I am just starting college and will be living close to campus. I am 20, an old, full-time student, and I would like to get dental insurance. My parents only have medical insurance, so I am on their medical insurance right now, but they never had dental insurance for us. They would pay the dental cost upfront. I can not afford to do that and do not want to have my parents keep paying for my dental needs, too. Reply: Yes, there are dental insurance programs available for college students. Many colleges and universities offer student health insurance plans that include dental coverage. It’s ..read more

Sharing is Not always a good idea regarding your oral health.  Many adults want to teach their children to share; for the most part, sharing is a good thing to learn. However, when it comes to your and their oral health, do not overshare. If you have young kids, avoid sharing utensils with them or tasting food before serving them.  Sharing utensils with your children or anyone else can expose you to oral bacteria, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections. Additionally, tasting food before serving them can also lead to the transfer of germs and bacteria. Therefor ..read more

Mouth rinse is an effective way to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent cavities. It is important to note that mouth rinses are not a substitute for brushing and flossing but can complement a daily oral hygiene routine. Mouth rinses are designed to kill bacteria and freshen breath, but not all mouth rinses are created equal. Some are specifically formulated to fight cavities. If you are experiencing early-stage decay or are at high risk for cavities, your dentist may prescribe a mouth rinse that contains chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is a powerful antiseptic that destroys harmful bacteria in ..read more

Dental cavities are a common dental problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The problem with cavities is that they tend to be painful and can lead to other dental complications if not treated in time. As mentioned earlier, cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on food particles and produce acid as a byproduct. This acid, in turn, erodes tooth enamel and leads to cavities. It’s worth noting that the bacteria that cause cavities are highly contagious and can spread from one person to another via various means. For instance, sharing utensils or drinking from the same ..read more

You can think of general dentists as primary care providers for dental health. A general dentist is a dental professional who provides a wide range of oral health services. They are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages and are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing oral health needs. General dentists perform routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other basic dental procedures. They also provide education and advice on maintaining good oral hygiene habits and preventing dental problems. A general dentist may refer patients to a specialist if they require ..read more

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13% of children and teens have untreated cavities. Not having cavities treated by a dental professional can lead to more serious dental problems. Children with poor oral health are nearly three times more likely to miss school due to needing severe or emergency dental treatment. That accounts for almost one-fourth of missed school time for dental needs. The cost of dental care becomes more of an issue as simple filling turns into more significant, more costly dental care issues. Why do some parents postpone dental care for their chil ..read more

Did you know that nearly half of 2- to 19-year-olds will experience a dental cavity? According to Cigna Healthcare, tooth decay causes children and teens to miss an average of 2.2 days per school year. Due to that, parents miss an average of 2.5 work days annually, having to take their kids to the dentist. The loss of time off from work may not seem much, but considering possible loss of earnings and dental care costs, it all adds up. In addition, oral health issues can impact a child’s overall health because untreated tooth decay can lead to pain and infections that may cause problems with ea ..read more

How Long Can I Stay on My Parents’ Dental Insurance? Question: I am 18 but will soon be 19, and I want to know how long I can stay on my parents’ insurance. My parents are letting me stay on their plan for as long as I allow since it is cheaper for me that way.  Reply:  Thank you for your question. It’s great that your parents allow you to stay on their dental insurance plan, which can be more affordable.  Regarding your inquiry, the age limit for children to stay on their parents’ dental insurance varies depending on the plan and state laws. While most plans only allo ..read more

I have two boys and one girl, all under ten years of age. I do not have dental insurance, and the assistance I get for being low-income does not cover dental care for myself or my kids unless it is for tooth extractions. Is there dental insurance I can get my kids at a very low monthly rate—at least something to help with their basic dental needs? Reply: You can look for dental HMO insurance plans in your area that can provide coverage for your children’s basic dental needs at a low monthly cost. Dental HMOs usually require you to choose a primary dentist from their network, and you need ..read more

Choosing and Maintaining Your Toothbrush Tips.  1) Pick a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles when choosing a toothbrush. The harder the brush bristles, the greater the risk of harming your teeth and gums. Therefore, unless your dentist advises, soft-bristled toothbrushes are the better choice.  2) Another good tip is to make sure you pick a toothbrush that has the seal of approval by the American Dental Association.  3) Keep in mind the type of brush you use is not nearly as important as brushing the right way and twice a day. Any approved toothbrush will be a good tool ..read more