This brief article will help you select the best dental insurance and discuss the analysis of dental care needs to find the best dental insurance for you. You need to ask yourself several questions about your potential dental care – How much can you afford to spend on dental care? What is the best dental insurance plan for me? What are my dental care needs? The best dental insurance policies offered will depend upon a family and its members’ oral health needs. Discount coverage should be researched if someone other than an employer or group health policy provides the best dental insurance avai ..read more

My three-year-old son has a cavity in one of his back baby teeth. I took him to see the dentist the other day and was told he would need a filling, and he suggested that since the cavity is significant, I should have the tooth capped. I have not had dental insurance paying for everything myself up to this point. Is it too late for me to get dental insurance for my son now? Reply: I understand that you are concerned about the cost of the dental procedure for your son. Getting dental insurance for your son is still possible, even though he already has a cavity. Review dental HMO insurance p ..read more

Your toothbrush is not meant to last a lifetime; that is why knowing when to replace your toothbrush is essential. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months, sooner if the brush bristles become frayed. Why it is essential to replace your toothbrush: It is important to replace your toothbrush regularly because, over time, the bristles can become frayed and worn, which can make them less effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Also, bacteria can build up on your toothbrush over time, es ..read more

Sometimes, to do something well, it does take some practice. Make sure you are brushing your teeth correctly; if not, practice brushing your teeth to have good technique.  Brushing Your Teeth: Brushing your teeth is essential to your oral hygiene routine. Here are the steps to properly brush your teeth: 1. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle and aim the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. 2. Gently brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. 3. Use the tip of your brush to ..read more

When it comes to your dental health, it would help if you started using the right tools to do the job correctly. Use toothpaste with fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively. A side benefit is they can help reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than a manual brushing dose. Here are some additional brushing tips to help maintain your dental health: Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each t ..read more

Your oral health starts with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can help prevent gum disease. Keeping your tooth surfaces clean will help you prevent cavities. Consider these brushing basics from the American Dental Association:  Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily.  Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do an excellent job of cleaning your teeth.   Mak ..read more

Question: I am a minor with yellowish-looking teeth. I hate to smile because I do not have white teeth, and my mom will not pay to whiten my teeth at the dentist. I also asked to use whitening strips, but she says she was told they could make your teeth sensitive and would prefer for me not to. Is that true? And can I still buy them if I am a minor?  Answer: Your mother is correct. Whiten strips can make your teeth sensitive. You can find a lower dosage product or use them for a shorter time. If your teeth are getting sensitive to the strips, you may want to stop treatment for a ..read more

Question: How much does a bridge cost, and is it permanent?  Answer:  Dental bridges are an excellent option for restoring missing teeth and improving the appearance of your smile. The cost of a bridge can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge, and the region you’re located in. A single fixed bridge can cost anywhere from $500 to $900 per tooth. Remember that this cost is per tooth and doesn’t include the expenses for anchoring crowns on either side of the bridge.  It’s important to note that dental insurance ..read more

Question: I have old partials and would like new ones, but I need dental insurance first. So, I am looking at the plans but need help finding dentures and partial coverage information on the fee schedule when reviewing an HMO insurance plan. I want to have coverage for what I need.  Answer: Dentures can usually be found under the Prosthetics services. I have listed some ADA codes for dentures. I hope it helps you.  5110/5120 Complete upper or lower denture 5130/5140 Immediate upper or lower denture 5211/5212 Upper or lower partial denture, resin base 5213/5214 Upper or lowe ..read more

Question: My daughter is seven and got into an accident where she lost four of her top front teeth. They are her baby teeth, but I do not like her dealing with such a big gap. Could she get a dental bridge until her adult teeth come in? Or would that be considered cosmetic dental services since they are only her baby teeth? I know my dental insurance plan does not cover cosmetics.  Answer: I understand your concern about your child dealing with a significant gap in her teeth, and you’re right to consider options for treatment. While dental bridges are usually regarded as cosmeti ..read more