Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Sep 01, 2010 @ 12:19 PM
Are you between the ages of 45 and 64 (and part of the “Baby Boomer” generation)? If so, you should take note of something a sizeable majority of your peers fail to see. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 63% of Baby Boomers fail to recognize the strong connection between oral health and systemic health (i.e. the simple fact that healthy teeth and gums can help them keep many chronic and fatal health problems at bay).
Findings reported in the Journal of Dental Education punctuate the need to integrate oral health and general health care as there are established links between periodontal disease and diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. That’s why it’s imperative for Boomers to take excellent care of their oral health by practicing healthy dental habits and visiting the dentist regularly.
Is Dental Care Really Necessary?
One of the main keys to maintaining a healthy mouth as you get older is establishing a strong, trust-based doctor-patient relationship with your local Massachusetts dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, almost one-third or (31%) of baby boomers don’t get preventive dental care (i.e. they only go to the dentist when they have any emergency).
We all know how costly dental care is these days (so this statistic probably doesn’t shock you all that much) but the cost of delaying your dentistry takes a much greater toll on both your health and your wallet. Affordable dental insurance alternatives such as discount dental plans put affordable dental care within reach so you can avoid the painful and costly consequences of delayed dentistry. Universal Dental Plan has options for baby boomers as well as those who have already reached retirement age (our senior dental plan) so visit our site and see what you can save.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Aug 24, 2010 @ 12:17 PM
Let’s face it, people put off their dental care and have many excuses for it:
“I’m afraid of the dentist…”, “I don’t have time…” “Will it hurt?”, “It just costs too much!”
Whatever your excuse is (cost being a very common one), there are a few considerations everyone should take on the potential consequences of delayed dentistry.
Waiting until it hurts is never a good strategy for successful dental care. Besides stifling your personal and professional success, delaying dental care can also create a huge burden on your pocketbook.
Preventive care, such as a cleaning and exam ($93 average cost in MA), is significantly cheaper than restorative care. In Massachusetts, restorative care such as a root canal or a crown (i.e. procedures that you’ll probably need if you keep putting of the preventive ones) can cost well over $1,000!
Delayed dentistry runs in the family:
Studies show that among parents who put off their own dental care for financial reasons, 27 percent of their children have delayed dentistry as well. In contrast, only 3 percent of children whose parents have not delayed their dental care have their own dental care delayed.
Although they’re among the largest factors, high costs are just one of the reasons people put off necessary dental treatments. Research states that 15% of our population suffers from some form of anxiety and many others know they must seek out necessary dental treatments but need to find a dentist that they trust. For those who need to find a dentist and an affordable dental plan in Massachusetts, Universal Dental Plan can help.
We’re a discount dental plan and dental insurance alternative. Check us out on the web at www.universaldentalplan.com to learn more and see what you can save.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Aug 19, 2010 @ 12:09 PM
Thanks to www.dentistry.com we have a few tips to share with you on how to keep your child’s teeth in mint condition—from before birth through their early school age years.
- Consume calcium rich foods while pregnant to ensure your child’s future teeth grow healthy and strong.
- Once your child is born, don’t wait until they start teething to begin oral health care. Clean your infant’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feeding to protect them from harmful plaque and bacteria
- Take your child for his or her first dental visit by their first birthday. That way, your dentist can check early on for tooth decay, fluoride needs, and potentially dangerous habits like thumb sucking.
- Do not use toothpaste for children under 2 years of age. Clean your child’s teeth using only water when they first appear.
- Teach your children the proper brushing techniques. They should be able to brush on their own by age 6 or 7.
- Begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they develop two teeth that are adjacent to one another. This will help prevent tooth decay in hard to reach areas.
- Make trips to the dentist an enjoyable experience.
- Check to make sure that the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated. If not, talk with your dentist about supplemental options.
- Make sure your child is eating right for proper oral health. Foods rich in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C help strengthen tooth enamel and fight harmful mouth bacteria. If your child has a sweet tooth, it’s best that they consume sweets only during meals. At mealtime, saliva production is increased which helps neutralize and wash away cavity-causing acids in sugary and starchy foods.
- Take an active role in your child’s oral health! Ask the dentist questions and be sure to keep him or her informed of your child’s health status (after all, oral health and bodily health are highly interconnected).
Need to find a solution that makes your child’s dental care affordable?
Discount dental plans such as Universal Dental Plan allow you to utilize Boston dentists (and other Massachusetts dentists and specialists) at an affordable price. Give us a call today at 1 (800) 894 8984!
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 @ 01:02 PM
There are many dentists in the Boston area so finding the right one for you may be a tough decision. Furthermore, once you’ve found your dentist, you still have that first visit ahead of you (which can be a nerve wracking experience, especially if you haven’t been in awhile).
So, if your palms get sweaty at the thought of the dentist, or even if you’re just a little bit apprehensive to go, this blog is for you.
