Teens are known for eating sweet snacks, fast foods and meals on-the-run. These eating habits are the culprits of tooth decay and dental problems. Make sure your kids choose their foods wisely. When possible, foods like sugary snacks and sweet sticky foods should be eaten at meal times when other foods help neutralize their damaging effects. When your kids do snack, encourage them to eat foods that are good for their teeth like nuts, popcorn, cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and sugarless gum or candy. Remind them to brush, or at least rinse, after every meal.
Babies who are teething often display an insatiable urge to chew on things to soothe the irritation in their gums. You can give your baby teething rings, which are specially made to indulge this urge. Refrigerating the rings to make them quite cold will help soothe sore gums better.
Select fluoride toothpaste and use a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush after every meal and before bed. If the child swallows the toothpaste this small amount should not hurt him. Sweet candy plays a part in tooth decay. The best way to keep smiling is using fluoride toothpastes. Help children develop a teeth brushing routine, limiting candy bars and hard candy intake during the day, and never after brushing their teeth at bedtime to avoid microorganisms working on their mouth by night.
The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or gingivitis is to instill proper oral habits early. Here are three tips and tricks to make the task of teeth brushing a little more fun and a lot less taxing:
* The second important thing to remember with a newborn baby is to NOT put them to bed with a bottle. It is MUCH easier never to start this bad habit than it is to stop it when the baby teeth start coming in. Letting a baby sleep with a bottle – or nurse continuously, if breast-feeding – can cause serious dental cavities, called Early Childhood Cavities. It is important to note that while many experts agree that breast-feeding is healthier for your baby, breast milk can cause Early Childhood Cavities just as whole milk or formula can. * Choosing the right kind of toothbrush is very crucial for the over all health of your teeth. A brush with M-shaped bristles is an ideal one. Always go in for soft bristles.
* Your teeth are constituted of two major elements. They are calcium and phosphorus. These elements help in hardening your teeth and also in the formation of teeth in children. Therefore your diet should be planned in such a manner that you get quite a good amount of both these elements.
Finding a home remedy for teeth whitening that works best may have you feeling like a glass slipper in search of the right foot. Not every home remedy for teeth whitening is going to be effective; some are more folklore than factual. A simple process or trial and elimination may be in order. Apple cider and white vinegar are also used in a few home remedy recipes for teeth whitening. Wood ash is known for being a natural bleaching additive, but too much usage can cause the enamel of your teeth to wear away. Like the vinegar, it has a rather bitter taste.
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Dental care is important responsibility for pet owners, but too many owners are not familiar with the steps to maintaining the dental hygiene of their dog. Your dog’s mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and even though their natural defense systems are very effective, certain issues can spiral out of control if not recognized and treated. Most diseases of the mouth start with the formation of gingivitis. This is a reddening or swelling of the gums that is often caused by a buildup of plaque and tarter on the teeth. While the initial stages of gingivitis are easy to treat, more advanced complications include tooth loss and jaw bone infections. Early warning signs of this condition include bad breath, gum bleeding, and even a change in eating patterns as a result of mouth pain.
Preventing gingivitis and the onset of more severe conditions can be done by proactively monitoring your dog’s dental health. This starts with the type of food you feed them. It is important to include plenty of dry food in the diet. Dry food helps to eliminate plaque and tarter through the natural chewing process. Even if your dog typically eats canned food, you can integrate a dry option by mixing it with the canned products or by offering canned food at only one of their meals.
Water is another essential part of doggie dental care since it provides the fluoride used to strengthen the teeth. Tap water is actually more beneficial than bottled water because it contains a much higher level of fluoride. The average sized dog should drink between two and four cups of water a day. You can add even more benefits to drinking water by adding an oral hygiene solution to the water. These products are available at pet supply stores and are very effective at preventing problems down the road.
Beyond these simple diet tips, there are other things you can make available that will help your dog maintain a healthy mouth. There are actually toothpastes and brushes designed specifically for dogs. While it can take some time for your pet to become accustomed to the process, brushing your dog’s teeth for a minute or two each day will help their bodies naturally breakdown the buildup of plaque and tarter. You can also help keep your dog’s mouth clean by purchasing the right treats and toys. Stay away from products that are soft and sticky since they can remain in your dog’s mouth for extended periods of time. Also pay attention to ingredients like sugar that do more harm than good. Ideally, you would try a treat like carrots, which are both healthy and crunchy. There are also a number of treats made specifically to promote dental health. Just read the ingredients and make sure they do everything they advertise.
If you do run into a dental concern with your dog, the best step is to talk with your veterinarian. They will examine your dog and recommend the best treatment plan. In some cases this will include a professional cleaning. This can involve putting your dog to sleep and working extensively on their mouth. While this can procedure can be stressful for both you and your pet, starting with a clean slate will make it easier to implement a long-term dental strategy.
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Paying too much for coverage and not having enough coverage may be a familiar scenario for many of the residents in America. Not many health insurance companies offer policies with coverage that will give you dental, eye and alternative care. Americans are spending over $30 billion annually just for dental services and most of it is out of their own pocket. The prices for dental care can be very horrid, ranging between $850 to $1,000 for crowns, $150 for check-ups and cleaning and thousands of dollars for oral surgery. Most of the dental plans available are expensive – the reason being that the insurance companies know that the individuals who purchase dental coverage already have dental problems and will definitely be using the coverage. This is also known as adverse selection.
