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Finding the Right Dental Insurance

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Shopping for insurance can be a daunting task. There are so many different types of policies available from a huge variety of companies. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, it’s really relatively easy to find the right dental insurance for you and your family. Use this reminder list as you begin shopping for dental insurance.

  1. 1. How much is the monthly premium? There’s no reason to seriously consider a policy that you simply can’t afford.
  1. 2. Is there a deductible? You’ll need to find out not only if there’s a deductible that you must meet before coverage begins, but also if routine dental care – such as cleanings, for example – is counted as part of the deductible. Many plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of routine cleanings.
  1. 3. What dental procedures are included in the plan? It’s important to consider what kind of dental care you anticipate needing in the future and find out if that will be covered under the plan. If you have children who might need braces, for example, you’ll want a plan that covers at least a portion of those costs.
  1. 4. What is the annual maximum amount of coverage available? Most plans will only pay a certain amount each year. Once again, it’s important for you to anticipate how much coverage you and your family will need and make sure you choose a plan that best suits your needs.
  1. 5. Is my dentist a preferred provider? If your dentist isn’t in the network of providers, you’ll have two choices: either find another insurance company or choose another dentist.

Finding the right dental insurance is simply a matter of asking the same questions to different providers, then deciding which plan works best for you and your family.

 

Source: http://www.deltadentalins.com/individuals/plans/shop-plans.html

Modern Fillings Are Nearly Invisible

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Not too many years ago, getting a filling in a tooth meant living with a silver-colored amalgam material in the tooth for years afterward. These fillings, although durable for the most part, were very visible. Over the past few years, however, dental professionals have begun using tooth-colored composite material for fillings. This type of material gained popularity quickly among dental patients for obvious reasons – imagine a filling that was nearly invisible!

Although tooth-colored composite material was much more attractive than the old amalgam fillings, it did have one drawback: In order to harden a composite filling, it had to be exposed to light, and this process was often very time-consuming and uncomfortable for the patient. Recently, however, a new material was developed that could change all that.

Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology, working in conjunction with the company Ivoclar Vivadent, have developed a new Germanium-based photoactive material that hardens much more quickly than previous composite materials. The advantages for dental patients are obvious. Now, not only can you enjoy the benefits of nearly invisible fillings, but the procedure involved will take much less time than it did when other composite materials were used.

If you’re wondering what filling material would be best for you or your child, ask your dentist for his or her recommendation. Your dental professional can explain the benefits and drawbacks of different types of filling materials and what might work best for you and your family.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140430121110.htm

The Mystery of Gum Disease

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Countless people throughout the U.S. and around the world are afflicted each and every year with periodontitis, or gum disease. Although there are several procedures that dentists and dental surgeons can use to fight the condition, there has never been an effective antibiotic developed to help cure gum disease.

The reason is simple – scientists have not been able to understand exactly which bacteria are responsible for causing periodontitis. Until they solve that mystery, an effective antibiotic can’t be developed.

Fortunately, experts have made some progress in this field. A recent study conducted by specialists at Ohio State University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that as many as 200 different species of bacteria may exist under 20 different variants within the human mouth. No wonder gum disease has been such a mystery!

During the study, experts collected DNA samples from a healthy human mouth and were able to successfully sequence the bacterium. Named Tannerella BUO63, the newly sequenced bacterium is closely related to another known pathogenic species called Tannerella forsythia, which plays a role in causing gum disease. Scientists were then able to compare the two bacteriums and identify genetic differences.

This kind of research may sound a little complicated to most of us, but the important thing to remember is this: scientists are continuing to study the causes of periodontitis in an effort to more effectively treat this condition in the future. Who knows? Maybe gum disease won’t always be such a mystery after all!

 

 

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140305125146.htm

A Delicious Way to Whiten Your Teeth

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Most of us have heard that some foods and drinks can stain teeth. But did you know that just the opposite is true as well? Some foods can actually help to make your teeth whiter. The trick is, of course, to incorporate these foods into your diet on a regular basis. Just look at some of the delicious alternatives to over-the-counter teeth-whitening products:

• Carrots – The keratin in carrots helps strengthen tooth enamel. But it’s not just carrots that help to make your teeth whiter. As it turns out, eating any crunchy veggie will help brighten your smile.