We’ve put together a list of 5 concrete actions to take so you can make the most of your dental visit.
#1) Make sure that you’re well rested by getting a good night sleep (7-8 hours) the night before your appointment
#2) On the day of your appointment, avoid excess consumption of sugar and caffeine (especially if you know that these substances make you extra jittery).
#3) Stay relaxed. Wearing comfortable clothing can help a lot with this.
#4) Bring a list of all medications and vitamin supplements you’re currently taking to the dentist with you. That way, he or she will know not to prescribe anything that’ll give you a bad reaction when taken with your current medicines.
#5) Make sure to tell the dentist about any abnormal symptoms such as pain or sensitivity of the teeth or gums, as they may be warning signs of an impending dental disease.
Now that you’re ready for your dental appointment, here’s a quick overview of the types of dental visits and what to expect.
Comprehensive exam- This includes a thorough examination of the teeth, mouth, head and neck. It’s usually part of a fist time visit to a new dentist.
Standard Checkup and Cleaning (i.e. dental prophylaxis) – These procedures should be done once or twice a year by your dentist and include both your oral exam and cleaning.
For those without dental insurance, an affordable dental plan such as Universal Dental Plan will give you up to 50% dental discounts on your comprehensive exam, standard checkup and cleaning and much more.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Aug 11, 2010 @ 12:52 PM
Whether you’re on a first date, a job interview, or meeting clients for the first time one thing’s for certain—you want to make a good first impression. Many factors go into the impression that you make but it certainly starts with a bright, healthy smile.
Studies show that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. During the first few minutes of your first interaction with someone new, they’ll often make assumptions about your economic and educational level, your trustworthiness and your level of sophistication—just from the quality of your smile.
Your breath also plays a huge role in shaping first impressions (and it goes without saying that bad breath is a huge strike against you). That being said, here are 3 helpful tips to keep bad breath at bay:
- Use a mouth rinse daily to clean out bad breath causing bacteria
- Don’t forget your tongue when brushing (make it part of your twice daily teeth brushing routine or perhaps use a tongue scraper)
- Get regular dental cleanings (if you’re looking for a new dentist, our plan has a growing network of Boston dentists plus other Massachusetts dentists and specialists to choose from)
On top of bad breath, crooked, missing or broken teeth create can negatively effect your first impressions, causing a stigma in both your personal and professional life. Individuals can restore their smile and self-esteem with various cosmetic dental procedures (i.e. dental implants) and orthodontia. But, these procedures can get very expensive, especially for those without insurance (or an affordable dental plan).
Universal Dental Plan is a Massachusetts dental insurance alternative that saves its members 20-50% off all procedures according to a fixed rate fee schedule (dental implants and braces included). Visit our website to learn more about us or just give us a call.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Jul 29, 2010 @ 05:28 PM
Your dental health speaks great volumes about the health of your body. With a single oral exam, your dentist can often detect any immune system problems, nutritional deficiencies, stress or infections you might have. Think of your dentist as a disease detective and your oral cavity the window to your overall health.
Infections of your teeth, mouth and gums can take a major toll on the health of…
… your heart. Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 1.5-2 times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and even 3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke!
…your lungs. Your oral tissue can become infected with respiratory disease-causing bacteria. Once inhaled, these bacteria can cause major problems and lead to the development of diseases like pneumonia.
…people with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop periodontal disease than their non-diabetic counterparts. This is according to the American Academy of Periodontology which states that periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Research also shows that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, which puts diabetics at a heightened risk for diabetic complications.
…the intestines. Poor oral health aversely impacts the function of the digestive system. This, in turn, can lead to intestinal failure and a whole host of other problems.
…the blood stream. When your gums are healthy, bacteria in your mouth typically don’t enter the bloodstream. However, gum disease, some invasive dental treatments and medicines that reduce saliva flow may provide bacteria an easy port of entry. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria has free reign to wreak havoc on your body’s vital organs causing harmful infections.
So, it goes without saying that you should keep your dentist in the loop on your medical conditions. That way, he or she can provide care and recommendations accordingly. Also, visiting your dentist twice annually for oral exams and cleanings is one of the many precautions you can take for heart health, lung health and to keep harmful infections at bay.
Need to find a dentist? Universal Dental Plan (a discount dental plan) makes regular visits to Boston dentists and other Massachusetts dentists and specialists affordable for its members. That way, they can stay one step ahead of the curve and ensure oral diseases and conditions are diagnosed and treated promptly.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Jun 03, 2010 @ 10:24 AM
What are the key ingredients of a healthy smile? When asked this question, we all rattle off the same, pretty standard things:
- Proper brushing: 2 times a day and/or after meals for 2-3 minutes as a time (hum a song in your head while you brush, it's a very helpful time indicator)
- Proper flossing: Floss every day (nighttime is best) for a full mouth cleaning
- Regular dental checkups: Twice a year per ADA recommendation
However, there is one major component to a healthy smile a lot of us forget, proper nutrition. Just like diets rich in certain vitamins and minerals help keep our bodies healthy and strong, they can really make a huge difference in keeping our teeth and gums healthy too.