Another option is available today with the HSA, or Health Savings Account. This is an account that you can use to accumulate tax-free dollars for medical bills that aren’t covered under your High Deductible Health Plan, or HDHP. It is required that you are enrolled in a HDHP to qualify for an HSA. These plans have high annual deductibles, but you receive low monthly premiums in exchange. Since the money in the HSA is tax-free, the account holder can funnel their dental expenses through the HSA for a tax write-off. If you decide to get a health plan with dental coverage, the deductible cannot be paid for with the HSA, but the expenses rendered from services can. Since you’ll be funding your account with pre-tax dollars, you can easily save $500 or more off the costs of your family’s yearly dental expenses by paying for the charges from your Health Savings Account.
There are some other options for dental coverage available. With prepaid dental plans you will be charged low monthly fees, which are usually around $7/month for individuals and $16/month for families. The plans give you significant discounts on check-ups, fillings, extractions and other dental services provided by a network dentist. Some plans help with the expenses for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Since these plans aren’t insurance, it can be paid for with the HSA. When calculating what medical expenses will be reimbursed from your HSA, include dental fees and premiums from the prepaid dental plan.
More About Health Savings Accounts
Any health expenses that aren’t covered under your HDHP can be paid for with your HSA, such as deductibles, eyewear and dental care. As long as the bill you are trying to cover was needed for a health problem, it can be paid for. So if you decided to get a massage while at the spa – this wouldn’t be covered, but if your doctor recommended that you go to a masseuse after a painful accident; this would be covered. Having an HSA is the way health insurance should be – you get to choose what medical help you receive for your health conditions. This means if you decide to get alternative medicine instead of going to an allopathic physician (conventional doctors that use prescriptions drugs and other treatments for quick-fixes instead of delving to the root of the problem), you can do so and have the expenses paid with the HSA.
What is Considered an HSA Qualified Expense?
The definition of qualified medical expenses is only partially given in the IRS Publication 502 and through various federal court rulings. There are few restrictions – as long as the expenses are for medical treatments or prevention for a health problem. For instance, yoga wouldn’t be identified as a medical expense unless your doctor recommended it as a treatment for medical reasons, such as for physical therapy after an injury, then it is qualified as a medical expense. Many may question why the government would give a tax deduction for someone using some crazy vibration machine to cure their cancer. Again, the HSA is how health insurance should be. You should get to choose what treatments would best benefit your health condition. This gives account holders that power to manage their health as they see fit. Health Savings Accounts are encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility of their health care while loosening the monopoly traditional health care has had over the past couple of decades.
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DISCOUNT DENTAL PLANS
A dental discount plan may be an attractive and affordable alternative to dental insurance. Some people who already have dental insurance find that they save even more by adding a dental discount plan too. They are usually very affordable, do not have waiting periods, and often cover many procedures like cosmetic and orthodontics that traditional dental insurance will not cover!
DENTAL INSURANCE
Traditional dental insurance has some drawbacks. With expensive premiums, high deductibles, and low yearly maximums, it may be hard to see how a dental insurance plan saves much money at all. Many dental insurance plans will offer generous coverage on routine care like checkups, cleanings, and simple x-rays. However those services are usually fairly inexpensive anyway. When a family needs more coverage, they may find that their out of pocket costs surprise them. Complex fillings and crowns usually still require large copayments, and many dental insurance companies do not even cover orthodontics, cosmetic work, or dentures at all! Some of the problems with many Dental Insurance Plans include:
* Limitations, deductibles and annual maximums
* Waiting periods for major dental procedures
* Tedious and time-consuming written claims process
* Limitations/exclusions on pre-existing conditions
* Certain dental specialties, such as cosmetic dentistry, are rarely covered.
* Consumers pay expensive monthly premiums for defined coverage.
* Typically inaccessible to individuals and families unless provided by their employer.
Some of the characteristics of Discount Dental Plans include:
* No annual limits, members enjoy discounts on most dental services all year long.
* Most plans activate right away, within 1 to 3 business days, and have no waiting periods!
* No tiresome paperwork hassles, plan membership card is presented for discounts on most dental services
* No health restrictions and no age restrictions.
* Select plans include discounts on dental specialties, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics.
* Consumers pay affordable membership fees for access to a network of providers offering discounts on most dental procedures
* Available directly to individuals, families, businesses and groups.
Many families who have dental insurance at work find that they have more flexibility, and save more money by adding a dental discount plan! This is because the discount dental plan may cover services that dental insurance does not cover. The dental discount plans use a huge network of US dentists, and so some families find it easier to find a nearby dental provider too. Dental plans make it easy to find dentists! They have simple online searches, by zip code or dentist name. You can find out if your current dentist accepts the plan or find a new dentist in your area. Many families who do not have dental insurance at work will put off routine dental care because they are concerned about the cost. However, this is never a good idea. If a person neglects regular checkups and cleanings, worse problems will develop in the future. Many discount dental plans even offer free, or very inexpensive, routine care like checkups, cleanings, and x-rays. Some dental plans also offer other medical discounts. They arrange special deals with vision care providers, pharmacies, vitamin stores, and other outlets for health needs. With dental plans costing a few dollars a month, most will do more than pay for themselves!
