Dental cleanings explained
Even with good at-home oral health routines, going to the dentist for regular cleanings is an essential part of keeping your smile healthy. Visiting the dentist for preventive care can also help avoid the need for more costly oral health procedures. What happens during a dental cleaning? Trained dental hygienists use tools to clean your gums and teeth professionally. They check for signs of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and cavities and make note of any problem areas for the dentist to examine. As part of a dental cleaning, a scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar around your gum line. Scraping sounds are normal, but let your hygienist know if you are uncomfortable or feel pain. While flossing and brushing can keep plaque from hardening and becoming tartar, it can only be removed during a dental cleaning. If your hygienist spends a long time cleaning your teeth, they might encourage […]
Fluoride 101
What is fluoride? Fluoride is a key mineral for strong, healthy teeth. Most water naturally contains fluoride but usually not enough to prevent tooth decay. Because teeth benefit from consistent exposure to fluoride, many communities add fluoride to water supplies. Approximately 75% of the U.S. population on public water systems benefits from regular access to fluoridated tap water. Why is fluoride important? Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, which helps protect your teeth from decay. It also combats acids in your mouth that can cause cavities. Fluoride can even rebuild the surface of your teeth in the early stages of tooth decay. Who needs fluoride treatment? The amount of fluoride an individual would need depends on their risk level for tooth decay. Many people are at a lower risk for cavities due to fluoridated water, toothpaste, and better oral hygiene. Children ages six and up who are at moderate or high risk […]
Stress Management and Oral Health
Stress affects your overall health and can negatively impact your oral health if left untreated. It is important to understand how stress can influence your oral and overall health and ways you can minimize or prevent it. Stress-related oral health conditions Here are a few examples of oral health issues that can be caused or worsened by stress. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is when one’s gums become inflamed and may bleed. Without treatment, it can result in gum recession and tooth loss. Chronic stress can lower a person’s immune system, making it hard to fight off infection. Bruxism, or teeth griding and or jaw clenching, often occurs during sleep when people are not aware they are doing it. It can cause headaches, jaw soreness and wear down teeth or cause them to break or become loose. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque attacks the enamel […]
Understanding Your Dental Benefits with TruAssure
Dental plan terminology can be confusing. You might have heard the terms listed before but maybe aren’t sure what they mean. This could lead to misunderstanding what your dental plan covers. We’re here to help you brush up on your dental benefits knowledge to ensure you make the most of your dental coverage! Deductibles A deductible is the amount of money you pay toward your dental care before TruAssure contributes. Deductibles can be annual or lifetime depending on your plan, and there can be different ones for individuals and covered dependents (family). Deductibles can apply to certain services or an entire plan. The specific deductible you or your family is responsible for depends on your dental plan. Annual Maximum An annual maximum is the total amount your TruAssure plan will pay toward the cost of your care per year. Annual maximums can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your […]
Children and Tooth Development
February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a great time to learn more about maintaining your baby’s dental health. It’s also a great time to learn about your child’s oral health during tooth development. Your Baby’s Teeth Timeline Before any teeth present themselves, clean your baby’s gums and mouth with a wet washcloth after eating and drinking. It also is important to take your child to the dentist no later than their first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child see a dentist after their first tooth appears, which is usually between six and 12 months old. Once teeth emerge, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to brush in soft, gentle circles twice a day with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. Your child will continue to have baby teeth emerge up until their third birthday, and they will keep that set of teeth until around age 6. Baby […]
