A dental discount plan is a type of dental plan that offers discounted dental services to its members. Unlike traditional dental insurance, a dental discount plan does not pay for dental procedures directly. Instead, with a dental discount plan, members receive discounted rates from participating dentists and dental specialists. Members typically pay an annual fee or a monthly subscription to join the plan and then pay discounted rates for dental services as needed. Dental discount plans can be a good option for individuals and families who do not have dental insurance or who need additional dental coverage beyond what their insurance provides.

Aetna dental insurance is one of the most popular dental insurance plans around. Aetna dental insurance also offers a dental discount plan that has many benefits. Aetna’s dental discount plan also offers plan holders a lot of flexibility and convenience. Aetna Dental Insurance has a reputation for a good service that carries over to their dental discount plan, Aetna Denta Choice Plus. One of the good things about Aetna Dental Insurance is that they provide the best support network.

I do not have the money to get my teeth whitened by the dentist, so I considered using Crest whiten strips. I have never used white strips before, so I would like to know if they are hard to use. Do the strips stay in place, or do you always mess with them to whiten your teeth? Do the strips work like they show them to? How long do you use the strip for?

Reply: Dental whitening strips can be affordable and convenient for brightening their smile. Here are some tips and advice on using teeth whitening strips:

1. Follow the instructions carefully: It’s essential to read and follow the instructions on the packaging of the whitening strips to achieve the best results. 

2. Apply the strips correctly: Make sure they are properly positioned on your teeth and adhere well. 

3. Be patient: Teeth whitening strips take time to work. Depending on the brand and strength of the strips, you may need to use them for several days or even weeks to see a noticeable difference. 

4. Avoid overuse: Overusing teeth whitening strips can cause sensitivity and damage to your teeth and gums. Be sure to follow the recommended usage guidelines. 

5. Maintain good oral hygiene: To keep your teeth looking their best, brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups are essential. 

These tips may help you decide if teeth whitening strips suit you.

Before buying a dental insurance plan, you should consider a few things. First, review the plan’s coverage and benefits to ensure they align with your dental needs. Some plans may have limited coverage or restrictions on specific procedures, so checking for potential limitations is essential.

Next, consider the plan’s network of dentists and providers to ensure your preferred dentist is included. You must know if the plan covers specialist visits if you have a specific dental condition requiring specialized care.

You should also review the plan’s cost and payment structure, including premiums, deductibles, and copays. Some plans may have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, while others may have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs.

Lastly, read the fine print and understand the plan’s terms and conditions before signing up. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the insurance provider for clarification.

Is it just me, or is it all too much when shopping online for dental insurance? I must have been to at least ten dental insurance sites (some better to understand than others), and after going through the first few sites, the plans seemed identical. That or I find a plan on one website and then find it again on another, but the information about the plan was completely different from the coverage cost, even though it was the same plan as far as I could tell.

How can I tell what plan is best for me and which site provides correct information? I do not want to get caught up in a scam. What tips can you give me on buying dental insurance online and feeling safe about it?

Reply:  It is necessary to know that insurance companies may offer many different dental plans just because the plan is, though, say, Delta Dental, and you see a few Delta Dental plans, they very well can still be all different plans from one another. The difference could also be minor, such as differences in max limitation or waiting periods. Reading the plan’s terms and conditions is essential to know which would best suit your dental care needs. 

Although shopping out your dental insurance plan is vital, you should also limit your shopping so you do not get burned out. Know the basics of what it is you want in a dental plan. Say you want a PPO dental plan with at least a 2000.00 max limitation per person. You, therefore, would not bother reading anything on an HMO plan, and you can quickly look for the maximum limitation on any PPO plan and not bother with those with less than the $2000.00 max. This is one quick way to void reading about plans that will not work for your needs.   

It is also possible that you are pulling up the same dental insurance plan on a few websites. That is nowhere near out of the norm, as they happen to be selling the same plan. One way to ensure you buy a dental insurance plan is to purchase insurance from a licensed insurance agency. If you are, they will list their license number and, in most cases, a link to the Department of Insurance so you can verify that they are, in fact, a licensed agent and for how long.  

If you have any questions about the dental insurance plan options we provide, please call our member services line at 310-534-3444.

I do not have current dental insurance and very little money. My dentist told me I needed dental work on my teeth, so I started looking for dental insurance. Right now, insurance seems too costly for me, but some friends tell me to avoid dental discount plans because they are not insurance. Is this true? 

