In California there are many good dental discount plans that are available. On our website we offer. Dental discount plans are a good low cost dental plan option. They do not have many of the limitations that dental insurance plans may come with.

Many of our dental discount plans start within the next business day of your on line enrollment. Which is very good for those people that are in dental pain since they can see a dentist right away. Dental discount plans are not for everyone. But they are a good way to reduce all your dental needs at a very affordable cost.

When deciding between dental discount plans carefully review their fee schedules. The fee schedules show the discount prices on what you pay for each dental service listed. You also want to make sure there is a dentist in the dental plan you want to go to. Since there is no outside network benefits. I suggest calling the dentist listed and confirming they are still accepting the plan as well as new members.

When you have a dental insurance plan were you are dealing with the filing of claims it is important to understand the claims process. Know how your insurance company handles claims and how the dentist your pick files out your claims. Problems arises when you do not have a clear understanding of your dental insurance and how claims are paid. As well as when you do not know how the dental office is going to make you pay and how they file out claims.

Many PPO plans or free choice of dentist plans state they pay out a certain percentage for preventive, basic and majors services. However that percentage is still normally up to what the UCR or MAC rates are for dental company.

Knowing that is important and it is a good idea to submit dental services to the claims department as a quote only before any dental work that is more then $300.00 or what you can afford is started. That way you always know your true cost for the dental services before committing to it.

It is equally important to know how the dental office is going to file out your claim. Do not assume that the dentist will not charge you the full amount for the dental services. Making you wait for your refund back from the dental office. This is a mistake often made and normally it is after the fact. Causing many people to be upset. Ask the dentist what they expect you to pay and how before work is started. Do they file the claims for you or do you need to file them. Knowing all this ahead of time will keep you from any unexpected billings and from getting upset with the dental claim process.

When one is looking for what they think is “Full Coverage Dental Insurance” it is important to determine what “Full Coverage” means to you. As it can mean different things to different people. So what does “Full Coverage” mean to many people I talk to? Simply put, They would pay X dollar amount monthly (whatever that would be) and all their dental services are paid in full. There would be no dental service render that would not be covered for and they would only have to pay the monthly cost for the plan. I have yet to find a dental insurance plan that works this way.

That is why when I do talk to people about dental insurance I never use the term “Full Coverage” What I do instead is to try and find out what the person feels are their current and future dental needs and try to fit a dental insurance or dental discount plan that will best addresses their dental needs.

My best advise when looking for dental insurance is to read, then read some more. Make sure you know what it is you are going to get from the dental plan in question. If there is still something you do not understand then call the company up and ask all the needed questions so you can feel good about the dental plan you decide to get. Forget about looking for full coverage and instead look for a dental plan that will fit your dental needs the best. Some times in order to do that you may have to get more the just one dental plan you may want to combine plans that make the best sense for your needs.

We are hear to help you with any of the dental insurance and or dental plan that this web site has to offer in your state. If you have questions we look forward to your calls. So please call member services at 310-534-3444 CA time 8-5 M-F We be happy to help

Did you know if you are missing one or more teeth you may see a difference in your chewing as well as speaking. You may even notice a difference in your face and profile. For many people missing teeth can cause low self esteem. Making them smile and laugh less for fare of people seeing their teeth.

Proper dental care can and will help fix your teeth. Bridges will not only fix the gap cause by missing teeth but will restore the shape of your face as well as alleviate the difference in your bite. A dentist could also advise fixed or partial dentures when needed. Bridges and partial will look just like your normal teeth and give you back the smile you want to have. Another option though be it normally a more costly option would be dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth that attaches directly to the jaw. Though not everyone can have implants but a dentist can advise if that is an option for you. Talk to a dentist over all your dental options and see which one you feel will be best for you.

Most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost for dental bridges, partials and or dentures. At this time it is still hard to find dental insurance that offer coverage’s for dental implants. Therefore when it comes to implants you may want to review dental discount plans for cost savings. Mare sure to read your dental insurance plan terms and conditions and when in doubt call the company so you can know for sure what you are and are not covered for. Keep us in mind for any of your dental insurance dental plan needs. We are hear to help you get the best dental plan for your current dental needs.

There are many people that are dealing with Gastroesophageal reflux disease which is relatively a common condition. Acid Reflux is when the stomach acid are refluxed up, which may cause problems to your esophagus as well as your oral health and teeth if left untreated. With regards to the one oral health care acid reflux can cause enamel erosion. Which can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues.

Acid reflux can also cause bad breath issues. So it is not only important to speak to a doctor when dealing with acid reflux but also talk to your dentist. Let your dentist know that you are dealing with acid reflux. That way they will know to check more carefully for signs of tooth enamel erosion as well as wear on fillings. You may want to see a dentist more the just twice a year if you have constant acid reflux issues. Stomach acid will quickly damage teeth if you do not stay on top of your oral health care.

So see a doctor for help in controlling your acid reflux and see a dentist regular to maintain your dental health. Also here is a good tip that may help you when you do get acid reflux and it comes up in your mouth. Immediately after do not brush but rinse with baking soda. Baking soda will help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid that comes up into your mouth. Keep a record of food that make you more sensitive to getting acid reflux and try to limit yourself on those foods.

Although fillings can last many years they may not always last forever. Without knowing you can wear down a filling by constant pressure from chewing when eating. Other people also may grind or clench their teeth knowingly or not which will also cause wear on a fillings. People that grind their teeth when they sleep should wear a night guard in order to protect their teeth. You may not be able to see the wearing down on your fillings but a dentist can. Normally a dentist will be able to spot weaknesses in fillings during your regular check ups.

Without regular check ups filling wear will go unnoticed. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down then you are leaving your tooth open to new decay, which can get under your filling. If left untreated the decay can progress to the dental pulp and may cause infection and or abscessed. In which case can lead to larger dental services such as a root canal. You can see the importance of regular dental visits. Many times people do not know any of this is going on until they start to have tooth pain. Preventive dental care not only saves you from unwanted dental pain, but in the long run will save you from having higher cost dental services.

Keep in mind that there are many low cost dental insurance plans such as HMO dental insurance plans that offer free office visits, check ups, X-rays and cleanings. By buying and using dental insurance you can save money and help keep a beautiful smile.

Amalgam fillings are the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use today. Amalgam fillings are durable, highly resistant to wear and they are the lower cost filling option. Amalgam filling are made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements. Although amalgam filling are still considered to be safe the concerns that was raised were about the mercury content in amalgams. However the mercury when combined with the other metals is renders stable and safe for use in fillings. Since amalgam filling are able to withstand high pressure they become useful for filling in molars where chewing load is higher. Amalgam filling are well tolerated by most people with only rare occurrences of allergic response. Some people may have short term sensitivity to hot and cold after an amalgam filling as been done. Course amalgam filling are silver in color which may be okay for back teeth not easily seen but might not be want you would want to have towards the front of your mouth.

Amalgam fillings are useful in baby teeth. If a child still has baby teeth but needs a filling you may not want to spend the cost for white color fillings, on teeth that will soon come out when your child start to get their adult teeth in. In the end amalgam filling still have their place and it should be something to consider when having filling done. Talk to your dentist and find out all your filling options then decide what you may feel is best for you and your family And remember all dental services are less expensive when you have a dental insurance or dental discount plan in place. So keep us in mind for your dental plans needs.

Question: How do you get over dental fears? I am very scared about going to the dentist so it keeps me from going even though I have dental insurance.

Reply: There are many people that have to deal with dental fears. However, it then becomes even more important to see the dentist regularly to avoid having to have larger dental care needs. It may be safe to say that having a basic check up and cleaning is not as scary as say a root canal or extraction. Therefore one way to help with dental fears is to talk to your dentist beforehand about your fears. If the dentist knows about your dental fears he or she will take things more slowly an make sure that you are feeling comfortable with what is going on.

When you book you dental appointment let the person booking it know about your dental fears and to make sure they book you with additional time so your appointment is not rushed. This too may help your dental appointment go more smoothly.

Good Food Choices for Good Dental Health

Fruits and vegetables: Try offering more fruits and vegetables as a snack instead of sugary treats. The best type of fruits and vegetables to offer would be those containing a high volume of water, such as pears, melons, celery, and cucumbers.

Limit banana and raisin consumption as these contain concentrated sugar or if you serve these fruits, try to brush your child’s teeth immediately after they are eaten.

Question: Why should I take my toddler to the dentist when his baby teeth will just fall out anyway? I just wondering because my parents never took me to see a dentist until I was a teen with adult teeth.

Answer: It is true that our primary teeth are not permanent, but their health is still very important to your toddler oral health over the long term. Once a baby tooth starts to decay, the bacteria in there, progresses pretty quickly, seeping through the tooth and going to the bone and potentially causing dental infections that can even be fatal. Sure that is the worst consequence. But even if that does not happen, if bacteria lurk in the baby teeth, the enamel for the adult teeth may not be formed properly and they can be permanently damaged.

Why having regular care by a dental professional is important.

Children and adults should see their dentist as least twice a year or as often as advise by their dentist. Many people think that the twice a year checkup is just about looking for tooth decay and getting a basic cleaning. Yet the dental checkup goes beyond that and the dentist is doing more then just checking your teeth for tooth decay.

During your checkup appointment, your dentist will likely evaluate the health of your gums, examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, Your dentist will likely look at your gums, mouth, tongue and throat in addition do not be surprised if your dentist also examines your face, bite, saliva and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs)

This is the plan where you choose your own individual or family dentist. The dental insurance plan pays the dental office on a traditional fee-for-service basis. A monthly premium is paid by the client and/or the employer to an insurance company, which then reimburses them for the services rendered.

A dental insurance company usually pays between 50% – 80% of the family or individual dental office fees for a covered procedures; the remaining 50% – 20% is paid by the client. These plans often have a pre-determined or set deductible amount which varies from plan to plan. Indemnity dental plans also can limit the amount of services covered within a given year and pay them based on a variety of fee schedules. Some typical features of these plans:

• High deductibles before coverage begins (well-designed plans don’t apply the deductible to preventive services)
• Probationary periods on certain procedures that last up to a year
• Annual dollar limit on benefits
• Chose your own individual or family dentist
• Your average monthly cost: $55 and up
• Companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments

Question: Should my child see a pediatric dentist? My son is 18 months of age and I been told he should see a dentist for a regular dental check up. However not sure if he can just go to my dentist or does he have to see a pediatric dentist.

Reply: This is a common question for parents to ask. For the same reason you would not take your child to your own internist, you would not take him to a adult dental practice. Children are not miniature adults. Their bodies are very different, and so are their teeth. A pediatric dentist has expertise in those differences.

With that said you may want to check with your current dental office to confirm if they have a pediatric dentist on staff. Many dental offices will provide a range of dentist/dental specialist, in order to meet their patients dental care needs. If they do not your dentist may be able to refer one to you.

In addition with many dental insurance plans Pediatric Dentist will fall under specialist care benefits. So make sure you read your insurance plan to confirm your plans benefits for specialist needs

It is important to make sure if your dental insurance plan provides benefits for Cosmetic Dental services. Many dental insurance plans do not and if they do it is limited, as cosmetic services such as dental implants tends to be too cost prohibited. Therefore, check and confirm so there is no surprises about your dental care coverage’s and cost.

When you are in search of a cosmetic dentist do not be shy to ask the dentist to show you some before and after photos of his/her patients. It will help you make an idea about the final result you are going to get with that very doctor. It will also be a great signal to your dentist which will warn him that you are a person who values time and money, and seeks for quality.

Question: How Long Should You Brush Your Child Teeth? I have a two year old and just wondering about what age should he be able to brush his own teeth?

Reply: It can take many years before a child develops the fine motor coordination need to do a good job at brushing their teeth. Some dentist advises that parent brushes or help a child to brush their teeth until the child can neatly write his or her own name. You will need to use your own judgment but consider between ages six and eight as the time for your child to take on the job of keeping their teeth clean and healthy.

Question: When should you start dental care for your baby?

Reply: By the time your baby is six months of age, your dentist should assess the likelihood of your baby having future dental problems. This may include a dental exam of the mother and her dental history, as the condition of her teeth can often predict her child’s teeth. Be sure your child sees a dentist after the first primary teeth appear. After your first visit, schedule regular visits every six months or as your dentist recommends.

Experts recommend that your baby see a dentist no latter then 12 months of age. Babies with dental problems caused by injury, disease, or a developmental problem should be seen by a children’s (pediatric) dentist right away. If these dental problems are not limited to the surfaces of the teeth, your baby should also be seen by a children’s doctor (pediatrician) or your family doctor.

Regardless of age daily brushing and flossing is essential in order to keep them in good dental health. Plaque can quickly build up on the teeth of seniors, this is especially true if oral hygiene is neglected and lead to tooth decay as well as gum disease. Some seniors can run a higher risk of poor dental hygiene due to health, medication and age factor limitations. In order for anyone to maintain good oral health it is important to maintain proper dental health care habits.

• Brush your Teeth: Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. Some seniors may have difficult time brushing and flossing their teeth if they suffer from arthritis or another condition that limits movement. In cases like that, try using an electric toothbrush, with rotating-oscillating bristles, which are effective at removing plaque and preventing gum disease.
• Floss your Teeth: Floss at least once a day. If floss is too difficult to work with, try a floss pick or tiny brushes made to clean between teeth.
• Rinse your Mouth: Use an antibacterial mouth rinse so that you can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.
• Go to your Dentist: Visit your dentist on regularly for check up and cleanings. Some seniors may find this hard if they are not driving or can not drive. Therefore try to find a very local dental office as to make it easier to get to and from. There are some senior assistance programs that drive seniors to their doctors appointments, so check to see if they also drive to dental appointments.

If you can see if there is a dentist within the same building as your doctors so that you can book appointment on the same day. You may also a dentist that still makes limited house calls for seniors. Although it can be difficult for seniors to maintain good dental hygiene habits, it stills needs to be done. Studies show that your oral health is linked to many overall health care issues. Therefore having poor oral health can effective you overall wellness.

Your baby’s first teeth usually begin to erupt through the gums at about six months of age, although the timing will vary among children. All of the 20 primary teeth should come in between the ages of six months and three years. Your child will lose his or her primary teeth between the ages of six and eleven. Your child’s first permanent teeth usually erupt behind the primary teeth at about age six. The last permanent teeth usually erupt between the ages of 12 and 21.

Question: Should dentures be worn at bedtime?

Reply: Dentures should not be worn while sleeping to allow the gum tissue to rest and normal stimulation and cleaning by the tongue and saliva.

It is important to understand that a baby’s dental care really starts with his or her mother’s healthy pregnancy, because baby teeth begin to form before birth. If you are pregnant, make sure to eat a balanced, nutritious diet and get an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals as advise by your doctor. Do not avoid your dentist, sadly too many pregnant women do not go to the dentist and seeing a dentist while pregnant is important. Pregnant women have a higher risk of gum disease and therefore should see their dentist to maintain their oral health while pregnant