Do you brush your teeth when you first wake up in the morning or after having breakfast?

When it comes to brushing our teeth, there are different opinions on when and how often to do it. Some people prefer to brush their teeth right after waking up in the morning, while others prefer to do it after breakfast. The truth is that both options are valid, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.

If you brush your teeth after breakfast, waiting at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything acidic, such as orange juice or coffee, is essential. Acid weakens the tooth enamel, and brushing immediately after eating can actually do more harm than good. Waiting a bit allows the saliva to neutralize the acid and protect the teeth.

As for how often to brush, most dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day. Doing so helps remove plaque and prevent cavities and gum disease. Therefore, brushing your teeth before going to bed is important to maintain good oral hygiene.

Why should you brush your teeth before going to bed if you are going to brush them in the morning?

Throughout the day, bacteria and plaque build up on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. By brushing your teeth before bed, you can remove any food particles and plaque accumulated on your teeth and gums, which can help prevent dental problems. Additionally, when you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva, making it easier for bacteria to grow and cause damage to your teeth and gums. So, brushing before bed is important in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Remember to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and don’t forget to floss daily to remove any stubborn food particles and bacteria between the teeth. See your dentist for regular dental checkups, and if you do not have dental insurance, to help keep your dental care cost more affordable, call our member service line at 310-534-3444. Our team of experts can explain each plan’s various options and benefits and help you select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

It is essential to visit a dentist regularly to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. Therefore, make sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams.

In the meantime, you will want to contact your dentist if you notice any signs or symptoms that could suggest oral health problems, such as:

* Red, tender, or swollen gums
* Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
* Gums that begin pulling away from your teeth
* Loose permanent teeth
* Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth align with each other
* Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold
* Persistent bad breath or a distinctive taste in your mouth

Maintaining good oral health is crucial to preventing gum disease and other health issues. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help detect and treat problems early on. It is also essential to contact your dentist if you notice any signs of oral health problems, such as bleeding gums or loose teeth. By caring for your teeth and visiting your dentist regularly, you can ensure a lifetime of good oral health.

I have a seven-year-old who has ADD, and taking him to the dentist is a pain. He can not seem to sit still for more than 15 minutes. It is like he starts getting ants in his pants. I want to change the current dentist we see, not because he is not good but because he doesn’t have the needed patience for my son. Where should I go for good dental care for my son’s needs?

Reply: Finding a good dentist who is patient and understanding of your son’s needs is essential. Consider looking for a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children with ADD. They may have experience and training in dealing with difficult sitting-still children. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare providers. You can also check with your dental insurance provider to see if they have a list of pediatric dentists who are covered under your plan. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and share your concerns with your dentist. Good communication can go a long way in ensuring your son receives the dental care he needs.

Here are a few tips when looking for a new dentist for your son. When calling a dental office for a special needs child, here are some questions you could ask to ensure your child receives the best care possible:

1. Do you have experience treating children with special needs such as ADD, autism, or sensory processing disorders?

2. Are your staff members trained to work with children with difficulty sitting still or communicating their needs?

3. What accommodations do you have for children with special needs?

4. Can we schedule a consultation appointment to meet the dentist and staff and discuss our child’s needs before scheduling dental work?

5. Are you familiar with dental insurance plans that may cover specific treatments for children with special needs?

Remember that it’s important to find a dental office that is patient, understanding, and accommodating of your child’s unique needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share any concerns.

Flossing Tips: To get the most out of Flossing, here are some tips that may help you maximize your Flossing. 

1) Length of Floss: Be careful with the amount of floss you use. Brake off about 18 inches of dental floss. Wine most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand and the rest around the middle finger on the other. Grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. 

2) Be Gentle: Do not snap the floss into your gums or be rough when flossing. You want to guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it against one tooth 

3) Take your time: Flossing should not be rushed. Make sure to take one tooth at a time. Slide the floss into the space between your gum and tooth. Use the floss to gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-and-down motion. Unwind fresh floss as you progress to the rest of your teeth. 

4) Keep it up: After eating, Flossing should be done at least twice daily. Yet many people forget this vital part of their daily dental care habit. They only get half the benefits needed for good oral health care.

I just got dental insurance for my family, and my three-year-old went to see the dentist we picked for her. The dentist wants to see my daughter four times yearly for a cleaning. Our insurance covers only two. Is not four times a year a bit excessive? I was always told two times a year was good enough. Is this dentist just trying to get more money from us?

Reply: It is generally recommended that children receive dental cleanings twice a year. However, there may be cases where more frequent cleanings are necessary based on the child’s dental health and specific needs. It’s a good idea to ask your dentist why they are recommending four cleanings per year and to discuss any concerns you may have about insurance coverage or costs. Open communication with your dentist can help ensure that your child’s dental health needs are met most effectively and efficiently.

