In California there are many good dental discount plans that are available. On our website we offer. Dental discount plans are a good low cost dental plan option. They do not have many of the limitations that dental insurance plans may come with.

Many of our dental discount plans start within the next business day of your on line enrollment. Which is very good for those people that are in dental pain since they can see a dentist right away. Dental discount plans are not for everyone. But they are a good way to reduce all your dental needs at a very affordable cost.

When deciding between dental discount plans carefully review their fee schedules. The fee schedules show the discount prices on what you pay for each dental service listed. You also want to make sure there is a dentist in the dental plan you want to go to. Since there is no outside network benefits. I suggest calling the dentist listed and confirming they are still accepting the plan as well as new members.

When you have a dental insurance plan were you are dealing with the filing of claims it is important to understand the claims process. Know how your insurance company handles claims and how the dentist your pick files out your claims. Problems arises when you do not have a clear understanding of your dental insurance and how claims are paid. As well as when you do not know how the dental office is going to make you pay and how they file out claims.

Many PPO plans or free choice of dentist plans state they pay out a certain percentage for preventive, basic and majors services. However that percentage is still normally up to what the UCR or MAC rates are for dental company.

Knowing that is important and it is a good idea to submit dental services to the claims department as a quote only before any dental work that is more then $300.00 or what you can afford is started. That way you always know your true cost for the dental services before committing to it.

It is equally important to know how the dental office is going to file out your claim. Do not assume that the dentist will not charge you the full amount for the dental services. Making you wait for your refund back from the dental office. This is a mistake often made and normally it is after the fact. Causing many people to be upset. Ask the dentist what they expect you to pay and how before work is started. Do they file the claims for you or do you need to file them. Knowing all this ahead of time will keep you from any unexpected billings and from getting upset with the dental claim process.

Amalgam fillings are the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use today. Amalgam fillings are durable, highly resistant to wear and they are the lower cost filling option. Amalgam filling are made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements. Although amalgam filling are still considered to be safe the concerns that was raised were about the mercury content in amalgams. However the mercury when combined with the other metals is renders stable and safe for use in fillings. Since amalgam filling are able to withstand high pressure they become useful for filling in molars where chewing load is higher. Amalgam filling are well tolerated by most people with only rare occurrences of allergic response. Some people may have short term sensitivity to hot and cold after an amalgam filling as been done. Course amalgam filling are silver in color which may be okay for back teeth not easily seen but might not be want you would want to have towards the front of your mouth.

Amalgam fillings are useful in baby teeth. If a child still has baby teeth but needs a filling you may not want to spend the cost for white color fillings, on teeth that will soon come out when your child start to get their adult teeth in. In the end amalgam filling still have their place and it should be something to consider when having filling done. Talk to your dentist and find out all your filling options then decide what you may feel is best for you and your family And remember all dental services are less expensive when you have a dental insurance or dental discount plan in place. So keep us in mind for your dental plans needs.

Question: How do you get over dental fears? I am very scared about going to the dentist so it keeps me from going even though I have dental insurance.

Reply: There are many people that have to deal with dental fears. However, it then becomes even more important to see the dentist regularly to avoid having to have larger dental care needs. It may be safe to say that having a basic check up and cleaning is not as scary as say a root canal or extraction. Therefore one way to help with dental fears is to talk to your dentist beforehand about your fears. If the dentist knows about your dental fears he or she will take things more slowly an make sure that you are feeling comfortable with what is going on.

When you book you dental appointment let the person booking it know about your dental fears and to make sure they book you with additional time so your appointment is not rushed. This too may help your dental appointment go more smoothly.

Question: When should you start dental care for your baby?

Reply: By the time your baby is six months of age, your dentist should assess the likelihood of your baby having future dental problems. This may include a dental exam of the mother and her dental history, as the condition of her teeth can often predict her child’s teeth. Be sure your child sees a dentist after the first primary teeth appear. After your first visit, schedule regular visits every six months or as your dentist recommends.

Experts recommend that your baby see a dentist no latter then 12 months of age. Babies with dental problems caused by injury, disease, or a developmental problem should be seen by a children’s (pediatric) dentist right away. If these dental problems are not limited to the surfaces of the teeth, your baby should also be seen by a children’s doctor (pediatrician) or your family doctor.

