Question: I was told that I have three cavities in my molars two on top and one on the bottom. I do not have dental insurance. I am not in major pain but one of the cavities is hurting me on and off.

The dentist will not take a payment plan from any one. I was quoted 250.00 for all the filling needed but only have about 100.00. I would have to wait another two months before I would have 250.00 but that only if I do not spend my money during that time.

Reply: I suggest looking into either a Dental HMO insurance plan and or a dental discount in order to save money on your current dental care needs. If not that then I would find out how much it would cost just to fix the tooth that hurting you then deal with the others when you cna better afford to.

Question: I have a really bad toothache. I am thinking that I got a new cavity or something. I need dental services to be done now. I can not wait out waiting periods as I am hurting too much. Any help will do

Reply: I suggest looking into your HMO insurance options as they typically do not have waiting periods. Make sure to read the plans terms and condition carefully though to confirm. We provide HMO’s in most States, to review our dental insurance options just enter your zip code in the quote box provided. If you have questions about out plans please call our member service line at 310-534-3444

Question: I see so many web sites stating “Affordable Dental Plans” and when I get there that is what they are dental plans not insurance. I do not want a dental discount plan. However is that the only thing that is affordable?

The dental insurance web sites I found and review are anything else but afforable. Starting at $50 and up a month for a signal person, which to me is not affordable. Is there really any low cost dental insurance plans?

Reply: Sound like to me with regards to insurance you are reviewing dental PPO’s plans. PPO’s insurance plans for dental do tend to be more costly but they have their place, especially if you are wanting to stay with a current dentist that only accepts PPO’s plans.

However, if you wanting a more affordable dental insurance plan I would suggest reviewing any dental HMO’s options that may be available to you. On average dental HMO for individuals run around $7-$25 depending on the plan and benefits provided.

Question: What do you do if you have a compliant against a dental office? I think they are over charging me and my dental insurance. I do not really have a problem with the dentist work he does a really good job. The issue is that I being billed to much.

Do I complain to the dentist since the dental staffing in the office are stupid and will not hear me out. Or do I talk to the dental insuance company to find out what is going on with my billing that I am being billed for.

Reply: First what I would suggest is that you call the dental office to find out what you are being billed for and for how much for each dental care service. In addition make sure they include the ADA code for each dental service render

Then call your insurance company and go over the charges and coverage’s to make sure it was all done correctly so you are not feeling as if you are being over charged, and if by some chance there is an issue you can then be able to address it with the dental office having the facts in place

Question: I am reviewing your dental plans, and it seems you offer quite a few dental insurance plan options in California. However, how dose a person know which is the best individual dental plan to buy? Which plan sell the most? Is the one that is the most expensive the best? Everyone love to say you get what you pay for. I do not want a cheap plan if it only offers cheap coverage’s.

Reply: When you buying dental insurance you can not buy based on cost of the plan only. Higher cost does not make a plan better or worse then the next plan.

What you need to know first is your own dental needs and want you want in a plan so that you buy a plan that best fit your own personal needs. Example if you have a toothache issue going on now buying a plan with waiting periods will not help you very much. I suggest reviewing the plans details/coverage’s so you know how the play would benefit you. If you have any questions about any of our dental insurance plan options please call our member service line at 310-534-3444. We be happy to assist you with find the best dental insurance plan for your dental care needs.

What to do for healthy teeth

Eat healthy foods Fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese and milk are foods for strong, healthy teeth. Foods with a lot of sugar are can be bad for teeth. Sugars in food stick to the teeth and bacteria (germs) gather in the sugar and cause plaque. Plaque can melt the surface of teeth and cause decay.

Brushing and flossing teeth keeps them clean and healthy. Brushing and flossing removes bits of food and plaque. Plaque is germs which can make teeth rot or decay. After each meal is a good time to brush or floss teeth but they should be brushed at least twice each day. Water Drink plenty of water during the day to help wash your teeth.

Abscessed Tooth Symptoms, severe and continuous toothache, Fever, Sensitivity to hot or cold, Having a bad taste in your mouth or having bad breath and redness or swelling of your gums. Theses are just a few symptoms to having a tooth abscess.

Note you do not need to have all of the symptoms to have a tooth abscess. I would advise seeing a dentist to confirm if it is an abscessed tooth or your wisdom tooth coming in. Either way a dentist will need to address the issues with you.

What Is An Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed is a painful infection at the root of the tooth or sometimes it is in between the gum and the tooth. You can get an abscessed tooth due to untreated tooth decay. However you can also get an abscessed if you have trauma to your tooth, such as braking or chipping your tooth, or if you have gum disease or gingivitis.

If you think you have a abscessed tooth it is very important that you see your dentist right away. The abscessed or an infection may spread from the tooth root to the bone causing a much large oral health issue.

Flossing, One of the easiest things you can do for good Dental Health.

It may seem hard to believe but many people do not floss let along floss daily. Yet flossing is even more important the brushing when it comes to preventing gum disease gingivitis and tooth loss. Flossing your teeth is not so much about removing food bit that are such between your gums though it does do not. Flossing is more about removing dental plaque. Dental plaque is what causes tooth decay, gingivitis and gum disease. Flossing every day between each tooth is an effective way to remove plaque and provide you with good oral health.

Pros and Cons to using a Waterpik.

When thinking about using a waterpik instead of flossing here are some good pros and cons to consider.

Pros: Waterpiks are effective, They can be faster to use the flossing, Waterpik normally come with multiple wands and different color so different family member can have their own just like a tooth brush. Great for braces, Flossing with braces can be difficult waterpiks are offer suggested by Orthodontic dentist. Adjustable water pressure, You can get cordless waterpiks. Waterpik are good for people who may not floss well and are having gum issues. Anything that will make you take care of your teeth and gums better is helpful.

Cons: Cost can be a factor since they can run as high as $50 – $60 dollars. They do brake down some not even lasting a year depending on how well you take care of it. Hard to always see what you are doing which can cause you to make a mess. Looking in the mirror can also be difficult as the spray tends to go where you are looking. They can be too noisy. Waterpik take up to much counter space which is bad if you have a small bathroom. If you are not careful the time you save in flossing is taken up by have to clean sink and counter tops from water mess. If you are not careful they may over time loosen bridge and crown work. Over use like anything can cause more harm then good so make sure you use as directed.

If you are not sure what is best for your oral health care talk to your dentist see what they suggest. Having good advise from your own personal dentist is worth taking in and thinking about as a deciding factor

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the destruction of the outer surface of a tooth from acid forming bacteria that is produced by food containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Tooth Decay Prevention: Brush your teeth twice a day with a tooth paste that contains fluoride. Preferably, brush after each meal and before bedtime to help reduce the bacteria from staying on your teeth for a certain length of time.

You may wish to consider these helpful tips as well:

• Floss your teeth daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

• Check with your dentist regarding the use of a supplemental fluoride which strengthens your teeth and helps prevents tooth decay.

• Consider dental sealants which is a plastic like substance placed on the top of molars to protect the teeth from decay.

• Use mouth wash with fluoride. Many of them kill 50% or more of the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Chewing gum with the ingredient Xylitol © may also kill some of the bacteria which causes tooth decay.

Your dental health care is very important and there are many ways to make sure you are doing all you can for your oral health care. Simple things such as daily care like brushing your teeth at least twice a day making sure you flossing daily, using tarter control and gum care mouthwash. Your basic dental care you do for yourself is low cost and take very little time to do each day.

The next step is seeing a dentist at least twice a year for your check up and cleanings. Now cost can be a factor but it does not have to be. One way to control your dental cost is by getting a low cost dental insurance plan.

Many dental insurance plan offer free to very low cost preventive dental care. The money you spend on dental insurance is well worth it. And by seeing your dentist regularly you will hopefully avoid any major dental issues. However if you did need larger dental services having dental insurance in place will also help control your dental cost. Be thoughtful about your oral health and think ahead. Good dental care now make for good dental care in the future.

Teething Symptoms.

First here are some signs that your baby is teething.. Drooling, wakefulness, being cranky more then normal, crying, biting and chewing. As well as having tender gums. Your baby may also be fussy when feeding. Over drooling my cause skin irritation around their mouth. Teething gums may look swollen and red, you may see little white dots or small opining where the tooth is cutting though.

Although your baby may get loose stools while teething, look out for diarrhea and fever. Fever and diarrhea is not really a symptoms of teething, therefore should take you baby to the doctor for a check up since it is probably is not related to your baby teething.