[ad_1]

When discussing dental insurance benefits, the cliche phrase “use it or lose it” truly applies. Most dental insurances allow so many dollars per calendar year, and any dollars that are not utilized are lost. Additionally, the same philosophy applies to Flexible Spending or Health Saving Accounts, which force you to forfeit any left over money that you have paid for. Therefore, it is in your best interest to use these benefits each year before they expire and your money is lost.

Now that the end of the year is quickly approaching and there are only a few short months left to maximize your dental insurance benefits, I thought some tips to help educate patients would be valuable.

Before scheduling a dental appointment, call your insurance provider to find out the exact amount of your unspent dental benefits. Additionally, ask them what is covered with your policy. Typically, preventative procedures like cleanings, x-rays, and dental exams are covered, while cosmetic procedures, like whitening and veneers, are not. Although, most dentists have staff members who check this for you, it is always nice walking into the office knowing what your out-of-pocket expenses may be.

When calling your dentist’s office, be sure to not only schedule for yourself but also for eligible family members. However, don’t forget that many dental offices may be seeing an influx of patients at this time, and the sooner you call, the more likely your dentist will be able to schedule your families’ appointments.

Sometimes it is possible and beneficial to complete dental treatment in phases. This works nicely at the end of the year and the beginning of the next year. Depending on your individual needs, careful planning to maximize your benefits remaining for 2013, while completing the remainder of your treatment in early 2014 can provide you with more reimbursement than waiting to do it all the treatment next year. But, it is important to keep in mind that when insurance renews, there may be coverage changes, which includes changes in procedures covered and co=pays.

Saving money shouldn’t be your only motivation when visiting the dentist. Routine dental visits can detect early problems like gum disease and oral cancers. In addition it is important to remember that even a small cavity left untreated can become a bigger, more expensive dental problem in the future.

Be sure to use your dental insurance benefits before you lose them!

[ad_2]

Source by Jon Frankel, DDS

[ad_1]

Taking care of teeth does not only mean having a beautiful smile. Dental health extends beyond those pearly whites and that is why people, most especially seniors, should take good care of their teeth. Here are a few dental hygiene tips that can make them smile in the coming years.

Clean dental implants

About 75% of seniors who are at least 60 years old no long have a whole set of natural teeth. Most of them have artificial teeth like crowns, dental implants or dentures. It is imperative to care for these latest smile accessories to make sure they last long. Since dentures and implants are not made of the same materials as teeth, they need to be maintained more than just merely brushing them.

When their dentist talks to them about the proper care tips, they should listen and follow their advice. These include, removing retainers that comes with an attached false tooth before eating and soaking dentures in cleaning solution while sleeping at night. They should also bring a container with them so these will not be thrown by accident.

Ask the dentist about prescriptions

It is natural for seniors to have a dry mouth. As people get older, their saliva glands do not produce enough amounts of saliva to lubricate the mouth. This can harm their teeth and also affect their digestion. There are instances when some medications tend to cause a dry mouth so it is important to mention this to their doctor when they are suffering from this side effect.

Follow a regular routine

There are times when people forget to brush their teeth especially when they are too busy or tired. If this happens more often than not, dental health is neglected and this places them at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. So, they should include tooth care in their daily routine so they will not forget to brush and floss. If they make this a habit they will most likely remember.

Use assistive tools

A lot of seniors suffer from arthritis. This is a painful chronic condition that can make simple tasks like flossing a lot more challenging. Thanks to these new dental tools, practicing proper hygiene is gentler to the hands and wrists. Rather than pulling tooth floss from a container, they can use tooth picks that come with a toothbrush-like handle but have a wiry end to get in between teeth. Or else, they can floss holding the string in place to avoid struggling with their fingers.

When it comes to toothbrushes, they can go for those with thicker, rubber grips that make them easier to hold as compared to their thin plastic equivalent. It is also best to use toothbrushes that have soft bristles that are gentle and won’t harm the gums. Also, the teeth of seniors have become more sensitive to heat and cold as they grew older. As a solution, they can use all-natural toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth.

[ad_2]

Source by Karina Popa

[ad_1]

While oral sickness is easy to prevent, there are still lots of children that get tooth decay. Such kids often experience pain, find it hard to sleep, and at times, undergo major dental treatments – like tooth extraction with general anesthesia.

When a child gets cavities at a much younger age, it can be assumed that he/she will also develop cavities when his permanent teeth develop. For this reason, it is crucial for kids to have good oral hygiene habits when they are still very young.

Eat the Right Foods

Children should eat a variety of nutritious foods, especially in childhood when they are still going through the developing years. This is the time when their eating behavior is established. It is critical to encourage kids to have healthy eating habits that can lead to good oral health and welfare.

Provide children with different nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, natural yogurt and meat.

• Refrain from giving them snacks in between meals, since it is the most vulnerable age, when they could acquire cavities.
• Encourage them to drink lots of water (from at minimum of 1 liter/day to a maximum of 2 liters/day), particularly if you stay within an area with fluoride, to protect teeth from cavities.
• Try your best to reduce your child’s intake of sugary drinks like sodas, energy drinks, fruit juices and syrups, since these sweet drinks can cause tooth decay.
• Reduce their consumption of sweet drinks, particular in between meals.

Brush your teeth properly.

Brushing teeth using a proper technique is a must for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. Observing good oral hygiene at a much early age reduces the risk of acquiring gum disease at a later age. Teach them to brush their teeth at least twice daily – in the morning and in the evening, as well as after eating meals.

• It is recommended for infants to use a soft toothbrush, and for children 18 months to 6 years to use toothpaste (in a pea-sized amount) with less fluoride.
• Supervise your child (up to 7 years old) whenever he/she brushes his/her teeth.
• Instead of rinsing the toothpaste, encourage your child to spit it out.

Observe Safety while Playing

Whenever your child plays contact sports like cricket, football or hockey, when their mouth is more prone to injury, he should use a mouth guard during games and workout. A mouth guard is often worn when playing sports, while other activities also require a face guard or helmet.

Practice Healthy Habits at an Early Age

It would benefit children to develop healthy habits early in life. Habits such as brushing teeth regularly, eating a nutritious diet and visiting a dentist regularly allow them to maintain good oral health. The moment the first tooth of your child appears until 1 year old, he/she should have oral health checked. Based on a child’s oral health, the dentist/pediatrician will recommend when to visit the dental clinic.

• Whenever there is any dental problem, go immediately to the dentist to have it checked.
• Make dental visits a part of your child’s normal routine.
• Make a dental appointment early in the day, when your child is not yet tired.

[ad_2]

Source by Karina Popa