Bleeding gums may be a sign you need more vitamin C in your diet

Current advice from the America Dental Association tells you that if your gums bleed, make sure you are brushing and flossing twice a day because it could be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. And that might be true. So if you are concerned, see your dentist. However, a new University of Washington study suggests you should also check your intake of vitamin C. Source: Sciencedaily

Question: For a low cost dental which is better dental insurance or a dental plan? 

Answer: That can depend on what types of dental services you may need. Dental HMO insurance is the lower cost insurance option but dose not provide coverage’s for all types of dental care.  Where as a dental discount is a low cost dental alternative to dental insurance. Dental discount plans provides discounted savings for all dental services you have at participating providers of the plan.  Each plan type will help you save money on your dental care needs in California we have both dental discount plan options as well as HMO insurance options just enter your zip to review all our dental insurance and plan options to compare each plan.  If you have any questions about our dental insurance/plan please call our member service line at 310-534-3444 as they be happy to help. 

According to study in the journal Clinical Oral Investigations, it has found that Soft drinks found to be the crucial link between obesity and tooth wear sugar-sweetened acidic drinks, such as soft drinks, is the common factor between obesity and tooth wear among adults.

Scientists from King’s College London found that being overweight or obese was undoubtedly associated with having tooth wear. Significantly, they also found that the increased consumption of sugary soft drinks may be a leading cause of the erosion of tooth enamel and dentine in obese patients

Periodontal or gum disease is known to be a significant risk factor of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions increasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes. In a new study, researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) discovered that infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacterium causing periodontal disease, causes skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction, the precursor to metabolic syndrome, by altering the composition of the gut microbiome. Source: ScieneDaily

Question: I live in California, I really do not care what dentist I go to but it seems that the dental insurance plans that are network plans do not have dentist with in a 50 miles from me.   

Answer: There are some area in California that for some plans do not have local providers.  Normally those areas would be more rural areas that may have fewer dental offices. If this is your cast and you do not wish to driver 50+ miles out, then you may want to review our Dental PPO’s insurance plan options as they will still provide benefits to out side network dentist.

According to new research being done, from Forsyth Institute and Harvard University scientists and colleagues, People with periodontitis are at higher risk of experiencing major cardiovascular events.

Question: I am 28 and although I have dental insurance though work I really still do not like going to the dentist.  I have yet to go in for my free twice a year cleaning because even that makes me a nervous wreak. 

Answer: One good way of avoiding having to have larger dental care needs is by seeing your dentist regularly. Avoiding the dentist is never a good idea.  By seeing your dentist for your  check ups and cleaning the dentist is able to spot any minor dental issues and treat them before they become larger more costly dental care needs.   

I understand having dental fear issues but talk to your dentist go over your fears the more you address your concerns and fears the better you will be able to handle them. Do not let your fear stop you from having and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Researchers take a closer look at the genomes of microbial communities in the human mouth.

Bacteria often show very strong biogeography, some bacteria are abundant in specific locations while absent from others, leading to major questions when applying microbiology to therapeutics or probiotics: how did the bacteria get into the wrong place? How do we add the right bacteria into the right place when the biogeography has gotten ‘out of whack’? source: ScienceDaily

Question: I am reviewing the different dental insurance plans options you have and with regards to the California dental network plans the 460, 411, 595 how do they differ? 

Answer: In short they are all HNO plans so they work the same way.  However the more you pay for the cost of the plan the less you pay for the higher cost dental care services.  Therefore if all you have is the twice a year check up and cleaning you  may not have a need to get the more expensive California dental plan 595. Yet if you do have larger services you may not want to get the least costly plan either since by spending a little more will save you money on your larger dental care needs.

Did you know that the position of your teeth and your smile serve an important role in the aging of your face?  As we age we show less of our upper teeth when we smile, tooth wear alters the youthful proportions of our teeth, teeth yellow, and the soft tissues of the face begin to sag as they become less supported.   An esthetic orthodontist is able to enhance the facial appearance and reverse signs of aging through orthodontic treatment alone or through coordination with other dental and medical professionals.

