Dental Erosion: The enamel (the hard, protective coating of the tooth) is worn away by exposure to acid; when that happens, it leaves the sensitive dentine area of the tooth exposed. Dental erosion of the enamel can result in pain, particularly when consuming hot or cold food. The enamel on the tooth becomes softer and loses mineral content when we eat or drink anything acidic. However, this acidity is canceled out by saliva, which slowly restores the natural balance within the mouth. But if the mouth is not given enough time to repair itself (because these acid attacks are happening too often), the surface of the teeth is worn away.

Soft drinks are the most significant factor in the severity of dental erosion, according to a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. Anything with a pH value (acidity) lower than 5.5 can damage the teeth. Diet and regular sodas, carbonated drinks, flavored fizzy waters, sports drinks, fruit, and fruit juices are all known to be harmful to teeth if consumed too often. If you drink these types of drinks, limit their contact with your teeth by drinking through a straw. Also, consider substituting that type of drink with water whenever possible. Water is good because it causes no damage to your teeth and is also great for your body.

Once you find a dentist and dental office you like and trust, it can be challenging to change providers just because you want dental insurance to help control your dental care cost.

However, you do not have to change your dentist and have dental insurance. Many good dental insurance plans let you choose and stay with your current dentist. These plans are called Indemnity plans. That is because Indemnity dental insurance plans do not have providers that let you choose the dentist you want. One thing to remember is that Indemnity dental insurance plans are like PPO’s dental plans. They usually come with waiting periods. So, buying these types of dental insurance plans is best before you have a toothache.

If you have an HMO: One significant benefit of an HMO dental insurance plan is that there are no claims to file. The cost of dental procedures is usually fee-based. The dentist will charge based on the fees laid out under the HMO plan. Therefore, you know the price of the services before having them done.  

However, service costs may differ from what you think the charge should be. Take a crown as an example. There are many different types of crowns; therefore, knowing what kind of crown you will have is essential in understanding your cost and if your HMO plan covers it. That is where ADA codes come in. There is a different ADA code for each dental service, so even though there are many crowns, the ADA code is different for each crown type. 

When questioning the cost of services, ask your dentist for all the ADA codes that will be provided so you can match them to the insurance company fee schedule. If the dentist charges the highest crown cost or a crown not covered by your plan, you may want to question why. It is up to you to know your benefits and ask questions if things do not match up how you expect them to. 

If you have a dental PPO or Indemnity Plan: These are types of dental insurance plans where you can go outside the network or choose your dentist. Going to any dentist significantly benefits people, which is why these types of plans are favored.  

However, more work is placed on you (the insured) when it comes to filing claims. Even though the dental office may call the insurance company regarding coverage, it is up to you to ensure you are covered and for how much. You can submit a quote to the claims department before the work starts or call. 

Many PPOs or Indemnity Plans pay based on % up to ACV/UCR, so even though you may have coverage, you can get hit by a hefty bill if your dentist is above the ACV/UCR. (I advise submitting claims as quotes before proceeding with the dental services. Some PPOs will require submitting a quote for any dental service over $300.00, which helps you know your service cost. Remember that even the dental insurance company will say what they provide is an estimate, and the price can vary depending on when and what is submitted to them.

What is ACV/UCR Fees?

ACV stands for Actual Cash Value, and UCR stands for Usual, Customary, and Reasonable fees. In dental insurance, ACV/UCR is the maximum amount of money that the insurance company will cover for a specific dental procedure. The insurance company determines the ACV/UCR based on the average cost of a particular procedure in a given geographical area. If your dentist charges more than the ACV/UCR, you will be responsible for paying the difference. 

Since you can choose your dentist regardless of area or network, you will want to know if your dentist will be within the company ACV/UCR or understand if not, you can have a higher service cost. 

Question: I went to the dentist and had some work done. The dental office said my dental insurance policy covered the services I needed up to 50 percent, so I paid half the cost of the services rendered at the time. Yet about two weeks later, the dental office tried to charge me more money, saying that the insurance company did not pay the remaining 50 percent and I still had a balance due. 

