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 pays the dental office (dentist) on a traditional fee-for-service basis.

There are several features of indemnity dental insurance plans for individuals that make these plans different from many other types of dental coverage: Insurance providers will pay up to 100% of preventative dental care. Unlike a dental PPO plan where if you go outside the plan network of providers your coverage limits may change on an Indemnity Dental plan there is no plan network provider and your coverages are the same regardless of what dentist you may wish to see.

When reviewing an Indemnity Dental Insurance plan make sure you read the plan term and conditions because like a dental PPO these plans normally have waiting periods and annul dollar maximum limitations.

If a child has dark stains on their baby teeth, it may be due to the iron in the multivitamins.  Though rare for a child that is susceptible to this type of stain, the parents need to be vigilant about brushing regularly and thoroughly in order to stay on top of it.

Once these types of stains have taken root, they’re very difficult to get off, even with a professional scrubbing from a dentist. However, this type of stain will not affect the health of the child’s teeth though they will not look good.   It still advise though to see a dentist to confirm the reason for any tooth discolorations and to receive a treatment plan if needed.

Around 50 years ago (give or take) American did not take the best proper care of their teeth. There were no guidelines set forth on how often one should see a dentist.  In fact at that time many dentist were about fixing dental problems rather then preventing them.

Dental and health care organizations tried to set standards for preventive dental care.  Not having any guidelines or much evidence to go by they made the best guess or judgment call they could at the time. Which was that people should see the dentist twice a year for check up and cleanings.  Over time this became the rule of thumb. And for the many people seeing a dentist twice a year still is acceptable.

However there are many reason why you may need to see a dentist more often then just the twice a year suggested average. People with high risk of dental disease may need to visit the dentist three to four times year or more as suggested by their dentist. This high risk group of people could include

1) Smokers
2) Diabetics
3) People that currently have gum disease or gingivitis
4) People that have a weak immune response to bacterial infection
5) Seniors may need to see dentist more often due to illness and or medications they are taking
6) People who tend to easily get cavities and plaque build up.
7) People that had very poor dental care in the past may also need to see the dentist more often in the future.

By taking good care of your teeth at home you may still be in the group of people that only has to see the dentist twice a year.  However, talk to your dentist, and see what is best for you and your dental care. Everyone is different and have different dental needs the rule of seeing a dentist twice a year is still just a good guild line to go by but it is not written in stone.

The International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) recently published a paper titled “ß-catenin is Required in Odontoblasts for Tooth Root Formation.” The paper, written by lead authors Tak-Heun Kim and Cheol-Hyeon Bae, Chonbuk National University Korea School of Dentistry, Laboratory for Craniofacial Biology, is published in the IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research.

One complaint that people tend to have about their dentist is that they do not seem to listen or they seem to always be in a rush to get to the next person in the waiting room. So when picking a dentist for yourself or your child an important factor to consider is whether you feel comfortable with the dentist you are seeing.

Are you able to explain symptoms and ask all the questions you may have without getting the feeling the dentist is checking his clock. Do you feel like your dentist hear and understands your worries or concerns. If you have dental fears and or anxiety are you able to address them with your dentist?  Would you refer a family member or friend to your dentist without thinking they may not like him or her.

Some people feel locked into staying with their dentist even if they feel they are not the best dentist for them.  But that does not have to be the case.  You are in control over who you see.  Even on a dental HMO plan where you have to choose from the plan providers, there is no stopping you from changing dentist if you choose to do so. Just make sure if you choose a dental HMO insurance plan that it has more then just one local dental office near you. The more options you give yourself the higher likelihood of finding the dentist you like and will see on a regular bases. At the end of the day that what’s important.

There is no evidence that mercury in filling are harmful.  An extensive review published in 1993 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concluded that amalgam fillings containing mercury pose no health risk, except in the extremely rare case that a patient is allergic to them. And while some people continue to worry that these fillings may be harmful to their developing or unborn children, no reliable studies since then have contradicted the government’s conclusion.  However amalgam filling are a choice. If there are personal worries about the mercury in amalgam filling talk to your dentist about other filling options.

Do you know what plaque is and how to avoid having plaque build up?  First it helps to know what plaque is.  Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It is normally colorless until there enough build up on your teeth which it then becomes tartar. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease like gingivitis.  That is why it is very important to brush twice a day to remove plaque before it causes dental problems.

