Suppose you have children, teens, or students. In that case, you are responsible for helping with a dental insurance plan that will meet their personal and unique needs, “you may prefer a plan that allows a pediatric dentist to be your child’s primary care dentist,” says Dr. David Blunt. “Generally, they have years of experience dealing with the special problems that may exist with those rarely visit a dental office.”

What is a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a dental professional who specializes in providing oral healthcare services to infants, children, and adolescents. They have specialized training and experience in dealing with the unique dental needs of children, including those with special needs. Pediatric dentists are experts at creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for young patients, making it easier for them to receive necessary dental treatments. They also educate parents and children on the importance of good oral hygiene habits to prevent dental issues in the future.

Who should see a Pediatric Dentist?

In general, it is recommended that children see a pediatric dentist for their oral healthcare needs from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists have the specialized training and expertise to provide comprehensive dental care for children, including preventive care, restorative treatments, and emergency services. They are also equipped to handle young patients’ unique behavioral and emotional needs. If your child has special healthcare needs or requires a more complex dental treatment, your pediatric dentist can work with other medical professionals to ensure your child receives the best possible care.

Question: I require two dental crowns. I seek a dental insurance plan covering at least 50 percent or more on a crown and one without waiting periods. Is there a dental insurance plan like that? 

Reply: You have two options; an HMO dental insurance plan may work. On the HMOs, they typically have no waiting periods. The crown’s cost typically ranges from $100.00 – $250.00+. Another option would be a PPO plan. That does not have waiting periods on the first-year benefit for significant services such as crowns. However, in many cases, they may only cover 10 to 15 percent of major dental care in the first year. And you may only have 50 percent benefits on major services once you have the plan for three years.

You will need to read each plan’s terms and conditions to ensure you buy a dental insurance plan that best fits your needs. You can also call our office at 310-534-3444 m- f 8-4, and we will be happy to help you with your dental insurance needs. 

Question: Right now, I do not have insurance, and having twice-a-year cleaning does not seem all that important. Since I have good teeth, can I cut back to having a checkup and cleaning once a year?  

Answer: If you do not have any serious dental issues, you can get by with one cleaning annually. Several studies have indicated that visiting the dentist twice a year has no notable benefits compared to a single visit annually. However, do not skip that annual cleaning and exam. It could save you from costly and serious problems. Also, talk to your current dentist and see what they advise. I suggest that you look into getting dental insurance. Dental insurance will save you money on your dental care needs, and most plans provide twice-a-year checkups and cleanings at little to no cost.

In many cases, one of the best ways to save on the cost of dentistry is to take excellent care of your teeth and gums and teach children healthy dental routines. For example, did you know that fruit juices, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods can help wear away your tooth enamel? Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with a germ/plaque-fighting mouthwash. Also, maintain your regular dental check-ups as advised by your dentist.

Bite-wing X-rays are used to examine the teeth and the bones around them. They are called “bite-wing” X-rays because the patient bites down on a wing-shaped device while the X-ray is taken. TBite-wing X-rays allow the dentist to see how the upper and lower teeth fit together and to check for signs of decay between the teeth. Bite-wing X-rays are typically taken once a year during a routine dental exam, but they may be taken more frequently if the dentist is monitoring a specific dental problem.

Are Bite-wing X-Rays Covered with Dental Insurance?

Whether or not bite-wing X-rays are covered by dental insurance depends on the specific insurance plan. Some plans may cover the cost of bite-wing X-rays as part of a routine dental exam, while others may only cover X-rays if they are medically necessary. It’s essential to check with your dental insurance provider to determine what is covered under your specific plan. If your dental insurance does not cover the cost of bite-wing X-rays, you may need to pay for them out of pocket or discuss alternative options with your dentist.

Amalgam fillings have been popular for filling cavities for many years due to their durability, strength, and affordability. Amalgam fillings are dental fillings made from a combination of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They have been used for decades as a durable and long-lasting option for filling cavities in teeth. Amalgam filling is relatively inexpensive compared to other filling materials, which can be important for those without dental insurance or limited budgets. 

