I live in Florida, and I want an affordable family dental plan that I can get for my wife and two children. Currently, we do not have any dental insurance. I can afford to spend around $50 – $70 monthly for a family dental insurance plan. What do you offer in my price range, and how fast can we use it?

Reply: There may be a few PPO plans that would be in your budgeted range. HMO insurance plans are within your budget, so you should consider an HMO dental insurance plan option. 

What is an HMO dental insurance plan? 

An HMO dental insurance plan is a type of dental insurance plan that allows you to choose a primary care dentist who will provide most of your dental care. You will need a referral from your primary care dentist to see a specialist. HMO dental plans tend to have lower monthly premiums and copayments than PPO plans, but they also have a more limited network of dentists. With an HMO dental insurance plan, you’ll typically pay less out of pocket for preventive care, such as regular cleanings and checkups.

The cost of an HMO dental insurance plan for a family can vary depending on several factors, including your location, the level of coverage you choose, and the number of people covered under the plan. That being said, HMO dental plans tend to have lower monthly premiums and copayments than PPO plans, making them a more affordable option for many families. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $85.00 per month for an HMO dental insurance plan that covers a family of four.

I live in San Pedro, California. I am 19, and although I am still on my parent’s medical, they do not have dental or vision, and I need both right now. I do not want my parents to have to pay for my dental and vision needs, but I really could use some help. I am new to all this and do not know where to look on a low fixed budget or what plan type would be best for me to get. Any helpful advice you can offer me so I can make the best decision?  

Reply: There are various types of dental insurance plans available in the market, and the best one for you depends on your specific needs and budget. However, if you are looking for a low-cost plan offering basic coverage, then a dental HMO insurance plan may be an excellent option. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums than dental PPO insurance plans.  

Our HMO dental insurance plans run around $7.95 to $ 18.95 monthly. At the same time, our vision insurance runs $14.51 monthly for individuals. Researching and comparing different programs is vital to finding the one that best suits your needs. Call our member service line at 310-534-3444, and we are happy to help you with your dental and vision insurance needs. 

Question: I want an inexpensive dental care plan for my six-year-old son. I have little money and only seek something for my son’s dental healthcare.  

Reply:  The lower-cost dental insurance option would be an HMO insurance plan. HMO plans typically run around $8.00 – $20.00 for an individual plan. However, not all HMOs will accept a minor on their single programs; therefore, you must be on the dental insurance plan with your minor son. A couple plan costs around $15.00 – $30.00 monthly. Depending on your budget, including yourself in the plan may still be affordable. 

The Benefits of an HMO Dental Insurance Plan.

• HMO dental insurance plans often have lower monthly premiums compared to other plans. 
• HMOs usually cover preventive care services, such as regular check-ups and cleanings, at little or no cost to you. 
• Another advantage of an HMO plan is that you will have a network of dentists to choose from within the plan, making it easier to find a dentist who accepts your insurance and is located near you. 
• Typically, HMO dental plans do not have a waiting period for services to be covered. 

Dentists worry that teenagers are risking their teeth and oral health by trying dangerous do-it-yourself teeth-whitening techniques on the Internet. Too many teenagers use online tips for do-it-yourself teeth whitening since money and access to proper dental whitening care may be outside their reach. However, Children who mix quantities of different chemicals and apply them for long periods are at risk of eroding their tooth enamel and damaging their gums, increasing their risk of oral infection.

Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains on teeth and be a good option for those who want to maintain their teeth’s brightness after professional whitening treatment. However, they do not have the same strength as professional teeth whitening treatments and may not be effective for deep stains. It’s important to note that excessive toothpaste whitening can also damage tooth enamel, so it’s best to follow the instructions and use it in moderation. Suppose you’re looking for a more dramatic change in the color of your teeth. In that case, it’s best to consult your dentist about professional teeth whitening options or ask them the best course of action: talk to your dentist about safely whitening your teeth or what over-the-counter product they may suggest.

Question: Right now, I have a toothache, but I will be starting a new job offering dental benefits, which will take a few months to use. I want to find dental insurance on a short-term basis. I have been holding out until my benefits kick in at work, but I don’t think I can. Do you have any dental plans I do not have to keep for a year or more?  