You should know that everyone develops plaque because bacteria is always forming in our mouths.  What is important to understand is to avoid plaque build up. Preventing plaque buildup is easy with proper preventive dental care such as brushing thoroughly  twice a day. Flossing daily to remove plaque form in between your teeth and under your gumline.  Try to limit the amount of sugary or starchy foods.  And make sure you schedule regular dental check ups at your dentist.

Twelve million Germans suffer from periodontitis, an inflammation that can lead to the loss of teeth if left untreated. A new diagnostic platform enables the pathogens to be detected quickly, enabling dentists to act swiftly to initiate the right treatment.

Flossing is not only good for your teeth but very important to maintaining healthy gums.  When you flossing you want to use about 18” of floss making sure you leave an inch or two to work with. Gently follow the curves of  your teeth being sure to clean beneath the gum line. Avoid snapping the floss on the gums and be gentle and take your time you want to avoid cutting your gums.  If you have any questions if your are flossing correctly talk to your dentist.  Show your dentist how you normally floss a dentist will tell you if your are flossing incorrectly.

Children dental care is important so you want to avoid over doing certain foods that are more likely to cause tooth decay. Sweets such as fruit juice, soda, candy and even foods such as peanut butter and jelly. Too much starchy food is not good either which would include bread, crackers, pretzels, and pasta like your mac and cheese.  Both sweets and starches can contribute to cavities. Also avoid sticky food such as dried fruit or food that tends to stick to their teeth.

Many people may brush their teeth twice a day but still not get the full benefits of brushing since they are brushing incorrectly.  When brushing your teeth you want to make sure you tilt your brush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Sweep or roll the brush away from your gum line. Gently brush the outside and inside of your teeth make sure you brush the chewing surface of each tooth using short back and forth strokes. Also when you finish brushing your teeth gently brush your tongue this will help to remove bacteria and also freshen up your breath.  If you are not sure if you are brushing correctly ask your dentist to show you.  This is not a silly question since preventive dental care starts at home.

According to a study of the evolution of our teeth over the last 7,500 years shows that humans today have less diverse oral bacteria than historic populations, which scientists believe have contributed to chronic oral diseases in post-industrial lifestyles.

Having good dental care habits and maintaining proper care of your teeth is your first step in having a life time of healthy teeth and low dental cost.   Good dental hygiene up to you to maintain. Having good dental hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums.  Daily preventive dental care start with you by properly brushing and flossing your teeth. By brushing and flossing  you will help help or prevent dental problems before they develop.  Keeping your dental cost at the dentist low and affordable and making going to the dentist less painful and worrisome.

Good daily dental healthcare would include:  Brushing thoroughly at least twice a day. Flossing at least one a day more when needed. Eating a healthy balance diet is good for your over all health including your teeth.  Try to limit snacking between meal and having to much surgery foods.  There are many good dental products available. Find a toothbrush you like use tooth paste that includes more then just whiting care, different mouthwash have gum care and will also help prevent plaque build up.  Try finding dental product you like and will use daily.  After having a meal try drinking a 8oz glass of water.    Having good dental care habits will not void the fact that you still need to have regular dental visits at least twice a year more when advise by your dentist. Including a good dental insurance and or dental plan will also help control your dental cost.

Sometimes finding the plan with “the” lowest cost, isn’t the best solution. It’s should be about finding a quality dental health care  insurance plan at a competitive price.  Costs for dental procedures can be quite high but, by having dental  insurance it will help make dental services more affordable.

Today’s health insurance, including your dental plan, is designed to help you get the care you need at a reasonable cost.    Most individual dental insurance plans tend to emphasize preventive dental care.  By offing free to very low cost preventive dental care to the insured it helps the company save money in paying out larger dental claims.  If preventive dental care is affordable under the dental plan, the odds are higher that you will go and have the required dental check ups and cleanings. Therefore a dentist will be able to catch small dental problems before they become major dental services. In the long run saving money not only for the company but the plan holder.

In combination with information about different costs, benefits, discounts, choices and services make sure to compare dental insurance plans carefully.  Look at more then just preventive care. Compare some of the higher cost dental services whether you need them now or not.   By buying a dental insurance plan that offers good benefits on more then just preventive care you will be more likely to keep and use the dental insurance plan you purchased.