However, there has been some controversy over the safety of amalgam fillings due to concerns about the potential release of mercury vapor.

Another drawback with Amalgam fillings is that they are silver in color, which may not be aesthetically pleasing for some individuals, especially for cavities in visible areas.

While the American Dental Association maintains that amalgam fillings are safe, some prefer alternative options such as composite resin or porcelain fillings. Ultimately, the best choice for a filling will depend on factors such as the size and location of the cavity and the individual’s preferences and concerns.

Binge eating can negatively impact your dental health, as it often involves consuming large amounts of sugary or acidic foods and drinks in a short period. These foods and drinks can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Additionally, binge eating can cause dry mouth, which reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth and helps neutralize harmful acids and bacteria. This can further increase your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Maintaining a balanced diet and good oral hygiene habits are essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

The acids in wine eat away at your tooth enamel, creating rough spots that make teeth more vulnerable to staining. Red wine also contains a deep pigment called chromogen and tannins, which help the color stick to the teeth. This combination makes it easy for the wine’s red color to stay with you long after your glass is empty.

If you enjoy drinking red wine but want to avoid staining your teeth, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk. One tip is to drink water alongside your wine, as this can help rinse away some of the pigments and acids that can cause staining. You can also use a straw to drink your wine, which helps to bypass your teeth. Additionally, brushing your teeth before drinking red wine can help create a barrier between your teeth and the acids in the wine, which can help reduce staining. Finally, consider using a whitening toothpaste or seeking professional teeth whitening services to help brighten your smile.

Smoking cigarettes can significantly negatively impact your dental and oral health. It can cause bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, and tooth loss. Smoking can also slow down the healing process after dental procedures and increase the risk of oral cancer. Additionally, it can affect the sense of taste and smell, making it difficult to enjoy food and beverages. It is crucial to quit smoking to maintain good oral health and overall well-being.

How often should you see a dentist if you are a smoker?

It is recommended that you, as a smoker, see a dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least twice a year, but your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your needs. Smoking can increase your risk for gum disease, so it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental appointments to catch any potential issues early on. Your dentist can also guide you in quitting smoking and recommend additional resources to help you stop.

According to a survey conducted by the National Coffee Association in 2020, approximately 62% of Americans drink coffee daily.

With that said, if you enjoy drinking coffee daily, it could be hard to maintain white teeth. Coffee’s dark color and acidity can cause the teeth to yellow over time. Fortunately, it is one of the easier stains to treat with various whitening methods. Talk to your dentist if you are concerned about discoloration of your teeth.  

If you want to avoid staining your teeth while enjoying your daily cup of coffee, here are a few tips: 

1. Drink water after coffee: Drinking water after a cup can help wash away any lingering coffee particles in your mouth. Drinking water can help reduce the amount of staining that occurs when just drinking coffee. 

2. Use a straw: Using a straw can help you avoid direct contact between the coffee and your teeth. Drinking through a straw can help reduce the amount of staining that occurs. 

3. Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth after drinking coffee can help remove any coffee particles on your teeth. Brushing your teeth can help prevent staining and keep your teeth looking bright and white. 

4. Drink coffee in moderation: Drinking coffee in moderation can help prevent staining. Drinking too much coffee can increase the risk of staining and discoloration.  

People may chew on pencils for a variety of reasons. Some do it out of habit or to alleviate stress or anxiety. Others may find it helps them concentrate or stay focused. Some people may also do it unconsciously, without even realizing it. However, knowing that this habit can harm your dental health is essential.

Chewing on pencils may seem harmless, but can harm your dental health. The pressure and friction of biting down on a hard object like a pencil can cause damage to your teeth over time. It can also lead to jaw pain and headaches. Avoiding this habit and finding other ways to relieve stress or anxiety is best.

If you’re looking to stop chewing on pencils, here are some tips that may help: 

1. Keep your mouth busy: Chew gum or eat healthy snacks like carrots or celery sticks when you want to chew on a pencil. 

2. Identify triggers: Identify situations or emotions that make you want to chew on a pencil. This will help you avoid or find other ways to deal with those triggers. 

3. Substitute with other objects: If you like having something in your mouth, try using a straw or a fidget toy instead of a pencil.

4. Be mindful: Pay attention when chewing on a pencil, and try to stop. Keep a journal to track your progress and identify patterns. 

Remember, breaking a habit takes time and effort, so be patient and keep at it.

Eating potato chips can harm your dental health. The starch in the chips can get stuck in your teeth, providing a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause cavities. Additionally, the chips’ high salt and acid levels can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and decay.

Limiting your consumption and adopting a good oral hygiene routine is best to avoid the negative consequences of indulging in potato chips. After eating chips, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to help remove any leftover particles. It would help to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly to remove plaque and debris, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. These preventive measures help you maintain your dental health and enjoy your favorite snacks without compromising your smile.

Drinking fruit juice can have an impact on your dental health. While it is true that fruit juice is packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health, most juices also contain high amounts of sugar.

Some juices have as much sugar as soda! For instance, a serving of orange juice has just ten more grams of sugar than a serving of orange soda. Since fruits are already naturally sweet, opting for juice with no added sugar or diluting the juice with water to reduce the sugar content is essential. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of fruit juice without compromising your dental health.

Okay, at least one time in our lives, we have open packaging with our teeth. However, doing this is unsuitable for our teeth and can cause severe damage. Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but using them as tools can cause them to crack or chip.

You take into account that even though the average cost of repairing a cracked or chipped tooth can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the location of the tooth, In general, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for more extensive procedures such as root canals or dental implants.

Basic scissors for household use can be found for as little as a few dollars, while high-end professional scissors can cost hundreds. A good-quality pair of household scissors can cost around $10 to $20.

You may want to think twice before using your teeth as tools. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. The bottom line is that your teeth should only be used for eating.

Candy is not the only culprit when it comes to added sugar. Many sodas have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. In addition, sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. You are not all that much saver with diet soda, either. Diet soda lets you skip the sugar, but it may have even more acid in the form of artificial sweeteners.

While you don’t necessarily have to give up soda altogether, it’s a good idea to try limiting the amount you drink and rinsing your mouth with water after consuming soda or diet soda whenever possible. Another helpful tip is to avoid sipping soda throughout the day, and instead, try drinking it with a meal. By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your teeth and maintain good dental health.

Keeping your gums healthy is essential to good oral health and helps control bad breath issues. Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath. Bacteria gather in pockets at the base of teeth, creating foul odors. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a periodontist specializing in treating this condition.

Often, people will have an after-dinner mint after a meal. However, sugary candies promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath issues. Instead, chew sugarless gum. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural defense against plaque acids that cause tooth decay and bad breath.

If you worry about your breath, avoiding bad breath issues is avoiding sour food. Onions and garlic are the prime offenders. Unfortunately, brushing them after you eat them does not help. According to dentist Richard Price, a spokesman for the American Dental Association, “The volatile substances they contain make their way into your bloodstream and travel to your lungs, where you breathe them out. The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them, especially before social or work occasions when you are mindful of your breath”.

One dental care habit that often goes undone is scraping your tongue after brushing your teeth. It is essential to clean your tongue daily because the coating that usually forms on the tongue can host foul-smelling bacteria. You want to brush your tongue with your toothbrush gently. Try a tongue scraper if it is too big to reach the back of your tongue comfortably. A tongue scraper is designed to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue area, removing bacteria, food debris, and dead cells that brushing alone can not remove.

Did you know that one of the prime causes of bad breath is plaque, the sticky buildup in your mouth that harbors bacteria? Also, food that gets caught between your teeth adds to the problem. All of us should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. If you are concerned about your breath, brush and floss more often. But do not overdo it. Brushing too aggressively can wear down the enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.