This brief article will help you select the best dental insurance and discuss the analysis of dental care needs to find the best dental insurance for you. You need to ask yourself several questions about your potential dental care – How much can you afford to spend on dental care? What is the best dental insurance plan for me? What are my dental care needs?

The best dental insurance policies offered will depend upon a family and its members’ oral health needs. Discount coverage should be researched if someone other than an employer or group health policy provides the best dental insurance available. The best dental insurance will depend upon employment, local dentists participating in programs, and current needs. It will fit your family’s needs and budget.

Finding the best dental insurance plan that fits your needs is an important part of ensuring that your teeth get the care they need to stay healthy. Compare plans and instantly get no-obligation dental coverage quotes. You can call our member service line at 310-534-3444. Our team of experts can explain each plan’s various options and benefits and help you select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

My three-year-old son has a cavity in one of his back baby teeth. I took him to see the dentist the other day and was told he would need a filling, and he suggested that since the cavity is significant, I should have the tooth capped. I have not had dental insurance paying for everything myself up to this point. Is it too late for me to get dental insurance for my son now?

Reply: I understand that you are concerned about the cost of the dental procedure for your son. Getting dental insurance for your son is still possible, even though he already has a cavity. Review dental HMO insurance plans. HMOs are low in cost, and more importantly, they generally do not have waiting periods for dental services. 

Lastly, it’s crucial that you don’t start any dental work until your dental insurance is in place. Otherwise, it may be deemed work in process and may not be covered by your insurance plan. I suggest you research and find a dental insurance plan that suits your needs and budget before proceeding with any dental work for your son.

Your toothbrush is not meant to last a lifetime; that is why knowing when to replace your toothbrush is essential. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months, sooner if the brush bristles become frayed.

Why it is essential to replace your toothbrush: It is important to replace your toothbrush regularly because, over time, the bristles can become frayed and worn, which can make them less effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.

Also, bacteria can build up on your toothbrush over time, especially if stored in a damp environment, leading to problems in oral health. By replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, you can help ensure that you effectively remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, reducing your risk of developing oral health issues.

It is essential to take proper care of your toothbrush. You want to always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing your teeth. Store your toothbrush upright, if possible, and allow it to air-dry until using it again. You want to avoid covering toothbrushes or storing them in closed containers routinely; doing so can encourage the growth of bacteria.

Why you don’t want to have your toothbrush in your bathroom:

There are several reasons why some people prefer to keep their toothbrush out of the bathroom. One reason is that flushing the toilet can release bacteria and germs into the air, potentially damaging your toothbrush. Additionally, if you share a bathroom with others, keeping your toothbrush open could increase the risk of cross-contamination. However, if you take proper care of your toothbrush and replace it every three to four months, it should be safe to use regardless of where you store it.

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.

When it comes to your dental health, it would help if you started using the right tools to do the job correctly. Use toothpaste with fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively. A side benefit is they can help reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than a manual brushing dose.

Here are some additional brushing tips to help maintain your dental health:

1. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time.
2. Use gentle circular or back-and-forth motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth and gums.
3. Remember to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
4. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
5. Avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage your enamel and irritate your gums.
6. Consider using a mouthwash or dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas between your teeth.

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.

Question: My daughter is seven and got into an accident where she lost four of her top front teeth. They are her baby teeth, but I do not like her dealing with such a big gap. Could she get a dental bridge until her adult teeth come in? Or would that be considered cosmetic dental services since they are only her baby teeth? I know my dental insurance plan does not cover cosmetics. 

Answer: I understand your concern about your child dealing with a significant gap in her teeth, and you’re right to consider options for treatment. While dental bridges are usually regarded as cosmetic dental services, your child may be able to get space maintainers instead. Space maintainers are dental devices that help to “hold space” in your child’s mouth until their adult teeth come in. They can be a good option for children who have lost their baby teeth prematurely, and they are covered in most dental insurance plans. 

It would help to talk to your child’s dentist about the best treatment plan, as they can provide more detailed information about available options. They can also assist you in navigating your dental insurance plan to determine what is covered and what is not. Remember, your child’s dental health is important, and getting the proper treatment is essential to ensure their teeth develop correctly.

My son has terrible teeth enamel on his baby teeth. He is seven and has already had five fillings done. This is going to be very costly. Even though I have dental insurance for him, it does not pay out that much, and I have to pay the difference. 

Does anyone know how to slow him down from getting cavities? As it is now, he is brushing three times a day and using toothpaste that is supposed to help tooth enamel, but I don’t know how much that is working.

