If you have not flossed for a while and you start getting back into flossing you may notice some bleeding for the first few days, which is normal. However what is not normal is when your gums continuing to bleed every time you floss. Bleeding gums while brushing and flossing on a regular bases could be an indicator that you may be pre-diabetic, diabetic and do not know it, or if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, your blood sugar may not be under control.

Though it is not exactly clear why diabetes and gum disease are linked, the American Academy of Periodontology says that diabetics may be more likely to develop the disease because the condition makes them more susceptible to infection.

Question: I am looking for an Individual dental insurance plan that would be available in multiple states.  I am a driver and I am in many different states.  I would like a plan that I would be able to use regardless of where in the US I am  in at the time. Since I am all over the place it not about staying with one dentist other wise I would just get a plan where I live.  Is there anything that would fit my need.

Answer: You may want to look into getting a dental PPO plan that in if not all states maybe most states. Dental insurance is really meant for the state that you live in but sometimes if you have an emergence you can use it in the state you are in. Just read the plan terms and condition to make sure.

According to a study,dental care is a significant unmet health care need for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many children with ASD do not receive dental care because of fear associated with dental procedures; often times they require general anesthesia for regular dental procedures, placing them at risk of associated complications. Many children with ASD have a strong preference for visual stimuli, particularly electronic screen media. The use of visual teaching materials is a fundamental principle in designing educational programs for children with ASD.

Many people have dental fears or anxieties over going to the dentist.  Dental anxiety refers to the sense of unease that is associated with the unknown.  Therefore if you suffer from dental anxiety your may find that working with your dentist and having open communication will help create a more comfortable atmosphere which can greatly improve your experience and help you over overcome your anxiety.

Where as dental phobia is an intense and possible irrational reaction to a specific situation or objects that is perceived as threatening.  If you suffer from dental phobia you may react to the sound of a drill, the expectation of pain or another aspect of dentistry for which you have a strong dislike or fear. Overcoming dental phobias can be more difficult to address then dealing with anxieties and you may require professional assistance.

Dental fear is the term often used for a more milder case of dental phobia. Talking to your dentist and being open about your fears will help you address your fears. Also the dentist will be better equipped to help you when they know you have fears that may need to be address during treatment.

Question: This past month I have been getting really bad acid reflux on an off.   I take good care of my teeth but since I never had acid reflux so long before I am worried that it may start causing damage to my teeth. Is there any extra care I should be taking during this time?

Answer: Yes, right after having any acid reflux attack, drink some milk which will help to dissolve the acid that come up in your mouth and touches your teeth. The acid over time can wear down your tooth enamel.

Normally this will not happen over night so if you have a short bout of acid reflux you should not have to worry about your teeth being effected by it. Yet you may want to talk to your dentist as well to hear what he/she may advise.

Question: Due to my fear of going to the dentist I have not been in to see one in over 8 years. However one of my back top tooth broke due to an old cavity. I work up with sever tooth pain.  I would like to know if there is any home remedies to try to get some relief.

Answer: To help with the pain.  Cold water can help to give you some relief, you may also try Ibuprofen as needed, and cloves may help just put two or three in your mouth chew them up a little and put them on the gum and bad tooth this will help to numb the toothache.

However it is very important to understand all you are doing is numbing the pain in one fashion or another you are not fixing the real problem which is the tooth.  By deferring your dental care for eight years you now have this much larger issue going on that will only get worse if continue to go untreated. Many people have dental fears but seeing a dentist is the only way to fix your tooth. You may want to read our blogs about addressing your dental fears as this may help you when you go to the dentist.

You want to make sure and brush your teeth immediately after vomiting or coughing up any mucus whenever possible.  The germs, acids and food particles dislodged during your ailment can ruin your teeth.

It is not bad to have a soda once in while but whenever possible change it out for a water.  As opposed to grabbing a can of soda each and every time you are thirsty, try substituting water instead. By doing this you not only help safeguard your tooth enamel and it can lead to a much healthier lifestyle.

Question:  My daughter could really use braces.  And even though both my husband and I work we just can not afford the extra cost for her to have braces.  We have dental insurance with my husband job but it does not pay out anything for the cost of braces, since my daughter has TMJ.

TMJ being the problem and why they will not pay for braces.   I do not want my daughter to have to deal with it.  I also hear the problem will only get harder to correct as she gets older.

Answer: TMJ is a hard issue to address, because many dental insurance plans will not cover for braces, if they are needed for TMJ. Dental discount plan do not have an issue with TMJ so you could get the savings offer on them.

Although some of these sweet treats can be low in sugar they are still hard to get off of teeth and frequently lead to tooth decay. If your kid does ingest Fruit Roll Ups, Gummy Bears, or even raisins, strongly encourage her to consume sips of water regularly while eating them to help prevent the snacks from

Need Full Dentures, Looking for an Affordable dental plan: I have some really old denture over ten years.  They are ill fitting and my dentist I take them too told me I really should get new dentures. As much as I would like to get fitted for new dentures I really can not afford them.  Are there any dental insurance plans that can help me with the cost of dentures?

Answer: Yes many dental insurance plans will cover for dentures. Since you had your current dentures for such a long time you should have less problems finding a plan that will accept you and provide coverages for new dentures.

However two things to keep in mind. One read the plan terms and conditions for dentures to make sure you will receive the benefits you are looking for. Second is to be mindful of dental insurance plans with waiting periods. Some plan may cover you for dentures, but within the plan it self have waiting periods that are a year or more before they offer benefits for dentures.

Question: I feel like my teeth are not as white as I would like. I want an easy way to whiten them that does not cost alto of money.  I was told that all I need to do is brush my teeth really hard for at least five minutes with whitening toothpaste will that work?

Answer: Please do not follow that advise.  Brushing your teeth too hard will not only damage your gums and your teeth as well.  Over time brushing to hard will wear down your tooth enamel. Without the protection of your enamel your teeth are at a higher risk of decay.   There are many good low cost over the counter whitening products that are safe to use. If you are not sure what is best for you talk to your dentist and go over your options.

Question: I have a really bad toothache and I can not take it for much longer.  Most dental insurance have waiting periods for dental procedures and I can not continue to wait things out.  I need something now not six or twelve months from now.

Answer: This web site offers some dental discount plans that make work for you. With our dental discount plans they start the next business day from signing up for it on line though our website. They do not have any waiting periods so you start saving on your dental care cost immediately.

You may also want to review any of our HMO dental insurance options as well. With our HMO dental insurance plan they to do not have any waiting periods but depending on when you buy them will be the plan effective date. Such as buy it on or before the 20th of the month the plan starts the first of the next month. But the plan effective date very so read each plan.