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Dental tourism is a budding concept for a planned vacation along with dental implants surgery in India. Health problems and treatment are very costly in most of the European and American countries compared to our country. It provides excellent package to meet your treatment expenditure and at the same time guide you to spend the vacation. The difference in charge of a dentist from US to India is worth a thought. That is why the country has recently become a major tourist hub of dental care solutions. You can have your tooth fixed and make your holidays memorable at the same time or simply, enjoy the different places to travel and get the dental treatment done without getting a hole in your pocket. One can enjoy the holidays and receive services related to dentistry such as dental implants surgery in India at a very affordable price.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gums. A natural tooth consists of a crown and the root. It is the root in the jawbone that actually holds the natural tooth in place. A dental implant is a small man-made titanium fixture that serves as a replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Titanium is used because it is the most compatible with our human body. The dental implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and functions as an anchor for the replacement tooth. After the bone has grown around the implant, implants can hold a crown, bridge or over denture just like roots hold natural teeth in place. Implants provide additional support where teeth are missing without putting forces onto remaining natural teeth. They may be used to support the replacement of a single missing tooth or a complete functional set for individuals who have lost many or all of their teeth.
Procedure of dental implant surgery
Under local anesthesia, the first step for many implant procedures is the exposure of the bone where the implant is to be made. This is followed by placement of the implant into the exposed jawbone. Implants that are placed in the bone are called endosteal implants and are made of titanium or a titanium alloy because this metal does not adversely interact with biological tissue. After placement of the implant a cover screw is put in and the wound is closed with stitches and allowed to heal. In general, placements in the lower jaw need to heal about three months, while placements in the upper jaw need to heal about six months. After healing, in a second surgical procedure, the implant is uncovered, the cover screw is removed and a healing abutment or a temporary crown is placed in the implant. Temporary crowns are generally used for esthetic reasons, when the implant is in a place that is visible. Both healing abutments and temporary crowns allow the tissue around the implant to be trained to grow around the final prosthetics tooth. After about two months the soft tissue will be healed to receive the final prosthetic tooth.
The cost of dental treatment in a western country is approximately 7-10 times more than that in India. With these high costs people have started to combine their vacation with dental treatments into one, ending up by having a grand holiday almost free. There is a full service cosmetic and general dental clinic specializing in creating beautiful smiles. The in house facility of dental caps, crowns and beyond … Dental clinics in India give you the unmatched time advantage plus international quality control. For NRIs and foreigners they provide special care in the form of appointments at a short notice and the work is completed within the span of 3-5 days keeping in mind your tight schedule. Millions of people every year fly from USA and Europe for a grand holiday and dental implants surgery in India.
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Did you know that dental problems are the ones that affect more people in the world than anything else. If you didn’t, then you better be on your toes and make sure you don’t lose your precious teeth. Ever heard about the best dental insurance in town? No, then heres the answer – AARP. The best of benefits and the greatest of advantages. Nobody knows dental insurance better than AARP because they have been in business for that many years and exactly know what’s best for the patients. The best part about AARP is you don’t even have to change your dentist! Not many policies allow you to keep them, do they? Nobody likes to change their dentist and there couldn’t be any other bigger benefit than that. We all know that saving money as well as receiving the best of benefits is our criteria and AARP just helps us do that. What more – AARP covers you for a full two years! In simple words your coverage will never change for these full two years. People have been searching for this and you have already found it. Welcome to AARP… Having your own dentist, getting the best benefits and good coverage are the vital points in any coverage. AARP has all of this for you. You and your family are so totally protected. The most needed benefits are the ones you will find with AARP. Other insurance companies load their policies with features you don’t use or don’t know but with AARP you get what you want and what you know. Easy to sigh up and easier to use! Don’t miss this not to miss offer. Just for you from AARP. After all we cant afford to ignore our good old set of teeth. For dental care is as important as health care.
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When people want to find a solution to covering their dental care expenses, many of them normally think of dental insurance. After all, we have or can have insurance for almost anything else, such as medical insurance, car insurance, homeowners insurance, and many more. Therefore, people usually choose dental insurance and pay for a policy only to discover later on that this was not their best option, for several reasons. First of all, your dental insurance is very likely not to cover any of the conditions you had prior to buying the policy. In other words, if an older dental problem is bothering you now, you’ll have to pay to get it fixed, although you have dental insurance. The waiting period before you can treat a pre-existing condition is somewhere around twelve months, but who can wait that long if the problem persists or gets worse? Not even after the waiting period is over can you be sure that your condition will no longer be considered pre-existing and will be covered by your insurance. Moreover, the cost of dental insurance is rather high, the cheapest insurance possible being somewhere around $150, while some of the most expensive are around $600. You can imagine that the services covered vary according to the price of the dental insurance, so you shouldn’t expect too much coverage from a rather cheap insurance. Furthermore, cosmetic dentistry is not included in dental insurance; this is something you will have to pay for yourself.