Reply: You can still have a balance due for many reasons besides a lying dentist. However, the first place to call would be your dental insurance member services line for claims. The claims department could advise you why they did not pay out as you expected. Examples could be: 

• You maxed out your yearly maximal limitation. 
• You had a deductible. 
• You went to a dental office outside the network with UCR fees. 
• You went to a dental office in the network of providers but out of your rating area and had UCR fees.
• You had a higher-cost dental service than what the plan covers, so they covered you at a lower cost. An example would be that the plan covers up to 50 percent of a Resin Crown with high noble metal, but if you have a Full Porcelain Crown that is more costly, the plan covers you at the cost of the Resin Crown.

 If, after speaking to the dental insurance claims department, you still feel like you were misled by the dental office regarding cost and coverage, you would then call the dental office. With that said, most dental offices will say that your cost was an estimate based on your policy, but that final cost is determined by what the company pays out. 

It’s important to note that even when submitting a claim for a quote, only to the insurance company so that you know what the company will pay on the claim before having the services. Even the company will state that it is an estimate and can be subject to change. 

Dental insurance coverage for children is an essential health benefit. According to studies, dental health is linked to your overall wellness. Also, studies have shown that people with dental insurance tend to visit their dentist regularly to maintain their dental health care needs. Dental care cost is a leading factor in why parents and their kids do not see a dentist as much as they should. Since that is the case, having dental insurance helps control their family dental care cost, thereby making it possible for them to see their dentist regularly.

In addition to regular visits to the dentist, dental insurance can cover major dental procedures and emergencies. This can provide peace of mind to parents, knowing that their children’s dental health needs will be taken care of without any unexpected financial burden.

It’s important to note that dental insurance policies can vary in coverage and cost, so it’s essential to research and compare different options before selecting a plan. Some plans may restrict specific treatments or providers, so reading the terms and conditions of the plan is crucial.

Dental insurance is a wise investment for families prioritizing their dental health. Dental insurance can help children and parents maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime by providing access to regular check-ups, preventative care, and emergency treatment.

I am 18 and still living at home. My mom works two jobs, and I work part-time while going to school to help out. However, for the most part, it is still challenging for my mom to care for three kids independently. We do not go to the dentist since she can not afford the cost. Are there low-cost options available?

Reply: You should review dental HMO insurance plans. Dental HMO plans are the lower-cost insurance plan option. With an HMO, you and your family could have preventive care such as X-rays, oral exams, and cleanings for little to no cost. More extensive dental care costs much less, making dental care more affordable for the family.

 First, here are some signs that your baby is teething—drooling, wakefulness, cranky more than usual, crying, biting, chewing, and tender gums. Your baby may also be fussy when feeding. Over-drooling may cause skin irritation around the mouth. Teething gums may look swollen and red. You may see little white dots or small openings where the tooth cuts. Although your baby may get loose stools while teething, look out for diarrhea and fever. Fever and diarrhea are not symptoms of teething; therefore, you should take your baby to the doctor for a check-up since it is probably unrelated to your baby’s teething. 

I just got some dental bonding on five teeth. However, I did not ask my dentist if I could eat anything. Or if I needed to wait. If so, how long do I need to wait after bonding? I need to know.

Reply: You don’t have to wait to eat or drink after your appointment. However, you may experience slight tooth sensitivity to heat and cold after teeth bonding for a few days afterward. To prevent staining, avoid or keep to a minimum coffee, tea, soy sauce, colas, grape juice, blueberries, fresh cherries, and acidic foods like citrus juices and tomato sauce. You can call your dentist, who did the bonding, for any aftercare instructions, which they typically give you at your appointment.

The Benefits of Having a Family Dental Insurance Health Care Plan.

Not everyone in the US receives dental benefits through their employer. People who do not receive dental benefits tend to put off dental care for themselves and their families due to cost issues. However, even for families, low-cost dental insurance options are available and will help make going to the dentist much more affordable for your whole family. HMO insurance plans in most states run around $30-$40 a month for a family and offer free to very low-cost preventive care, such as X-rays, Checkups, and cleanings. Those services can cost up to $150 or more for just one person. You can see how a family of four paying $40.00 a month saves you over $500.00 in dental care. Also, people with dental insurance tend to see the dentist regularly for preventive care services. Doing so helps prevent more significant dental issues from starting there by also controlling the cost of dental services.

Protect your Cosmetic Dentistry Work. 

After paying the cost of cosmetic dental care, the last thing you would want to do is damage your teeth. After going through cosmetic dentistry treatment such as dental implants, cosmetic veneers, or crowns, you need to protect your teeth from hazards. If you do not take proper care of your teeth, restorative dental work can chip, break or go through discolorations. Porcelain can break. Avoid chewing on popcorn or hard candies. Do not use a water pick directly on your porcelain veneers. Wear your night guard if you have any problems with grinding your teeth while sleeping. 

Cavities can still develop around dental work: Be active with your daily dental care habits. You still need to brush and floss your teeth regularly if you want to avoid problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. Also, follow your Cosmetic dentist’s instructions on taking care of your teeth if you want your cosmetic dental work lasts for as long as possible. Most cosmetic dentists will only re-do cosmetic dentistry work for free if it is determined that there was a problem with the lab work or because the crown did not fit correctly from the beginning.

Routine Cleanings Vs. Deep Cleanings. 

What is the difference between routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis) and Deep Cleaning?

Routine/Prophylaxis Cleaning: Focuses on preventive dental care and maintaining healthy teeth and gums by removing calculus, plaque, and common stains. Normally performed twice a year by a dental hygienist or dentist along with your dental check-up. 

Deep Cleaning: is a procedure designed to help avoid periodontal disease (gum disease). A buildup of calculus and plaque on the crowns and root surfaces of teeth causes periodontal disease. It can begin as localized gingival inflammation and progress to severe disease that significantly damages the soft tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, this disease progresses to the ultimate loss of teeth.

If you have a toothache, you want to use warm water to rinse your mouth out. Use floss to remove any particles around your teeth and gum. You will also want to keep your mouth closed as much as possible due to cold air will cause your tooth to hurt more. Coarse, see your dentist right away.

Sometimes while eating, we can get food lodged between our teeth that does not want to come out easily. If you are eating out at the time, this can also be irritating to you and your gums. However, never use a sharp object to remove anything between your teeth. If this technique doesn’t work, you can end up cracking or chipping a tooth. The best advice, carry dental floss with you at all times. I do not suggest flossing at the table, but you can do so in the restroom.

Dental treatment can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the dental care you may need to have. Without dental insurance, your dental cost can quickly exceed what you can afford to spend on your dental care. However, proper dental care is vital for your oral and dental health and overall medical health. Dental care should not be ignored if you have been delaying your dental care due to cost. Then you may consider buying a dental plan to help reduce your dental costs making dental care more affordable.

Why Should Infants and Toddlers See a Dentist Regularly?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has revised its guidelines on infant oral health care and now recommends that infants 6 to 12 months old should be seen by a dentist. According to studies, children who experience tooth decay in their baby teeth are more likely to develop tooth decay in their permanent teeth. However, by establishing a relationship between family and dentist, parents will be able to learn how to take care of their baby’s teeth. Parents that take a proactive approach to their infant oral health care can make a difference that will last a lifetime

Most dental insurance plans offer benefits for crowns, bridges, veneers, and orthodontic care as long as it’s necessary. However, ensure you know your dental plan terms and conditions for a cosmetic dental need, as they may cover braces but only for children. The insurance plan may cover dental crowns, but they may only cover partial full porcelain crowns. Basic cleaning covered but not teeth whitening, Bridges and partials covered but not Implants.

If you have dental insurance, ensure you know what your plan covers before starting cosmetic dental services. If you want dental insurance, make sure it covers the services you want. A dental option for reducing cosmetic dental care would be a dental discount. Under most dental discount plans, as long as a dentist does the type of dental services you are looking for, you will get discounted savings.

Why have Dental Teeth Cleanings?

Cleaning teeth usually is part of most people’s oral hygiene habits, which involves the removal of dental plaque. Generally, people routinely clean their teeth by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. However, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove hardened deposits not removed by routine cleaning. A dentist does more than just basic cleaning. They also check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, which is included in their routine check-up.

Dental care – Understanding how you get cavities. 

Believe it or not, you do not just wake up one day with a dental cavity. It does take some time for your tooth to decay. A dental cavity is a word no one wants to hear at their dental appointment. A dental cavity is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities happen due to tooth decay. However, even before it gets to that point, tooth decay starts with plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance made up primarily of germs that causes tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth make acids, and when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids can eat away at your tooth enamel.

If you are not seeing a dentist regularly for your cleanings, then the plaque is not being removed. The acids can continue to make their way through the tooth enamel, and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay, causing a cavity. However, preventive care at home is a good start to preventing plaque buildup. However, seeing a dentist is the only way to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Also, only a dentist can detect small cavities and stop them from becoming significant dental issues.