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.

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 am a minor with yellowish-looking teeth. I hate to smile because I do not have white teeth, and my mom will not pay to whiten my teeth at the dentist. I also asked to use whitening strips, but she says she was told they could make your teeth sensitive and would prefer for me not to. Is that true? And can I still buy them if I am a minor? 

Answer: Your mother is correct. Whiten strips can make your teeth sensitive. You can find a lower dosage product or use them for a shorter time. If your teeth are getting sensitive to the strips, you may want to stop treatment for a while. However, that being said, it is still something your mother would need to approve before you use any white strips. Ask your mother if you can start using a *toothpaste product with whitening. As for whether you can buy white strips as a minor, I suggest not going behind your mother’s back and doing something that she has already advised against.

•  Toothpaste products with whitening agents can help remove surface stains from your teeth, making them appear brighter and whiter. However, they may not be as effective as other whitening treatments, such as professional dental or whitening strips. It’s essential to note that toothpaste products with whitening may take longer to show visible results, but they are a safer and more affordable approach to whitening teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding foods and drinks that can stain your teeth is also important.

Question: How much does a bridge cost, and is it permanent? 

Answer:  Dental bridges are an excellent option for restoring missing teeth and improving the appearance of your smile. The cost of a bridge can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of teeth being replaced, the type of bridge, and the region you’re located in. A single fixed bridge can cost anywhere from $500 to $900 per tooth. Remember that this cost is per tooth and doesn’t include the expenses for anchoring crowns on either side of the bridge. 

It’s important to note that dental insurance can help cover the cost of the bridge, typically paying for about half of the total cost. However, insurance policies vary, so it’s best to check with your provider to see what’s covered. 

As far as permanence goes, dental bridges can last for many years with proper care. With regular visits to the dentist and an excellent oral hygiene routine, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions on how to care for your bridge to ensure it lasts as long as possible. 

I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions. 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: 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. 

Question: My daughter is nine, but her teeth are crooked, and her dentist stated she may need braces. Right now, she has a space maintainer in hopes of avoiding braces. If she needs braces, would that be when all her baby teeth are out? I see no point in putting braces on baby teeth. Yet that is what her dentist is hinting at. 

Reply: It would be hard to say; sometimes, children get braces while they still have baby teeth. The braces help keep the teeth in place as the adult teeth come out. It would help if you talked to an orthodontist as a consultant. Some orthodontic dentists will offer free consultations, which will be beneficial information for you. Consider consulting your dental insurance carrier to confirm your coverage for braces.

I have a family of six, and we do not have dental insurance. We used to, but we had canceled our plan when my husband changed jobs. We can only afford a little, so we would like to know where to get low-cost dental insurance or dental services.  

Reply: Your concern about finding affordable dental services for your family of six is understandable. There are a few options you can consider. Firstly, you can see a dental insurance plan that fits your budget. You should check with your husband’s employer if they offer any dental insurance options or search for affordable plans online. Regarding dental insurance, an HMO insurance plan would be the cheaper option. 

Another option is to look for community health centers or dental clinics in your area that offer low-cost or even free dental services. Some clinics offer a sliding fee scale based on income, so it’s worth exploring this option.

I hope this information helps you find the right solution for you and your family. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need further assistance. 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.

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.

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!

I am a single mother of one and need dental insurance for little to no cost. My son and I are both healthy and have good teeth, but it is hard to pay for my son to see the dentist like he should due to cost. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Reply: The lower-cost option for dental insurance would be an HMO insurance plan. You can buy the couple option for you and your son, with the average monthly cost running around $15.00 – $30.00. Most HMO insurance plans provide preventive care services like Bite-wing X-rays and basic cleaning for free or at a low cost.

If you feel you need more extensive dental care services, make sure to review each plan’s benefits carefully. You may spend more money on the cost of the dental insurance plan but save more money on major dental care services.