One of the main causes to adult tooth loss is periodontal disease (Gum Disease) including gingivitis and periodontitis. There has been some research that state up to 30 percent of the population may be genetically susceptible to having gum disease.

If you are brushing and flossing correctly and seeing your dentist regularly, yet still have gum disease issues you may be in the 30 percent.  Because despite aggressive oral heath care habits these people  still have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease.  There are now test that are being offered to help diagnose periodontitis, a bacterial infection in the mouth.  Identifying people in this higher risk area will help by early intervention and proper dental  treatment which may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Talk to your dentist and see what is best advised for you.  Preventive care is key and by seeing a dentist and being aggressive with your dental healthcare you are not only helping your oral health but over all health and well being. Having either dental insurance and or a dental plan in place will make having dental care more affordable for you and help you stay on top of your dental needs.

Oddly enough yes.  Studies have shown that bacteria that causes tooth decay can be transmitted via a open mouth kiss.   With in one kiss you can share over 500 different types of disease causing germs and viruses.  This means that cavities can become contagious however,  it only an issue if the person you are kissing has several cavities a year which can be a sign that he or she may have an above average bacteria count.  With that say there is no reason to stop kissing.

Before a  kissing try brushing your teeth or rinse out your mouth with mouth wash.  Not convenient,  then chew on some sugar free gum or drink a glass of water.  If you feel your partner may be an issue you can always brush and floss your own teeth afterwords.  In short kissing is fine but know who your kissing and stay healthy

If you loose a tooth due to an accident and the tooth is recovered quickly you have a chance to save the tooth by going straight to a dentist and having it reattached.  However often too much time passes between the loss of the tooth and getting the dental care needed.  At that point you will need to think about how you are going to replace the tooth.

One way is by having a dental implant. Implants are artificial roots for a tooth that is placed in your mouth and attached to a replacement tooth. They do not rest on other teeth to support the replacement tooth, but rather are rooted into the gums. A dental implant will look just like any of your other teeth and  work and function the same.  Dental implants are a great substitute for dentures and bridge work. They are secure, and do not feel or look fake.

The only problem with the procedure is the high cost.  Many dental insurance plans do not cover for dental implants but there is still an option if your insurance plan does not offer benefits for implants.  If implants works is needed then you may want to get a dental discount plan.  On a dental discount plan you will be able to save money off the cost of having dental implants as long as there is a provider in the plan that does that type of dental services.  It is worth looking into when deciding about implant dental work.

There are a few steps you may want to take when thinking about buying dental insurance for yourself and or your family.   First step is to know your own dental needs the best you can.  You will be able to see that on line there are a ton of website offering dental insurance and dental plans that  you can have the option to review.

However, if you do not have a clear understanding of what you may need from a plan it will quickly seem overwhelming.  Before getting online ask yourself a few questions.  First are you trying to stay with a dental office?  If so the first step should be calling the dental office you are wanting to stay with to find out what plan they are a  PROVIDER for.  The key word is provider.

There are many higher cost dental insurance plans one can buy that lets you choose your own dentist but if your dental office is a provider of a lessor cost plan would you not want to know about it.   At the same time knowing this information will save you time in reviewing dental plans like HMOs where you have to stay within a network.

With that said you also need to have some idea on the dental services you may want.  Such as if you are in need of having a root canal getting a dental PPO with waiting periods for major dental services may not be the best option as to buying a dental HMO plan with no waiting periods or a getting a dental discount plan that let you see the dentist normally within the next business day of your online enrollment..   Make sure you read each plans terms and conditions so that you are sure to buy a dental plan that best fits your dental needs.   And lastly when in doubt about coverages or plan details call member services and get a clear understanding the time you put into make sure you getting the right plan from the start is well worth it.

Root canal can be done by either a general dentist or in some cases an Endodontist specialist.  Normally you would go to a general dentist first and if determine that you should see a endodontist the general dentist will refer you to one.

The dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp that is in the inside of your tooth.  Then the tooth is filled up and sealed.  If you went to a endodontist dentist for the root canal you would return to your general dentist for a crown.

The crown will help to protect your tooth and restore it back to full function.  Even though having a root canal and crown work can be costly, most dentist will advise this procedure in order to save a tooth.  Some people feel that having an extraction would be less costly however that is not the case if you are wanting to replace the missing tooth pulled.

Leaving gaps in your teeth due to pulling is never a good idea because shifting of your remaining teeth will happen over time.  That is why it is a good idea to have dental insurance in place prior to having any major dental services render.

