So, I last went to the dentist when I was on my parent’s dental insurance plan. I know I need some dental work, though I am not in any significant pain or anything; I know that my teeth are not in good shape. Should I get a dental insurance plan with its waiting period and yearly max and do my dental services a little at a time? Or go for a dental discount plan for dental savings and get my dental work done all at once. Which way, in the long run, would be cheaper?

Reply: It’s great that you’re thinking ahead and trying to weigh your options when it comes to dental insurance. Both dental insurance plans and dental discount plans have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so it depends on your individual situation and needs.

With a dental PPO insurance plan, you’ll typically have a waiting period before you can start using your benefits, and there may be an annual maximum on how much the plan will pay out for your dental services. However, you can spread your dental work over an extended period and pay smaller amounts for each visit.

On the other hand, with a dental discount plan, you’ll usually pay an annual fee to access discounted rates on dental services from participating providers. This is a good option if you need a lot of dental work done in a short amount of time, as you can save more money overall.

Ultimately, you’ll need to assess your dental needs and budget to determine the best option. I suggest speaking with a dental professional or insurance representative to understand better your options and how they would work for you. You can all our member services at 310-534-3444 m-f 8-4.

My parents are on a fixed income. We do not have dental Insurance right now. My dad continually works to pay the bills, so I do not see him often. Even though he works hard, he can not afford $120 or more a month for dental Insurance.

I am seventeen and work a part-time job, so I could pay for my dental services if my parents got our family’s low-cost, full-package dental insurance plan. My mom does not use a computer and will not bother my dad over this, so I am looking for something that sounds workable.

Reply: I understand your situation and how important it is for you to have dental insurance coverage. Dental care can be expensive, especially without insurance. It’s great that you are willing to take on some of the responsibility by working a part-time job. I suggest talking to your dad about dental insurance; we offer some low-cost dental insurance plans that could be an excellent option for your family as they provide comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. You can also help your mom with the enrollment process if needed. It’s always good to have dental coverage to ensure good oral health, and Dental Insurance Plus can help you achieve that. Just call our member service line at 310-534-3444 m-f 8-4.

So what I want to know is if I buy a typical dental insurance plan, what would I get from it? Some plans say free cleaning and X-rays, but is that all I get? Can I have fillings done at a low cost? What about the rest of the dental services? Do all dental insurance plans make you wait until you can have anything beyond a cleaning done? They offer complimentary cleanings, but you must hope you do not need anything else for a year. Please advise why that is the case.

Reply: First, you should know there are different types of dental insurance plans that work differently. Your meaning of a typical dental insurance plan needs to be clarified, but I will briefly explain how types of dental insurance work to benefit your dental care needs. 

1) HMO Dental Insurance Plan: An HMO dental insurance plan, also known as a dental health maintenance organization, typically requires you to choose a primary care dentist from a list of network providers. You will receive most of your dental care services from this primary care dentist, who will refer you to a specialist within the plan network if needed. With an HMO dental insurance plan, you will usually pay a fixed copayment for each service, and you may not be required to pay any deductibles or coinsurance. Typically, HMO dental insurance plans do not have waiting periods before you can receive certain services (however, read the plan terms carefully to confirm this, as some may have short waiting periods for major dental care services). You may have less freedom to choose your dental provider than you would with other types of dental insurance plans, as you must pick a network plan dentist. HMO dental insurance tends to be the lower-cost insurance option, and since dental services are scheduled on a detailed list, you know the cost for each dental care service covered under the plan you are reviewing. Knowing your fee for services makes it easier to budget. 

2) PPO Dental Insurance Plan: A PPO dental insurance plan, also known as a preferred provider organization, gives you more flexibility in choosing your dental care providers. You can visit any dentist within the plan’s network and receive coverage or choose an out-of-network dentist, sometimes at a reduced benefit. With a PPO dental insurance plan, you may have a deductible to meet before Insurance kicks in, and you may be responsible for a percentage of the cost of each service (coinsurance). However, PPO dental insurance plans usually cover more services than HMO plans, including major dental care services like extractions, crowns, and bridges. 

Some PPO dental insurance plans may have waiting periods before you can receive certain services, such as major dental care services. Some PPO dental insurance plans may offer free cleanings and X-rays as a preventive care benefit, but you may need to pay for other services and take into account the deductible if there is one.

Reviewing the plan terms carefully to understand what is covered and what costs you may be responsible for with a PPO dental insurance plan is essential.

3) Indemnity Dental Insurance Plan: An indemnity dental insurance plan is another type of dental insurance that works differently from HMO and PPO plans. An indemnity dental insurance plan allows you to choose your dental care provider more freely. You can visit any dentist you want, and the insurance company will pay a set percentage of the cost of each service covered under the plan. 

Like a PPO dental plan, with an Indemnity dental insurance plan, you may have to pay a deductible before the insurance company starts covering any of your expenses. You may also have waiting periods for basic and major dental care along with a maximum limitation. It’s essential to review the plan terms carefully to understand what is covered and what costs you may be responsible for with an indemnity dental insurance plan.  

Call our office at 310-534-3444 m-f 8-4 if you have any questions on what plan type will work best for your dental care needs. 

What type of dental insurance offers you full dental coverage? I am an adult with no kids. I am looking for a dental insurance plan that does not exclude coverage for cosmetic dental services. I do not currently need cosmetic dental services, but if I do in the future, I want a plan to cover me. I need help finding them online, though. What should I be looking for?

Reply: When it comes to finding a full-coverage dental insurance plan that offers coverage for cosmetic dental services, there are a few things you should be looking for. First, make sure the plan you are considering covers all essential dental services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and x-rays. Next, check if the plan covers primary dental services such as root canals, crowns, and bridges. Finally, look for a plan that covers cosmetic services like teeth whitening, veneers, and braces.

Not all dental insurance plans cover cosmetic services, so you’ll need to do some research to find the right one for you. You can start by looking for plans online and comparing the coverage details and costs. You can also consult a licensed insurance agent who can help you find a plan that meets your specific needs and budget.

Remember, having dental insurance can help you maintain good oral health and save money on dental expenses in the long run. So, take your time to research and find the right coverage plan for you.

Many people often disregard bleeding gums, but it’s essential to take note of this condition as it may be an early indication of gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and surrounding tissues that support the teeth. 

Apart from bleeding gums, other symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Sores in your mouth.
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Loose or separated teeth.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other severe health conditions. It’s essential to have regular dental checkups and to talk to your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms. Your dentist can perform a thorough examination to determine the severity of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

Remember, periodontal disease is second only to cavities in dental care services needed, so taking care of your oral health is crucial to maintaining overall health and well-being.

Fluoride is safe and effective in controlling tooth decay when used correctly. Too much of anything can be destructive; that is the same with Fluoride. Children should use toothpaste with Fluoride; however, an adult should supervise young children.

Children under six are more likely to swallow toothpaste after brushing than spit it out. You want to ensure they only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing their teeth. Encourage your child to spit out and rinse as much as possible.

Avoid flavored toothpaste with younger children as it may encourage swallowing or eating of the toothpaste. Keep any fluoride toothpaste out of the reach of young children until they are proven to be responsible.

Some common symptoms of poor oral and dental health include bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and tooth loss. Other signs may include swollen or bleeding gums, pain or discomfort in the mouth, changes in the color or texture of the teeth, and difficulty chewing or speaking. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly to prevent these symptoms and maintain a healthy mouth is essential. Also, dental insurance can help you cover the costs of regular checkups and treatments.

Canker sores appear inside the mouth. They are small ulcers with a white or grayish base and are bordered in red. You can have one or more canker sores at a time. Experts are not sure what causes canker sores. However, they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of getting them. Canker sores are not contagious and usually disappear in a week to 10 days. The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores/fever blisters and is contagious.

Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips but can crop up under the nose or around the chin. Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.

When dentures are not worn, keeping them moist is essential to prevent them from drying out and warping. You can soak your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution recommended by your dentist. However, avoid using hot water, which can cause the denture material to warp or lose shape.

Handling your dentures with care is also essential when they’re not worn. Store them safely, away from children and pets, and avoid dropping them or placing them near hot surfaces.

Lastly, keep up with regular dental check-ups with your dentist, who can check the fit and condition of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

Dentures should be cleaned at least once a day to remove food particles, plaque, and other debris, and to prevent staining. It’s also important to rinse your dentures after meals to remove any loose food that may have gotten stuck. You should use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean your dentures, and avoid using regular toothpaste, as this can damage the denture material. Additionally, it’s important to soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight to help remove any bacteria that may have accumulated on them during the day.

It is essential to know that an exposed root may not be visible depending on the location of the affected tooth. For example, if the tooth with an exposed root is in the back of your mouth, you may not notice what is happening, but you may certainly feel the symptoms of an exposed root. However, you may be able to see an exposed root if

• Damage to the gums exposes the deeper structures of the tooth.
• The top of the tooth has broken off, leaving the root visible.
• The tooth is beginning to rotate, loosen, or fall out.

A person with an exposed root may also experience the following:

• Pain when brushing the teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Changes to the shape of the gums or teeth
• Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold and sweet foods or drinks.

Receding gums is when your gums pull away from your teeth or draw downward, exposing parts of the tooth that your gums would typically conceal. Severe reducing gums issues may expose your tooth roots. Exposed tooth roots may also cause your teeth to become more sensitive or painful. Some of the factors that can increase your risk of receding gums can include:

• Gum disease
• Brushing too hard
• Aging
• Smoking/Chewing Tobacco
• Badly fitting dentures
• Damage from surgery or injury
• Genetic predispositions

 The treatment for receding gums depends on the severity of the problem. If the condition is caught early, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Treatment involves removing the plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and smoothing the roots to prevent bacteria from accumulating. 

In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend surgical procedures such as gum grafting to repair the damaged gum tissue or bone regeneration to promote the growth of new bone. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices and visit your dentist regularly to prevent the recurrence of receding gums.

Question: I just chipped one of my front top teeth. I am not even sure how it happens. I was eating regular food when my tooth just chipped. It is not a large chip, but I chipped it. How will a dentist fix my tooth? Will it be costly? I do not have dental insurance, so I am not sure what I should do first.

Reply: When you have a chipped tooth, a dentist will first examine the extent of the damage to determine the best course of treatment. If the chip is small, the dentist may smooth and polish the rough edges of the tooth. For more significant chips, the dentist may use a filling material to build up the tooth or a crown to cover the damaged area completely. In cases where the chip has exposed the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection.

The cost of fixing a chipped tooth can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the treatment needed. Without dental insurance, the cost can be significant. For example, a filling can range from $100 to $500, while a crown can cost between $500 and $3,000. Root canals are also costly, typically costing between $1,000 and $1,500. It’s important to note that delaying treatment for a chipped tooth can lead to further damage and more expensive procedures in the long run. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can look into dental discount plans or financing options offered by many dental offices to make the cost more manageable.

A person can chip their tooth in a few ways, such as falling and hitting their mouth, biting on a hard object, suffering from trauma to the face, and dental decay that has weakened the tooth and predisposed it to chipping. Yet, however your tooth may have been chipped, it is important to take immediate care. Here are some helpful tips.

• Make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• If you have any bleeding in your mouth as a direct result of the chipped tooth, use a piece of gauze to apply pressure to the area
• Place an ice pack on your lips or cheek near the chipped tooth to control swelling.
• If you can not see your dentist within the same day you chip your tooth, cover the chipped tooth with dental cement (available in many drugstores) to help protect the remaining tooth until your dental appointment.
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It may seem surprising that many people do not have dental Insurance. However, dental insurance benefits are only sometimes offered through work, so people do without until a significant dental need arises. The problem with waiting until you need dental Insurance is that you need more time to get the type of dental Insurance you want. You may need a dental PPO plan to stay with your dentist. However, most dental PPO plans have long waiting periods, so you may not get the coverage you seek when not bought early. If you have a dentist you do not wish to change, find out what dental plans you would need to stay with their dental office. If you are with a dental office that only accepts PPO dental plans, you should consider getting a PPO plan now to have a plan in place for your future dental needs, whether for preventive dental care or major dental care.

It is essential to understand that a baby’s dental care starts with their mother’s healthy pregnancy because baby teeth form before birth. If you are pregnant, eat a balanced, nutritious diet and get adequate vitamins and minerals, as your doctor advises. Do not avoid your dentist; sadly, many pregnant women do not see a dentist, which is essential. Pregnant women have a higher risk of gum disease and, therefore, should see their dentist to maintain their oral health while pregnant

Food texture can create issues for your teeth. Sticky substances find their way in-between your teeth and along your gum line. The bacteria in your mouth interact with the sugars to weaken your tooth enamel. Therefore, avoid candies like toffee and anything gummy (such as gummy bears). If you do eat this type of treat, be extra diligent with your flossing and brushing afterward.

Wine may get better with age, but did you know it also ages your teeth? The high acidic content of wine immediately wears down your teeth’s enamel. Wine also stains teeth and can cause dry mouth.

Although it can be hard to avoid flour-based, white starchy foods, try limiting your refined carbohydrates for good dental health. Refined carbohydrates are correlated with increased inflammation, which in turn causes complications like gingivitis