Question:   I know I need some dental work.  I am not in any major pain or anything I just know that my teeth are not in best shape. I am not sure if I should get a dental insurance plan with that has waiting period and yearly max limitations and do my dental services a little at a time. Or go for a dental discount plan for the dental saving and get my dental work done all at once.  Which way in the long run would be cheaper?

Answer: It is a personal choice for you to make. As you know with most PPO plans you will have waiting periods and maxim limitations to deal with.  As long as you fully understand the plans terms and conditions PPO plans are great dental insurance plans to stay with or choose your own dental provider.  However, you may want to review a discount plan option if you do not want to have to wait for dental services. Also think in the long run when you have a lot of major dental services needed waiting for coverage’s to begin may not be the best option for your oral health

Sports like baseball and basketball are high risk games with regards to mouth-injuries.  Some of the most common dental injuries seen with these sports are broken, displaced or knocked out teeth, and even broken jaws.   With the ever increasing participation of girls and young women in competitive sports they, just as likely to have sport injuries as their male counterparts.

Everyone should know the risks of dental injuries when playing sports and use additional protective gear.  If your child has all their permanent teeth in then talk to their dentist about having a custom dental guard made.  If not then buying a over the counter store dental guard would be find for added protection.

Question: Do to a job change I no longer have dental insurance.  It is very important that I maintain dental insurance for my health care.  I have diabetes and because of my diabetes I have on and off again problems with my teeth.

I have problems mostly with my gums but I also get many cavities due to being a diabetic.  I have to see my dentist every three months just so I can keep my teeth in good shape.  So I would like to know if getting dental insurance is going to be a problem with having diabetes?

Also I do not want to change dentist since mine knows about my diabetes and I like the way he takes care of me.  I do not know where to look for dental insurance and I want to make sure I will be covered for my future dental needs.

Answer: Most dental insurance plans do not exclude for pre-existing. You being diabetic and having dental care under the plan should not be an issue.  However just read terms and conditions of the plans you are viewing. Most dental insurance will not cover work in progress which is not what you have.

The other factor you mention was about keeping your current dentist. I would suggest calling your dental office up and finding out what plans they are a provider of. This will save you from reviewing plans they they do not accept. If you have to buy a PPO or Indemnity dental insurance plan in order to stay with your current dentist then make sure you carefully read the plans term and conditions, since these types of plans will normally have waiting periods and maximum limitations that may effect your current dental care needs.

All toothpastes will help remove surface stains. With whitening toothpaste however, they have more abrasive formulations and therefore act more quickly, so you SEE a result faster. Whitening agents in toothpaste is low and normally is not in contact with your teeth long enough to really whiten your teeth.  It is the Abrasiveness that is really helping to remove stains from your teeth. Agents such as silica, calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate.

The potential hazards of using tooth whitening toothpastes is that long term use of these heavily abrasive toothpastes will eventually weaken enamel to the point where plaque and bacteria begin to damage the teeth.  This said all toothpaste have some abrasiveness but before using whitening tooth pastes long term talk to your dentist to see what is best advised.

Many people deal with having sensitive teeth on a daily bases.  Normally when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Sensitivity can happen when your tooth enamel start to thin or ware down.  Exposing the underlying root surface dentin.  Receding gums can also expose your tooth dentin causing tooth sensitivity.

There are many factors as to why you can ware or thin down your tooth enamel. A few would be drinking Acidic beverages like as sodas, Teeth grinding, Brushing with abrasive toothpaste or brushing incorrectly or over brushing more then recommended.  Where as gum disease can cause receding gums. Other ways to to expose your tooth dentin would be by a chipped or fractured tooth. With proper dental care you can avoid sensitive teeth.  Talk to your dentist if you currently have sensitive teeth to find out the best treatment plan option for you.

Question: What type of  dental insurance offers you full dental coverages?  I am an adult with no kids. I am looking for a dental insurance plan that does not exclude coverages for cosmetic dental services.  I want a plan that does it all.

Answer: Finding one dental insurance plan that covers all dental services may be hard to find. We offer over a hundred dental insurance plans in all states and none of them offer as you say full coverage’s. I do not know of a dental insurance plan that covers cosmetic dental work.    However we also sell dental discount plans in most states. With a dental discount plan you will receive discounted saving off of cosmetic services if needed.  With a dental discount plan you get a discount off of any type of dental procedure but you need to go to dentist that takes the plan.

Question: I am self employed and I have been looking for good dental insurance plan for my family.   What I am finding are plans that do not cover much and has a max limit of  $1000.00 – $2000.00.  I want something that does not have a max limit and overs better coverages without all the waiting periods.

Answer: It is common for dental PPO or Indemnity dental insurance plans to have waiting periods and maximum limitations. You may want to review any HMO insurance options that are available to you in your state. HMO insurance plans generally do not have those types of restrictions and limitations.

Studies indicate that older adults have a higher risk of periodontal disease and need to do more to maintain good oral health. Dental health care is important at any age but when you take in account that almost one out of four people over age 65 have lost most to all of their teeth and that receding gums tissue affects the majority of older people proper dental care for seniors is an important issue to address.

That said many seniors still do not get the proper dental care they need to to factors such as no means of transportation to a dental offices Cost of dental care (many seniors are on fixed incomes and can not afford the added expense) as well as a lack of dental insurance.  Many seniors feel they do not need dental care even though poor dental health care has been link to other health risk factors.

Question: I have a toothache but with my job I will not be receiving my dental benefits until another six months. This is why I am hoping to find dental insurance on a short time basis. I been trying to hold out until my benefits kick in at work,  but I do not think I can make. Can you advise if you have any dental plan that I do not have have to keep for a full year or more?

Answer: Based that you do not want to have a plan that would be long term I would suggest reviewing our dental discount options though Careington and Dental Choice you can pay monthly and cancel when you dental insurance benefits kick in at work.   If you would rather have dental insurance, you may also want to review our HMO insurance plan though Assurant though it is an annual plan the cost is affordable so it may not be an issue for you to keep it for a year.

Did you know that improperly maintained pools can cause severe and rapid erosion of dental enamel. Maintenance by a professional pool service can be costly that is why many pool owners will do the work themselves however If the chemical levels are not properly maintained, pool water contact with teeth can cause serious enamel erosion damaging your teeth permanently

Question: Right now I an in school so I do not get benefits from my part time job.  Is it possible for me to get dental insurance on my own?  I do not have a lot of money but want to have some dental for my oral health needs.

Answer: Since you are looking for a lower cost dental insurance plan I would suggest reviewing any dental HMO options available in your state. Dental HMO insurance plans are the more affordable plans with fewer limitations, however you will need to go to a plan provider.  You may so want to review any dental discount plans that are available to you  in your state. As dental discount plans make dental care more affordable for a very monthly cost.

Although many school are changing what foods are in their vending machines many more vending machines still provide sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks that can affect children teeth.

In the younger grades school are either removing vending machines altogether or putting in healthier snacks options.  Though in the high schools and collages junk food in vending machines are still wildly offer.  Many dentist are concerned that their patients are still consuming too much of the sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks that are found in many vending machines.  These types of snacks normally have very little if any nutritional value and over time they can take a toll on ones teeth. Food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly they may develop tooth decay.

Question: I just shopping for dental insurance and want to know how to get the best dental insurance plan.

Answer: This is a question that comes up quite frequently, however I will tell you there is no sure answer. The real reason why is because no one knows the condition of your teeth except you and your dentist. The second thing is what “best” means to you?  Is it the best price, or deductible, or maybe you need coverage for orthodontics.

I found if you use the web site to compare the dental plans that would be your best start. At least you will have a bunch of dental plans to compare.  Also we provide a member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about any of our plans they will be happy to help you pick the best plan for yourself.

You may know that some of the risk factors to having your tongue, lips and cheeks pierced  which includes dangers like chipped and fractured teeth damage to your gums, periodontal disease and problems with speech, as well as swallowing and chewing, the studs themselves which could be harboring bacteria increasing risks for infection.

Studies found that studs made of steel seemed to promote development of a biofilm a thin layer of microorganisms that adhere to the surface of a structure. Types of bacteria associated with staph infections were found on the steel and titanium studs, leading researchers to conclude that metal studs increase risks for complications if a piercing channel becomes infected.

Question: I been looking for dental insurance for myself but I am quickly finding out that the plans I seen on line are too costly for me.  What I would really like to know is if getting a low cost dental discount plan really a good alternative to dental insurance?  I see you offer a few dental discount plans on your site so can you advise which may be the best one to get?

Answer: Dental discount plans are a good low cost option. For a low monthly cost of the plan it helps to save you money off all your dental care needs.  However you will need to go to dentist that are in the plan net work.  So make sure you have a dental provider you can go to when choosing a dental discount plan.

Taking Away the Fear and Anxiety from Your Dental Visit with Conscious Sedation. 

We all either know someone or are someone that have had bad experiences with their dentist or just simply are afraid of any pain that may occur.  Sometimes this leads to high anxiety for many that can make them avoid regular dental care because of anxiety and fear. However with  Conscious Sedation you will be able to be in a comfortable and relaxed state of mind. Conscious Sedation Dentistry is administered by simply taking a pill, no need to worry if your body will act funny, because all body functions will remain completely normal.

Advantages to conscious sedation is that  the pill is easy to administer, it’s safe and easy to monitor, and works well for most people and it can be given at a low cost.  Also unlike  anesthesia where a patient is completely unconscious, under conscious sedation  are able to respond to commands or questions.  With  conscious sedation there is no real reason why you should not take care of your dental health and see your dentist regularly.  Talk to your dentist about  conscious sedation and see if this is a good choice for you.

Question: I have been without dental insurance for over two years.   Now I am on my own trying to get dental insurance but the truth of the matter is I really do not understand how dental insurance works.  What is better for me to get a dental HMO or a dental PPO.

Answer: Which is best depends on personal factors for you. Like do you want to stay with a current dentist?  Is cost a factor ? Do you have current dental care needs you are trying to address?  To determine which plan type would best work for you, you need to first determine what it is you want in a dental insurance plan.  Review our dental insurance options we provide, if you have any questions about the plans then call our member service line at 310-534-3444 as we be happy to assist you.

When finding a new dentist people are turning to the internet.  More dentist are seeing that the phone book and word of mouth are not always enough to get them notice.   They are opening their practice to the online community.  By doing so it not only helps them get new patients they might not had have otherwise but provides added service to people who visit their sites.  Many dental office websites provide information on not only their practice but provide for  for increased knowledge of dental healthcare.  Dental offices may also provide specials on their website for dental services you may not get otherwise.

Dentist are worried that teenagers are putting their teeth and oral health at risk by trying dangerous do-it-yourself teeth-whitening techniques found on the Internet.  Too many teenagers uses  online tips of do it yourself teeth whitening since money and access to proper dental whitening care may not be in their reach.

However Children who are mixing  up quantities of different chemical and applying them for long periods of time are at risk of eroding their tooth enamel and damaging their gums. In turn increasing their risk of oral infection. The best course of action is to talk to your dentist about safely whiting your teeth or what over the counter product they my suggest to be use.

One simple way to help your baby with teething pain is to massage their gums with your finger.  This help to alleviate the tooth pain.  Other teething idea is letting your child chew on a pacifier keeping a few in the freezer so that is is cool can also help to reduce teething pain. Other people also like to use a cold wet baby washcloth they are easy for baby to hold and they help to absorbs some of the drool that baby have while teething.  Pain gel is another good option which help to numb baby gums for a short period of time.