• Broccoli – Most of us know that broccoli is packed full of vitamins and fiber. But it’s also high in iron, which can help to protect your teeth from high-acid foods that may be hard on enamel.

• Pineapple – This delicious fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps remove stains from your teeth.

• Poppy and sesame seeds – Each of these seeds is slightly different in shape, and they both act as tiny teeth scrubbers if eaten often enough. They’re also high in calcium, which also benefits oral health.

• Vegetable and fruits that have a high water content – Produce choices such as cucumbers, pears, apples and cauliflower help to produce saliva in your mouth. And saliva is very effective at washing away harmful bacteria.

• Shiitake mushrooms – Not only are these tasty little mushrooms a great addition to many dishes, they also contain lentinan, a component that helps stop bacteria from growing inside your mouth.

It’s a great idea to add these foods to your diet whenever you can. But, of course, nothing takes the place of good oral hygiene and regular trips to your dentist.

 

 

Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health-pictures/eat-your-way-to-whiter-teeth-with-these-foods

What Causes Bad Breath?

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If you think that poor oral hygiene causes bad breath, you’re right, but maybe not for the same reason that you may have thought. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth enough, bacteria can build up in your mouth. It’s that bacteria that causes bad breath. Better oral hygiene can help. But it’s important to remember that saliva works to flush away bacteria, so if you have a dry mouth, chances are you’ll experience bad breath. Here are some conditions that can contribute to the situation.

• Tooth and gum infections: Bacteria in the mouth that is there as the result of tooth or gum infections can cause bad breath.
• Breathing through your mouth: If you routinely breathe through your mouth for whatever reason, you probably have a dry mouth. That can cause bad breath.
• Medications: Many medications cause a dry mouth, which in turn can lead to bad breath.
• The common cold: If you experience a cold or any other form of respiratory tract infection, you could be breathing through your mouth or taking medications that lead to a dry mouth, both of which can mean bad breath.
• Diet: If you eat a diet that’s very high in protein and/or dairy products, you could be building up a large amount of amino acids in your mouth, and bacteria love amino acids!
• Other illnesses: More serious illnesses, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can also cause bad breath.
• Alcohol or drugs: Heavy consumption of either alcohol or drugs can dry out your mouth, leading to bad breath.

Resource: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2008/12/02/8-surprising-causes-of-bad-breath

Do Your Dental Visits Include Oral Cancer Screening?

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Oral cancer, in its latter stages, can be quite obvious to anyone. Hopefully, your dentist will be able to detect problems long before they get to that stage. Many dentists (although not all) perform oral cancer screenings as a regular part of their dental exams. Dr. Glennon at Austin Dental Center is one of the Austin dentists who provide oral cancer screenings for patients.

There are several ways a dentist looks for signs of oral cancer, such as:
• Using a special light that he or she shines in your mouth – Use of this type of light will make normal tissue appear dark and any abnormal tissue (such as possible cancerous areas) appear white or light in color.
• Visually inspecting your mouth – All dentists will look closely at your mouth during a routine exam. He or she will be looking for red patches, white patches, lumps, sores or any other tissue that looks unusual or questionable.
• Using a dye – Some dentists ask patients to rinse their mouths with a blue dye prior to a dental exam. This type of dye will make abnormal tissue in your mouth appear blue.

If your dentist suspects that you may have the beginnings of some form of oral cancer, he or she will probably ask for a biopsy to be done on the affected area of your mouth. If you’re not sure whether your dentist is performing an oral cancer screening during your routine dental exam, ask for one. Just as is the case with any other form of cancer, early detection and treatment is always the best way to fight the problem.

Resource: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/expert-answers/oral-cancer/faq-20058324

Teeth Whitening Methods

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Over the past few years, teeth whitening has become increasingly popular among dental patients of all ages. This is especially true since over-the-counter whitening products have become available at affordable prices. If you decide to whiten your teeth, there are several products to choose from:

• Over-the-counter tray-based products: Tray-based products were among the first over-the-counter teeth whitening methods. These products come with a tray designed to fit anyone’s mouth and a whitening gel. Most will require that you spend at least two hours a day for several weeks before you see results.

• Whitening strips: This popular method for whitening your teeth requires that you apply strips twice a day, usually for a 14-day period.

• Whitening gels: There are several brands of gels available over-the-counter. These are products that you simply apply directly on your teeth. Just as is the case with strips, you’ll usually need to apply the gel twice a day for two weeks to see maximum results.