It is important to understand that your overall health care is linked to your oral and dental health.  Dental care many times goes over looked as not as important yet when you have bad teeth and gums it can affect your overall health and wellness. Make sure you are taking proper care of your oral health by having proper at home dental habits and by visiting your dentist on a regular bases.

By having dental insurance it will help keep your dental care cost more affordable. We are always happy to help anyone that may have question about any of the dental insurance plan we have to offer on this website.

Delta Dental provides exceptional service, extensive dentist choice, and substantial claims savings through its affordable dental coverage to over 24 million enrollees.  Delta Dental’s generosity has enabled more than 750 volunteer dentists and 140 dental laboratories to contribute over $10 million services for over 6,100 vulnerable individuals with seriously neglected problems.
Delta Dental is a leader in improving oral health statewide.

Delta Dental has recognized that by treating children’s dental needs, we have improved their overall health and self-esteem.  They offer solutions that expand access to care while preserving the widespread availability and affordability of dental benefits.  In addition, Delta dental plans collectively serve more than 54 million Americans representing more than 90,000 groups. Delta Dental is the oldest and largest dental health carrier in California, covering nearly 20 million Californians.

Delta Dental’s Customer Service staff speaks English and Spanish, and has access to interpreters for many other languages.  Delta Dental is the largest dental plan system in the United States.  Member companies serve over one-quarter of the estimated 165 million Americans with dental insurance. Delta Dental’s roots go back to 1954 with the formation of dental service corporations in California, Oregon and Washington, which were created by dentists who recognized the need to increase access to oral health care.  Delta Dental companies are actively engaged in many studies, grants and partnerships with dental schools and community health organizations to increase access to professional dental care as well as to research evidence-based dentistry and the efficacy of new benefit designs.

Digested coconut oil is able to attack the bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is a natural antibiotic that could be incorporated into commercial dental care products, say scientists presenting their work at the Society for General Microbiology’s Autumn Conference at the University of Warwick.

Did you know that as a senior you need to see the dentist some times more then just twice a year for your oral health check ups?  Cavities can be more frequent in seniors for many reason. Although fluoride is in community water supplies today that was not always the case for some of the older seniors.  Adults are also more likely to have tooth decay around older fillings if not regularly checked by a dentist.

Cavities in the tooth root are more common in seniors due to receding gums lines.  Receding gums exposes more of the tooth root surface to decay.  Seniors also can have dry mouth due to either age or different medications they may have to take.  Dry mouth can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay because without an adequate amount of saliva the acids produced by plaque can not be neutralized

Seniors often put off their dental care needs due to many factors.  Such as not having transportation, No dental insurance, other health issues that keeps them from seeing a dentist and cost for dental services.  However these issues can be address.  There may be some ride care services available for seniors.  By buying dental insurance you can control your cost for dental services to be render.  If there are other health issues keeping you way from a dentist that can be difficult to address.  But many time it is these same health issues that make it even more important to see a dentist regularly.

The fact is you do not need dental insurance in order to see a dentist.  Yet dental insurance does make seeing a dentist much more affordable. With the ever increasing cost of living more people can tend to put off their dental care needs.  However, when you have dental insurance you do not need to put your dental care on the back sit.

Most dental insurance plans provide preventive dental care services free. In addition when larger dental care is necessary having a dental insurance plan in place will in most case cut your dental cost in half.  Seriously think about buying dental insurance for you and or your family if you do not current have any in force.  And remember we are always happy to help you with any of the dental insurance plans options available on our website.

Tips you should know about insurance for dentures.  If you already have dentures but need to get new set of dentures make sure you know the dental insurance term and conditions for dentures cost.  Many dental insurance plans come with waiting periods. Dentures falling into majors dental services.  In this case you may have to wait a year or more before the dental insurance plan will start to cover for dentures.

This makes sense since they have to earn premium on the plan first before they can start to pay out for a high cost dental service.  Other wise you can see where one could get dentures and then cancel the plan with in the next month after only paying a month or two in premium. Also some dental insurance plans with want proof that you had your old dentures for X amount of years. (Generally five years but can very depending on the plan)   Before they will cover out any replacements for new dentures. So make sure you know ahead of time the dental plan term and conditions before buying the dental plan of your choice. Picking the right dental plan from the start is always a good idea.