Reply: Has your son’s dentist talked to you about dental sealants? Dental sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. They can help prevent cavities by smoothing the grooves and pits on the teeth where food and bacteria can quickly accumulate. Dental sealants are a safe and effective way to protect your child’s teeth from decay and cavities. 

Most dental insurance plans provide benefits for dental sealants for children, so it could be a cost-effective way to prevent future dental problems. If your current dental insurance does not provide coverage for dental sealant or has limited coverage, you may want to start shopping it out for a plan that will fit your and your son’s current dental needs better. 

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.

My husband’s job does not offer dental insurance. We want affordable dental insurance for a family of four but need help finding something low-cost. Where can we get dental insurance for an excellent low-cost rate for a family if not through a job?

Reply: Finding affordable dental insurance for a family of four can be challenging, especially if it is not offered through your employer. However, there are still some options available to you. One option is to look for dental insurance plans offered by private insurance companies. You can search online for such plans and compare the features and costs to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Another option is to consider discount dental plans, which are not insurance plans but offer discounts on dental services from participating dentists. These plans typically have low annual fees and can provide savings on routine and major dental procedures. It’s always a good idea to do your research and compare different options before making a decision.

You can call our member service line at 310-534-3444. Our team of experts can explain each plan’s various options and benefits and help you select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Question: So, I was reviewing your dental insurance plans. I am a single dad, and my son lives with me for most of the year. We are in TX, and I would like to get him a dental insurance plan. I don’t care about the monthly cost as long as it is an excellent dental insurance plan that will take care of my son’s future dental needs. He has perfect teeth at this point. What is the best plan?

Answer: Thank you for your question about dental insurance plans for your son. Based on your requirements, we recommend that you review our dental PPO plans. These plans offer the flexibility to choose your own dentist and also provide comprehensive coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services.

However, if you prefer a plan with no waiting periods, you may also want to consider dental HMOs or dental discount plans. These options usually have lower monthly premiums and offer access to a network of dentists who have agreed to provide services at discounted rates.

To help you choose the best plan for you and your son, we recommend that you call our member service line at 310-534-3444. Our team of experts can explain the different options and benefits of each plan, and help you select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

We understand that dental care is an important part of your son’s overall health, and we are committed to helping you find the right plan to meet his dental needs both now and in the future.

Question: My five-year-old daughter has dental caries. She currently needs six fillings and a possible baby root canal. I have dental insurance, but I have already maxed out its $1000.00 yearly limit with six more months before it resets. She can not afford to wait six months, and I can not afford the cost of her dental work as it is currently. 

Reply: I understand you are concerned about your daughter’s dental health and the cost of her dental work. Finding a solution that meets your immediate needs and is affordable in the long run is essential. 

One option is purchasing an HMO dental insurance plan with no waiting periods for the services your daughter needs. This type of plan typically has lower out-of-pocket costs and requires choosing a primary care dentist from a network of providers. This could be a good fit if you do not have a preferred dentist or your current dentist who is outside the plan’s network.

Alternatively, buy another PPO plan with a higher yearly maximum limitation, then $1000.00. However, remember that this may mean you must deal with waiting periods that will not help you with your daughter’s current dental care needs.

Before making any changes, call your current dental insurance plan and see if you can increase the maximum limitation without restarting the plan. This way, you can continue with the same plan and provider you are familiar with while receiving additional coverage for your daughter’s dental needs.

Remember that regular dental checkups and preventative care can help reduce the likelihood of future dental problems and expenses. So, it’s always a good idea to maintain good oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental visits for yourself and your family.

My son is not yet two, but I want to take him to see a pediatric dentist. I currently do not have dental insurance for him. I want to get some insurance before I take him to the Pediatric dentist. 

Answer: Yes, some HMO plans cover pediatric dentistry services specialists provide. However, in most cases, you must be referred to a specialist by a general dentist in the HMO network. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a general dentist within the HMO network first and then ask for a referral to a pediatric dentist. Additionally, remember that HMO plans have certain limitations and exclusions, so it’s important to carefully review the plan details and check if pediatric dentistry services are covered before enrolling.

I am a 23-year-old part-time student/worker—no kids and not married. I have not been to the dentist since I got dropped from my dad’s insurance. How much dental insurance is available for a part-time student? Is there any discount for being a student even if you are only part-time?

Reply:  It’s great that you are considering getting dental insurance. While your school may provide some insurance options for students, it’s not a guarantee that they offer discounts for part-time students. So, check with your school’s insurance office to see if they offer dental insurance plans that could work for you.

If you cannot find an insurance plan through your school, you can purchase individual dental insurance independently. However, most individual dental insurance plans don’t offer student discounts. That being said, you should look into dental HMO insurance plans, which are typically low-cost and can provide you with necessary dental coverage. 

I hope this information helps you make an informed decision about your dental insurance options. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns!