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 Thu, Aug 26, 2010 @ 09:52 AM
Nutrition and your oral health are highly intertwined. Good nutrition promotes good oral health by enabling your mouth and its tissues to develop and stay healthy. However, some foods and habits are known to spur on plaque development, leading to a heightened risk of tooth decay and dental disease.
With all of this in mind, we’ve put together several quick facts and nutrition tips to keep your teeth and gums disease and decay free.
Quick Facts and Tips:
- Sugars and cooked starches (fermentable carbohydrates) can make a huge impact on your risk of tooth decay, so avoid consumption of these items in excess
- About 20-40 minutes after you eat, your mouth releases acids. Each of these “acid attacks” increases your risk of tooth decay so it's important to limit the number of between-meal snacks you have (as you’ll limit the number of acid attacks as well).
- Foods such as bread and crackers stay on teeth longer that jelly beans or caramels despite perceived stickiness of the latter two. Look to consume foods that clear the mouth quickly, as they pose less of a threat of tooth decay.
- Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when infants’ or young children’s teeth get severely damaged from prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars. For this reason, you should avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle of formula or juice.
- Make sure you get your Vitamin C. It helps protect your gums from infection and can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Last but not least, if you do consume sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, make sure it’s as part of a balanced meal. This helps to increase saliva production and neutralize acid production in the mouth.
Need more tips on nutrition for oral health? Ask your dentist at your next dental checkup.
And, for those who need to find a dentist, Universal Dental Plan can help. Universal Dental Plan is an affordable dental insurance plan alternative in Massachusetts. We connect you with local Boston dentists and providers throughout the state who will be able to answer your questions and point you on a path towards excellent oral health.
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 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 Wed, Jul 28, 2010 @ 02:08 PM
Never discount the impact of a good first impression, or the role your smile can play in making or breaking it. Studies show that your smile is the first thing people remember about you and a bright, healthy smile conveys success, power and happiness. On the other end of the spectrum, individuals with visible dental problems (i.e. crooked or broken teeth, visible plaque buildup, etc.) often suffer low self-esteem or even stop smiling all together.
That’s where cosmetic dentistry comes in. There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to help you regain your bright healthy smile and the self-confidence you may have lost along with it.
Here are a few of the most popular ones (plus some great advice on how to access them at affordable prices).
Teeth whitening:
We all want a brighter smile. That’s why teeth whitening is one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry. For whatever reason, many of us have teeth that aren’t as white as they could be. Perhaps we’ve consumed too much coffee or tea, or forgotten to brush our teeth twice daily on too many occasions. Effects of these actions all add up and our teeth lose their luster as years go by.
Whatever the reason, you have 2 options for making your teeth bright again: at-home dental whitening kits or treatments performed by a dentist. We go over the pros, cons and specific details on these in an earlier blog entry.
Porcelain Veneers:
Another popular solution for teeth discoloration is porcelain veneers. However, they do more than just brighten up the appearance of your smile. Veneers are placed by dentists over the front teeth to change their shape and color. So, they’re ideal for individuals with oddly shaped teeth, chipped or crooked teeth or teeth with small holes in them and can significantly enhance the look of their smile in a very short period of time.
Veneers are very popular with cosmetic dentistry patients because they’re very difficult to stain, last roughly 10 to 15 years and come with very little maintenance short of follow-up visits after the procedure plus regular brushing and flossing.
Dental Implants:
Dental implants are fixtures of titanium surgically screwed into a patient’s jaw bone. The implants themselves act as anchors for a naturally-appearing false tooth or a set of false teeth.
Dental implants generally have a very high success rate and are an excellent alternative to dentures. Learn more about the dental implant process and advantages here.
Dental Bonding:
Many individuals with close, small gaps between their teeth, as well as teeth that are chipped or cracked have embraced dental bonding to even out their smiles. During the procedure, your dentist uses a composite resin to essentially bond your teeth together.
The dentist begins the bonding procedure by applying a thin coating of plastic material on the front surfaces of your teeth to cover natural flaws. Then, he or she will apply a bonding material, sculpting and shaping it to provide desired results. A high intensity light hardens the bonding material after the bonding is complete and the dentist will finely polish the surface of your teeth to complete the procedure.
As you’ve seen above, dentists can perform one of many cosmetic procedures to restore the brightness and contours of your smile. However, cosmetic dentistry can be expensive and most dental insurance will not cover it.
That’s where Universal Dental Plan comes in, with 20-50% discounts on all procedures performed by Massachusetts dentists and specialists. Visit our website to learn more and sign up.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Fri, Jul 16, 2010 @ 11:11 AM
Skip your twice daily tooth brushing and what do you get for it? Cavities? Gum disease? How about a heightened risk of heart attack?
A recent study of 11,000+ adults backs much prior research linking gum disease with poor cardiovascular health. According to BBC News, researchers found that individuals in the study with the worst oral hygiene had a 70% greater risk of developing heart disease than those that brushed their teeth twice per-day.
The BBC News article also points out the known fact that inflammation (including inflammation in the mouth and gums) plays an important role in the clogging of arteries, which can lead to heart attack. Study participants with poor oral hygiene overwhelmingly tested positive in blood samples for proteins suggestive of inflammation.
Now that you’ve seen how brushing your teeth is good for your heart, here are several helpful teeth brushing guidelines courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
- Brush thoroughly at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes at a time. Two to three minutes is about the length of a typical song, so feel free to hum your favorite tune while you scrub your pearly whites.
- Make a conscious effort to brush every single tooth in your mouth as well as your tongue.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse to make your teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.