My son is not yet two, but I want to take him to see a pediatric dentist. I currently do not have dental insurance for him. I want to get some insurance before I take him to the Pediatric dentist. 

Answer: Yes, some HMO plans cover pediatric dentistry services specialists provide. However, in most cases, you must be referred to a specialist by a general dentist in the HMO network. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a general dentist within the HMO network first and then ask for a referral to a pediatric dentist. Additionally, remember that HMO plans have certain limitations and exclusions, so it’s important to carefully review the plan details and check if pediatric dentistry services are covered before enrolling.

I am a 23-year-old part-time student/worker—no kids and not married. I have not been to the dentist since I got dropped from my dad’s insurance. How much dental insurance is available for a part-time student? Is there any discount for being a student even if you are only part-time?

Reply:  It’s great that you are considering getting dental insurance. While your school may provide some insurance options for students, it’s not a guarantee that they offer discounts for part-time students. So, check with your school’s insurance office to see if they offer dental insurance plans that could work for you.

If you cannot find an insurance plan through your school, you can purchase individual dental insurance independently. However, most individual dental insurance plans don’t offer student discounts. That being said, you should look into dental HMO insurance plans, which are typically low-cost and can provide you with necessary dental coverage. 

I hope this information helps you make an informed decision about your dental insurance options. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns!

I am a single mother of one and need dental insurance for little to no cost. My son and I are both healthy and have good teeth, but it is hard to pay for my son to see the dentist like he should due to cost. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Reply: The lower-cost option for dental insurance would be an HMO insurance plan. You can buy the couple option for you and your son, with the average monthly cost running around $15.00 – $30.00. Most HMO insurance plans provide preventive care services like Bite-wing X-rays and basic cleaning for free or at a low cost.

If you feel you need more extensive dental care services, make sure to review each plan’s benefits carefully. You may spend more money on the cost of the dental insurance plan but save more money on major dental care services.

My five-year-old does not brush her teeth. She plays around and acts like she is. I do not understand why she is like this. My seven-year-old son has no problems with brushing. She only brushes for the full three minutes when I am watching her. 

By five, she should be able to brush twice a day without it being an issue. Do you have any helpful tips I could try to improve her, like brushing her teeth?

Reply: It can be frustrating when kids don’t want to brush their teeth. One tip you could try is to make brushing a fun activity. You could make up a song or game to play while brushing. Try brushing your teeth together as a family to make it a group activity. 

Another option is to reward your child for brushing their teeth. You could create a sticker chart and give them one every time they brush their teeth. Once they reach a certain number of stickers, they could earn a prize or special treat.

It’s also important to ensure your child uses the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them pick out a fun toothbrush with their favorite character or color, and ensure they use toothpaste with fluoride to protect their teeth.

Remember to be patient and consistent with your child. Keep encouraging them to brush their teeth and praising them when they do a good job. With time and effort, your child will enjoy brushing their teeth and develop good dental habits.

My five-year-old daughter has dental caries. She currently needs four fillings and a possible baby root canal. I have dental insurance, but it does not cover much, and I have already maxed out its $1000.00 yearly limit. I need additional insurance for her, but I must figure out what to get.

Reply: I am sorry to hear about your daughter’s dental issues. It can be challenging to navigate dental insurance, especially regarding your child’s needs. Have you considered contacting your current dental insurance provider to see if they offer additional coverage options? Additionally, research other dental insurance providers to compare coverage and costs. Another option could be to look into a dental discount plan, which can provide savings on dental procedures. Whatever route you choose, you must prioritize your daughter’s dental health and ensure she gets the necessary care.

When looking to buy additional dental insurance, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Research different plans: Take the time to research different dental insurance providers and compare their coverage options and costs.
2. Check for network restrictions: Make sure your plan includes dentists in your area and that your preferred dentist is in-network.
3. Read the fine print: Be sure to read all the terms and conditions of the plan carefully to understand what procedures are covered, any waiting periods, and any exclusions.
4. Consider your child’s needs: Make sure the plan you choose covers the specific dental procedures your child needs, whether it’s fillings, root canals, or orthodontic work.
5. Check for annual limits: Be aware of any annual coverage limits, and make sure the plan you choose provides enough coverage for your child’s needs.

With these tips in mind, you can decide which additional dental insurance plan is best for your child’s needs.

