Make sure to teach your child the proper use of toothpaste. Monitor them carefully while they are brushing their teeth. DO NOT assume that your child can use toothpaste without supervision.

Use children’s toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Fluoride in toothpaste has been proven to prevent dental tooth decay. Use only a small pea size amount of toothpaste.

Know the Risks of Tasty Toothpaste for kids. 

Tasty toothpaste that is available to kids to make brushing fun. Kids may love toothpaste that tastes like bubble gum. Tasty toothpaste is helpful for a parent trying to ensure their child is developing good dental habits. However, the risk is that kids’ toothpaste may taste too good. Therefore a child may start to eat or use too much toothpaste. Check your child’s toothpaste. You will see that most children’s toothpaste will have a warning about using only a pea size amount of toothpaste and that young children should have adult supervision. This is because of the fluoride in the toothpaste. Fluoride is good for teeth, and it can strengthen teeth as well as prevent dental cavities. That’s why there is fluoride in toothpaste. But it is not good to have too much fluoride. It can cause dental fluorosis (white or brown spots on the teeth.) Preventing fluorosis is the main reason you must supervise brushing for young children. Also, too much fluoride at once can become toxic. Many parents are surprised to learn that children’s toothpaste contains the same amount of fluoride as adult toothpaste.

Choosing a Toothbrush that is Right for You. 

You can go into most drug or food stores and see rows and rows of toothbrushes, from the standard manual brush to electric/battery-powered toothbrushes. Many toothbrushes are siting their reason for being the best due to their bend and flex head to varying lengths of bristles. Indeed, some of the available toothbrushes look high-tech, but are they better than the more basic brushes?

The truth is not necessarily true; toothbrushes are usually not subjected to rigorous clinical trials. So there is no actual proof that one is better than the next. So what should you know about picking out a toothbrush that is best for you?

Consider comfort and how well the toothbrush reaches your back teeth. Toothbrushes come in different shapes, so you are trying to find a toothbrush that fits your mouth and brushes your teeth. The brush should allow you to reach even the teeth at the very back of your mouth. Try to stay with a toothbrush that has “soft” or “extra soft” bristles — Hard bristles increase the risk of harming gums when you brush. Buy a toothbrush with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance. The ADA seal shows that the dental product has been tested by the ADA and has met its standards. Consider buying a powered toothbrush if you are less diligent about brushing your teeth since powered toothbrushes make brushing your teeth easier.

Visiting your Dentist Twice a Year Maybe Obsolete Advice. 

Years ago, the standard advice for dental care was to brush and floss your teeth daily and see your dentist at least twice a year. It still is good advice to brush and floss regularly daily for good oral health care habits at home. However, it may not be sound advice to only see a dentist twice a year. 

Though most dental insurance plans may cover twice-a-year cleanings, there are times when a person should visit the dentist more often than just the twice-a-year standard. Anyone with periodontal disease may need to see a dentist up to four times a year. Smokers should also visit the dentist more frequently as they may have higher dental and gum risks related to smoking. 

How do you know what is best for you? Talk to your dentist. A dentist will be able to examine you. Then, considering your dental and medical history, they will be able to suggest how often to visit them based on your oral health needs.

Flossing Daily is Good for Your Overall Healthcare. 

By now, many people know that flossing daily is good for our oral and dental health. Daily flossing can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to many health concerns, such as diabetes, strokes, and heart disease, as well as low birth weight and premature births for babies whose mothers have periodontal disease during pregnancy. Dentists and dental hygienists always stress the importance of flossing to maintain healthy gums. With new studies linking many other health factors to gum disease and poor oral health, we are no longer flossing for good teeth but for good overall health care.

Senior Dental Care, How Will Retirees Pay for Dental Care. 

Over the past 15 or so years oral and dental health of older Americans has improved dramatically. Seniors can not expect proper dental care to keep their teeth, and losing them just because you are older is no longer the norm. Many older Americans may not have their needed dental care due to a lack of dental insurance. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, and that may put off dental care due to the additional expense. However, in most states, affordable dental HMO insurance options or low-cost dental discount plans help reduce dental services’ costs right at the dental office. Low-cost dental insurance helps to save money on dental services making it more affordable to older Americans.

Sports Dental Injury Treatment & Prevention. 

With athletes losing teeth every year from playing the sports they love, it is always essential to make sure you are protecting your teeth when playing sports. Sports Injuries to the mouth can be disfiguring. They also can take time away from school and or work. Dental repair due to sports injuries can also become expensive. Take the time for some preventive dental care when playing sports, and use a properly fitted mouthguard. If you are not wearing a mouthguard that fits correctly, it loses the protection benefits.

Dental costs are discouraging to people with dental insurance. 

Millions of people who needed dental care have yet to go stating they could not afford it. A study shows that even people with dental insurance put off their dental care needs because out-of-pocket expenses were too costly. These cost issues do not only impact lower-income households but middle-income households as well. Preventive dental care has never been more critical to maintain.

Most dental insurance stress preventive dental care providing no to very low co-payments for preventative dental care services. By having good at-home dental habits and seeing your dentist for preventive dental care, you help keep your dental cost low by not having more significant dental issues. Brushing and flossing your teeth helps to prevent cavities from starting. By seeing your dentist twice a year, they can detect any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease and treat the issue while it is still minor and less costly. 

Government Help for Dental Care.

Yes, you can get help for dental care through the US Department of Health. Everyone is eligible to use a free clinic. It just requires a lot of waiting in line. Since most dental clinics provide services on a first come, first serve basis and usually do not make appointments. You can visit the US Department of Health and Human Services – Health Resources and Services Administration website to find a federally funded healthcare center.

How dental schools can save you money. 

Dental schools are an excellent way to receive more affordable dental care for low-income people who do not have dental insurance. Some people either do not receive dental benefits through work or feel they can not afford dental care insurance. These people will also tend to avoid the dentist even when necessary due to cost. 

Dental schools provide a way to receive dental care at a more affordable cost. Most dental schools offer cheaper dental care services than a local general dentist. Dental schools will generally work with you to determine the cost of dental care by evaluating patients free of charge and creating a treatment plan priced within your means. Though every school is different, most schools have walk-in, emergency care, and appointment services.

Keep your dental care cost low by knowing the cost of dental care. 

More people are willing to spend hours shopping for food to determine where to get the best coupons and prices and compare them among five or more stores. However, when you talk about the dental care needs at a dentist, only some people shop to ensure the best cost for their dental care. Many more people continue to pay overly high prices for their dental care or, worse, avoid going to a dentist for dental care because they feel the cost will be too high. 

Knowing the cost of dental services, such as office visits, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, etc., at a few dental offices will help empower you to seek more affordable dental care even if you have been with your dentist for a while. Shopping your current dental office will let you know if they are overpriced. Not saying you have to leave but if you find that other dental offices in the area are less expensive, then talk to your dental office to see if they are willing to match the cost to keep you. 

Find out if the dental office has a website. See if the dental offices offer savings if you book your first appointment through their website. Always ask if there are any other specials or savings they are running. If you are paying cash, see about getting a cash discount. You may also want to find a dental office offering affordable payment plan options for the more costly dental services so that you can still afford any needed dental care.

Practice preventative dental care at home. 

To keep your dental cost low, you must have good dental habits at home. I am sure you may have heard this before, but flossing and brushing your teeth will help prevent cavities and gum disease. With proper preventive dental care at home, you can avoid more extensive and more costly dental services done at the dentist.