The majority of dental insurance policies have yearly out-of-pocket maximums that usually cap out at $750 to $2,000 per year. Once that maximum is reached, patients have to pay 100% of any remaining dental costs. But most people (and by most we are talking about 97.2% of people) are not using their full benefits before the end of the year.
So, if you are one of the 97.2% of people who have not used their dental benefits this year, call your dentist today and try to get in before December 31, 2020 because your benefits DO NOT roll over to 2021.
If you need to find a dentist to use your remaining benefits, try looking for one on DentistUSA.com
Is there any profession that brings out peoples fear more than the dentist? Fear of the dentist, or Dentophobia is brought on by different issues ranging from childhood experiences, to the feeling of a lack of control while sitting in the dentist chair. Whatever the issue might be, here are some tips to help you overcome your fears and help your smile become the brightest it can be.
Find a dentist you trust
Overcoming a fear of the dentist all starts with trust. Ask friends and family if they have a dentist they like. If you can’t find a recommendation from someone, try DentistUSA.com. Once you find your dentist…
2. Explain your fears
This information will help your dentist determine the best course of action to help you manage your fears, will build a trusting relationship and help you feel more in-control when in the dentist’s chair.
Many dentists recommend nitrous oxide, sedation or anti-anxiety medication for nervous patients. Talk to your dentist about these options to see if it might help.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
The more you go, the more you’ll get used to the sights and sounds. Just regular check-ups and cleanings will also help prevent issues that might lead to other, more painful procedures, which could cause more anxiety.
We are in the middle of our second week of the COVID-19 isolation and most dental practices around the country are only open for emergency cases. It is now imperative to get into a healthy tooth care regiment as you probably won’t be able to see a dentist for some time. We talked to Dr. Ian Rodd, D.D.S. and he gave us some Do’s and Don’ts to help keep your smile healthy and white, while your dentist and his team are in isolation.
Twice a day for a full two minutes each time. It seems simple enough but most people don’t meet the two minute requirement. You’ll also want to use a soft bristle brush. Anything harder can wear away enamel and damage your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to turn the water off while brushing!
– Floss
Floss once a day. It’s easy and quick to do and will help clean your teeth more thoroughly than just brushing. Here is how to do it: How to Floss
This is a great way to get rid of unwanted bacteria as well as freshen your breath.
– Gargle after meals
Gargling with an over the counter mouthwash is the best, but most of us don’t carry around a bottle of Scope everywhere we go. Just a simple rinse with water is a good substitute if nothing else is available. When available add salt to lukewarm water to gargle as a disinfectant.
– Check your mouth and throat for any changes
Many features of your mouth that may appear unusual are natural parts of the oral cavity. However, inform your dentist of any NEW changes that appear like lumps, bumps, ulcers or if you have bleeding gums.
Most of the time, stress or changes in your environment lead to these issues and they are not of huge concern. But in some cases it can be an early warning of something more serious. A simple call to your dentist to describe what is going on can help ease your fears of anything more serious.
Don’t
-Don’t brush too often and don’t use a hard bristle brush
Too much brushing with a hard brush can lead to irritated gums, followed by gum recession. It is also too much for the surface enamel that protects the teeth. Brushing too much with a hard brush or too hard with a soft brush can scrape away the surface of the tooth leading to a yellow smile and sensitive teeth. It is sufficient to brush twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft bristled toothbrush.
– Don’t eat sugar in excess
Sugar promotes bacteria growth. So stay away from high sugar foods and beverages (e.g. candy, soda and fruit juices). If you are a candy lover, try to find some sugar free alternatives. Don’t forget to wash your mouth after eating sweets and if possible substitute sugary foods with more fresh fruits like apples or pears that help clean teeth as you chew.
We’d like to thank Dr. Rodd for his help! If you keep to these do’s and don’ts, your smile will remain bright and healthy until we come out of isolation (which we hope will be soon). And once this is all over visit your dentist, it will be time for a checkup!