Reply: HMO Dental Insurance plans can be a good option for short-term use because they typically have lower monthly premiums and can provide coverage for basic dental services like cleanings, fillings, and extractions. However, it’s important to note that HMO plans often require you to choose a dentist within their network and may have limitations on the types of procedures and specialists covered. Reviewing the plan details carefully before enrolling is always a good idea to ensure it meets your specific needs.

I have a dental PPO insurance plan and live in NY. I would like to know what the plans UCR fees are before having the dental services rendered because I keep getting hit by additional UCR costs (that I only sometimes have the money for) that I am unaware of when I have the dental service.  

Answer: To budget dental service under a PPO plan and avoid UCR fees or at least know the charges, you must first have your dentist submit a quote-only claim. Suppose your dentist submits a claim as a quote only to your insurance company before starting the dental services. In that case, your insurance company will then be able to provide you with the amount they will pay for the services before you have them done. This way, you will know the dollar amount of what you will be responsible for. Usually, this is done for dental services exceeding $300.00. Talk to your dentist and let them know this is how you like to have things done in the future.

Each tooth in the mouth contains four different tissues, each with another function. Your teeth are made up of two major parts: the crown and the root. The crown of the tooth is what is visible in your mouth. The tooth’s root is the portion normally not visible in your mouth and is anchored within the bone. Within each tooth, the four tissues present are the enamel, the dentin, the pulp, and the cementum.

• Enamel: The tooth enamel makes up the protective outer surface of the tooth’s crown.
• Dentin: Dentin makes up the majority of the inner surface of the tooth. It can’t commonly be seen except on X-rays.
• Pulp: The pulp is the area inside the tooth that holds the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. It is in the center of the tooth and is in both its crown and root.
• Cementum: Makes up the outer surface of the tooth’s root, and it is much softer than enamel.

Question: I have a fixed income and can not afford a dental PPO insurance plan. Therefore, I am looking into HMO dental insurance plans. However, since I am new to picking a plan provider, can you advise me on choosing a good dentist? 

Answer: When having to choose a dentist in a network-provided plan like a dental HMO, here are a few tips you may want to keep in mind:

1) Call the providers listed and confirm they are still accepting the plan and new members.

2) Confirm anything important to you, but keep it simple. Such as hours of operation, how far booked up they are, and whether they do the type of dental services you are looking for. You may ask if they have a website so you can review detailed information about their practice. However, avoid questions like “How much is it to fix my broken tooth?” After seeing you and examining your tooth, they will know that type of question.

3) Make sure the plan you are reviewing has more than one dental office as a provider in your area(or however far you are willing to travel). You want a dental HMO plan with at least three or more dental offices, so if you want to change dental offices, you can do so.

4) If you want to know more about the dental office in question, try reviewing online review sites such as Yelp or Angie’s list

HMO insurance plans are usually the more affordable and budget-friendly dental insurance option. However, they only really work if there is a dentist in their network you want to go to. So, taking the time to talk to and review the dental providers in the plan network of providers is worth doing. The more you like your dentist, the more likely you will be to maintain your dental health care.

Humans have two sets of teeth (primary and permanent) during our lifetime. Many people referred to them as our baby teeth and adult teeth.

* Primary Dentition: This is our first set of teeth, often called baby teeth. There are 20 teeth in the primary dentition. Even though we do not keep our primary teeth, they play a crucial role in our dental development. So, just like adult teeth, taking care of our primary teeth is very important.  

* Permanent Dentition: This is our second set of teeth, adult teeth. There are 32 teeth in the permanent dentition. Our adult teeth are meant to last our lifetime, and generally speaking, if proper dental habits and care are given, you should have no problems maintaining and keeping your adult teeth.

Whether it’s primary or permanent dentition teeth, good dental care is vital, along with seeing the dentist regularly to maintain good oral health care and a wonderful smile. Having dental insurance will help keep your dental care cost more affordable, helping you make and keep your dental checkups twice a year. 

Question: I have a 13-year-old son who needs some dental care, but I do not have any insurance in force. Since I am not seeking dental care, can I buy only a dental HMO insurance plan for my son?

Answer: That would depend on the plan you are reviewing. Some dental HMO plans will let you buy a plan for a minor only, whereas others will require you to have at least one adult listed as head of household. In that case, you must purchase a couple-plan for you and your minor son. I suggest buying a couple-plan if you also do not have dental insurance. The cost difference between a couple and an individual plan on an HMO is generally not significant, around $10.00 – $15.00 more a month. 

Your dental health care is also essential, and you should see a dentist for at least your preventive care. With most HMO plans, preventive services are free or low-cost to the member. However, if you have any questions about the different dental insurance plan options we provide, please call our member services at 310-534-3444, as we will be happy to help walk you through our plans so that you can pick the right dental plan and coverage for you and or your son.

Sometimes, dentists will use terms we may need to learn or understand when discussing one or more of our teeth. Several terms are used to help define locations on and around the teeth, which are often used to refer to specific areas of the mouth when describing conditions there. Here is a list of some of those terms:    

• Posterior: Towards the back of the mouth.
• Anterior: Towards the front of the mouth
• Mesial: Towards the midline of the mouth.
• Distal: Away from the midline of the mouth
• Buccal: Any area on the cheek side of the teeth
• Lingual: Any area on the tongue side of the teeth
• Facial: Any area on the cheek or lip side of the teeth. Facial is often used interchangeably with buccal but mainly in the anterior portion of the mouth.
• Palatal: Any area on the tongue side of the maxillary teeth
• Occlusal: Any area on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
• Incisal: Any area on the biting surfaces of the front teeth.

Knowing and understanding these terms can help you when talking to your dentist. However, feel free to ask questions if you do not understand what your dentist is saying. When it comes to your dental care and the services your dentist provides, communication is a crucial factor in ensuring you are receiving the care you need.

The healthcare industry believes that in poor dental health, there is a higher correlation between heart attack, stroke, diabetes, bone loss, and lung disease. 

Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry found that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke. 

Poor dental health causes oral bacteria that have been linked to pregnancy and birth complications with ties between periodontitis, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Good oral healthcare habits at home are essential, but more is needed. It would be best if you saw your dentist regularly. The standard is at least twice a year. You should see your dentist that best fits your dental care needs regardless of how many times a year. For example, people with gum disease may need to see the dentist four times yearly to maintain good dental care. 

42% of Americans state they should see their dentist more often, falling below at least once a year cleaning—part of the reasoning is dental care cost. Yet having dental insurance in place will make dental care more affordable. Most dental insurance plans offer free to low-cost preventive dental care services. Maintaining regular dental visits helps avoid more significant, costly dental care issues. If you do not have dental insurance or are unhappy with what you do have, call our office at 310-534-3444 M-F 8 am-4 pm. We offer several good dental insurance plan options.

A few Interesting facts about Gum Disease

* Gum Disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? 

* More than 50% of women develop gestational gum disease during pregnancy.

* Having a good oral hygiene routine isn’t always enough to prevent periodontal diseases.

* Gum disease is not age-related. Even young children can have poor periodontal health.

* Gum disease affects about half of the adult population in the United States.

* Heart disease and diabetes have a strong tie to chronic periodontitis.

* Gum Disease Can Be Hereditary

* Chronic Bad Breath Is a Sign of Gum Disease

* Dairy Products can Help Prevent Periodontal Disease

* Having no Cavities Doesn’t Mean you Don’t Have Gum Disease

* Gum Disease is highly preventable and reversible when treated by a dental professional.  

See your dentist regularly to maintain good dental health. Have dental insurance to keep lower costs for your dental care needs. If you do not have dental insurance or are unhappy with what you do have, call our office at 310-534-3444 M-F 8 am-4 pm. We offer several good dental insurance plan options. 

Facts you may not know about Oral Cancer

* Statistics reveal that one person dies every hour from oral cancer, and that number is increasing. 

* Oral Cancers are much more common in men than women and increase as you age.

* Oral Cancers are about equally common in black and white people; however, Black men die at a higher rate than their White counterparts. 

* Much of the risk of mouth cancer is tobacco use (cigarette and chew) and drinking alcohol.

* Most people who are diagnosed with these cancers are older, around the age of 60. 

* There has been an increase in cases of Throat Cancer linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in both men and women.

* Most people diagnosed with HPV-related cancers are younger, around 40-50 years of age.

* The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in the United States are for 2023:          

•  About 54,540 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer 
•  About 11,580 deaths from oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer

* Overall, the lifetime risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is about 1 in 60 for men and 1 in 141 for women. 

On the more positive side, your dentist can help identify oral cancer early so treatment can begin fast to improve the prognosis. In addition, people who have dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist regularly. Make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year and have a good dental insurance plan to save money on your dental care needs.

