So you have Dentures now - Do you Still Need to see the Dentist?

 We hear this time and time again in our office, "I have dentures now so I no longer need your plan". As good as that may sound to you as a denture patient, the reality of it is quite the contrary.  You see, getting dentures is not an end game for going to the dentist.  The ADA recommends that you still have your check-ups every year and also be checked for oral cancer. Denture patients run a higher risk of it.

Having no dental coverage at all can lead to very costly dental bills, even if you have dentures. Broken, ill-fitting dentures or even if you are just going for that routine check-up, your dental bill can add up quickly.  Fact: most problems with dentures happen in the first 2 years. Those that have had dentures for 5 years or more are less likely to have any significant problems with them, however, those twice yearly check-ups are still highly suggested.

Keep Smiling! 

Soaring Dental Prices Are Not For the Faint of Heart!

 I saw an article recently that makes a good argument for Dental Plans! Not directly, of course, but if one considers that dentistry is among the most expensive in terms of healthcare and that there is no regulatory agency that holds dental prices in check, a Dental Plan can be extremely beneficial. 

Senior Citizens! Don't be fooled by Dental Insurance Companie's promise to cover $2000, $3000, even $4000 of your dental costs! Dental insurance companies actually pay little to nothing and put a cap on your benefits.  It never works out in favor of the patient.  Never. 

Back to Dental Plans. Now, when I say Dental Plan, I don't mean the ever growing "in-house" type of plan that some dentists are always trying to promote; those will save you very little money overall and if a problem arises...well, where are you going to go? The plan would not be accepted by another facility! No, I'm suggesting a bonafide, BBB accredited discount plan.
Dental plans go far beyond what insurance companies do in terms of savings.  More procedures are covered, there is no limit to benefits, coverage is immediate and there is no waiting 12 months for a large procedure...

Additionally,  any good dental plan can be used as a supplement to an insurance plan.  Once your insurance benefits are exhausted, you can switch over to the dental plan and still receive a benefit. 

Seriously, why would one NOT consider a dental plan? Do your homework, but at least check it out. You'll find that the savings and a small investment for a membership are well worth the effort, especially now, in an uncertain market.  Everyone needs dental work at some point.  Be prepared with a good dental plan.

Don't wait for a toothache!!

Sugar Free is Not Always Better for Your Teeth

 You may think that since your sodas, energy drinks and candy bars say "sugar -free" they are automatically better for your teeth. Sorry to say but according to recent research, they can still damage your teeth.

Australian researchers tested 23 sugar-free and sugar-containing products such as sports drinks and so on. They found that even if they say sugar-free, the acidic additives and low pH levels still harm the teeth.

Eric Reynolds the CEO of the Oral Health Cooperative Research Center at Melbourne University said his colleagues and himself found most soft and sports drinks caused dental enamel to soften by 30-50 percent. Both sugar-free and sugar-containing drinks and flavored mineral waters caused measurable loss of tooth surface.

Remember, cutting down on your sugar intake isn't always good for your teeth! Always check the list of acidic ingredients on drinks before you buy! Knowing what to look for can end up saving your teeth and smile!

Do You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

 Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This surgery is to help correct overbite, underbite, or misaligned teeth. This surgery can also improve facial appearance. Your Orthodontist will determine if you will need this surgery.

The procedure:
After about 1-2 years of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend corrective jaw surgery. This procedure may take 1-3 hours to complete. Both your orthodontist and oral surgeon will be in the room for the procedure. This will take place at the hospital under anesthesia. You may have to stay overnight but usually released the next day.

Recovery:
After surgery you can expect pain, swelling, bruising, minor bleeding. You will be able to speak, drink, eat immediately because you will not have your jaws wired shut! Doctors will recommend blended food for 2 weeks and then gradually work to solid foods..

Cost:
Initial Orthodontic treatment (braces/retainer) usually cost around $2,000-$5,000. Corrective Jaw Surgery usually costs around $20,000 -$30,000. You may want to check to see if your insurance will cover this procedure.

*Many people go through this surgery just to change their facial appearance... Would you?

To read more, click here!

Unaffordable Dental Expenses for the Elderly - An Editorial

With our volatile economy, things are bad enough, but it is so much worse for those on limited and fixed incomes, and the real travesty is that there is very little help available for those in need of serious dental care. Medical care can be much easier to obtain.
Dental treatment is fast becoming one of the most costly of all areas in the medical industry. Basic restorative treatment is becoming a thing of the past, with dentists and dental specialists opting for the higher end products and procedures. Root canals, crowns and implants are exorbitantly high priced, as are dentures and prosthetic devices. Having worked in the dental industry as long as I have, I'm well aware of the cost of materials vs. the mark-up.  It's ridiculous, and there is no regulatory agency that can help to even out the cost to make it more affordable. In fact, dental specialists are among the highest priced professionals in the country.  The elderly are probably the most affected by this. They are literally forced to spend money they don't have and are finding that there are limited resources to help with the funding of  treatments and procedures, as government based organizations generally will not cover anything other than extractions for adults.
A good Dental Plan can go a long way toward reducing costs for the elderly, but the fact is, sometimes it just isn't enough. Consequently, many elderly dental patients will go outside of the country to places such as Mexico, or will simply go without the care they need, thereby affecting their overall health. 
No doubt we all know of an elderly family member or friend that has had this problem.

So, the question? How long can this continue?  When insurance is of little or no help and money is limited, there must be an alternative somewhere.  Any ideas anyone? 

Why You should Never Self-Medicate with Antibiotics

 Usually, when you have an infected tooth, your dentist gives you antibiotics before any procedure, right?

Antibiotics are widely used to prevent infections as well as treat them.  However in recent years, it has been determined that they may be overprescribed. Research from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio has found that antibiotics can kill "good" bacteria, which helps keep the infection and inflammation at bay and can do more harm than good.

Doctors maintain that antibiotics are still much needed in the case of infection but caution that overuse can lead to reduction of effectiveness in some people.  

Trust your doctor to determine whether antibiotics are necessary.  Self medicating is never recommended.

 Keep smiling!

Fruit Puree's and Fruit Snacks Can Cause Tooth Decay In Children

Kids love 'em!  Adults do too...I am one of them.  However, there may be long term effects on kid's teeth if proper hygiene isn't practiced.   There are things you can do to prevent problems while still  letting your kids enjoy these fruity snacks.

We all know that squeezable fruit and veggie puree pouches are a convenient, easy, and portable snack for kids that do not require refrigeration.

These puree pouches provide the perfect amount of nutrients, vitamins,  minerals and are perfect for parents with hectic lives. However, they could be causing damage to your children's teeth. Fruit gummies such as gummy bears or strips can be especially sticky and can stick to the teeth.  The longer it's allowed to linger there, the more damage it can do over time.

When you eat or drink foods that contain sugar, the bacteria in plaque produce acid and the acid eats away at the tooth enamel. Eventually, this will create cavities and because of the consistency of the puree pouches, it may be particularly tough on the teeth if its allowed to sit there for long periods of time. 

Paul Casamassimo, the oral health research and policy director at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says "the constant exposure of sugar on the teeth is detrimental". 

So, if you allow your children to eat these pouches please make sure to have them drink water or rinse their mouths after eating them, and brush their teeth regularly!