Question: I am 28 years old and want braces to fix an overbite issue. I tried enrolling in a dental insurance plan to save money on adult braces, only to find out afterward that they do not cover adult orthodontic treatment. I need recommendations for a dental insurance plan that can help me today.

Reply: Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your orthodontic treatment needs. We understand that dental insurance can be confusing, and we’re sorry that your plan doesn’t cover adult orthodontic treatment. However, we offer a dental discount plan option that will save you at least 20% off braces for any age. We also have HMO options that do provide for adult braces.

Our member services team is available to speak with you and go over our plan options in detail. Please call us at 310-534-3444, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with more information on our plans. We’re committed to helping you find an affordable and effective solution to your orthodontic needs.

Question: I have a teen in braces, but we moved from FL and need to find a new orthodontic dentist. Also, I just found out that since I moved to a different state, my dental insurance is not valid in CA, so I need dental insurance to help me cover my son’s orthodontic treatment.

Reply: You may find it hard to find dental insurance for your son’s orthodontic services since now he would fall under a work-in-progress exclusion many dental insurance plans have. Such exclusion would read something like this: Expenses incurred in connection with any dental procedure started prior to the effective date of Coverage or after the termination date of Coverage.

Even many dental discount plans have this type of exclusion, yet since it is not insurance, that can be a judgment call for the dental office. Therefore, your best option may be a dental discount plan, but make sure you call the plan providers first to confirm if they are still willing to provide the discount savings for this continued orthodontic care needs before buying the plan.

Your child’s first teeth usually begin to cut through the gums at about six months, although the timing can vary among children. All of your child’s 20 primary teeth should come between six months and three years. Your child will lose their primary teeth between six and 11.

It is important to take care of your child’s teeth from an early age to prevent dental problems in the future. Regular dental checkups, daily brushing and flossing, and a balanced diet are all important factors in maintaining good oral health for your child.

Your child’s teeth may experience teething pain and discomfort as they emerge. This is a normal part of the process, and there are several things you can do to help ease their discomfort. You can give your child a clean, excellent object to chew on, such as a chilled teething ring or a wet washcloth. You can also gently massage their gums with a clean finger or use a teething gel recommended by your dentist.

Dental insurance can help cover the cost of regular checkups and preventative care for your child’s teeth. Many dental insurance plans also cover the cost of treatments such as fillings, root canals, and orthodontic care. Researching different dental insurance plans and choosing one that meets your family’s needs is essential.

By caring for your child’s teeth and ensuring they have access to regular dental care, you can help prevent dental problems and ensure they have a healthy smile for years.

Dental care for a child is crucial to their overall health and wellness. As a parent, it is essential to understand that dental care should begin during pregnancy since baby teeth form before birth. Therefore, if you are pregnant, eating a balanced and nutritious diet and getting adequate vitamins and minerals is important to ensure your baby’s teeth develop correctly.

In addition, pregnant women should have a complete dental exam and have any cavities or gum disease treated. Poor dental health in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby. For instance, gum disease during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

After the child is born, it is essential to start dental care when the first tooth appears around six months of age. Parents should ensure their child’s teeth are brushed twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and water. As the child grows older, they may start using toothpaste with fluoride.

Regular dental checkups should also be a part of the child’s dental care routine. Regular dental checkups will help identify any dental problems early on and prevent them from worsening. Overall, starting dental care early is essential for ensuring good oral health and preventing dental problems in the future.

My 20-month-old son’s teeth are coming in crooked. A couple of them are straight, but it looks like the other teeth are crooked. What should I do? I cannot tell if his teeth hurt him, and he does not complain much about them. Maybe I am worried too much.

Reply: I understand your concern about your 20-month-old son’s crooked teeth. It’s natural for parents to worry about their child’s health and well-being. However, it’s important to remember that children’s teeth come in at different times and in various orders. In most cases, crooked teeth in young children are nothing to worry about and are a normal part of dental development.

Having your child’s teeth checked by a pediatric dentist is always a good idea. They can assess your child’s dental health and determine if any intervention is necessary. Additionally, if your child is experiencing any pain or discomfort, it’s essential to have them seen by a dentist as soon as possible.

If you do not currently have family dental or dental insurance for your child, buying some is a good idea, as it will help control the cost of dental care. I hope this information is helpful, and please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

The short answer is Yes; a baby’s vision and dental care are essential. When it comes to baby dental care, a baby should see a dentist at the sign of their first tooth. When a baby’s first tooth appears, it’s a sign that their teeth are beginning to develop, and it’s time to start caring for them. Taking your baby to a dentist early on can help prevent dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease, from developing later on. Additionally, a dentist can provide guidance on proper dental care, such as how to brush your baby’s teeth, what to do if your baby develops a toothache, and when to introduce fluoride toothpaste. Early dental care for babies is crucial to promoting good oral health and preventing future dental issues.