Reply: That is correct. Dental discount plans are not insurance. Dental discount plans help you save money on your dental care cost as long as you go to a dentist who is the plan’s provider. Discount plans are an excellent way to help make dental care more affordable at a low cost. If you want dental insurance, consider reviewing dental HMO plans. Dental HMO plans are the more affordable dental insurance option.

Burning Mouth Syndrome in Women.

In the US, more than 1 million adults are affected by burning mouth syndrome. BMS primarily affects women in their postmenopausal years. BMW is poorly understood, and challenging to diagnose the condition. Burning Mouth Syndrome is a chronic disorder that is characterized by pain and burning sensation in the lips, palate, and tongue. BMS is sometimes accompanied by dry mouth, thirst, altered taste perception, and changes in eating habits.

Dentists May be able to Help Confirm Osteoporosis.

According to a report in the May/June 2004 issue of General Dentistry, the dentist may be able to spot the early signs of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones. Osteoporosis affects around 10 million people. In addition, more than one-third of females over age 65 display signs and symptoms of the disease. Some of these early signs and symptoms of this disease are tooth loss and gum disease, which a dentist can check for.

Women’s oral health depends on their different stages of life. Studies show that for many women, life stages such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause can affect oral health. To avoid dental problems, your dentist may request to see you more frequently when hormone levels change during stages of your life.

According to recent studies, men go to the dentist less often than their women counterparts. There are many factors for this. Many men only see a reason to go to the dentist if they have more significant dental issues that need to be addressed. Other men feel they need more time for regular dental visits. Cost is also associated with a need for dental care. With dental health directly affecting overall health care, it is essential to see the dentist regardless of the excuses not to.

Men do not see the dentist as they should.

An online poll of 289 general dentists and consumers confirms that men are less likely to visit the dentist than women. That nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men do not see a need to go to the dentist. About 30 percent of polled reported that men might be afraid or embarrassed to visit the dentist. Around 18 percent revealed that men do not have the time for a dental visit, and about 5 percent felt that men don’t even have a regular dentist.

Six types of Food that may be bad for your teeth.

1) Carbohydrates: Chips, bread, pasta, or crackers can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.

2) Sticky, chewy foods: Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey, and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult to wash the sugar away

3) Sugary snacks: Cookies, cakes, or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.

4) Gum and candy: When chewing gum and eating candy, the sugar coats teeth, which can lead to cavities.

5) Carbonated soft drinks: Regular and diet sodas contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on teeth.

6) Fruit or vegetable juices: These beverages are high in sugar, damaging tooth enamel and leading to decay.

With moderation and proper dental care, you reduce the harmful effects these foods can have on your teeth.

By now, many studies are showing that poor oral health care can affect your overall health. However, studies show that poor nutrition affects the immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common disorders. People with lowered immune systems are at higher risk for gum disease (periodontal disease). Additionally, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Foods and Drinks that Can Cause Dental Erosion.

Food and drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juices, fresh fruit, yogurt, pickles, and lemons can lead to irreversible dental erosion if not consumed in moderation. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, dental erosion is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth. Dental enamel is the thin outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth’s structure and shape while protecting it from decay.

With health concerns about fat and cholesterol, many people are having more of a vegetarian lifestyle. However, there can sometimes be nutritional deficiencies that may reveal themselves during a dental exam. Many adult vegetarians are knowledgeable about nutrition and can adequately maintain their diets. However, children and teenagers who put themselves on vegetarian diets without knowing enough about their nutritional needs have a higher risk of potential for deficiencies.

Teeth grinding or bruxism can be a bad habit that both kids and adults may have. Stopping such a habit right away is vital in protecting your teeth. Grinding your teeth can wear your teeth down over time. Teeth grinding can also cause your teeth to crack and break. Most often, teeth grinding can be caused by stress and sleeping habits. It can be harder to control if your child grinds their teeth in their sleep. However, there is a dental night guard that can prevent grinding while sleeping. Talk to your dentist if you or your child grind your teeth.

Tongue Piercings are not Teeth Friendly.

As trendy as having your tongue pierced may be, they are not always kind to your teeth. Accidentally biting down on the metal stud can crack or even brake your tooth. Lip piercing can also damage your teeth and gums. When the metal rubs against your gums, it can cause gum damage, leading to tooth loss. Tongue piercing also raises the risk of infections and sores. Know the dental risks before having these types of piercings, and if you have them make sure you see a dentist regularly to keep good dental health and to help lower the risk of damage to your teeth and gums.

How a Mouth Guard Protects Your Teeth.

Depending on the type of contact sport your child may be in, they must wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth from accidental damage. A mouth guard is a molded plastic covering the teeth’ upper and row. If your child plays sports such as football, hockey, baseball, etc., they are at risk of mouth injury. Wearing a mouth guard helps to reduce the risk of teeth getting chipped, cracked, or even knocked out while playing.

There can be several reasons for premature tooth loss. However, the primary reasons for the early loss of a child’s baby tooth are tooth decay, injury, or lack of jaw space. When tooth loss happens before the permanent teeth emerge, nearby teeth can tip or shift into the unoccupied area.

Therefore, when the permanent tooth tries to emerge into its place, there may not be enough room. The new tooth may emerge tilted, crooked, or misaligned, which can cause a new range of problems, from interfering with proper chewing to causing TMJ issues.

If your child loses a tooth prematurely, see a dentist right away. Your dentist may advise a space maintainer which will hold open the space left by the missing tooth.

Many adults still do not know how important baby teeth are to their children. People think that since baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth, dental care for baby teeth is less critical. However, that is wrong. While it is true that baby teeth are only in the mouth for a short time, they do play a vital role.

• Baby teeth help to reserve space for adult teeth.
• Baby teeth are needed to aid in the development of clear speech.
• Baby teeth give the face its normal appearance.
• Baby teeth are required to chew and eat food.

If baby teeth aren’t maintained by proper dental care, damage can be caused to incoming adult teeth. Dental decay in baby teeth is painful for your child and can cause other overall health issues. It is essential to know that one should care for baby teeth just as much as one should care for adult teeth. Baby teeth may not last a lifetime, but their role in your child’s development is just as important.

Please remember that each child is different, and tooth eruption times can vary from child to child.  However, this will give you some idea of when your child’s teeth should be coming in by. 

Primary Teeth Development Chart

Upper Teeth When tooth emerges When a tooth falls out

Central incisor 8 to 12 months 6 to 7 years
Lateral incisor 9 to 13 months 7 to 8 years
Canine (cuspid) 16 to 22 months 10 to 12 years
First molar          13 to 19 months 9 to 11 years
Second molar   25 to 33 months       10 to 12 years
    
Lower Teeth    

Second molar  23 to 31 months       10 to 12 years
First molar          14 to 18 months 9 to 11 years
Canine (cuspid) 17 to 23 months 9 to 12 years
Lateral incisor 10 to 16 months 7 to 8 years
Central incisor 6 to 10 months 6 to 7 years

Poor dental health is linked to an increased risk for dementia.

New research shows that in a study of more the 4000 elderly adults in Japan, those who had few teeth and who did not use dentures or see a dentist regularly had a significantly higher risk for dementia onset than the participants who practiced better dental health practices. The study was published in the April issue of Psychosomatic Medicine.

Dental disease is nearly 100 percent preventable, yet fewer than 30 percent of people follow their dentist’s advice to brush and floss twice daily. People are dropping the ball with their at-home dental care habits. In some states, nearly 40 percent of people with dental insurance still need to see their dentist regularly. Early education about oral health care habits is essential and should be reinforced by parents, teachers, and the community.

The number of preschoolers with severe tooth decay is rising across all income levels. Some young children have six to ten cavities. Some reasons for the increased rise in tooth decay among young children are mainly snacking and juices or other sweet drinks t bedtime. But other reasons include children drinking bottled water instead of fluoridated tap water. As well as parents who have grown lax about making their kids have proper dental care habits such as brushing and flossing daily.

Too many Americans, particularly kids, are in emergency rooms with rotten teeth issues. According to surveys by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 10 states within the past three years, the percentage of third graders with untreated tooth decay ran as high as 40 percent in Arizona to just under 15 percent in Washington State. A study by the Pew Center for the States found that preventable dental conditions were the primary reason for more than 830,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. in 2009, up 16 percent from just three years before.

Remembering proper dental care habits at home and seeing a dentist helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease and save you money in the long run. Preventive dental care services such as office visits, X-rays, and cleanings are much more affordable than filling, root canals, and crowns. Considering that even lower-cost dental insurance plans offer free to meager-cost preventive dental care, it makes sense to maintain your dental health. Caring for your teeth with good dental habits and seeing your dentist decreases your chances of developing more significant, more costly dental issues.