Don't Lose Your Dental Benefits

"When it comes to dental benefit plans, millions of people each year are ringing in the New Year leaving money on the table. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, only 2.8% of people with PPO dental plan participants reached or exceeded their plans annual maximum." - ADA

Are you one of the 97.2% that lets your hard-earned dental dollars go to waste?   Here is some information that you need to keep in mind so that your dental benefits get kept by the insurance companies.

1) Know when you need to use your benefits by.   Is it Dec 31 or is it another day?   Call and find out the details of your plan.

2) Know what your coverage is.   It is good to know what is covered and what is not when you plan how you are going to use your insurance dollars.

3) Take advantage of the benefits before they run out.   Prevention is the most important!   Make sure that you get in for your dental exams.   Plan out your dental work with your provider so that you can get the most bang for your buck with your insurance.

4)  Schedule early.   Don't wait until the last month before you schedule your appointments.   Schedule early, that way you can be sure you can be seen before your benefits run out.

USE IT or LOSE IT (we don't want you to lose it)

Do you have Sensitive Teeth?

     There are many possible causes of sensitive teeth including: exposed tooth root, cracked tooth, cavity, exposed dentin, and large fillings.   

"Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem."*

     Of course, as you already know, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.   Or in other words, take care of your teeth and you will lessen the chance of tooth sensitivity.   Check out this video from the ADA on sensitive teeth and when you are done take the quick quiz to test your knowledge.   

Click here for the Sensitive Teeth Quiz

*ADA Mouth Happy

Smiles for School

     It is back-to-school time again.   I can't believe that it has come around again so fast.   Personally, I love have the kids around.   It is hard to see them head back to school.   I know the house is cleaner and quieter but you can't help but miss kids' laughter and play.   If your kids have not headed back to school yet then they will quite soon.   Now is a perfect time to make sure they get a back-to-school dental check-up.  

     It makes it easy to remember when you always schedule a Dental exam and cleaning around the beginning of school.   You buy clothes, notebooks, backpacks, pencils, pens..oh ya, and schedule the kids' dental appointments.  

    To make this appointment easy on your kiddos here are 6 tips to do beforehand.

1

Plan Ahead

 Don't wait until the last minute and try to squish your exam in.   Plan ahead and get it on your calendar.   

2

Encourage Good Dental Habits at Home

Make sure that your kids are brushing properly and long enough, getting all the tooth surfaces.   Don't forget flossing and if age-appropriate, mouthwash.

3

Schedule For the Proper Time

You know your kids.  Do they have a harder time sitting quietly in the afternoon?   When are nap times?   Would a regular meal time be missed?   Keep these and other things relating to your child in mind when setting your appointment.

4

Don't Go Hungry

A light snack can help your child not feel hungry while they are visiting with the doctor.

5

Don't Get Anxious

Many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist.   Your children will sense your anxiety and become anxious themselves.   Be careful what you say to your child.   A comment about your anxiety or your fears will stress your child out.   Be positive and encouraging instead.

6

The Best Behaved First

If you are scheduling more than one child choose the child that can be the best example to the others to go first.   The other children will see that it is not that big of a deal.

Follow these simple hints to have an easier and more relaxed appointment.

5 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

Your mouth does the talking, but your teeth can tell a full story of your life. Find out how with these fascinating facts about your teeth.