Dental Insurance Facts: It is essential to know how dental insurance works and how it helps you save money. Here are a few facts to consider when buying dental insurance to buy the right plan for you and your family.

1) Dental insurance is not designed to pay 100% of all dental services rendered. Dental insurance helps you with the cost of dental services by making dental care more affordable.

2) Dental insurance coverage differs and will vary from plan to plan. Some plans pay out by percentages up to UCR, whereas other dental 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 plan’s terms and conditions to understand its benefits.

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

4) Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for routine dental services. However, that is not always the case regarding cosmetic dental care treatment. If you want 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.

How do you tell if a tooth is chipped or cracked? The most common chipped or cracked tooth warning signs include erratic chewing pain. Pain with the release of biting pressure. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

To reduce your risk of chipping or cracking your teeth, you want to avoid munching on ice or hard candies, grinding or clenching teeth, and using your teeth as tools to hold or open items. Even exposing teeth to heat and cold can lead to chips, cracks, and breaks in your teeth. Tiny chips or cracks may not be a bother. But anything more could lead to pain or permanent tooth damage.

If you chip or crack your tooth, you’ll want to schedule a dental appointment with a local dentist as soon as possible. While waiting for your dental appointment, you may take pain-relieving medication to help with discomfort. You can also rinse your mouth with salt water to help eliminate infection-causing bacteria.

Oral cancers can develop on, under, and at the base of the tongue, on the tissue lining the mouth and gums, and in the throat area at the back of the mouth. You want to look for warning signs, such as a mouth sore that does not go away. Unexplained numbness in the face, mouth, or neck. Problems chewing, speaking, or swallowing. 

Causes of oral cancer can include:

• Smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco.
• Drinking heavily.
• Overexposure to the sun.
• A family history of cancer.

Oral cancer has also been linked to the human papillomavirus or HPV. Do not let fear keep you from the doctor. Oral cancer that is diagnosed early is treatable and curable. 

Your dentist will often look for any signs of oral cancer when you have your regular dental checks. Providing another good reason why having dental checkups is another good reason to make and keep regular dental appointments.

What is Leukoplakia?

Leukoplakia is a thickened, white patch that forms on your gums, the insides of your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth, and, sometimes, your tongue. Doctors do not know what causes Leukoplakia but consider chronic irritation from tobacco (smoked, dipped, or chewed) the main culprit in its development.

Leukoplakia reacts to irritants like rough teeth, poorly fitting dentures, smoking, and smokeless tobacco. Leukoplakia can also be a precancerous condition. Persistent patches or other changes in your mouth need a dentist’s evaluation.

Hairy Leukoplakia, sometimes called oral hairy Leukoplakia, primarily affects people with immune systems weakened by disease, especially HIV/AIDS. See a dentist if you think you may have Leukoplakia for an evaluation and treatment.

Leukoplakia treatment is most successful when a lesion is found and treated early when it’s small. Regular checkups are essential, as is routinely inspecting your mouth for areas that don’t look normal. For most people, removing the source of irritation, such as stopping tobacco or alcohol, helps to clear the condition.

You do not get cold sores or fever blisters from fevers or colds, but they can trigger them. The virus that causes cold sores is usually passed via a kiss, shared utensils, or other close contact. Over-the-counter creams and ointments may help discomfort and speed healing.

Cold sores have no cure, but treatment can help manage outbreaks. Prescription antiviral medicine or creams can help sores heal more quickly. And they may make future episodes happen less often and be shorter and less severe.

Cold Sores Signs and Symptoms

• You may Feel Tingling and Itching: Many people feel itching, burning, or tingling around the lips for a day before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters form.
• You May See Blisters: Small fluid-filled blisters often form along the border of the lips. Sometimes, they appear around the nose or cheeks or inside the mouth.
• You May Have Oozing and Crusting: The small blisters may merge and burst. When the blister bursts, it can leave shallow open sores that ooze and crust over.

Study on the possible long-term effects of using partial dentures. 

Partial dentures have advantages, such as appearance, function, and cost. However, according to dentists in China’s dental lab, one should be aware of possible long-term effects. Partial dentures have a long-term potential to cause harm to the remaining teeth and supporting soft tissues. Partial dentures also risk local damage to the remaining teeth resulting from increased caries and periodontal disease and the continued resorption of those parts of the alveolar process supporting the partial denture.