Regarding vision for babies, it is recommended that they should have their first eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. An eye exam can help detect any vision issues early on and prevent future eye problems. An optometrist can check for common eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and eye alignment issues. An optometrist can also check for eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and lazy eye, which can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Overall, early eye exams for babies ensure good eye health and prevent future eye problems.

It is enrollment time for my company’s benefits, and I don’t know if I should add my son to the dental insurance. He does not have teeth yet and will not likely need dental care this year. I can swing a checkup out of pocket, and it would be cheaper than adding him to the dental insurance policy, but are there any big baby dental procedures or problems that could be costly? 

Reply: While it is true that your baby may not need dental care this year, it is still a good idea to add them to the dental insurance policy. Certain baby dental procedures or problems can be quite costly. For example, if your baby needs to have a tooth extracted or has a dental emergency, the cost of treatment can quickly add up. Additionally, regular dental checkups are essential for babies to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy and properly developed. While you could pay out of pocket for a checkup, adding your son to the dental insurance policy may be more cost-effective in the long run. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you feel is best for your family’s financial situation.

When shopping for dental insurance online or through an agent, know all the facts about each type of dental plan before buying one. Mistakes happen when you need clarification on how a dental plan works. Purchasing dental insurance online is easy and convenient, but people need to read and understand what they buy. Before hitting the submit button, do you know the plan’s terms? 

• Does the dental plan have waiting periods or yearly max dollar amount limitations? 
• Is the dental insurance plan an in-network dental provider only, or can you go outside the network of dental providers? 
• When is the insurance plan effective? 
• Did you call the dentist to confirm they still accept the dental insurance plan? 
• Is what you are reviewing a dental insurance plan or a dental discount plan? 
• What are your dental needs, and are you getting a dental insurance plan that best fits them? 

Taking the extra time to fully understand the dental plan you are buying will save you from headaches and being upset later on.

It goes almost without saying that smoking or chewing tobacco is not good for your health. However, concerning oral health, if you smoke or chew, you have a high risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women, and 95 percent of oral cancers occur in those over 40. More than 8000 people die each year from oral and pharyngeal diseases. If you use tobacco, seeing a dentist frequently throughout the year is essential. Your dentist can thoroughly screen oral cancer to help ensure your mouth remains healthy.

Men’s oral health care is just as critical as women’s oral health care. However, men are less likely than women to care for their oral health needs. Even though good oral health has been linked with longevity, being male is the common factor associated with infrequent dental checkups. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care from a dentist and often neglect their oral health for years. They only visit a dentist when more significant dental issues arise from neglect. According to oral health statistics, men will lose 5.4 teeth by the age of 72 and are more likely to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal disease.

There is a new ingredient in toothpaste, developed by dentists, called Novamin. Novamin can reduce teeth sensitivity. Teeth can become sensitive when the gum tissue recedes, exposing a tooth’s roots. Roots contain small holes or tubules that lead directly to the tooth nerves. Novamin plugs up the holes cutting off contact with nerves and eliminating pain. It is made from a compound from elements naturally critical for bone and tooth mineralization: calcium, phosphorus, silica, and sodium. In their common forms, these elements have minimal value in tooth healthy. But in their rare ionic form, they can make teeth stronger and help eliminate tooth sensitivity.

Dental exams are about X-rays and teeth cleanings. A filling here or there if they are unlucky. However, the dentist may be able to recognize and diagnose numerous other potential health problems. According to Dawn West, DMD, RN with Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, when you go for a dental checkup, you might save more than just your teeth and oral health because the mouth is the gateway to your entire organism. There might be several vital signs of other diseases that a dentist may be able to see.

There are significant links between smoking and gum disease. According to a new study at Ohio State University, smoking causes the body to turn against its helpful bacteria. The study shows how cigarette smoke also wipes out good bacteria in the mouth, making the tissue much more susceptible to attack from harmful bacteria, which leaves smokers more vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay.

While many people many know the basic tips for staying healthy and feeling well is a balanced diet and exercise. However, did you know your oral health can significantly affect your overall health? By having good oral health care habits, you can maintain good oral health and overall wellness.