoroughly at least twice a day. Flossing at least one a day more when needed. Eating a healthy balance diet is good for your over all health including your teeth.  Try to limit snacking between meal and having to much surgery foods. There are many good dental products available. Find a toothbrush you like use tooth paste that includes more then just whiting care, different mouthwash have gum care and will also help prevent plaque build up. Try finding dental product you like and will use daily.  After having a meal try drinking a 8oz glass of water.

Having good dental care habits will not void the fact that you still need to have regular dental visits at least twice a year more when advise by your dentist. Including a good dental insurance and or dental plan will also help control your dental cost.

Don’t forsake quality when buying a dental insurance plan.

Sometimes finding the plan with “the” lowest cost, isn’t the best solution. It’s should be about finding a quality dental health care insurance plan at a competitive price. Costs for dental procedures can be quite high but, by having dental insurance it will help make dental services more affordable.

Today’s health insurance, including your dental plan, is designed to help you get the care you need at a reasonable cost. Most individual dental insurance plans tend to emphasize preventive dental care. By offing free to very low cost preventive dental care to the insured it helps the company save money in paying out larger dental claims. If preventive dental care is affordable under the dental plan, the odds are higher that you will go and have the required dental check ups and cleanings.

Therefore a dentist will be able to catch small dental problems before they become major dental services. In the long run saving money not only for the company but the plan holder. In combination with information about different costs, benefits, discounts, choices and services make sure to compare dental insurance plans carefully.

Look at more then just preventive care. Compare some of the higher cost dental services whether you need them now or not. By buying a dental insurance plan that offers good benefits on more then just preventive care you will be more likely to keep and use the dental insurance plan you purchased.

Delta Dental provides exceptional service, extensive dentist choice, and substantial claims savings through its affordable dental coverage to over 24 million enrollees. 

Delta Dental’s generosity has enabled more than 750 volunteer dentists and 140 dental laboratories to contribute over $10 million services for over 6,100 vulnerable individuals with seriously neglected problems. Delta Dental is a leader in improving oral health statewide.  Delta Dental has recognized that by treating children’s dental needs, we have improved their overall health and self-esteem.  They offer solutions that expand access to care while preserving the widespread availability and affordability of dental benefits.  In addition, Delta dental plans collectively serve more than 54 million Americans representing more than 90,000 groups. Delta Dental is the oldest and largest dental health carrier in California, covering nearly 20 million Californians. 

Delta Dental’s Customer Service staff speaks English and Spanish, and has access to interpreters for many other languages.  Delta Dental is the largest dental plan system in the United States.  Member companies serve over one-quarter of the estimated 165 million Americans with dental insurance. Delta Dental’s roots go back to 1954 with the formation of dental service corporations in California, Oregon and Washington, which were created by dentists who recognized the need to increase access to oral health care.  Delta Dental companies are actively engaged in many studies, grants and partnerships with dental schools and community health organizations to increase access to professional dental care as well as to research evidence-based dentistry and the efficacy of new benefit designs.

Question: My baby daughter’s teeth are just coming in but they look a little yellowish to me. My daughter as six teeth and I have started brushing her teeth everyday but the yellow does not seem to be going away.  Should I be taking her in to see a dentist about her teeth color.

Reply: I suggest seeing your child dentist whenever you have concerns about her teeth. Only your dentist can really address your dental care issues. However, you may want to know that teeth are not white. being a little yellowish should not be an issue in general speaking terms.

My current dental insurance denied coverage for me to have a night guards. I grind my teeth when I sleep and the dentist advising me to wear one. However their cost for night guards without my insurance help is $400.00 I see teeth night guards on line for around $25.00 – $50.00 I know they are not custom fitted but will they work just the same. I not going to spend $400.00 since that is just to much for me right now.

Reply: there are over the counter night guards you can buy that do work and are fitted to your teeth if you follow the directions provided. However, talk to your dentist. Let your dentist know that cost is a factor and what over counter product could he or she suggest for you to try

Question: I am 20 with a new born, I am work from home and go into the office when needed, all though I do get medical, I do not have benefits for dental care. Having to get dental insurance is new to me since I did not give it much thought until my son was born. He is not teething yet but I like to get something in place for him and I both to use. What are my dental insurance options?  Trying to keep cost low so please advise.

Reply: The lower cost insurance option would be a dental HMO insurance plan. HMO insurance plan for a couple (you and your son) can range around $13.00 – $30.00 on our website. However, with HMO plans you have to choose a plan provider. Therefore it be important to call the providers to make sure they provide dental care for children under five as some dental offices do not.

Another option we provide is a dental PPO. PPO plans are good in that you can choose your own provider but they are a more costly insurance option. You may want to look at the PPO plans that have a low yearly max limitation such as $1000.00 per person. Hopefully you will not need larger dental care services if you take your son in for regular check ups.