Sometimes, to do something well, it does take some practice. Make sure you are brushing your teeth correctly; if not, practice brushing your teeth to have good technique. 

Brushing Your Teeth: Brushing your teeth is essential to your oral hygiene routine. Here are the steps to properly brush your teeth:

1. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle and aim the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum.

2. Gently brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth and your tongue.

3. Use the tip of your brush to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

4. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily – in the morning and before bed.

5. Choose a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities and strengthen your tooth enamel.

6. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Remember, correctly brushing your teeth helps remove food particles and plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. It’s important to brush your teeth regularly to maintain good oral health.

Flossing your teeth is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. Here are the steps to properly floss your teeth:

1. Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.

2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between your teeth using a sawing motion.

3. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

4. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with an up-and-down motion.

5. Repeat this process on the rest of your teeth, using a fresh section of floss for each one.

6. Remember to floss behind your back teeth and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing.

Remember, flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which your toothbrush can’t reach. It’s important to floss at least once a day to maintain good oral health.

Your oral health starts with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can help prevent gum disease. Keeping your tooth surfaces clean will help you prevent cavities. Consider these brushing basics from the American Dental Association: 

• Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. 
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do an excellent job of cleaning your teeth.  
• Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• The proper brushing technique is to: 
• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.  
• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. 
• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. 
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes. 
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Taking care of your oral health is essential, starting with clean teeth. Regular brushing using the proper technique and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste can help prevent gum disease and cavities. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Following these brushing basics from the American Dental Association, you can maintain good oral hygiene and keep your smile healthy and bright.

Question: I have old partials and would like new ones, but I need dental insurance first. So, I am looking at the plans but need help finding dentures and partial coverage information on the fee schedule when reviewing an HMO insurance plan. I want to have coverage for what I need. 

Answer: Dentures can usually be found under the Prosthetics services. I have listed some ADA codes for dentures. I hope it helps you. 

5110/5120 Complete upper or lower denture

5130/5140 Immediate upper or lower denture

5211/5212 Upper or lower partial denture, resin base

5213/5214 Upper or lower partial denture, cast metal

framework with resin denture bases

5410/5411 Adjust denture

5421/5422 Adjust partial denture

If you need interim partial dentures, look for codes 5820/5821. These codes refer to upper or lower interim partial dentures that can be used temporarily while waiting for a permanent solution. I hope this information is helpful to you in finding the coverage you need for your dental needs.

What age should you add your child to your dental and vision insurance plan? I have a three-year-old; I took her to see a vision doctor since you can have things go wrong with your eyes at any age, but what about teeth? Is she too young, since most dentists I call will see kids when they are around five or six? 

Reply: Generally, it’s recommended to start taking your child to see a dentist around one or two or when their first tooth comes in. This ensures that their teeth and gums are healthy and developing correctly. Indeed, many family dentists may only provide services for children once they are five or six years of age, so you would need to take a younger child to a pediatric dentist. 

A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who has received additional education and training to treat infants, children, and teenagers. They focus on children’s oral health from infancy through their teenage years, including those with special needs. A baby should see a pediatric dentist because babies have a unique set of dental needs that differ from those of adults. Pediatric dentists can help prevent dental problems, promote healthy habits, and provide early treatment for any issues that may arise. They can also teach parents and caregivers how to properly care for their child’s teeth and gums.

Is there any such thing as student dental insurance? I am not covered under my parent’s dental insurance, and I do not get it offered through my work. Can I have low-cost dental insurance while I am in college?

I only have a little extra money between work and my regular bills. I want some minor dental work done, cleaning, and so on, but I can not afford to go to the dentist without help.

Reply: There are a few options that could work for you when it comes to low-cost dental insurance. One of the most affordable types of dental insurance is an HMO plan. HMO dental insurance plans typically have lower monthly premiums and deductibles than others. However, they often have a limited network of dental providers you can choose from, so it’s important to check that providers in your area accept the plan you’re interested in.

Another option to consider is a dental discount plan. These plans don’t provide insurance coverage, but they can offer discounts on dental services at participating providers. While the discounts may not be as substantial as those provided by insurance plans, they can still help you save money on routine dental care.

It’s important to research and compare different dental insurance options to find the best plan for your needs and budget. You may also want to check if your college or university specifically offers student dental insurance plans.

Dental care for a child is crucial to their overall health and wellness. As a parent, it is essential to understand that dental care should begin during pregnancy since baby teeth form before birth. Therefore, if you are pregnant, eating a balanced and nutritious diet and getting adequate vitamins and minerals is important to ensure your baby’s teeth develop correctly.

In addition, pregnant women should have a complete dental exam and have any cavities or gum disease treated. Poor dental health in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby. For instance, gum disease during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

After the child is born, it is essential to start dental care when the first tooth appears around six months of age. Parents should ensure their child’s teeth are brushed twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and water. As the child grows older, they may start using toothpaste with fluoride.

Regular dental checkups should also be a part of the child’s dental care routine. Regular dental checkups will help identify any dental problems early on and prevent them from worsening. Overall, starting dental care early is essential for ensuring good oral health and preventing dental problems in the future.

My 20-month-old son’s teeth are coming in crooked. A couple of them are straight, but it looks like the other teeth are crooked. What should I do? I cannot tell if his teeth hurt him, and he does not complain much about them. Maybe I am worried too much.

Reply: I understand your concern about your 20-month-old son’s crooked teeth. It’s natural for parents to worry about their child’s health and well-being. However, it’s important to remember that children’s teeth come in at different times and in various orders. In most cases, crooked teeth in young children are nothing to worry about and are a normal part of dental development.

Having your child’s teeth checked by a pediatric dentist is always a good idea. They can assess your child’s dental health and determine if any intervention is necessary. Additionally, if your child is experiencing any pain or discomfort, it’s essential to have them seen by a dentist as soon as possible.

If you do not currently have family dental or dental insurance for your child, buying some is a good idea, as it will help control the cost of dental care. I hope this information is helpful, and please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Many people deal with having sensitive teeth on a daily bases. Usually, when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. Sensitivity can happen when tooth enamel starts to thin or wear down, exposing the underlying root surface dentin. Receding gums can also expose your tooth dentin, causing tooth sensitivity. There are many reasons why you can wear or thin down your tooth enamel. A few would be drinking Acidic beverages like sodas, Teeth grinding, Brushing with abrasive toothpaste or brushing incorrectly, or overbrushing more than recommended. At the same time, gum disease can cause receding gums. Other ways to expose your tooth dentin would be by a chipped or fractured tooth. With proper dental care, you can avoid sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentist if you currently have sensitive teeth to find the best treatment option.

Improperly maintained swimming pools can be hazardous to your teeth. 

Did you know improperly maintained pools can cause severe and rapid dental enamel erosion? Maintenance by a professional pool service can be costly, which is why many pool owners will do the work themselves; however, If the chemical levels are not adequately maintained, pool water contact with teeth can cause severe enamel erosion damaging your teeth permanently

Vending Machines can Influence a Child’s Diet and Oral Health Care. 

Although many schools are changing what foods are in their vending machines, many more vending machines still provide sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks that can affect children’s teeth. In the younger grades, the school is either removing vending machines altogether or offering healthier snacks. Though in high schools and colleges, junk food in vending machines is still wildly offered. Many dentists are concerned that their patients are still consuming too much of the sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks that are found in many vending machines. These snacks typically have very little, if any, nutritional value; over time, they can take a toll on one’s teeth. Food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly they may develop tooth decay.

Dentist Opens Their Dental Practice to the Online Community. 

When finding a new dentist, people turn to the internet. More dentists see that more than the phone book and word of mouth is needed to get them noticed. They are opening their practice to the online community. Doing so not only helps them get new patients they might not have had otherwise but also provides added service to people visiting their sites. Many dental office websites provide information on their practice and for increased knowledge of dental healthcare. Dental offices may also offer specials on their website for dental services you may not get otherwise.

Some benefits of having Porcelain Veneers: 

• Porcelain veneers can completely transform your teeth and smile. 
• Porcelain veneers remain among the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the United States. 
• Veneers can be used to fix many dental problems. 
• With veneers, a dentist can control your new teeth’ color, position, shape, and size. They also can correct crooked, worn, or chipped teeth. 

Ask your dentist about dental veneers to see what your options are.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay what it is, and how to Prevent it. 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) is caused by frequent and prolonged exposure to liquids except for plain water. Beverages include formula, milk, fruit juices, and drinks containing sugars. If these liquids pool around the baby’s teeth and gums for an extended period, they will lead to cavities that first develop in the upper and lower front teeth.

Usually, this happens when you leave a baby with a baby bottle to sleep or to soothe a baby from crying. You should not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle filled with anything other than plain water or use a pacifier. See if your dentist has a pacifier they recommend you use. If you are breastfeeding, try to avoid letting your child nurse continuously. Also, remember to wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean damp washcloth after feedings. BBTD is preventable with proper dental healthcare. Ask your dentist for more dental care tips for your child and ensure they have regular dental checkups.