Gum disease/Gingivitis (gum inflammation) is can be caused by plaque build up, use of tobacco products, poor fitting bridges partials and dentures, poor diet and certain diseases such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes. However by having good oral hygiene habits and by seeing a dentist regularly you can help to lower the risk of gum disease.

Although one of America’s favorite morning and afternoon beverages may be coffee and tea, they have compounds called tannins, which can cause unsightly stains and discoloring of your teeth. Therefore to avoid staining your teeth try and limited the amount of coffee and tea drinking throughout the day. If you are going to be drinking coffee and tea do so with a straw to limited contact with your teeth. Avoid slowly drinking these types of drinks, it can be fun to hang out at the local coffee house and babying the one cup of coffee during your hour or more stay but it is not so fun for your teeth.

HMO’s insurance plans, also known as “capitation plans,” operate like their medical HMO cousins. This type of dental plan provides a comprehensive dental care to enrolled patients through designated provider office. A Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) is a common example of a capitation plan. The dentistry provider is paid on a per capita (per person) basis rather than for actual treatment provided. Participating individual and family dentists receive a fixed monthly fee based on the number of patients assigned to the office. In addition to premiums, client co-payments may be required for each visit.

Some typical features of these plans: Monthly premiums (some require you to prepay a year’s worth) Co-payments for office visits Free preventive or routine care You must select from an approved network of that family or individual dental insurance dentists May have an initial enrollment fee Annual dollar cap Your average monthly cost: $10 to $25 Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.

There have been many benefits linked to drinking green tea. With regards to your teeth, green tea provides a natural source of antioxidant compounds that help to prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth. There by reducing the risk of dental cavities and bad breath. In addition some green teas also contain fluoride that can further help to prevent tooth decay. You will want to check the label for this before buying.

Another form and dental anxiety that people can have, is caused by embarrassment of how their teeth may look. This can be a bit of a vicious circle. A person who is too embarrassed to see a dentist do to the way their teeth may look, is not getting the dental care needed to make their teeth look better. In turn, causing their teeth to look worse over time due to lack of dental care. Which in turn can cause even more embarrassment and loss of self-esteem. There are many reason why someone may have bad looking teeth either due to poor dental hygiene habits, medical reasons or medication being taken. Where as personal hygiene habits can be improved, medical conditions or medications that are effecting your dental health may not change. That is why it is even more important to have proper dental care from a dental professional.

This issue can be harder to address since it is based more on personal feelings. Yet it may be helpful to understand that a dentist in not sitting there passing judgment. If a person as poor teeth and gums due to having poor dental habits, the dentist will help to address how to have better dental habits in the future, and provide any necessary dental services needed in order to get their oral and dental health back on track. If dental and oral health is being affected by a medical condition or medications then the dentist will still be able to provide the necessary dental care needed in order to provide healthier teeth and gums. Thus giving the person back a smile to smile about.

It is common for people with dental fears and anxiety to have feelings of helplessness and loss of control. After all when sitting in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, you are not normally able to see what is going on. A way to help address this fear is good communication with your dentist. Letting your dentist know about your dental fears is important so that they are able to take the time needed in addressing your fears with you. The dentist will be able to tell you what he or she is doing while doing it, so that you are not left feeling like you have no control over what is going on. If you feel like you need a break, just let the dentist know so you can relax a little before continuing.

Dental Insurance – Customer Service Department

Our customer service department is ready to assist you with any questions you may have and help you purchase an employer, family or individual dental insurance plan today.  We provide access to many of the largest, most recognized individual dental insurance networks in the nation.

CaliforniaDentalInsurance.com is a specialist in dental insurance, dental discount plans, vision and prescription coverage programs for individuals, families and groups. We have been serving the dental community since 1983, you will find our licensed dental insurance agents are well informed and ready to assist you. Compare dental insurance plans and decide which one is right for you and your family.

Many of our dental plans have next day benefits including vision and prescription. CaliforniaDentalInsurance.com offers quotes for individual and family dental insurance plans including an option to compare dental national coverage plans. Remember, buying dental insurance does not have to be a painful process. We offer dental benefit coverage in all 50 states.

 Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans, Usually Employ An “Open Panel” Of Dentists

Indemnity dental insurance is an insurance package where the policyholder can choose his or her own dentist and the insurance provider will be the one to pay that designated dentist your fees or, usually, around half of them.  Indemnity dental insurance plans have the most flexibility and usually the highest premium.

It is important that you do seek dental coverage of some kind to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.  Dental insurance plans are similar to medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans are often categorized as either Indemnity or managed-care plans.  Indemnity dental insurance plans usually employ an “open panel” of dentists.  Indemnity dental insurance is an insurance package where the policyholder can choose his or her own dentist and the insurance provider will be the one to pay that designated dentist your fees or, usually, around half of them.  Indemnity dental insurance plans have the most flexibility and usually the highest premium.  Dental insurance functions in the similar manner to that of an auto insurance in providing you compensation.

In a prior post we talk about how dry mouth often times can effect seniors. However dry mouth can be treated. Your doctor can prescribe artificial saliva, which will help keep your mouth less dry. You can go over your medication and see if they can be switched to ones that will not cause dry mouth. There are also some home remedies that may help reduce dry mouth such as the use of a humidifier, chewing sugar free gum, drinking more water, and munching on such waterlogged snacks as celery sticks which helps stimulate the saliva glands and adds moisture to your mouth

Diminished sends of tastes can be an issue for some seniors. While advancing age may impair the sense of taste other reasons can include diseases, medications, and dentures.

Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is standard advise at any age. However, seniors may be advised by their dentist to come in more then just twice a year for their dental health check ups. Although age is not the only factor as to why a person may have to see the dentist more often, age does increase the odds of needing more dental care. Many seniors have other other health issues that can effect their dental health care needs.

 Advancing age can effect seniors and their teeth. For some dry mouth can be an issue. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow. Dry mouth can be the result of cancer treatments, certain diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus and an infection of the salivary glands, anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as side effects of certain medications.  Aging is also another cause of dry mouth.

Question: I have not been to the dentist in over three years.  I am very scared about going to the dentist so it keeps me from going even though I have dental insurance though my job.  The last time I went to a dentist he did two filling and it really hurt.  Any advise?

Reply: There are many people that have to deal with dental fears. However, it then becomes even more important to see the dentist regularly to avoid having to have larger dental care needs.  As surely just have a basic check up and cleaning is not as scary as say a filling or root canal.   With that said one way to help with dental fear is to talk to your dentist before hand about your fears. If the dentist knows about your dental fears he or she will take things more slowly an make sure that you are feeling comfortable with what is going on.

When you book you dental appointment let the person booking it know about your dental fears and to make sure they book you with additional time so your appointment is not rushed. This too may help your dental appoint go more smoothly.

 Advancing age can effect seniors and their teeth. For some darkened teeth can be an issue. Darkened teeth is caused to some extent by changes in the tooth dentin as well as by a lifetime of consuming stain causing foods and beverages. By seeing a dentist about darkened teeth, the dentist may be able to brighten them up.

Regardless of age daily brushing and flossing is essential in order to keep them in good dental health. Plaque can quickly build up on the teeth of seniors, this is especially true if oral hygiene is neglected and lead to tooth decay as well as gum disease. Some seniors can run a higher risk of poor dental hygiene due to health, medication and age factor limitations. In order for anyone to maintain good oral health it is important to maintain proper dental health care habits.

* Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. Some seniors may have difficult time brushing and flossing their teeth if they suffer from arthritis or another condition that limits movement. In cases like that, try using an electric toothbrush, with rotating-oscillating bristles, which are effective at removing plaque and preventing gum disease.

* Floss at least once a day. If floss is too difficult to work with, try a floss pick or tiny brushes made to clean between teeth.

* Use an antibacterial mouth rinse so that you can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.

* Visit your dentist on regularly for check up and cleanings. Some seniors may find this hard if they are not driving or can not drive. Therefore try to find a very local dental office as to make it easier to get to and from. There are some senior assistance programs that drive seniors to their doctors appointments, so check to see if they also drive to dental appointments.

If you can see if there is a dentist within the same building as your doctors so that you can book appointment on the same day. You may also a dentist that still makes limited house calls for seniors. Although it can be difficult for seniors to maintain good dental hygiene habits, it stills needs to be done. Studies show that your oral health is linked to many overall health care issues. Therefore having poor oral health can effective you overall wellness.