Here are some tips to keep in mind in order to prevent tooth abrasions and erosion. 

* Avoid having many foods or drinks that contain acids.

* Do not press too hard when brushing your teeth.

* Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush.

* Use dental floss and dental picks properly.

* See your dentist regularly to maintain oral and dental health

The healthcare industry believes there is a high correlation between heart attack, stroke, diabetes, bone loss and lung disease and your oral health.  By taking proper care of your oral health you also help to prevent other overall health issues. See your dentist at least twice a year for your regular dental check ups.

Balance billing is when a dental office bills an enrollee for the amounts above the PPO payment and the enrollee’s coinsurance, If the dentist is within the PPO plan network of providers balance billing would generally be a violation of their contract with the PPO provider since the dentist within the PPO network agree to accept the PPO provider contracted fees and not the bill above that amount.

However it is important to note with most PPO plans you are able to go to dentist that are not in the plan network. Therefore if you choice to go to a Non-contracted dentist (out of network provider) they are under no such obligation to limit the amount of their fees.

Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Yet it is also highly preventable and reversible when treated by a dental professional. See your dentist regularly in order to maintain good dental health.  Have dental insurance in place in order to maintain lower cost for your dental care needs.

In a prior post we talked about what tooth abrasions are and how you can get them.  Some signs that may indicate if you have tooth abrasions.

* Toothbrush abrasion causes V-shaped notches in the lower third of the teeth, near the gumline.

* Similar notches also can occur as a result of forces on the chewing surface of the teeth. These are called abfraction lesions. They have a different cause from abrasion, but can make the notching worse. Notches from abrasion by toothpicks may occur between the teeth.

* Abrasions can cause your teeth to be more sensitive to sweet, hot or cold food or drinks.

* Abrasions can also have an affect on how your teeth look.  Talk to your dentist if start see these signs and make sure to maintain regular dental visits in order to maintain your dental and oral health

Statistics reveal that one person dies every hour from oral cancer, and that number is increasing. However did you know that your dentist can help identify oral cancer early so treatment can begin fast to improve the prognosis.

In addition people that have dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist regularly.  Make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year and to save money on your dental care needs make sure to have a good dental insurance plan.

An annual maximum limitation is important to understand since most PPO and Indemnity dental insurance plans have maximum limitations.  Annual maximum is the total dollar amount that the plan will pay for dental care received by an individual enrolled or family (under a family plan) in a specified benefit period, generally a calendar year.   As an example: If you have a individual PPO plan with a $1000 max limitation the insurance company will only spend up to $1000 in dental services on you per year. However if you buy a family plan with a $1000 max limitation then the company will only spend up to $1000 in dental services per person per year.

It is important to know how dental insurance works and how it help you save money.  Here are a few facts to think about when buying dental insurance so you buy the right plan for you and or you and your family.

1) Dental insurance is not designed to pay 100% of all dental services render. Dental insurance is designed to help aid you in the cost of dental services, there by making dental care more affordable.

2) Not all dental insurance coverages are the same.  Some plans pay out by percentages up to UCR whereas other plans provide a fee schedule for dental services covered, stating the amount you pay for each service.  It is up to you to read the plans terms and conditions to understand the plans benefits.

3) Generally PPO’s or Indemnity insurance plans base their coverages by percentages up to UCR rates. Such as 80% paid for basic dental services up to what is Usual, Customary & Reasonable. UCR is the common term for fee guidelines insurance companies use to pay claims. UCR guidelines were put in place to help control dental inflation.  Generally with PPOs plans when you stay with in the plans network of providers you have a lower risk of having UCR fees.

4) Most dental insurance plans provide coverages for routine dental services. However that is not always the case when it comes to cosmetic dental care treatment. If you are wanting cosmetic dental care make sure the dental insurance plan you are buying covers those types of dental services or you may want to review dental discount plans that can provide up to 20% off cosmetic dental care services.

Dental Abrasion is caused by something rubbing or scraping against your teeth.  This can happen by brushing too hard, using your teeth a tools by opening bags or holding items with your teeth.  Abrasion can also be caused by partial dentures or retainer that you can remove.

I brush by teeth twice a day and use mouthwash each time too.  Do I really need to floss?

Answer: If you are not flossing you are only doing half the job in maintaining your oral and dental health.  By not flossing it permits plaque and tartar build up between your teeth and gums along with places brushing alone can not reach.   Make sure to start flossing daily before brushing your teeth.  Flossing only take a few more minutes out of your day but can prevent you from having larger dental care needs throughout your life time.

Woodbury Heights, NJ, Kornberg School of Dentistry recognized Dr. Raymond T. Abrams’ excellence, proficiency and commitment in his field. Dr. Abrams received the Clinical Achievement Award from Kornberg in Patient Management, Treatment Planning and Diagnostics. This award signifies that Dr. Abrams has made significant contributions in all aspects of the field particularly service, education and research. In addition, it also denotes that he achieved an international stature and reputation by virtue of his efforts and long standing service either at the grass roots, national or international levels.

Wappinger Falls NY, Dr. Marius V. Suditu is a well-known dentist at the MelMel Dental practice in Wappinger Falls, NY. Dr. Suditu believes that the only way to deliver the best possible dental care is by really listening to the needs of his patients. His upbeat approach puts even the most apprehensive patients at ease

Question: What are some things you can do while the dentist works on your teeth.  I have to go to the dentist for a check up, cleaning and I think I will need to have a filling on of my teeth.  I have some slight fears of having dental work done.  Wondering if there is anything I can do to keep my mind off what the dentist is doing.

Answer: Music is a great way to relieve your stress while having dental work done.  By bringing your music to listen to you are not only able to be distracted from what the dentist is doing but it will help drown out any dental noises such as drills.  Let your dentist know if he or she has something to tell you to tap you on the shoulder so he or she can get your attention.