More than 130 million Americans do not have dental insurance. Those needing insurance tend to put off dental care due to cost. Even though early childhood is a critical period for kids to learn effective dental healthcare habits, many parents can not afford their needed dental care. To help many schools promote good dental healthcare habits by contacting volunteer dental hygienists and dentists willing to visit their schools and provide dental education and free dental screenings. See if your child’s school is active in having such programs available.

Good dental care habits established early on could help avoid dental issues in the future. Good oral health care is more than just having healthy teeth. According to the Surgeon General, oral health is integral to general health care. However, sadly many parents may not realize proper dental care, like traditional medical care, should begin in infancy to prevent disease development. The American Dental Association advises new parents to have their first dental visit before the child’s birthday. Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating children’s dental care needs. The dentist has the same goal for your child’s dental health care: ” Prevention ” with regular maintenance, routine check-ups, and regular cleanings. It will help prevent more extensive dental care needs.

Dental care costs can be high; even preventive dental services without dental insurance can cost over $150 -$200+. In contrast, most dental insurance plans provide preventative dental care for free. Remember that you are obligated to pay as agreed to the dentist for any dental service provided. If you can not afford dental treatment, only agree to have dental care once possible. Dental insurance helps make dental care more affordable, so you do not have to put off needed dental care services.

It is essential to understand that your family dentist is not a mind reader. It would help if you were truthful with your dentist. What you do not reveal, they can not know. Tell them if you have additional information, and do not hold back on your opinions and feelings. Keep in mind most dentists want you to be happy. If you do not let them know you are displeased about something, how can they take measures to correct the issue?

When taking your child to a dentist, here are some tips you should know. 

• Ensure the dentist provides complete information about any dental care services advised. 
• Make the dentist explain things to you in a language you can understand. (Note Many dentists have their language, “dental talk,” that many people may not completely understand)  
• Make sure the dentist is providing you with all available options. It is easier to make an informed choice if you know all your options. 
• Ask your dentist questions to understand why they suggest one option over another. 
• Remember, you always have the right to a second opinion whenever you want additional information from another source. 
• Feel free to get a second opinion. A good dentist will not get insulted. 
• Make sure you have a dentist that always treats you and your child with respect. A dentist should not be rude because you ask questions about your child’s dental care and treatments. Respect also includes the privacy and security of your records and the privacy of your discussions with the dentist and staff members. 
• It should go without saying, but the dental office you choose to go to for your family’s dental care should be clean. You are looking for cleanliness and sterility. If you do not see that, leave.

CHIP, or Children’s Health Insurance Program, helps to provide free or low-cost health coverage for more than 7 million children up to age 19. CHIP provides coverage to U.S. citizens and eligible immigrants. CHIP is Available in Every State, and in general, children in families with incomes up to $44,100 per year (for a family of four) are likely to be eligible for coverage. However, in many states, families can have higher incomes, and their children can still qualify. Each state designs its CHIP program, including eligibility, benefits, premiums, cost-sharing, and application and renewal procedures. States can decide on the benefits provided under CHIP, but all states cover routine check-ups, immunizations, hospital care, dental care, and lab and x-ray services. Children get free preventive care, but low premiums and other cost-sharing may be required for other services.

The Rising Concerns about Dental X-Rays and X-Rays Risks. Many people are concerned about having dental x-rays bi-annually, especially if they have also taken recent medical x-rays. A complete series of dental X-rays emit as much radiation as an hour in the sun. Many dental offices now offer digital x-rays, which produce 1/10 the radiation that the old style x-rays produced. However, if x-rays are not taken, the dentist can examine only about 50% of the tooth structure. It would be like asking the dentist to work with one hand tied behind their back. However, talk to your dentist about any X-ray worries you may have. If you have a history of good teeth, they may be able to do X-rays less often.

Are you meeting your children’s dental and oral health care needs? Healthy teeth and gums are crucial to a child’s overall health care. Proper preventive dental care habits at home and visiting their dental care provider are essential to complete a child’s dental care goals. Seeing a dentist is just as important as seeing your doctor regularly. Talk to your child’s dentist and review some healthy dental care habits to maintain from home. Also, remember that having dental insurance in force for your family’s dental care needs will help control the cost of dental care provided.

When getting dental insurance for bridges, there are a few things to ensure first. Whenever possible, do not pull out your teeth before having dental insurance. Once you have teeth pulled it can be hard to find dental insurance covering the bridge. This is because many dental insurance plans have missing teeth clauses. A missing teeth clause means that if the teeth were missing before the plan’s effective date, they do not cover a new bridge to be put in. A good tip is whenever you do have a dental bridge, put in keep your receipt. That way, if you ever need to replace the bridge later on, it will be good to show just how long ago the old bridge was put in. Some dental insurance plan will replace bridges, partials and denture only after you had your old one in for five or more years. (Therefore, they will typically ask for proof. )

If you have existing missing teeth, it does not mean you can not find dental insurance to help you fix your smile. Just read the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure the dental insurance plan you are buying will cover the dental services you want. I also suggest not ruling out dental discount plans. Preexisting with a dental discount plan is not excluded, including missing teeth. So for a low monthly cost of a dental discount plan, you can save some money by getting a dental bridge without any waiting periods or exclusions. Whether you to have a bridge, partials and or dentures, we are here to help you find the best dental plan that will work for you. So please call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance dental plan options.

When looking for dental insurance that offers braces for adults, make sure you read each plan’s terms and conditions carefully. Although there are dental insurance plans that will provide adult braces, there are still many dental insurance plans that only offer Orthodontic dental services to minors. Another thing to keep is that many dental insurance plans only offer coverage for basic metal braces. Metal braces may be found for a child but not so much when it comes to an adult.

If you are looking for clear braces or Invisalign, or any other specialty braces that are not covered under dental insurance, then you may want to review a dental discount plan for your Orthodontic needs. A dental discount plan offers dental savings off any braces for any age group. Therefore a dental discount plan would save you money on your Orthodontic needs as long as there is an Orthodontic dentist in the plan that does the type of services you are looking for. It is a good idea to call the dentist and confirm they are still taking the dental plan you may be reviewing

For some people shopping for dental insurance can become confusing. They do not know if the dental services they want are covered under the plan they may be reviewing. How can you ensure that you buy a dental plan that covers the dental service you may need? Know your ADA codes. ADA codes are codes used by the dentist and the dental insurance company so that the insurance company knows what dental services are being provided. So when shopping for dental insurance, ask your dentist for the dental ADA codes they may be quoting for you whenever possible. Also, not all the ADA codes may be listed on the company fee schedule so if you do not see call the company and confirm if it is covered before buying the plan.

Our website offers a dental discount plan through Aetna. Dental discount plans are a good low-cost dental plan option. They do not have many limitations that dental insurance plans may have. Many of our dental discount plans start within the next business day of your online enrollment, which is very good for those in dental pain since they can see a dentist immediately. Dental discount plans are not for everyone. But they are a good way to reduce all your dental needs at a very affordable cost.

When deciding between dental discount plans, carefully review their fee schedules. The fee schedules show the discount prices on what you pay for each dental service listed. You also want to make sure there is a dentist in the dental plan you want to go to. There is no outside network benefits. I suggest calling the dentist listed and confirming they are still accepting the plan and new members.

When you have a dental insurance plan where you are dealing with the filing of claims, it is important to understand the claims process. Know how your insurance company handles claims and how the dentist your pick files out your claims. Problems arise when you do not clearly understand your dental insurance and how claims are paid. As well as when you do not know how the dental office is going to make you pay and how they file out claims.

Many PPO plans or free choice of dentist plans state they pay out a certain percentage for preventive, basic and major services. However, that percentage is normally up to the UCR or MAC rates for dental companies. Knowing that is important and a good idea is to submit dental services to the claims department as a quote only before any dental work is started. That way you always know your true cost for the dental services before committing to it. It is equally important to know how the dental office is going to file your claim.

Do not assume that the dentist will not charge you the full amount for the dental services. Making you wait for your refund back from the dental office. This is a mistake often made and normally, it is after the fact. Causing many people to be upset. Ask the dentist what they expect you to pay and how before work is started. Do they file the claims for you, or do you need to file them? Knowing all this ahead of time will keep you from any unexpected billings and from

When looking for what they think is “Full Coverage Dental Insurance” it is essential to determine what “Full Coverage” means to you. Full coverage can mean different things to different people. So what does “Full Coverage” mean to many other people I talk to and me? Simply put, I would pay X dollar monthly (whatever that would be), and all my dental services would be paid in full. There would be no dental service rendered that would not be covered, and I only have to pay the monthly cost for the plan. I have yet to find a dental insurance plan that works this way. However, if you do, I would love to know about it.

That is why I never use the term Full Coverage when talking to people about dental insurance. Instead, I try to find out what the person feels are their current and future dental needs and try to fit dental insurance or dental discount plan that will best address their dental needs. My best advice when looking for dental insurance is to read, then read, some more. Make sure you know what you will get from the dental plan. If there is still something you do not understand, then call the company up and ask all the needed questions so you can feel good about the dental plan you decide to get. Forget about looking for full coverage and instead look for a dental plan that will fit your dental needs the best. Sometimes to do that, you may have to get more the just one dental plan. You may want to combine plans that make the best sense for your needs. We are here to help you with any dental insurance and or dental plan that this website offers in your state. If you have questions, we look forward to your calls. So please call member services at 310-534-3444 CA time 8-5 M-F. We be happy to help

Did you know if you are missing one or more teeth, you may see a difference in your chewing and speaking? You may even notice a difference in your face and profile. For many people missing teeth can cause low self-esteem. Making people smile and laugh less for fear of people seeing their teeth. Proper dental care can and will help fix your teeth. Bridges will not only improve the gap caused by missing teeth but will restore the shape of your face and alleviate the difference in your bite. A dentist could also advise fixed or partial dentures when needed. Bridges and partial will look just like your regular teeth and give you back a smile you want to have.

Another is dental implants which is usually more costly but would be dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth that attach directly to the jaw. Not everyone can have implants, but a dentist can advise if that is an option for you. Talk to a dentist about your dental options and see which one you feel will be best for you. Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost for dental bridges, partials, and or dentures. At this time, it is still hard to find dental insurance that offers coverage for dental implants. Therefore when it comes to implants, you may want to review dental discount plans for cost savings. However, read your dental insurance plan terms and conditions, and when in doubt, call the company so you can know for sure what you are and are not covered for. Keep us in mind for any of your dental insurance dental plans needs. We are here to help you get the best dental plan for your current dental needs.

Many people are dealing with Gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a common condition. Acid Reflux is when stomach acid is refluxed up, which may cause problems to your esophagus, oral health, and teeth if left untreated. Regarding oral health care, acid reflux can cause enamel erosion, which can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. Acid reflux can also cause bad breath issues. So it is not only essential to speak to a doctor when dealing with acid reflux but also talk to your dentist. Let your dentist know that you are dealing with acid reflux. That way, they will learn to check more carefully for signs of tooth enamel erosion and wear on fillings. You may want to see a dentist more the just twice a year if you have constant acid reflux issues. Stomach acid will quickly damage teeth if you do not stay on top of your oral health care. You will want to see a doctor to control your acid reflux and see a dentist regularly to maintain your teeth’ health. Also, here is a good tip that may help you when acid reflux comes up in your mouth. Immediately after, do not brush but rinse with baking soda. Baking soda will help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid that comes up into your mouth. Keep a record of food that makes you more sensitive to getting acid reflux and try to limit yourself on those foods.

Although fillings can last many years, they may not always last forever. Without knowing, you can wear down a filling by constant pressure from chewing when eating. Other people also may grind or clench their teeth knowingly or not, which will also cause wear on fillings. People who grind their teeth when they sleep should wear a night guard to protect their teeth. You may not be able to see the wearing down on your fillings, but a dentist can. Usually, a dentist can spot weaknesses in fillings during your regular checkups.

Without regular checkups filling wear will go unnoticed. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, you are leaving your tooth open to new decay, which can get under your filling. If left untreated, the decay can progress to the dental pulp and may cause infection or abscess. Dental decay can lead to more significant dental services, such as a root canal. You can see the importance of regular dental visits. Many times, people do not know this is going on until they start tooth pain. Preventive dental care not only saves you from unwanted dental pain but, in the long run, will save you from having higher-cost dental services. Keep in mind that many low-cost dental insurance plans, such as HMO, offer free office visits, checkups, X-rays, and cleanings. By buying and using dental insurance, you can save money and help keep a beautiful smile.

Amalgam fillings are thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use today. Amalgam fillings are durable and highly resistant to wear and are the lower-cost filling option. Amalgam fillings combine elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper, and possibly other metallic elements. Although amalgam filling is considered safe, the concerns raised were about the mercury content in amalgams. However, mercury, when combined with other metals, is stable and safe for fillings. Since amalgam filling can withstand high pressure, they become useful for filling molars with higher chewing load. An amalgam filling is well tolerated by most people with only rare occurrences of allergic response. Some people may have short-term sensitivity to hot and cold after an amalgam filling has been done. The course amalgam filling is silver in color, which may be okay for back teeth that are not easily seen but might not want you would want to have towards the front of your mouth.

Amalgam fillings are useful in baby teeth. If a child still has baby teeth but needs a filling, you may not want to spend the cost for white color fillings on teeth that will soon come out when your child starts to get their adult teeth in. In the end, amalgam filling still has its place, and it should be something to consider when having a filling done. Talk to your dentist and find out all your filling options, then decide what you may feel is best for you and your family remember, all dental services are less expensive when you have dental insurance or a dental discount plan. So keep us in mind for your dental plans needs.

Oral thrush often goes away on its own within a few days. Your provider may prescribe anti-fungal medicine to treat thrush. You paint this medicine on your baby’s mouth and tongue. Also, if you have a yeast infection on your nipples, your provider may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal cream

Teething at Four Months – Dental 4 Less

Question: My son turned four months old, and I think he is already teething. He is our first child, so we are not sure when a baby will generally start teething. Can they have teeth at four months? Should I take him to see a dentist or a doctor? 

Reply: Some babies start to teeth as soon as three months, so do not worry if your baby is teething at four months. Some signs of teething would be: Drooling, Sucking on their hands and fists, fussing more, sleeping less, and all kinds of good stuff. There are teething products you can get at most stores, or if you have it, Baby R Us is a good place to go too. If you are worried about the teething process, you can either go to your baby’s doctor or pediatric dentist either one should be able to help you. Go to the one you feel is the best 

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive dental services such as general or basic cleanings at no cost. The standard dental term used for this type of cleaning is dental prophylaxis, a scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains.

Question: I went to the dentist the other day and had no cavities, which I thought was good since I had not seen a dentist in many years prior to this point. I was told by the dentist that I do have gum disease and that I need to see a Periodontist. Why would I need to see a Periodontist? I am not sure what that is, but I am guessing it has to do with my gums. Why can not the dentist do a deep cleaning that I thought you would get when people have gum issues? I do not have dental insurance, and I know if I go to one of those Periodontist people, it will cost me way more than I can afford. Is it all that important that I go? After all, my teeth are fine, and my gums do not hurt me. 

Reply: One thing you may want to keep in mind is that when you go to a dentist, the dentist is not thinking about whether or not you can afford to do what they suggest. The dentist is telling you only what they feel is the best thing for your oral health care. A dentist would not refer you to a specialist if they did not believe that would be the best thing for you. 

You need to tell the dentist that you can not afford to go to a specialist right now, so you need to do the next best thing. The dentist may tell you how important it is to see a specialist. However, if it comes down to it, they know it would be better for them to do what you can afford to have done than for you to do nothing. Dentists can not read your mind. If you do not explain to them what you can and can not afford to do, then do not get upset because they are telling you something costly, and you can not afford it.

The Washington State Dental Association and Washington State Dental Laboratory Association worked together to lead a successful legislative effort to implement ADA policy on dental laboratory registration. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed the dental laboratory registration and disclosure bill into law on April 19, which will take effect on January 1, 2020.

Commencing on New Year’s Day, all dental labs serving dentists in Washington state will be required to:
• Register with the state department of health.
• Disclose in writing to the dentist what materials are in each device or prosthetic.
• Disclose in writing to the dentist the city, state, and country where each device or prosthetic was made.
• Have at least one lab technician annually complete 12 hours of continuing education or who is a certified dental technician.
Source: ADA

A Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation will typically include the following:

• Evaluation of periodontal conditions.
• Probing and charting.
• Evaluation and recording of the patient’s dental and medical history.
• General health assessment.

It may also include evaluating and recording dental caries, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, occlusal relationships, and oral cancer screening.

Detailed And Extensive Oral Evaluation Problem FocusedA detailed and extensive problem-focused evaluation entails extensive diagnostic and cognitive modalities based on the findings of a comprehensive oral evaluation. Integration of more extensive diagnostic modalities to develop a treatment plan for a specific problem is required. The condition requiring this type of evaluation should be described and documented. Examples of conditions requiring this type of evaluation may include dentofacial anomalies, complicated perio-prosthetic conditions, complex temporomandibular dysfunction, facial pain of unknown origin, severe systemic diseases requiring multi-disciplinary consultation, etc.