Bite-Wing X-ray is a single X-ray that shows upper and lower teeth teeth (from crown to about the level of the supporting bone) in a select area on the same film. Generally Bite-Wing X-Rays fall under preventive care with most insurance plans and are free to little cost.

Amalgam a common filling material used to repair cavities. The material, also known as “silver fillings,” contains mercury in combination with silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc. Amalgam is normally the lest costly filling option available, but normally it is not used for teeth that are in the smile zone.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) is a network of dentist under contact with a dental insurance company which provides special rates on dental care; but the insured has an option to choose a dental care provider outside the network of dentists.

Generally the PPO dental insurance plans are higher premiums and there are claims forms to be completed by the dental client.

The dental plan decision making process is not an easy task when purchasing coverage for yourself, family, business, or your employees. There are many dental plan decisions to make. Such dental insurance decisions include considering a PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), dental indemnity insurance plans, and discount dental plans.

Binging and purging (bulimia nervosa) can do even more damage to dental health. The strong acids found in vomit can erode teeth, making them brittle and weak. These acids also cause bad breath. Bulimia can lead to a variety of serious health problems, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you have been purging.

The acids in wine eat away at your tooth enamel, creating rough spots that make teeth more vulnerable to staining. Red wine also contains a deep pigment called chromogen and tannins, which help the color stick to the teeth. This combination makes it easy for the wine’s red color to stay with you long after your glass is empty.

Teeth whitening can cause damage to the gums and teeth. Many over the counter whitening products and dentists use a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide base solution to whiten teeth. These acidic chemicals can destroy the gums and enamel of the teeth. A tooth with a crack or cavity is more susceptible to damage and may even require a root canal.

If you enjoy drinking coffee on a daily bases it could be hard to maintain white teeth. Coffee’s dark color and acidity can cause yellowing of the teeth over time. Fortunately, it is one of the easiest stains to treat with various whitening methods. Talk to your dentist if you are concerned about discoloration of your teeth. Another tip is to drink your coffee though a straw to limit contact on your teeth.

Cigarettes, as well as other tobacco products, not only stain teeth but can cause them to fall out as a result of gum disease. Tobacco can also cause cancer of the mouth, lips, and tongue. If you were looking for one more reason to quit, think of your smile.

You need to use extreme caution when using teeth whiteners. Over exposure to sensitive gums and teeth by the acids in the whitening agents eat into the gums and teeth. Sometimes this process may damage the teeth. The sensitivity is usually temporary, lasting only for a couple of days.

Some families are considering alternative teeth whitening options instead of buying expensive commercial products. Some studies have suggested one can whiten their teeth buy combining 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/2 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a small glass of water while brushing the teeth for 5 minutes with the mixture. Make sure you thoroughly rinse and do not do this more than two times a month.

Throw Away Your Old Tooth Brush

Dental experts say it is a good idea to replace your toothbrush every two to three months.  Dental researchers have discovered that toothbrushes with soft, nylon or polyester bristles with rounded tops do the best job of brushing teeth. You’ll also want to clean between your teeth with dental floss (a special string for cleaning your teeth) at least once a day.

Dental floss can help clear food debris and plaque from the spaces between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach.  Dental hygiene is imperative, and cleaning your teeth is the first step toward their long term preservation. Remember, in the long run maintaining your dental care through brushing will ultimately reduce your dental insurance premiums by reducing the amount of dental work the dentist will need to do.

By Brushing Your Teeth

There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth.  Knowing how to brush and floss the right way is a big part of good oral health.  Use a soft toothbrush to scrub lightly with a dab of toothpaste, rinse it, and polish it dry with a soft towel.  Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The best way to brush your teeth is in little circles  go around and around until you have covered every surface of every tooth.  Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.  Brushing and flossing precautions: Must be done thoroughly but not too vigorously, as rough movements can irritate or damage sensitive oral tissues.  Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is your best bet when it comes to keeping your teeth in tip-top shape. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

Often times people chew on their pencil when concentrating on work or studies? However, crunching on ice, this bad habit can cause teeth to chip or crack. Sugarless gum is a better option when you feel the need to chew. It will trigger the flow of saliva, which can make teeth stronger and protect against enamel-eating acids.

You might want to floss your teeth after eating potato chips or other starchy foods that tend to get stuck in the teeth. The bacteria in plaque also break down starchy foods into acid. This acid can attack the teeth for the next 20 minutes, even longer if the food is stuck between the teeth or you snack often.

Teeth decay when bacteria and plaque are allowed to build up in the mouth and eat away. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.   Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is your best bet when it comes to keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.   Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush. Brushing your teeth twice a day can save you hundreds of dollars–sometimes thousands–in dental work.

Cleaning your teeth correctly is important for good health.  Cleaning your teeth is a critical aspect of general hygiene and it also manifests itself in a lot of systemic problems if you do not do it effectively and properly. Teeth that are not properly maintained can lead to gum erosion and pockets of bacteria, eventually destroying teeth and even underlying bone.  Dental health also includes eating a healthy diet to avoid the buildup of acids and plaque that cause tooth decay.

Fruit juice is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants and has some good overall health benefits, but unfortunately most juices are also loaded with sugar. Some juices can have as much sugar per serving as soda. For example, there are only 10 more grams of sugar in orange soda than in orange juice. Fruits are naturally sweet, so look for juice that has no added sugar. You can also reduce the sugar content by diluting juice with some water.

Okay at least one time in our lives we have open packaging with our teeth. However doing this is not good for our teeth and in fact can cause serious damage to them. Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

What are wisdom teeth?  Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in the back of the jaw bone, know most commonly as the third molars.

When do wisdom teeth come in?  Most people get their wisdom teeth between the ages of 15 – 25 years old.

How do I know if I have wisdom teeth?   If you cannot see them toward the rear of your mouth, wisdom teeth can be detected by an x-ray given by your dentist.

What are the problems associated with wisdom teeth?  Sometimes wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the teeth, infections, cysts, tumors, jaw and gum disease

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?  An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is entrapped completely or partially by soft tissue which can also be a cause of bacterial infections. It is important you see a dentist immediately for this condition. Infections in the mouth, gum, and jaw area can quickly travel to the brain and then you have a whole set of other problems. Why not check here for a dental plan that may off-set the cost of getting help with your impacted wisdom tooth.

Are wisdom teeth painful?  Sometimes wisdom teeth can be painful when they are erupting through the soft tissue and can become swollen and or infected.

Should I have my wisdom teeth removed? It depends on a lot of variables such as whether they are impacted and causing pain, they are growing in and moving your good teeth. It is best to contact a dentist. Keep in mind some people never have their wisdom teeth removed.

How much does it cost to have a wisdom tooth extracted?  Simple extractions can cost under $100, but it depends on the position of the tooth. For example, an impacted wisdom tooth could cost you over $250 or more to have removed. Click here to find a dental plan that covers wisdom teeth extraction and review the co-payments if any…

Does dental insurance cover wisdom teeth extraction?  Some dental insurance plans and dental discount plans cover a portion of the cost for wisdom teeth extraction. Please refer to our web site and enter your zip code. Then review the different benefit schedules for your area. Nearly all of the dental insurance plans we sell offer coverage for this dental procedure.