Social Consequences Associated with Gum Disease.

Gum Disease has far-reaching consequences that many overlook or feel are not significant problems to address. Even though many people may suffer from various forms of gum disease, few realize how others can perceive their ailment. While gingivitis may not seem like a significant problem to many unsuspecting people, dental professionals worldwide agree that it is a severe complication and can lead to more overlooked issues impacting a person’s health. Beverly Hills periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh of The Total Smile argues that gum disease can and will, if untreated, create unsightly cosmetic problems like discolored gums, bleeding around the gum line, and eventually, tooth loss.

Study on How Obesity can Contribute to Poor Oral Health. 

Links have been found that Obesity can affect your oral. A recent study revealed that the more profound the periodontal pockets, the higher the proportion of subjects with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or over. According to the World Health Organization, a figure is generally considered obese. In 2008, 1.5 billion adults, 20 and older, were overweight. Periodontal pockets are essentially food and plaque traps that irritate and decay teeth to the point where the tooth can eventually fall out if not treated by a dentist. The deeper the pocket, the greater the risk of tooth loss. Proper dental care and seeing your dentist can help prevent tooth loss due to periodontal pockets and gum disease. Having good oral healthcare and taking care of your overall health makes sense. On this website, we can help you save money on your dental care with one of our dental insurance or dental plans.

How Cavity-Causing Microbes can Invade your Heart

Scientists have discovered that bacteria, typically found in our mouths, is a tool that can be used to invade heart tissue, causing a dangerous and sometimes lethal infection of the heart known as endocarditis. S. mutans is a bacterium best known for causing cavities. Normally, S. mutans confine themselves to the mouth, but the bacteria can enter the bloodstream sometimes after a dental procedure or even after vigorous flossing. Our immune system usually destroys them, but occasionally – within just a few seconds – they travel to the heart and colonize its tissue, especially heart valves. The bacteria can cause endocarditis – inflammation of heart valves – which can be deadly. Infection by S. mutans is a leading cause of the condition. The study raises the possibility of creating a screening tool – perhaps a cheek swab or a spit test to gauge a dental patient’s vulnerability to the condition.

My niece has some rotten baby teeth. Her breath is awful too. She is going to the dentist to have them pulled, but she is only seven, so it seems too soon to be pulling out teeth. Can you give helpful advice to ensure the rest of her teeth do not have to be removed? I feel it is a lack of proper care, but I can not come out and say that.

Reply: Trying to give advice when not asked for can leave you in trouble. If your family member is coming to you for advice, suggest they talk to the dentist about dental sealants. Dental sealants will help to prevent decay. Just because you may think it is a lack of dental care, it could be that their child has bad or no tooth enamel.

Post-Menopausal Women have a higher risk of Tooth Loss.

A study of over 1,000 post-menopausal women forecasted that around one in four post-menopausal women has a higher risk of tooth loss over five years. This risk increases to nearly 90 percent if other risk factors are present, especially diabetes and if they smoke. Having proper dental care and maintaining good oral hygiene reduces the risk factors

What is Supplemental Dental Insurance? 

Supplemental dental insurance is an individual or family insurance policy purchased to cover some dental costs. Supplemental dental insurance will typically only cover part of the dental care procedure. The supplemental dental policy typically covers the remaining dental bill if you have a primary dental insurance plan that you purchased or your employer-provided. For example, if the dental plan policy covers half of the dental cost, the secondary or supplement dental insurance plan should cover the remaining balance of your dental procedure. You can purchase a supplemental dental insurance plan to help cover the dental charges when there are annual dental benefit plan limits or exclusions.

I have not been to see a dentist in over ten years when I was a kid.  I do not have any major dental issues that I know of but I want to start seeing a dentist regularly what should I expect?

Answer: Since you have not been to a dentist in years it hard to say what dental care you may need.  However for just a basic first dental appointment it can go some thing like this:

If the office has a dental hygienist, the hygienist will clean your teeth, do an evaluation and sometimes take X-rays. Then the dentist will check the X-rays and your teeth for signs of decay, check your gums for changes, and check for signs of oral cancer or other diseases.

From time to time, however, your dentist should do a more thorough exam. This is called a comprehensive examination. It includes a thorough look at your entire mouth, head and neck area. The dentist also will ask about your medical history, and you will get X-rays if indicated.