Many people know that good dental habits include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. However many more people tend to forget their tongue. Using germ killing mouthwash helps you want to include brushing your tongue with either your toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Bacteria that settle on you tongue can cause halitosis otherwise know as bad breath.

Unfortunately having bad oral habits can lead to poor oral hygiene which can cause bad breath, tooth discoloration and red, swollen gums, dental decay, gum disease and ultimately tooth loss. Having poor dental care habits can also start to effect your chewing and speech due to tooth loss, you self esteem due to bad breath, stained teeth, gaps etc. Large amounts of research shows that poor oral health can also effect your overall health care. In addition having bad dental care habits can also have a large effect on your finances. Delaying needed dental treatment by not seeing a dentist regularly can lead to having to need larger dental care services in the future, which will effect not only your dental health but your wallet.

We talk a lot about the benefits of having good oral habits and how to go about maintaining proper dental health care habits.  One may not think much about missing a day or two of flossing or going a day here or there with out brushing yet doing so can have a bad effect on your dental health. It does not stop there did you know that eating too many sweets or using your teeth as tools such as opening a bag of chips also can have a negative effect on your teeth.

Is the Aetna Dental Access a Good Dental Plan?

Seems that the Aetna Dental Access is a network dental discount plan available in each state including California. That way you can transfer your dental benefit services to another state if you moved. It is especially helpful in California because there are a lot for dentists in the network and the Aetna name is fairly well known.

There is a different ADA schedule for each state so be sure your zip code is correct otherwise you may show up at the dental office and their charges may different than what you have. Here are some of the limitations or the fine print:

This schedule is only to be used as a guide to determine approximate prices for dental services in the geographic area noted. The fee schedule amount reflects average fee information currently available on the Aetna Dental Access system. Individual dentist fee schedules may differ. We make no guarantee as to the accuracy of any particular fee amount. In order to determine the specific rates for a dental provider, you should contact the dental provider directly.

Dentists participating in the program network have agreed to make certain dental services and supplies available to you on a discounted service basis. The term discounted service means a dental service that is available to you at a reduced cost from fees normally charged by the dental provider and for which you are solely financially responsible. All payments to dental providers are due and payable at the time of service, unless another payment arrangement is mutually agreed upon between you and the treating dental provider. You shall be subject to the treating dental provider’s late payment and other office policies.THIS PROGRAM IS NOT AN INSURANCE PLAN and we do not make payments directly to healthcare services providers. It is a discount program and you are obligated to pay for all healthcare services at time of service. You will receive discounts for healthcare services from those providers who have contracted with the plan

People that ware dentures needs to make sure they maintain there oral health care habits, in addition to adjust, and aline their dentures whenever needed. Denture induced stomatitis is caused by ill fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.

Gum disease is can be caused by plaque build up, use of tobacco products, poor fitting bridges partials and dentures, poor diet and certain diseases such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes. However by having good oral hygiene habits and by seeing a dentist regularly you can help to lower the risk of gum disease.

Aetna Dental Insurance Access Plans, California Individual and Family Members Use It

Aetna dental insurance is one of the most popular dental insurance plans around.  Aetna dental insurance also brings a great range of benefits.  Aetna dental insurance is preferred by a lot of individuals and families with a wide variety of plans to select.   Aetna dental insurance will also offer a lot of flexibility and convenience to the policy holder.  Aetna dental insurance has a reputation of a good service that promises prompt payment of all claims.

Aetna dental insurance is a very popular dental insurance that is linked with affordable and high quality dental care.  Not only this, Aetna dental insurance is also well known for its facilities to carry out online inquiries regarding status of the pending claims.  One of the good things about Aetna Dental Insurance is that they provide the best support network.  Aetna dental insurance is offers nationwide dental coverage.  You can get an instant online quote for Aetna Dental Insurance with just one step process.  Put your zip code in the zip code box to get your instant Aetna Dental Insurance Quote.

In a prior post we talked about how seniors have a greater risk for root caries. Although root caries is the major cause of tooth loss in older adults prevention is still the best solution. If your gums have started to recede you should make sure to take measures to prevent root decay. Some ways of doing this is to avoid sweets since sugar will promote dental plaque causing bacteria found on your roots. Dry mouth is also a factor that can increase your chances of getting root decay. Make sure to treat dry mouth if you have it. By drinking lots of water, sucking on sugar free candy or chewing on sugar free gum are some ways to help relive dry mouth.

Make sure to maintain regular dental visits, by doing it will allow your dentist to check for tooth rood decay. Other preventive measures that a dentist can do is gum disease treatment, dental cleaning, and if necessary gum grafts. Also remember that preventive care starts at home by having proper dental and oral health care habits. Brushing you teeth twice a day, flossing daily and using a mouthwash that fights against plaque.

Root caries (decay) is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. This happens when the tooth roots becomes exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth. Root decay is one of the more significant dental issue facing older adults. Some of the reasons for this is due to dentures, lack of dexterity, a shift from complex to simple sugars, and poor oral hygiene. Root caries is the major cause of tooth loss in older adults, and tooth loss is the most significant oral health-related negative variable of quality of life for the elderly

Dental Insurance – Customer Service Department

Our customer service department is ready to assist you with any questions you may have and help you purchase an employer, family or individual dental insurance plan today.  We provide access to many of the largest, most recognized individual dental insurance networks in the nation.

CaliforniaDentalInsurance.com is a specialist in dental insurance, dental discount plans, vision and prescription coverage programs for individuals, families and groups. We have been serving the dental community since 1983, you will find our licensed dental insurance agents are well informed and ready to assist you. Compare dental insurance plans and decide which one is right for you and your family.

Many of our dental plans have next day benefits including vision and prescription. CaliforniaDentalInsurance.com offers quotes for individual and family dental insurance plans including an option to compare dental national coverage plans. Remember, buying dental insurance does not have to be a painful process. We offer dental benefit coverage in all 50 states.

 Indemnity Dental Insurance Plans, Usually Employ An “Open Panel” Of Dentists

Indemnity dental insurance is an insurance package where the policyholder can choose his or her own dentist and the insurance provider will be the one to pay that designated dentist your fees or, usually, around half of them.  Indemnity dental insurance plans have the most flexibility and usually the highest premium.

It is important that you do seek dental coverage of some kind to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.  Dental insurance plans are similar to medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans are often categorized as either Indemnity or managed-care plans.  Indemnity dental insurance plans usually employ an “open panel” of dentists.  Indemnity dental insurance is an insurance package where the policyholder can choose his or her own dentist and the insurance provider will be the one to pay that designated dentist your fees or, usually, around half of them.  Indemnity dental insurance plans have the most flexibility and usually the highest premium.  Dental insurance functions in the similar manner to that of an auto insurance in providing you compensation.

Dental insurance is intended to help offset the costs associated with dental care. The dental insurance programs listed are based upon the zip code you entered and their availability.  Dental Insurance Plan Choices: Indemnity Plan: An indemnity dental insurance plan allows you to select your own dentist.  Dental insurance plans differ in the level of reimbursement offered for certain procedures and in annual dental spending caps.

Dental insurance plans play a big role in helping people cope with dental health care without the exceedingly high costs.  If you are the policy holder of any dental insurance plans for individuals, you likely either have managed care dental insurance.  Our discount dental plans may be used as alternatives to dental insurance options or along with existing dental insurance plans for even more savings on most dental care procedures.  Many dental insurance plans require you to wait for your treatments to have certain procedures such as root canals and braces completed.

In a prior post we talk about how dry mouth often times can effect seniors. However dry mouth can be treated. Your doctor can prescribe artificial saliva, which will help keep your mouth less dry. You can go over your medication and see if they can be switched to ones that will not cause dry mouth. There are also some home remedies that may help reduce dry mouth such as the use of a humidifier, chewing sugar free gum, drinking more water, and munching on such waterlogged snacks as celery sticks which helps stimulate the saliva glands and adds moisture to your mouth

Diminished sends of tastes can be an issue for some seniors. While advancing age may impair the sense of taste other reasons can include diseases, medications, and dentures.

Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is standard advise at any age. However, seniors may be advised by their dentist to come in more then just twice a year for their dental health check ups. Although age is not the only factor as to why a person may have to see the dentist more often, age does increase the odds of needing more dental care. Many seniors have other other health issues that can effect their dental health care needs.

 Advancing age can effect seniors and their teeth. For some dry mouth can be an issue. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow. Dry mouth can be the result of cancer treatments, certain diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus and an infection of the salivary glands, anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as side effects of certain medications.  Aging is also another cause of dry mouth.

Question: I have not been to the dentist in over three years.  I am very scared about going to the dentist so it keeps me from going even though I have dental insurance though my job.  The last time I went to a dentist he did two filling and it really hurt.  Any advise?

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.  As surely just have a basic check up and cleaning is not as scary as say a filling or root canal.   With that said one way to help with dental fear is to talk to your dentist before hand 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 appoint go more smoothly.

 Advancing age can effect seniors and their teeth. For some darkened teeth can be an issue. Darkened teeth is caused to some extent by changes in the tooth dentin as well as by a lifetime of consuming stain causing foods and beverages. By seeing a dentist about darkened teeth, the dentist may be able to brighten them up.

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.

* 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 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.

* Use an antibacterial mouth rinse so that you can reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease.

* 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.

If you are a senior going in for dental check up, if you are new patient to the dental office or if you have not been to your dentist in over a year or more expect to conduct a thorough history and dental exam. Questions that may be asked can include:

1) The approximate date of your last dental visit and the reason for the visit.
2) If you notice any recent changes within your mouth
3) If you have notice any loose or sensitive teeth since your last dental visit.
4) If you had any difficulty in tasting, chewing of swallowing
5) If you since your last dental visit notice any pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in you mouth
6) If you have notice any lump, bump or swelling in your mouth.
7) The dentist will also go over any health issues that can effect your dental and oral health as well as want to know any medication you are currently on.