Fortunately, all those who want to have access to affordable dental care can do so by joining dental plans. These are the far better option now, in light of what the dental insurance covers and how much it costs. The discount dental plans are not expensive to join, starting as low as $80 a year. If you want your whole family to join the discount dental plan, the price is even more convenient, beginning with about $130 a year. But how do dental plans work? Well, you can join such a plan by paying a yearly fee and finding a dentist in your area who participates in a dental discount plan. It can be any dentist or dental specialist in the plan network, the choice is entirely up to you. Once you have joined a dental plan, there is no waiting period before you can have a dentist see you, there is no such thing as pre-existing condition (everything is treated) and there is no coverage limit.
What do dentals plans cover exactly? Pretty much everything, from preventative care and restorative care to periodontal, orthodontic and endodontic procedures, from oral surgery and infections to cosmetic dentistry. In other words, you can join a dental plan and visit a dentist the very next day for dental problems such as check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, root canals, caps, gum surgery, root planing, braces, retainers, bridges, dentures, veneers and teeth whitening. All in all, if you are in need of immediate and decent dental care, at an affordable price, I suggest you weigh your options carefully and consider joining a dental plan, which comes with a lot more benefits and advantages.
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People often do not pay as much attention to their dental health as they do to other illnesses, often with serious consequences. To keep dental diseases at bay and to meet the rising costs of dental treatment it is important that you choose a good dental plan. Having a dental plan should encourage you to take more preventive care of your teeth to avoid the more serious dental problems. With medical insurance services, the cost of a particular medical treatment or health check is reimbursed directly by the insurance company to the medical service provider. With dental insurance plans, the company is responsible for reimbursing the dentist. Dental plans can however vary in type and feature. Dentists participating in discount dental plans take lower fees than those covered by regular dental plans, with discounts varying between 20% and 60%. All dental plans charge a membership fee, with the amount varying from one plan to the other. Dental plans are offered to either individuals or to the whole family, with family dental plans usually offering bigger discounts than individual dental plans. You should compare the rates charged under the different plans before selecting the most appropriate one for you.
It is important also to know the type of dental services covered by your dental plan. Routine dental check ups and dental treatments such as oral examination, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, teeth filling and teeth extraction are generally covered by most dental plans. However, dental plans do not always cover major dental care treatments such as oral surgery, dental implants, restorative care, braces, root canal treatments etc. In case of such costly dental procedures you unfortunately have to foot the bill yourself. Often there are a number of alternative treatments available for certain dental problems. Under such circumstances dental plans allow reimbursement for the cost of the basic dental treatment, and further costs in excess of the basic treatment cost has to be covered by the patient.
Dental health plans may or may not allow you to choose your own dentist, but it is common practice for patients to generally receive dental care from dentists mentioned in the plan. Before choosing a plan make sure that the participating dentists practice in your area. Choose a plan that is accepted nationwide and not restricted to your state. Check whether you are allowed to visit the dentist unscheduled, or at scheduled hours only. You also need to decide whether you want an annual plan or a monthly plan. Annual dental plans are more cost beneficial than monthly plans. So get regular check ups with your dentist to reap the maximum benefits out of your dental plan.
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It doesn’t matter how affluent you are anymore, health care costs are rising and coverage benefits are dropping. Quite a few Western countries with organized health care systems are still leaving too many citizens without adequate coverage. Having priority procedures taken care of, like emergency room visits, broken bones, or necessary surgeries often uses up benefits completely. There might be no funds left to cover routine dental care, cosmetic enhancements, or elective surgeries and procedures. Increasing numbers of people are paying full price for treatments in other countries because the insurance in their own country doesn’t cover the treatments that they need and want, and its cheaper to go abroad than pay full price at home. And, the waiting lists for non-emergency procedures is growing longer than the average life span.
One type of treatment that is very conducive to a medical tourism model is dental tourism. Many people may be hesitant to seek medical care or involved surgeries outside of their own country, but, in general, the risks involved with dental treatments tend to be far smaller. When you are researching the options for dental tourism, one thing will become rather clear. Hungary, in particular Budapest, has grown to be one of the top destinations for dental tourism. Several factors have affected this ranking, including the availability of highly-qualified professional dentists (often with Western training), English-speaking providers, low cost and convenience of travel, very affordable accommodations, and the breathtaking beauty of the area. Remember when you are planning your dental tourism experience that you need to consider all of the angles involved. Just because one place offers a very cheap deal doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Choose quality along with affordability. This is your health and quality of life at stake, and it’s well worth it to research your options carefully!
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America is in the midst of a healthcare crisis. Close to 48 million Americans do not have any health insurance and many are underinsured. Even more Americans lack good dental care. Statistics show that as many as 7 out of 10 Americans do not have an affordable dental plan. This is a serious situation because dental and gum disease can affect your general health. There is evidence that the bacteria from diseased gums and teeth may cause inflammation in the body which can eventually lead to heart and coronary artery disease. Preventive dental care can avoid these serious complications. In addition, a pleasant and healthy smile can help you feel confident and secure when you meet people, and can even help you perform better at a job interview. While most families realize the importance of good dental care, the cost of dental treatment has become prohibitively expensive in the past few years as has the cost of dental insurance. If you work for a large company, you may be able to obtain a traditional dental insurance policy. This will help with some expenses; however, most dental insurance plans have limits on how much an individual can spend on dental treatment per year. Typical annual dental plan yearly maximums are as low as $1,000 per patient. Treatment to save just one tooth with a root canal and a porcelain crown to protect the devitalized tooth will easily top this limit. What if a family member needs more extensive work than this?
Another problem that patients have with dental insurance is that there will usually be a waiting period of up to one year for pre-existing dental conditions to be covered. If you have a serious dental problem, waiting a year before treatment can be initiated will only lead to a worsening of the condition meaning more costly treatment will be required in the future. Most dental insurance policies also have a missing tooth clause. This means that if a bridge or partial denture is needed for a tooth that was missing prior to treatment; the patient is not covered and must pay out of pocket. Most traditional dental insurance plans offer very limited or no coverage for orthodontic treatment (braces) even though good tooth alignment can prevent more serious dental problems later on. In addition, cosmetic dentistry and dental implants are rarely covered.
Another problem with dental insurance is the long claim forms that must be submitted. This is a hassle for both the patient and dental office alike. Clearly for many families, a dental discount plan offers an affordable alternative to costly dental insurance. These dental discount plans are readily available to individuals, the self employed, as well as businesses. For patients with ongoing conditions or who need extensive restorative work, a dental discount plan is clearly the better choice because they will save much more with the discount program. Savings with a good dental discount plan typically range from 25% for specialist treatment (periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, etc. ) to 80% for exams. Most major dental procedures such as fillings, root canals, crowns and bridges, dentures, and orthodontic treatment offer savings from 50% to 60% and even more when done by a general dentist literally cutting a family’s dental bill by more than half. In addition, patients will enjoy instant savings, no limits on visits or services, no age limits, no waiting period, and no paperwork. As an added benefit, many discount dental plans also offer value added services such as a prescription card, and savings on chiropractic and vision care.
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Without any dental insurance or dental plans most Americans would not get their routine check up. The cost of dental care can be so expensive. Now Its easy to save money on quality dental care for you and your family with a discount dental plan. Enjoy discounts on checkups, cleanings, braces, root canals and more with select plans.
Why it is very important to keep up on your routine dental visits. Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people. Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the tooth and destroy the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth. Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means around the tooth. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. Now the benefits of these dental plans: Save 10% to 60% on most dental procedures. Choose from over 30 discount dental plans. No health restrictions, paperwork hassles or annual limits. Most plans activate within 3 business days, so you can save on your dental care right away!
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Using a good quality toothbrush and toothpaste can help keep your smile bright! When we talk about dental care many people think about that trip to the dentists every 6 months. You DO go to the dentist regularly don’t you? OK, many of us don’t because of the time involved or expense. The second best way to protect your teeth is to follow a regular dental care regimen at home. This would include not only brushing your teeth with a quality toothbrush but also using some type of dentifrice or toothpaste and regular use of dental floss. Flossing is probably the least used but most effective way to clean areas of your teeth that cannot be reached with brushing alone. Toothpaste is a paste used, almost always in conjunction with a tooth brush, to clean teeth. Good oral hygiene demands consistent brushing on a daily basis preferably after each meal.
The first reference to toothpaste was found believe it or not in Egyptian writings. Toothpaste back then was probably a mixture of spices like salt and peppermint and probably some herbs. Although not exactly our idea of good tasting, it was most likely very effective for keeping down the decaying food particles and was considered good basic dental care of the day. In the late 1800s, toothpaste and dental care become a growth industry for many smaller companies. Oral hygiene of the day was a mixture of chalk and various salts designed more as an abrasive to scrape off plaque than make your mouth clean. We now know that these types of toothpastes or powders actually damaged teeth because of the abrasive nature of the ingredients. The abrasiveness scraped and damaged the enamel coating that protected teeth and left them more vulnerable to decay and plaque build up. By 1900, baking soda made its way into commercial toothpaste products along with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide solution. This was probably the very beginnings of teeth whitening products for the mass market. Although actual tooth cleaning pastes were first marketed in the 19th century, it was not very popular until the mid 1900s.
The Colgate Company manufactured toothpaste in the first collapsible tube, similar to the tubes we use today. These were actually the first products that had the basic compounds to brighten and whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide, although in higher concentrations is being used today to remove staining and whiten teeth. Although tooth powders, a precursor product to toothpaste didn’t show up on the market until this time, it wasn’t until the mid 1950-1960 that modern toothpaste that we recognize became the teeth cleaner of choice. Fluoride started to be added to toothpastes in the 1950 and 1960s. Fluoride is still controversial due to the claimed dangers of anything chemical. Although fluoride is not good for people in large quantities, it’s a fact that as fluoride has been added to the nations water supply, the number of cavities in children has dropped dramatically. Of course, theres little doubt that fluoride has been instrumental in lowering the number of dental cavities.
Like many shampoos, healthier ingredients (such as baking soda, pseudo-mouthwash etc.) are often combined into base mixes of varying qualities and marketed as being beneficial. Toothpaste is most commonly sold in flexible tubes, although one may also purchase it in hard plastic containers with pumps. Packages designed to stand straight up, so as to allow more of the toothpaste to be used, are a relatively recent innovation. You only need a little toothpaste to get the job done however. Remember that the toothpaste manufacturers have an interest in getting you to overuse their product, making more purchases likely. A pea-sized amount is more than enough to do a good job brushing your teeth. Toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, with those marketed to kids! Tasting like orange, cinnamon and bubblegum. Taste has nothing to do with the quality of the product however but may get some people and children to brush longer. So for a good brushing, use a quality toothpaste and soft bristle brush. Your teeth and gums will thank you!
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Did you need to visit the dentist recently, but didn’t because the costs were too high? This is not uncommon, especially if you are self employed or if your employer doesn’t offer dental coverage as a benefit. Individual dental insurance plans have become extremely expensive and they don’t offer near enough coverage, especially when you initially buy the policy. For example, pre-existing conditions are not covered by new dental insurance policies until you’ve gone through a one year waiting period from the day that you buy the policy. During this time you must maintain your premium payments on time and in full. Unfortunately, the policy still will only cover a small portion of any costs claimed for your pre-existing condition after the year is over. You may get a small amount of assistance, such as 10% – 25%, but you’ll still end up paying the majority of the costs yourself until after you’ve owned the policy for a few years.
If you are self employed or simply need an affordable individual or family dental plan, your best bet is to join what is called a discount dental plan. These discount plans don’t work like insurance, therefore you can be seen right away for any existing problems that you may have and pay a substantially reduced rate. All you need to do is locate a participating provider close to where you live, pay the low annual fee to join the plan, make an appointment with your new dentist (or your old one. They may already be a participating provider.), get your dental care taken care of and pay them in full at the time of your visit. You will save anywhere from ten to sixty percent on your dental care by participating in the plan! So if you’re self employed or simply need a good dental plan for yourself or your family, take a good look at discount dental plans as an affordable option.
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Maintaining good dental health can at times prove to be expensive. Therefore it is important that you go for a good dental insurance that covers the costs of your dental treatment be it a routine check up or an emergency. Purchasing dental insurance from a good dental insurance company relieves you of the hassles and worries of the otherwise expensive cost of keeping your oral cavity healthy. With dental insurance you can choose a specific dental plan that is right for you. However, before choosing a dental plan from any dental insurance company you must pay attention to the following points:
* You should ask the dental insurance company for its actual office address and not just its P. O. Box address. This step should give you peace of mind in knowing that you are purchasing dental insurance from a real dental insurance company. Ask for its office phone number so that you can contact the office any time to learn more about its dental plans.
* Ask the dental insurance company if it covers specific procedures performed by your dentist. If you are searching for a dental plan that covers teeth fillings and teeth cleanings, that dental plan should not cost you much. On the other hand, if you would like to have x-rays and fluoride paid by your dental plan, then this type of dental plan most likely should cost a bit more.
* Ask the dental insurance company about your personal dentists role in its dental plan. If your dentist is not on its list, then it is rather useless selecting such type of dental plan. Since your dentist is the one most familiar with your dental health, it is better to ask your dentist which dental insurance companies dental plans he participates in.
* You can do a thorough research on dental insurance companies online. Dental health is a new and fast growing industry and is getting very competitive. You can find a wide selection of dental plans ranging from $15.00 per month to $100 per month.
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Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Our cosmetic dental procedures are summarized below. In many cases, a cosmetic dentist will implement a combination of the following procedures to give you that perfect smile, improve your dental health, and develop a better overall health.
* Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening is generally performed on patients who want a better smile. Teeth whitening may be performed to reduce discoloration and possible staining, or to provide the patient with whiter teeth and a better smile.
* Veneers – Veneers are an extremely thin covering that people use to optimize their appearance. These can easily correct stained, chipped, or poorly positioned teeth. Veneers are a conservative approach to esthetic problems. Their results are remarkable!
* Dental Implants – Implants are a fantastic way to replace missing teeth. From one tooth, to a whole set, implants have been shown to remarkably improve peoples lives.
* Dental Bonding – Bonding is a tooth-colored filling placed in the front and back teeth. Composites are the remedy for restoring decayed teeth, cosmetic improvements and changing the color or reshaping them. Bonding may lighten stains that you have on your teeth, close minor gaps and correct crooked teeth. Bonding can cover natural flaws by applying a thin coat of plastic material on the front surface. Then we can apply a bonding material to sculpt color and shape your teeth. A high-intensity light hardens the composite, and the surface is polished.
* Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is basically a false tooth or teeth which is fused between two or more porcelain crowns to fill empty spaces left by a missing tooth or teeth. This procedure is an alternative to implants or removable dentures. Fixed bridges are bonded and are not removable. Bridges may reduce risk of gum disease, assist in correcting some bite issues and improve speech. Bridges require a patient s full commitment to a strict regimented oral hygiene and may last up to ten years or more.
* Dentures – Dentures are replacements for missing teeth essentially made from an acrylic resin. Dentists sometimes incorporate porcelain or metal for added structural support. The two main types of dentures are called complete dentures and partial dentures and are finely designed and custom fit to your needs. If you care for your dentures they will look natural and provide a good smile. Dentures can strengthen muscles that control your facial expressions and can eliminate some of your pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth. Best of all, they can help you to be able to chew again!