One of the first things many people will notice about you is your smile. Therefore your smile is like your calling card. Having a great smile will help in in the increasingly competitive market.   More adults looking for an edge in the jobs market and they are investing in themselves.  They want to look the part and make an impression.  A great smile is a big part of this and studies have even shown that a better smile can lead to better earning potential.

In a prior post we talked about the fluoride content and effectiveness of your toothpaste.  In order to get the most from your toothpaste, consider buying  toothpastes that exclude ingredients reduce fluoride bioavailability like SLS. Also buy your toothpaste in smaller containers,and at more frequent intervals so that your toothpaste stays fresh.  This simple trick will help your teeth stay strong and is especially important for individuals at a high risk for cavities.

The longer your toothpaste sits on the shelf after it is manufactured, the more time there is for fluoride to combine with ingredients in your toothpaste like abrasives, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), etc. which reduce the overall fluoride content and effectiveness of your toothpaste.   Studies being conducted have shown that this reduction in fluoride availability can occur rapidly over the first few months after toothpaste is manufactured.  This occurs even before your toothpaste reaches its expiration date.

When using desensitizing, do not rinse after brushing for at least 30 minutes. Pro-Argin Sensitive Pro-ReliefThese toothpastes need time to work like they should. By spitting thoroughly instead of rinsing your mouth with water after brushing, you will allow the thin coating of toothpaste remaining on your teeth to get to work providing the relief it is designed give you.

Question: In another six months I will receive dental benefits though my current employer.  Right now I need to have a short term or temporary dental plan that can help me out on a few of my current dental needs.  I been trying to put of buying dental insurance since I will be getting dental benefits soon. However one of my teeth are really staring to hurt me.  Can you advise if you have any dental plan that I do not have have to keep for a full year or more?

Answer: I would suggest reviewing our dental discount plans as they will help to reduce your overall dental care cost and you can cancel the plan at any time with a 30 days written request to do so. You may also want to review our Dental HMO plan. Although you do pay for the plan annually it is not too costly and may still workout better for you.  

Question: I live in Texas and I am a low income mom of two. I do not have any dental benefits only medical right now. I am worry that I can not afford my children’s dental care without some help.  Do you offer any low income dental plans?  

Answer: Our lower cost dental insurance plans options would be the dental HMO plans we offer on our website when you enter your zip code in the quote box provided.  You may also want to review and compare the dental discount plans we provide as well. Both dental plan types are affordable and help to reduce your family dental care cost. 

Question: I would like to get a inexpensive dental care plan for just my five year old son.  I do not have much money so right now I am only looking to get something for my son dental health care since what I do have on him does not offer any thing for dental.  He has only been to the dentist once and I worry that he may have cavities or something not be check up on and fixed.  Can you advise if you have any dental plan that can help me afford proper dental care for my son. 

Answer: Our website offer a few dental insurance and plan types. For the lower cost options you may want to review our dental HMO plan and or our dental discount plans.  With the discount plans you can buy the plan only for your minor child. With the HMO you will need to buy a couple plan but even the cost for the couple option is pretty affordable.

Question: I am looking for dental insurance, how do I find the best dental insurance plan?  

Answer: This is a question that comes up often, but I will tell you there is no sure answer to your question as it is. The reason why is because we do not know the condition of your teeth and what is needed to correct them.   Also what does “best” means to you? Is it the best price, or deductible, or maybe you need coverage for orthodontics.  Our website offer a broad range of dental insurance and dental plan options for your review. Letting you compare plans types, cost and coverage’s.  In addition we provide a customer service line 310-534-3444 that can help you with our plan options and choices so that you can best pick the dental insurance and or plan right for you and your needs

Dental cavities are the most common chronic disease in children. Yet cavities can be prevented with dental visits and good at-home oral hygiene care. Still on average one in five elementary school children has at least one untreated cavity. One reason for this is due cost. Some parents struggle to get their children to a dentist because of the cost of dental care and the cost of losing money due to having to take time off of work.

According to a new Study, School-based dental care cut cavities in half among thousands of elementary students. “The widespread implementation of oral health programs in schools could increase the reach of traditional dental practices and improve children’s oral health, all while reducing health disparities and the cost of care,” said senior author Dr. Richard Niederman