When one is looking for what they think is “Full Coverage Dental Insurance”  it is important to determine what “Full Coverage” means to you.   Because it can mean different things to different people.    So what does “Full Coverage”  mean to me and many other people I talk to?.. Simply put, I would pay X dollar amount monthly (whatever that would be) and all my dental services are fully paid for.  There would be no dental service render that would not be covered for and I only have to pay the monthly cost for the plan. I have yet to find a dental insurance plan that works this way. However if you do I would  love to know about it.

That is why when I do talk to people about dental insurance I never use the term “Full Coverage”  What I do instead is to try and find out what the person feels are their current and future dental needs and try to fit a dental insurance or dental discount plan that will best addresses their dental needs.

My best advise when looking for dental insurance is to read, then read some more.  Make sure you know what it is you are going to get from the dental plan in question.  If there is still something you do not understand then call the company up and ask all the needed questions so you can feel good about the dental plan you decide to get. Forget about looking for full coverage and instead look for a dental plan that will fit your dental needs the best.  Some times in order to do that you may have to get more the just one dental plan you may want to combine plans that make the best sense for your needs.

We are here to help you with any of the dental insurance and or dental plan that this web site has to offer in your state.  If you have questions we look forward to your calls.  So please call member services at 310-534-3444 CA time 8-5 M-F  We be happy to help

Right now I have nothing in regards to having dental insurance and or a plan.  I have not even seen a dentist in over three years.  I think my teeth are find since they do not hurt and they are white.  However, I like to have a dental check up and cleaning.

I am just not sure if buying a dental discount plan or buying dental insurance is really worth the money.  I been told by a few dental that the only plans worth getting are PPOs however I noted they are out of my cost range.  If you can not afford dental PPOs is getting anything else worth the effort and money?

Reply: One thing you should know about dental PPO’s that may put things into prospective when a dentist says only dental PPO’s are worth getting:

PPO’s dental insurance plans will normally let you choice a dentist outside their network of providers. (sometimes at a reduce coverage) Unlike HMO dental insurance plans were you have to stay within their network of provider in order for the plan to be valid. Which means any dentist or really dental office staffing knows that you can buy a PPO and still go to them for the dental services, regardless of whether or not the dentist is a provider of the plan.

Surely the dental office staffing is not going to tell you to get an HMO dental insurance plan (Which are normally cheaper then PPOs and have less limitations) if they know the dentist is not a provider of any HMO dental insurance plans. The fact is they want your business, so they are not going to suggest a dental insurance plan type that will take your business elsewhere.

So a course in that view point only PPOs are the best plan for you to get. That is why you need to review all your plan choices. You may not want to change dentist. And that is great when you find a dentist you really like. But know the facts, so that you can make the decision that best fits your needs and not necessarily the needs of the dentist.

Did you know if you are missing one or more teeth you may see a difference in your chewing as well as speaking. You may even notice a difference in your face and profile.  For many people missing teeth can cause low self esteem. Making them smile and laugh less for fare of people seeing their teeth.

Proper dental care can and will help fix your teeth.  Bridges will not only fix the gap cause by missing teeth but will restore the shape of your face as well as alleviate the difference in your bite.   A dentist could also advise fixed or partial dentures when needed.  Bridges and partial will look just like your normal teeth and give you back the smile you want to have.

Another option though be it normally a more costly option would be dental implants.  Dental implants are artificial teeth that attaches directly to the jaw.  Not everyone can have implants but a dentist can advise if that is an option for you.

Talk to a dentist over all your dental options and see which one you feel will be best for you.  Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost for dental bridges, partials and or dentures.  At this time it is still hard to find dental insurance that offer coverage’s for dental implants.

Therefore when it comes to implants you may want to review dental discount plans for cost savings.   However read your dental insurance plan terms and conditions and when in doubt call the company so you can know for sure what you are and are not covered for.  Keep us in mind for any of your dental insurance dental plan needs.   We are hear to help you get the best dental plan for your current dental needs.

I live in a state where dental discount plans seem to be popular. I really do not care if I buy a dental discount plan or insurance as long as it is low cost and will save me money of my dental services.  But how do I know which dental discount plan is the best?  Is there one dental discount plan that stands out more the others?  What is the best dental discount plan to get?

Reply: For the most part dental discount plans work the same you get the reduce discounted saving as shown on the plan, at the dental office at the time the dental service is render.