* Composite Restorations (fillings) – are used to restore tooth structure lost by decay or damage. This tooth colored filling can also help to “shape” teeth to improve cosmetics. Tooth fillings were colored to look like a natural tooth and known as Composite Resin Dental Fillings. They are made of a plastic dental resin. Composite Resin Fillings are durable, strong, and provide a natural looking smile. * * Inlays/Onlays – These restorations are made of ceramic or gold and are used as a much longer lasting alternative to composite fillings.
* Crowns – can be made of ceramic, porcelain or gold. They also protect the teeth if they have had a root canal or if they had a bog filling.
* Root Canals – We have all heard the comparisons of painful procedures when it comes to the root canal. At our Dental Practice, we make it as comfortable as possible. These tiny canals within your tooth become infected, and this leads to a diseased pulp inside your tooth. We can remove any infection in the root canal through this procedure. The canals are filled and the tooth receives a filling or a crown. Crowns are more commonly used in most cases because they give the tooth some extra strength.
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About Dry Mouth
When we don’t produce enough saliva, the mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. This decreased production of saliva is known as dry mouth or xerostomia. Dry mouth affects about 10% of all people and is more prevalent in women than men. Disorders of saliva production affect elderly people effectively affecting around one in five elderly people. As people get older, they tend to take more medicines; half of all Americans aged 60-plus take three or more prescription medicines on a regular basis. This is the primary reason why older people are more likely to suffer from chronic Dry Mouth.
Saliva is an essential part of a healthy mouth and is often taken for granted. The lubricating properties of saliva provide comfort and help protect the oral tissues against ulcers, sores, and other effects of friction. Saliva neutralizes acids and provides antibodies against bacterial threat. Saliva helps digest food and helps teeth in mineralization. Saliva is also a very essential contributor to a person’s ability to taste, as it acts as a solvent for the taste stimuli. There are many causes of dry mouth. Dry mouth most commonly occurs as a side effect of medications that cause decrease saliva production, including blood pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and many others. Other causes of dry mouth are radiation treatments to treat cancerous tumors, salivary gland diseases, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, mouth breathing, sleep apnea, autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupuserythematosus.
Eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, are other risk factors for developing xerostomia. Salivary production is often decreased when a major salivary duct becomes blocked, such as from a stone or infection. Dehydration is one of the main factors contributing to dry mouth. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss and burns can cause dry mouth. Lifestyle choices which includes smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva production and aggravate dry mouth.
Continuously breathing with your mouth open can also contribute to the problem. Patients suffering from dry mouth or xerostomia experience the common symptoms of sticky dry feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst, sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth; cracked lips, dry feeling in the throat, burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue, dry red raw tongue, problems speaking or difficulty tasting, chewing, swallowing, hoarseness, dry nasal passages, and sore throat.
To determine if you have dry mouth, your doctor or dentist likely will examine your mouth and review your medical history and all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications. Sometimes you may need blood tests, imaging scans of your salivary
glands or tests that measure how much saliva you produce to identify the cause of your dry mouth. If your doctor suspects your dry mouth is caused by Sjogren’s syndrome, a small sample of cells (biopsy) taken from salivary glands in your lip may be sent for testing.
Practical measures that will help resolve dry mouth, whatever the causes are:
* Take frequent sips or sprays of cold water.
* Always have a glass of water next to you when you go to bed.
* Suck ice cubes.
* Sugar-free chewing gum is often helpful.
* Eating pineapple chunks or partly frozen melon is often soothing and helpful.
* Some people find that it helps to suck boiled sweets. (But, sugary or acidic sweets are not typically good for teeth. ).
* Consider reducing or cutting out caffeine and alcohol which have a diuretic effect. (This means that they can make you pass out more
urine, which can be dehydrating. ) Caffeine occurs in tea, coffee, cola and other drinks. It is also part of some medicines.
* You can apply petroleum jelly to your lips to prevent drying and cracking.
* Sometimes if its not adequate, then your doctor can prescribe spray, gel or lozenge for production of artificial saliva or saliva
stimulants like pilocarpine.
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Best And Worst Foods For Dental Health
It may be easy to think that a regular regime of brushing twice a day is adequate for maintaining ideal oral hygiene, but it is important to note that the different kinds of food and beverages that we consume have different impacts on the mineralized portion of our teeth. Some food substances may contain nutrients and minerals that allow teeth to regain lost strength and gums to remain healthy, while other food substances can cause deterioration of the oral cavity in numerous ways including staining, cavity formation, accumulation of bacteria and conditions associated with the gums. It is said that prevention is better than cure, and rightly so. The right diet and maintenance routines can work wonders for the oral cavity. The top five best foods the teeth have been enlisted as follows:
* Milk and Dairy Products: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cottage cheese are rich in calcium. Calcium helps in providing
strength and structural integrity to the teeth. Calcium not only strengthen the enamel of the teeth, but also all the bones of the
body.
* Natural Greens: Eating fresh fruit and vegetables can work miracles for the teeth; not only do these leafy, fresh foods offer a
scrubbing action on the teeth that remove lodged debris from between the teeth, but also helps in active generation of saliva which
keeps the oral cavity thoroughly cleansed.
