Your family oral health care is essential to maintain as your oral health has direct links to your overall health wellness. Therefore, a few ways to keep your and your family’s oral health are good at-home oral health care habits and seeing your dentist regularly. Studies also show that families that have dental insurance in place are more likely to see their family dentist regularly. In addition, dental insurance helps keep your family’s dental care costs lower and more affordable.

Regarding dental insurance for healthy families, it’s important to look for preventive care plans, such as regular cleanings, x-rays, and check-ups. Additionally, plans that cover orthodontia and basic and major restorative services can be beneficial for families with children who may need braces or other dental work. 

It’s also important to consider the network of providers available under a plan and any waiting periods or deductibles that may apply. By carefully evaluating the options and choosing a plan that meets your family’s needs, you can ensure everyone has access to the dental care they need to maintain good oral health.

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.

It is essential to understand that your dental health starts at home.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for having healthy teeth and gums. Here are some tips to help you achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums:

1.  Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent cavities.
2. Floss daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and the gum line.
3. Mouthwash: Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
4. Limit sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Limit your intake of these foods and drinks.
5.  Drink water: Drinking water after meals helps wash away food debris and prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay.
6. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist can detect and treat any dental problems early on.

By following these tips, you can have healthy teeth and gums and maintain good oral hygiene.

When shopping for dental insurance, the best advice is to read each plan’s terms and conditions carefully. The terms and conditions will let you know what is limited or not covered under the plan. Reading each plan is critical to understanding how it works and whether it best fits your dental care needs.

When reviewing dental insurance plans, it’s essential to consider the plan’s cost and what it covers. Some plans may have lower premiums but may not cover specific procedures or may have high deductibles. On the other hand, more expensive plans may offer more comprehensive coverage. It’s essential to weigh the costs and benefits of each plan to find the one that best fits your budget and dental care needs.

Another tip to remember is to check if the plan has a network of preferred providers. If you have a dentist you prefer to visit, it’s essential to ensure they are included in the plan’s network. Going out of network may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.

Lastly, remember to consider the waiting period for specific procedures. Some plans may have a waiting period before particular procedures are covered, so it’s essential to be aware of this when choosing a plan.

Remember, reviewing and comparing dental insurance plans can save money and ensure you receive the dental care you need.

Also, remember our member services are here to help you if you have any questions about the different dental insurance and plan types we have to offer. It is better to call us at 310-534-3444 if you have questions than to buy a plan that may not work out best for your dental health needs.

Early Childhood Cavities Prevention: Early Childhood Cavities, which includes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, is an infectious disease that can be prevented. By ages 12 to 19, 23% of children from low-income families have untreated cavities in their permanent teeth, twice that of children from higher-income households.

Early Childhood Cavities Prevention (ECCP) is a nationwide campaign to increase awareness about the importance of preventive oral health care in infants’ first years.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Preventing dental disease is never too early. Primary (baby) teeth are important because they act as placeholders for permanent teeth and aid in proper speech development, nutrition, and self-esteem. Cavities can occur in children less than a year old.

What is BBTD: BBTD, or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, is a dental condition that can occur in young children when their teeth are consistently exposed to sugary drinks, such as milk or juice, especially at bedtime. The sugars in these drinks can cause decay and cavities in young children’s teeth, leading to pain, infection, and the need for dental work to repair the damage. It is important to avoid giving sugary drinks to young children at bedtime and encourage them to drink water instead. Additionally, it is important to establish good dental hygiene habits early on, such as brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling regular check-ups with a dentist.

Dental Care for Infants

Any tips on how to take care of infants’ baby’s teeth? Are there things you should know about and do even before your baby starts teething? How about tips on teething? Does anyone have good tricks to help get a baby through teething?

Reply: There are a few things you can do to prepare for your baby’s first teeth. You can start by wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings to help keep their gums clean. It’s also important to avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, as this can cause tooth decay.

Caring for a baby’s teeth is essential to help prevent tooth decay and promote good oral health. Here are some tips on how to take care of infants’ baby’s teeth:

1. Once the first tooth appears, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
2. Limit sugary drinks and foods, especially before bedtime. 
3. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. This can cause tooth decay. 
4. Schedule your baby’s first dental visit when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday.

Remember, caring for your baby’s teeth can help establish good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

Teething can be a difficult time for both babies and parents. Here are some tips to help get a baby through teething:

1. Offer a clean, chilled teething ring or a cold washcloth to help relieve discomfort and soothe sore gums.
2. Gently massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger to help ease the pain. 
3. Provide your baby with safe, age-appropriate toys to chew on. 
4. Distract your baby with fun activities or games to help take their mind off the discomfort. 
5. Talk to your pediatrician about over-the-counter pain relief options that are safe for your baby to use during teething.