Comparing dental discount plan to each other comes down to the listed fee schedule and the dental office that take the plan. Make sure to call the providers of the plan you are reviewing to confirm they are still accepting the plan. I suggest you buy a plan that has more the one or two providers in the area you are willing to travel so that you can change providers if you want to.  I would also advise that if you are going to buy a dental discount plan do it from a license insurance agent or agency.

You will be able to tell this from most web site because they will list their license number for the state they are in. Even though you do not have to be a license insurance agent to sell a dental discount plan I would rather get one from some one that can offer me both choices. Our website dose offer both dental insurance and dental discount plans so if you have any questions about our plans options call our service line at 310-534-3444 as we be happy to help you

There are many people that are dealing with Gastroesophageal reflux disease which is relatively a common condition.  Acid Reflux is when the stomach acid are refluxed up, which may cause problems to your esophagus as well as your oral health and teeth if left untreated.

With regards to the one oral health care acid reflux can cause enamel erosion. Which can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues.  Acid reflux can also cause bad breath issues.  So it is not only important to speak to a doctor when dealing with acid reflux but also talk to your dentist.    Let your dentist know that you are dealing with acid reflux.  That way they will know to check more carefully for signs of tooth enamel erosion as well as wear on fillings. You may want to see a dentist more the just twice a year if you have constant acid reflux issues.  Stomach acid will quickly damage teeth if you do not stay on top of your oral health care.  So see a doctor for help in controlling your acid reflux and see a dentist regular to maintain your teeth health.

Also here is a good tip that may help you when you do get acid reflux and it comes up in your mouth. Immediately after do not brush but rinse with baking soda.  Baking soda will help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid that comes up into your mouth. Keep a record of food that make you more sensitive to getting acid reflux and try to limit yourself on those foods.

Question: I would like to know if you can buy a dental discount plan and combine it with your dental insurance plan in order to reduce your overall dental cost even more.   I currently have a pretty good dental insurance but like most people would like to save more money of my dental services.

Will a dentist let you use a dental discount and your dental insurance.  It would not only save me money  but would help me not max my limit out as fast with my dental insurance plan

Answer:  That would depend on whether or not you cab find a dentist in the network of a dental discount plan, who accepts whatever current plan you have and be willing to combine the two.

Off hand you could do it but keep in mind that on a dental discount plan you have to go to a dentist that is in the plan network or providers. Part of the reason why a dentist may take a discount plan is that they are not dealing with insurance. The decision would come from the dental office so make sure before buy a dental discount plan you confirm with the dentist that they are will to work both plans.

Although fillings can last many years they may not always last forever.  Without knowing you can wear down a filling by constant pressure from chewing when eating. Other people also may grind or clench their teeth knowingly or not which will also cause wear on a fillings. People that grind their teeth when they sleep should wear a night guard in order to protect their teeth.    You may not be able to see the wearing down on your fillings but a dentist can.

Normally a dentist will be able to spot weaknesses in fillings during your regular check ups. Without regular check ups filling wear will go unnoticed. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down then you are leaving your tooth open to new decay, which can get under your filling. If left untreated the decay can progress to  the dental pulp and may cause infection and or abscessed.  In which case can lead to larger dental services such as a root canal.

You can start to see the importance of  regular dental visits. Many times people do not know any of this is going on until they start to have tooth pain.  Preventive dental care not only saves you from unwanted dental pain, but in the long run will save you from having higher cost dental services.

Keep in mind that there are many low cost dental insurance plans such as HMO dental insurance plans that offer free office visits, check ups, X-rays and cleanings. By buying and using dental insurance you can save money and help keep a beautiful smile.

I am 27 and have not had dental insurance since I got dropped from my parents plan when I was 21.  I live on my own and I barely get by each month.  I have not been able to afford the dentist with out having dental insurance and my back teeth are really starting to hurt me now.  I can not find any dentist in my local area willing to give me a payment plan.  And I can not get one of the dental credit care cards because I have bad credit.

Where is all the help for the poor?  How can I get my teeth fixed if no one is willing to help me.  Is there low income dental insurance plans I can get for this?

Reply: There are no low income dental insurance plans, that I know of. However there are low cost dental insurance and dental plans that are available.

You may want to look for either dental HMO insurance plans or Dental Discount plans as a means of reducing your dental cost. This web site can help you with that all you need to do is enter your zip code in the box towards the top of the screen.

Another suggestion would be looking into going to dental school and or dental clinics. Depending on your income you maybe be able to get free to very low cost dental care. You can look in your phone book for these type of places or just look them up on line.

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: I was refer to a dentist by my best friend and I am wanting to go to them since I do not current have a dentist and this one seems to be really good.  The problem is my current dental insurance I have they are not a provider of so I would not have any insurance benefits if I do go to them. Should I just cancel my current plan for one that they are a provider of? Or just go to a dentist on my plan.

Answer: Well that would be something you would need to answer for yourself. However, before cancelling out your current dental insurance plan I would make sure that you are fully aware of the terms and conditions of any new dental plan you buy.  Such as PPO and free choice of provider plans come with waiting periods and other limitations that can restrict your coverage’s with in the first year or more.    Where as HMO and Dental discount plans have few limitations but like your current dental insurance plan you will need to see a plan provider. Talk to the dental office that you wish to do to and find out what plan they are a provider of and go from their. Review each dental insurance plan carefully so you pick what best fits your needs.

My parents are on a fixed income and they do not have dental insurance right now.  My dad is always working to pay the bills.  Even though he works hard he can not afford $120 or more a month for dental insurance.

I am seventeen and work a part time job so I think I would be able to pay for my own dental services if my parents could get a low cost coverage dental insurance plan for our family.   My mom does not use a computer and she does not want to bother my dad over this unless I can find something that sounds workable.  Could use some good advise.

Reply: What I suggest is that you review and show to your parents either our dental HMO insurance plans, or our dental discount plans. Both dental plan types would help your parents reduce their cost for dental services. Also both a dental HMO insurance and and a dental discount plan are the lower cost insurance/plan option.

They both offer low monthly rates. on average monthly rates would be anywhere from $15 – $50 for a family. Give or take depending on the plan but as you can see it is still much better then $120. Cost wise you where probably looking at dental PPO’s or Indemnity Insurance plans. Those type of dental insurance plans do tend to be much more costly.

I have not been to the dentist since I was on my parents dental insurance plan, over seven years ago. I know I need dental work.  I am not in any major pain or anything I just know that my teeth are not in good shape.

I am not sure if I should get a dental insurance plan with its waiting period and yearly max and do my dental services a little at a time. Or go for a dental discount plan for the dental saving and get my dental work done all at once.  Which way in the long run would be cheaper?

Reply: Really choice may depend on a few personal factors for you. Such as do you want to choose and or keep your own current dentist? If so buying a PPO or Indemnity plan may be the better choice for you, however these types of dental insurance plans normally do have the waiting periods and yearly dollar max limits.

Where as with a dental discount plan (not insurance) you need to choose a dentist that is taking the plan in order to get the discounted saving the plan may have to offer you.  Another insurance option that normally dose not have waiting periods but may save you more would be a dental HMO insurance plan.  However like a discount plan you will still need to pick a plan provider.

As to which is cheaper in the long run. You would need to compare the available plans in your area and know what dental care services you are needing to determine that.

My son is currently in braces.  I have a dental discount plan that save me 20% and it has been working well for me.  However now my husband job is making us move.  My worry is that we will be changing states.  My son still has his braces and they will not be done in time for the move since he need them for another year.  Will I still be able to get my 20% discount under the plan with another plan dentist.

Reply: It can depend on the discount plan you have, such is the plan offer in the state that you are moving to? If so are their any providers in the area that you are moving to?  In general it should not be an issue since you had the dental discount plan when your son first started the orthodontic services. However, if you know the zip code of where you will be moving to, I suggest calling up your dental discount plan members service line and asking them these questions.

I bought dental insurance about three months ago and feel it is very costly. At the time I felt rushed into buying something because I wanted to see the dentist for a check up, X-rays and cleaning but did not want to pay $200.00. I did use the plan for those services and saved a little over half the cost it would have been but was also told I needed filling and a crown. Which I finding out now from the dental office, that I may not have coverage’s for those types of services for at least a year.

I did not want to have to keep paying into the cost of insurance for that long and thought I could just get my teeth cleaned and maybe have a filling if needed then cancel out my plan. Not sure what to do now since paying the cost of the insurance and not getting what I need done dose not make sense to me.  Should I just cancel out the plan ?

Reply: First I would advise that you read the terms and conditions of the plan you currently have. Some Insurance plans such as PPO’s do have long term waiting periods that may effect you.

You may buy a dental discount plan in the mean time. I would advise on getting or looking for a discount plan that is monthly or one that you can cancel with a 30 day notice. Our website DentalInsurancePlus.com provides dental insurance as well as dental discount plans you may wish to review.  However I would never advise cancelling out your current dental insurance until you have a replacement plan in force.