* Sugar-free Gum: Leading dentists recommend sugar-free gums to their patients. This is because these gums stimulate the generation of
saliva and can be used for long durations of time without posing any threat to the teeth.
* Nuts: Nuts contains some essential nutrients and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D; walnuts, almonds and peanuts can help
strengthen the teeth and gums both.
* Water: While it may seem surprising to many, water has been enlisted among the top best foods and beverages for ideal oral health.
Among the most prominent advantages of consuming water throughout the day include the fact that water generally contains fluoride, a
mineral which is also added to toothpastes and mouthwashes to keep the teeth safe from bacteria, plaque and cavity formation. Another
prominent advantage is that water helps in washing out food substances which may have lodged between teeth after meals.
The top five food substances that have been deemed the worse for oral health include:
* Acidic fizzy/sports drinks: Based on the researches conducted in various parts of the world, the consumption of fizzy/sports drinks
has increased rapidly within the last decade. It is critical to note that these drinks contain high levels of sugar and acids such as
carbonic acid and phosphoric acid. Not only do these drinks lower the pH of the oral cavity allowing bacteria to accumulate, but can
also lead to rapid deterioration of the teeth by weakening their structure.
* Candy: Chewy or hard, candy is perhaps the worst enemy of the teeth. Chewy candy adheres to the surfaces of the teeth and is difficult
to remove, while hard candy may lodge between the grooves of the teeth and requires a considerable amount of time before it dissolves.
In both cases, this candy gives ample time for opportunistic bacteria to accumulate and cause destruction of the teeth.
* Staining beverages: The top three most popular, most widely consumed beverages which are also known culprits for teeth staining are
wine, tea and coffee. People who regularly consume either or all of these beverages are most likely to complain of discoloration and
generalized staining which is near impossible to remove with normal brushing techniques.
* Citrus containing food: While citric acid may be great for the skin and blood, it is quite harmful for the oral cavity if consumed
regularly without proper cleaning. Lemon and orange juices for instance, can lower the pH of the oral cavity. Pickles (which contain
vinegar) are also equally harmful for the teeth.
* Starch and carbohydrates: Food such as salted crackers, potato crisps and breads turn mushy once they have been mixed with saliva;
this makes it easy for these substances to adhere between teeth and attract bacteria.
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Recent reports document that employment in the dental industry is speculated to rise by twenty one percent. Over the years, dentists have become an essential role for millions of people worldwide that include teenagers, adults and the elderly. With so many people, requiring assistance pertaining to oral health, dental jobs are consistently in demand. Dentists are qualified dental surgeons that hold doctoral or professional degrees and often offer treatment services through their own practices. Dentists specialize in treating common and irregular diseases that affect the overall oral health of the teeth and gums. Dentists play a valuable and essential role for society that comes in for regular checkups and patients that seek further treatment pertaining to oral health. In addition, dentists assist patients by providing effective and useful communication to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The Benefits of Being a Dentist
One of the most essential benefits of being a dentist is that you can help many people. There are many people seeking a qualified trusted dentist to assist with oral health issues and provide useful advice on teeth and gums. Secondly, dentists are well paid, with a rewarding income that may include bonuses. With dental jobs on the rise, there are millions of people in need of quality oral care, so the prospects will be countless. Dentists can be their own boss! If you’re just starting out you can gradually work your way up and open your own practice.
How to Become a Dentist?
* High School Diploma – The first thing you will need to do is get your high school diploma and participate in as many science, biology, math and chemistry classes as you can.
* Bachelor’s Degree – Many dental institutions request that candidates have a bachelors degree, however there are dentists that work for other people that hold an associates degree.
* Master’s Degree – A dentist can own their own practice with a bachelor’s degree, however, the more degrees and specialties the more of an advantage, it is for you this will help to increase your salary.
* Business Courses – If you plan to open your own practice, you may wish to participate in business courses to become knowledgeable on running your own practice.
* Dental Admission Test – Before students can apply to a dental school a (DAT) Dental Admission Test is required. Some schools may have a score that students have to meet before being accepted, so be sure to get a passing grade. Check with the dental school or institution to get all the requirements needed for admissions.
* Additional Good Standing Documents – Most dental schools require DAT scores, GPA, letters of recommendations and an interview with an admissions specialist. Upon successfully being accepted, into the school, it will take 4 years to receive a (DMD) Doctor of Dental Medicine or (DDS) Doctor of Dental Surgery. The American Dental Association may officially recognize the programs as meeting the essential requirements. However, some states request candidates to get their degree from approved programs in order to obtain a state license. So be sure to research your state’s requirements as well. Some states requirements differ, however all states require that candidates pass the National Board of Dentist Examinations. Candidates will also have to take a practical examination by the state’s licensing board. The examination will consists of CPR certification, first aid certification and an interview with a background check.
There are nine specialties for candidates to choose from, if you consider to specialize, it will take 2-4 more years of studying. In addition, you may have to participate in a 2-year residency program to earn a specialty state license. Recent reports document the average salary for a dentist to be $146,925 annually. However, there are multiple factors to consider for wage increase, if a dentist holds multiple specialties, many years of experience and owns their own practice, then the dentist will be awarded with an increase in salary.
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