Most people already know that smoking is a major health risk and excessive alcohol can cause many health problems. But you may not know the other ways they can make an impact – for example, how can drinking and smoking change your physical appearance? How do substances harm your teeth and gums? Are there ways to reduce risk? If you want to maintain or improve your oral and overall health, it’s useful to review the harmful and potentially dangerous effects these habits may have on your smile – then you can use the knowledge as a powerful motivator to break free and embrace a healthier you! Smok ..read more

Whether you’re exploring someplace new or revisiting a favorite spot, vacation is the perfect time to kick back and forget about your day-to-day responsibilities. Just make sure you don’t forget your good oral health habits! Caring for your teeth and gums while traveling seems simple enough. However, changes to your schedule and the convenience of packaged snacks and fast food can make it difficult to take care of your smile. A little planning can help you keep your mouth and teeth in tip-top shape. Follow these easy tips to maintain your oral health wherever you go! Pack smile-friendly travel ..read more

Valentine’s Day is a time to be sweet to those you love, whether that means your significant other, your friends, or your family. But there are a few not-so-sweet drawbacks to the love-filled holiday, and that’s the oral and overall health risks of some traditional Valentine’s Day treats. Candy conversation hearts, red velvet cheesecake, and chocolate martinis are all associated with celebration, but they’re also loaded with excess sugar. This matters because consuming too much sugar too often can contribute to: Plaque and tartar buildup Tooth decay Gum disease Overall health problems such as ..read more

A new year can be a blank slate – the perfect time to take stock of your current day-to-day and map out future plans. What goals or hopes do you have related to your career, friends and family, fitness, and oral health over the next 12 months? What you choose is up to you – from volunteering or getting better sleep to eating healthier or saving more money, a resolution can be about any trait you want to improve. However, it’s important to think about how to reach those goals as well. Studies show that 80% of New Year resolutions fall short – but they don’t have to! Instead, try these time-test ..read more

The end of the year is full of holiday cheer, but it can also feel a little hectic. Wrapping up year-end to-do lists during the holiday swing isn’t always easy! But it’s important to stay focused on your oral and overall health. While that means caring for yourself, it also means considering the special people in your life with oral health-related presents. After all, a healthy smile is a gift that keeps on giving! TruAssure members can save money on holiday shopping with TruPerks: Savings on electronics, entertainment, travel, and other gifts with the LifeMart Member Discount Program. Exclus ..read more

Every November, millions sit down around the dinner table to share the ways they are thankful for one another. They also enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, one of the most anticipated meals of the year!   With traditional dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie, turkey day is overflowing of everyone’s favorite comfort foods – but unfortunately, those foods are often also loaded with starches and sugars that can damage your teeth, contribute to gum disease, and negatively influence your health in general.   So, as you sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner and consid ..read more

When you think of dentistry, your family dental office may come first to mind. A visit to the dentist will often include teeth cleanings and preventive checkups, but the profession expands much further, and your general dentist is just one specialty in the field of dentistry. In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, which is observed every October, we’ve outlined the most common types of dentists and dental specialists to help you make better-informed choices about specific dental concerns and when to see each one. General dentists (also known as a family dentist) are primary oral health pro ..read more

Healthy Aging Month is observed during the month of September and is meant to raise awareness of the physical and mental health of older adults and serve as a reminder that as we age, our minds and bodies change. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to help deal with those changes and to help prevent some common age-related health problems. You can take a proactive approach to aging by adopting healthy habits and behaviors, practicing preventive care, and staying connected to friends and family. Consider practicing the tips below to help you stay active and independent as you age. E ..read more

Let’s take a quick look at dental benefits terms anyone can benefit from understanding. We cover some of the most important aspects of your coverage such as plan maximums, network coverage, preventive care and more. 1. Annual maximum: The maximum amount your plan will pay for dental procedures during an annual period. Once you reach the maximum, you’ll be solely responsible for additional dental fees. TruAssure’s Choice and Choice Plus plans offer flexibility and allow you to choose your annual maximum. 2. Basic services: Services needed to treat common dental conditions such as fillings ..read more

As schools prepare to resume classes this fall, parents should make sure their kids are healthy and well to start the school year right. That includes scheduling a routine dental checkup. Importance of preventive oral health care Dental problems can interfere with children’s eating, speaking, and learning abilities. Regular dental screenings and cleanings can help to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Back-to-school is also a great time to review how pre-estimates can be utilized when determining costs of various treatments that might arise before the end of the year. Be ..read more