When it comes to dental health, here are the three major power-players of the vitamins and minerals arena. Keep these in your diet for a bright, healthy smile.
Calcium and vitamin D: Calcium helps you maintain the structure of your teeth to prevent decay and tooth loss₁. Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium so sufficient levels of both are essential to oral health. Good sources of calcium and vitamin D include milk and cheese.
Vitamins A, C and B Complex: Vitamin A can help you protect and preserve your tooth enamel as well as prevent gum disease, overgrown gums and many other dental health problems. Vitamin C, which you can find in many fruits and vegetables, helps protect your gums from infection₁. A Vitamin C deficiency can contribute to a wide host of oral health issues including mouth sores and bleeding gums. Last but not least, B complex can help reduce your chance or cracked and bleeding lips as well as open sores and lesions in your mouth.
Fluoride: Fluoride works in tandem with calcium and phosphorous to strengthen your enamel and prevent tooth decay. The Academy of General Dentistry suggests using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse to make your teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.
Sources:
1. Dr. Roger Smith, DDS, chair of Delta's Dental Policy Committee, 2006
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Jun 01, 2010 @ 10:09 AM
If you have sensitive teeth then you're definitely not alone. It's a very common dental problem (in fact, one of the most common complaints dental offices get) which is why we've dedicated this blog entry to it.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
The short answer is gum recession. When your gums recede, the roots of your teeth along with the tubules leading to nerves become exposed to the elements. As a result, teeth develop profound sensitivity to stimuli such as heat and cold.
Several factors contribute to gum recession. Here are just a few:
- Brushing technique: If you use a hard bristled toothbrush (or if you just brush your teeth very hard) it can wear down your tooth enamel exposing the layers of dentin beneath it. Hard brushing can also damage your gum tissue and expose tooth roots.
- Cracked teeth: Cracks in your teeth fill with bacteria, irritate dental pulp and cause sensitivity
- Teeth grinding: Over time , teeth grinding will erode tooth enamel and cause hairline fractures
- Gum Disease: This is the leading cause of gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Gum disease eats away at gum tissue over time, leaving the roots of your teeth exposed.
So, now that you know a few of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity, here are five tips to toughen up your teeth and keep sensitivity away.
- Change your oral hygiene products: Start using a toothpaste designed specifically for desensitizing and a brush with soft bristles (especially if you know you're a hard brusher).
- Use a fluoride rinse. These can help re-mineralize softened areas of tooth enamel and curb sensitivity
- Floss daily to clean your mouth 100 percent every day
- Get regular dental cleanings, twice annually per ADA recommendations. This is crucial in the fight against gum disease.
- If your teeth are sensitive and you're a teeth grinder, visit your dentist and he or she can recommend a night guard
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, Apr 28, 2010 @ 12:46 PM
Good oral health means more than just healthy teeth. It means that everything inside your mouth is disease free and working in the best way possible.
Oral health also has a huge impact on the health of your body. Studies show that poor oral hygiene can dramatically affect your heart health and make you five times more likely to develop respiratory infections.
That's why you must take the proper precautions to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Here are four common oral health problems so many of us face and four simple solutions to avoid them.
Problem #1: Bad breath (aka halitosis) - Bad breath has many culprits including poor oral health and dry mouth. People who consume caffeine, alcohol or take certain medications tend to have a higher risk for dry mouth and should stay extra vigilant for signs of bad breath.
The solution: Floss and use a fluoride rinse daily. This will help eliminate bacteria buildup and keep your mouth hydrated. Also, drink plenty of water and avoid oral health products that contain alcohol.
Problem #2: Canker sores - Doctors are still unsure about the root cause of canker sores which are aggravated by stress, hormonal changes, or rough brushing.
The solution: If you have a canker sore, try using antibacterial mouthwashes to help accelerate the healing process. Also, avoid any alcohol or citrus food or drink that may aggravate the area. Make sure to see your dentist if your canker sore persists.
Problem #3: Tooth grinding - This process is often spurred on by stress or anxiety. Many people grind their teeth while they're sleeping and don't even realize it. If you think you might be a teeth grinder, check for signs of worn enamel and jaw pain.
The solution: Integrate relaxation techniques into your nighttime routine. This will help you reduce instances of behaviors provoked by subconscious anxiety (i.e. tooth grinding). Or, you can ask your dentist about a sleep-guard to protect your teeth.
Problem #4: Tooth sensitivity - This can be caused by aggressive brushing, gingivitis, or frequent use of tooth-whitening products.
The solution: Use a soft bristled toothbrush and avoid pressing hard against your teeth when you brush. If your teeth are already sensitive, consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to keep pain at a minimum. Also, get regular dental cleanings to keep gum disease away.