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 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 Tue, Aug 03, 2010 @ 11:46 AM
Everyone gets stressed, it’s an inevitable part of American life. Also, most of us know it can have a negative impact on our mental, physical and social well-being. But did you know that stress can negatively impact on our oral health as well?
Stress, whether at work or at home, can cause a variety of oral health complications including:
- Bruxism (i.e. teeth grinding)
- Canker sores
- Dry mouth
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Lichen planus (characterized by white lines, sores and ulcers in the oral cavity)
- TMJ/TMD
- Gum disease—Studies have shown that long-term stress affects our immune systems. This increases our susceptibility to various infections, such as the ones responsible for periodontal disease.
Do you suffer from any of these problems? Or have you just been stressed lately and perhaps worried these problems could crop up soon?
If so, it’s vital that you talk to your dentist and work together to develop healthy habits.
Here are 3 steps you can take to decrease stress and improve your oral health:
- When you’re feeling stressed, don’t forget your oral health. Instead, take time to focus on your dental hygiene regimen.
- Don’t use tobacco or alcohol as stress relief vehicles. In addition to being highly addictive, these substances can cause significant damage to your oral cavity.
- Take proper measures to reduce stress in your life such as eating well, getting a full night’s sleep and exercising regularly
Last but not least, if you’re worried that stress is affecting your teeth and gums, call your dentist for an appointment. He or she can treat stress-related dental problems and offer suggestions for better at-home care.
Need help finding a dentist? Universal Dental Plan can help you locate one close by from our growing network of Massachusetts dentists and specialists. Call us today at 617-859-1777 and join our affordable dental plan for deep 20-50% savings on all procedures.
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 Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 11:53 AM
Our smiles are made to last a lifetime and proper dental hygiene has a huge impact on the health of your mouth and body, whether you’re 5 or 85. However, as we get older, we become more susceptible to oral health problems such as periodontal disease, inflammation of the gum tissue, dry mouth syndrome (often caused by medications) and oral thrush just to name a few.
It’s plain to see that taking care of your oral health in your golden years comes with several unique considerations. Here are 5 essential tips for seniors to keep healthy teeth and gums (and ultimately healthy bodies).
#5 Keep consistent with your at home oral health care regiment: This means keep brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash as instructed by your dentist to maintain proper dental hygiene.
If brushing and flossing are difficult for you, consider using an apparatus such as a tongue depressor to lengthen your brush or flossing tool. Also, if you suffer from arthritis or a similar condition, you may want to try inserting the back end of your toothbrush into a standard tennis ball for better maneuverability.
#4 Know the warning signs to prevent harmful conditions: Elders are generally more susceptible to many major oral health problems including gum disease, tooth loss, TMJ, dry mouth syndrome and oral cancer and should be on the lookout for key signs and symptoms. Symptoms to watch out for include, swelling of the gums, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, jaw soreness, persistent mouth sores and bumps or an unquenchable thirst. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your dentist right away for diagnosis and treatment (if you live in Massachusetts and need help finding affordable dentistry, we can certainly help).
#3 Maintain dental appliances such as dentures and dental bridges properly: Contrary to popular belief, a set of dentures won’t last you 20 plus years. The ADA recommends replacing them every 5-7 years to avoid painful consequences such as mouth sores, oral lesions and difficulty chewing/swallowing/digesting food.
For denture wearers, we’ve put together 4 helpful tips to keep them in excellent shape and maintain oral health.
#2 Talk to your dentist about any medication you’re taking as dry mouth syndrome is a common side effect of many Rx drugs. For dry mouth sufferers, dentists can prescribe an array of solution such as an artificial saliva rinse to keep your mouth moist and wash harmful bacteria away.
#1 Visit your dentist as often as he or she recommends for regular checkups: Even if you wear dentures, it’s still vital to visit your dentist twice-yearly per-ADA recommendation. On top of keeping your mouth in tip top shape, your dentist can alert you of developments in your mouth that point to problems elsewhere in your body or pick up on early signs of improper jaw alignment or poor nutrition which may become problematic down the road.
Want more advice on senior dental care? Universal Dental Plan is out on tour this year with a full presentation on the importance of oral health and hygiene in the golden years. Sign up here to bring our Golden Smiles Tour to your local council on aging or senior center.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Jun 15, 2010 @ 03:51 PM
Mistake #1: Not asking the right questions:
Many people go into their initial consultation with an orthodontist and let them do all the work. After all, orthodontists go through extremely rigid training (4 years of dental school plus at least 2 years of full-time study in an ADA accredited orthodontic residency program) and only 6 percent of dentists are trained as orthodontists.
However, creating a properly aligned and well-functioning smile is a huge task, one that should definitely be performed by an experienced and trusted orthodontist. Your consultation is a vital time for building that trust and the best way to do this is to ask the right questions.
Here are a few good ones to start you off:
- How long have you been a practicing Orthodontist?
- Are you a member of the American Academy of Orthodontics?
- Can you give me a rough idea of how many patients you've treated?
- How do you handle orthodontic emergencies that occur outside of business hours?
- What types of financing are available? Do you have a payment plan option available?
- Do you offer a variety of braces? If so, which ones?
Mistake #2 Not doing any research on braces beforehand:
Braces are a huge commitment, which is why you need to know what to expect before you move forward with orthodontic treatment. Specifically, you should know what exactly will go in your mouth and what choices you have for braces today.
Braces traditionally have three main components:
- Brackets that are attached to each tooth
- Bonding material that holds each bracket to each tooth
- Arch wire (a thin wire running from bracket to bracket that holds the entire system together)
Also, there are generally 3 types of braces available today: metal, ceramic and invisible braces. Metal braces are the most common ones. They're made of stainless steel which is very sturdy, excellent for straightening teeth and realigning your bite. Ceramic braces are almost transparent in color so they're much less obvious looking than metal ones. However, the most discreet looking form of braces are the invisible ones, the clear plastic removable slides that are very popular with celebrities.
Mistake # 3 Not having your teeth cleaned beforehand:
Orthodontic patients should get a professional dental cleaning from several weeks before they have their braces applied. Also, they should brush and floss thoroughly on the day of the procedure before they get the work done.
Mistake #4 Thinking their lives will change the moment they get braces:
People often think they'll experience some major changes when they get braces. For instance, they'll worry about being in pain all the time and not being able to eat any of their favorite foods.
Here's the truth of the matter:
- Orthodontic patients will experience sore teeth for several days after braces are applied. They also might experience an unusual sensation of constant pressure on the teeth, but that'll only last a few weeks. After roughly 2-3 weeks, they'll hardly even notice they're wearing braces at all.
- People with braces do need to modify their food choices, but only slightly. They should avoid sticky and chewy foods which can clog the wires in your braces, potentially pulling the brackets out of place.
Mistake #5 Not taking action when they find a good doctor
Your teeth are something you live with day and day out so it goes without saying that you'll do your homework and shop around. After all, why trust your smile with anything but the best.
Shopping around is great, in fact it's a must, but you shouldn't lose sight of what you're shopping for: a great orthodontist. So, once you've done your research, had your one-on-one consultation, and after all is said and done, you feel very comfortable with the doctor, why wait to get the process started?
Need to find an orthodontist but not sure where to start? Ask several friends who you know have had braces (or whose children have had braces) what orthodontist they worked with and whether or not they'd recommend him or her. Or, if you're in Massachusetts (and you're also looking for a discount dental plan that makes orthodontia affordable), sign up for Universal Dental Plan, save 20-50% on your braces immediately with our deep dental discounts and browse our network of Massachusetts dentists and specialists to find the best orthodontist for you.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Fri, Apr 23, 2010 @ 11:54 AM
Teeth whitening, or bleaching is the single most requested cosmetic dental procedure in the U.S. for patients 20-50 years of age. When this procedure's popularity first started taking off 5 years ago, patients went straight to their dentist to get it done. However, in recent years, many dental product manufacturers have jumped on the whitening bandwagon.
Now individuals considering teeth whitening have a few options:
- Go to the dentist
- Use one of several OTC products available at the local pharmacy
How do you know which option is best?
According to the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), all whitening products will whiten your teeth because they all have the same active ingredient-either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. The difference lies in how much of the ingredient your product has.
Over the counter, store bought teeth whitening products have just 5% or less of the active ingredient whereas a dentist will use a product that contains anywhere from 10-35%. So is more always better?
In this case it is. With store bought dental whitening products, you generally need to use a lot more of the product to get your desired result and they take a lot longer to work too.
Teeth whitening options at the dental office:
When you go to your dentists for a teeth whitening treatment, you'll generally have 2 options.
- Chairside bleaching: In this procedure, your dentist will apply a chemical solution to your teeth and may also shine a special light on your teeth to activate it. The procedure generally takes about 60-90 minutes and may require multiple visits.
- At-home bleaching: With this procedure, a dentist produces a custom-fitted mouthguard that holds bleaching gel. The mouthguard is worn during the day or at night for the duration of the treatment period recommended by your dentist. Those who use the store-bought kits lose the benefit of a custom-made mouthguard to apply the gel, and their results may not be uniform.
Although teeth whitening performed by a dentist generally has much more immediate and sustained results than store-bought products most cosmetic procedures, including whitening, are typically not covered by dental insurance. As a result they can get very costly.
Fortunately, Universal Dental Plan members can get guaranteed 20-50% discounts on all cosmetic procedures performed by any of our Massachusetts dentist or specialists. To brighten your smile at prices you can afford, visit our website (www.universaldentalplan.com) and sign up today.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Fri, Mar 19, 2010 @ 11:50 AM
According to a recent New York Times article, dental costs are rising faster than inflation. Also, more than 100 million Americans don't have dental coverage. For these individuals dental costs can really add up.
That toothache you may have originally thought was no big deal could turn into a several thousand dollar procedure like a crown or an implant. Even cleanings, x-rays and fillings will set you back several hundred dollars. In today's economy, this is all money many of us don't have.
However, a large body of recent research shows a major connection between the health of your mouth and the health of your body. That means it's up to you-the consumer-to find ways to reduce your dental costs without sacrificing your oral health.
In this blog series, we'll offer you three tips for keeping your mouth and your wallet healthy, even if you don't have dental insurance.
Tip number one is PREVENTION:
Unlike medical problems which are often unpredictable and catastrophic, dental conditions are generally predictable and preventable. Seeing your dentist regularly for preventative care is well worth your time and expense, here's why:
Average cost in Massachusetts for preventative
care:
Cleaning and exam $93
Average cost in Massachusetts for restorative
care:
-
Root Canal - Molar $1,030.00
-
Porcelain on Gold Crown $1,248.00
So, would you rather pay $186 dollars for 2 cleanings and exams per-year or over $1,000 all at once for a root canal because you delayed your dental care?
When you look at the costs for restorative procedures in Massachusetts, $93 twice a year looks like a pretty good deal. However, for those without dental insurance it isn't exactly a small bill.
With Universal Dental Plan, all members get free oral exams and cleanings discounted down to $56. To learn what else you can save, visit our website (www.universaldentalplan.com) and download our complete fee schedule.