Remember, every baby is different and may experience teething differently. It’s essential to be patient and understanding and provide your baby with the comfort and care they need.

Question: Are crowns cheaper with dental insurance?

Reply: Short answer Yes. But in some cases, it means planning. Some dental insurance plans have waiting periods, so you should buy them before needing major dental services. 

Average Cost for Crowns in California without Dental Insurance 

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cost around $500-$1,500 or more per tooth.
• Metal crowns of gold alloy or base metal alloys can cost $600-$2,500 or more per tooth
• All-porcelain crowns require a higher level of skill and take more time to install than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and can cost $800-$3,000 or more per tooth.

Average Cost for Crowns in California with Insurance

• Generally, dental PPO insurance plans will pay out 50% of the cost of major services (after any waiting periods the plan may have)
• With HMO dental insurance plans they are fee-based, which means they will have a schedule of Services breaking down the cost for each covered item so that the price will vary. However, in many cases, crowns would still be much cheaper, averaging around $200 – $400, than not having dental insurance.
• It is important to note that not all dental insurance plans will cover all-porcelain crowns, so make sure you read the plan’s terms and conditions.

Hi, I will be taking my son to his first dental appointment. He is eighteen months old. I have been taking excellent care of his teeth, but I felt it was time to take him to the dentist. I would like to know what his first dental appointment is like. What do they do?

Reply: At your baby’s first dental appointment, the dentist will typically examine your baby’s mouth for any signs of decay and check their gums. The dentist will also ensure that your baby’s teeth are developing correctly and provide advice on how to care for your baby’s gums and teeth at home. Additionally, the dentist may discuss relevant topics such as fluoride and teething with you. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on is essential, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Question: A close friend of mine needs dental health care. She does not have dental insurance and only works about 20 hours per week. She said she has tried getting payment plans from different dental offices for dental services she will need but has been turned down each time for poor credit. 

Answer: It’s understandable that your friend is having trouble getting payment plans for dental services due to her poor credit. In such cases, dental insurance can be a great option for affordable dental care. Our dental HMO insurance plans through California Dental or Delta Dental or our dental discount plans through Careington and Aetna can provide her with low-cost dental care. 

However, it’s worth noting that the extent of coverage and the out-of-pocket expenses will depend on the plan she chooses and the dental services she needs. While these plans can help make dental care more affordable, she may still have to budget for her dental care and do as little at a time as she can afford. 

She 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 her select the one that best fits her needs and budget.

How can you tell if your baby has dental caries?

I have a 14-month-old son, and his teeth are in good shape. I know this because we just came back from his dentist. However, in the waiting room, I heard the dentist talking to another mother and telling her that her baby had dental caries. My understanding of carries is limited, but it is terrible tooth decay. The mother said she did not see any signs of her baby’s teeth being bad.

So, are there signs? Or can your child be ok one day and have carries the next? I did not want to ask my dentist since I did not want him to know I heard him talking to the other lady. Any information would be good.

Reply: Dental caries, or tooth decay, can sometimes be challenging to detect in its early stages. However, here are a few signs that your child may have dental caries:

1. Discolored spots or white, brown, or black spots on the teeth

2. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or sugary foods

3. Pain or discomfort in the teeth or gums

4. Bad breath

5. Difficulty eating or chewing

It’s important to note that dental caries may not show any signs or symptoms, so it’s important to take your child to the dentist regularly for checkups. The dentist can detect any early signs of tooth decay and provide treatment before it progresses.

I have a six-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter. My problem is I have to fight with my son to get him to brush his teeth after breakfast and dinner. He always starts by saying he does not want to brush his teeth. I also have to watch him the whole time he is brushing to ensure he is doing it.

My daughter has no problem brushing her teeth but sees my son acting up when he has to. If I let this continue, she may feel like she does not have to brush either. Sorry to say, but my husband is not helping in this matter.

He tells my son that if his teeth rot, he will not pay for fixing them. He is too young to understand what my husband is saying to him. Advise on how to get him to want to brush would be helpful.

Reply: Getting children to brush their teeth can be challenging, but you can try a few things to make it more appealing for them. First, make brushing your teeth a fun activity. You can play their favorite song or create a game out of brushing. You can also let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste, making them more excited to brush. Additionally, you can brush your teeth with them, so they see that it’s a regular activity everyone does. Lastly, you can reward them for brushing their teeth by giving them a sticker or allowing them to pick out a bedtime story. With creativity, you can make teeth brushing fun and encourage your child to develop healthy dental hygiene habits.