• Professional whitening: Without a doubt, the most effective way to whiten your teeth is with products that are available only through your dentist. He or she can talk to you about which type of product is best for you. You can choose to either have your teeth whitened in your dentist’s office or to have impressions of your teeth made that are used to create custom-made trays you can take home. If you choose the latter option, your dentist will provide a whitening agent that you can use with your trays at home any time you’d like.

Resource: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening

Don’t Forget to Floss!

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Most of us understand the importance of brushing our teeth on a regular basis, but what you may not know is that flossing is an extremely important part of any good dental hygiene routine. In fact, flossing may be just as important – if not more so – as brushing.

Although brushing your teeth is effective in removing stains and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, a toothbrush cannot always remove food from between teeth. That’s why flossing is so important. When food gets trapped between teeth, bacteria quickly form. Once bacteria are present, they can harden and become plaque, which eventually turns into tartar. This material can only be removed by a dental hygienist or a dentist. Tartar buildup can make it next to impossible to effectively clean between your teeth, which can lead to gingivitis – a precursor to advanced gum disease. If your gums are swollen, tender and/or bleed easily, you may be experiencing the early signs of gingivitis.

Fortunately, there’s a simple way to avoid the problem altogether: just remember to floss at least once a day. This applies to children as well as adults. Young kids under the age of 10 or so may not be good at flossing on their own, so it’s important that you floss between the teeth of your little ones as soon as they develop teeth that are close together.

There are a variety of different types of floss available – narrow, wide, waxed, unwaxed, flavored, etc. Choose whatever floss you prefer, but just remember: don’t forget to floss!

Resource: http://www.mouthhealthy.org

Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

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Even with all the advances in modern dentistry, it is still necessary for a dentist to pull a tooth from time to time.

There may be several reasons why extraction is the way to go:

• The tooth has decayed to the point where the pulp of the tooth has become infected. Although the situation may be resolved by a root canal procedure, if that doesn’t work the only way to solve the problem is to pull the tooth.

• Gum disease can weaken the gum tissue and result in loosened teeth. When this occurs, your dentist may need to pull the affected teeth.

• Your teeth are too big for your mouth, which results in a “crowded mouth.” If there’s not sufficient room in your mouth for all your teeth, your dentist may have to pull one in order to make room. This is particularly common in patients that are being prepared for braces.

• If you have a weakened immune system – for example, from a disease or some other physical condition – your dentist might recommend pulling a tooth if there is a risk of infection. In this instance, an infection could be very serious for the patient, so it would be better to extract a tooth rather than risk the consequences of infection.

 

Although having a tooth pulled is never a particularly pleasant experience, modern dentistry has advanced to the point where the patient usually feels little or no discomfort during the procedure itself. Afterward, patients are typically given painkillers to help during the recovery process. Your dentist will give you instructions on how best to take care of your mouth to ensure the speediest recovery possible.

 

 

 

Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/pulling-a-tooth-tooth-extraction

Whitening Your Teeth

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With the availability of over-the-counter teeth-whitening products, more and more people are taking measures to make their smiles brighter. A variety of different types of products are available in your local drug store, all designed to help whiten your teeth: toothpastes, mouth rinses, whitening gels and strips. Toothpastes and mouth rinses generally take longer to work, but the OTC whitening strips and gels can be effective if you use them repeatedly over a long period of time.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

 

If your teeth are seriously stained, or if you want to see results in a hurry, talk to your dentist about the following professional whitening options:

• The first is a strong hydrogen peroxide solution combined with custom trays that you can use yourself at home. You’ll need to visit your dentist to have forms of your teeth made, which are then sent to a dental lab where your custom trays are created. After that, you’ll be asked to return to your dentist’s office to pick up the trays and the bleaching solution. Once you’re back home, you can use the whitening solution and trays yourself – anywhere from a few hours at a time to overnight – until you achieve the level of whitening you’re looking for.

• The second type of professional whitening treatment that your dentist can offer involves a whitening solution used in combination with heat, a laser or a special light. This is typically the most expensive option, but also produces the fastest, most obvious results.

 

There are two things to remember when it comes to whitening your teeth:

• Only your natural teeth can be whitened, so crowns and other dental work won’t be affected.

• Whitening is considered to be cosmetic dentistry, so most insurance companies won’t cover the cost.

 

 

Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening