A guide to understanding the ins-and-outs of family dentistry and how it can transform your dental care this Holiday season

This time of year is usually a potent mix of happiness and stress.

 

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to use – or lose – the rest of your dental insurance benefits. The problem is, if you’re like most people during the holiday season, you’re busy.

 

Between working, cooking, cleaning, preparing for the holiday season, and making sure your kids stay focused on virtual learning, you’re probably wondering how you’re ever going to make time to get everyone in to see the dentist.

 

Well, that’s where your San Diego family dentist comes in.

 

Whether you and your kids are overdue for a routine cleaning or you have a more severe problem that needs immediate attention, family dentistry provides affordable dental care for the whole family — all under one roof. 

 

In this guide, you’ll learn how finding a family dentist will improve your family’s dental care and why now is the right time to make the switch.

 

How Family Dentistry Differs from Traditional Dentistry

The main difference between family dentists and general dentists is an outside referral network. While a general dentist will provide cleanings and basic dental care, they may not offer pediatric services or treatments outside of basic cleanings.

 

Instead, regular dentists will need to refer you and your family to other dentists with specialized training.

 

This referral process can mean having one dentist for you, a children’s dentist for the kids, and a third specialized dentist for other services like cosmetics or periodontics.

 

That’s a lot of dentists!

 

On the other hand, family dentists serve as your one-stop shop for all of your family’s dental needs.

 

By offering various services ranging from smile pediatric dentistry to specialized procedures (root canals, dentures, crowns, bone grafts, implants, etc.) all under one roof, family dentists save you time, money, and the hassle of having multiple dentists for your family.

 

To dive deeper into the many benefits of family dentistry, we’re going to cover the top five reasons to make the switch.

 

Five Reasons to Choose a San Diego Family Dentist

1. You’ll Save Time by Scheduling Dental Exams for the Whole Family

As a parent or caregiver, you wear multiple hats. If you’re the head of the household, you know how exhausting it is to keep up with everyone’s medical appointments.

 

Between scheduling dental exams on time, driving from one office to the next, and having to run your insurance at multiple offices, keeping up with your family’s dental care is a lot of work.

 

What if we told you that choosing a family dentist could take some of this responsibility off your shoulders?

 

One of the main reasons people choose family dentists is that it eliminates the need for multiple dentists. Family dentists are trained to treat people of all ages – from preschool-aged children to elderly grandparents — and everything in-between.

 

Once you’ve started taking your loved ones to a family dentist, they will keep track of your appointments and appointment reminders for you. They’ll also be able to schedule your entire family’s routine cleanings together on one day, making your life a whole lot easier.

 

By choosing one practice for all of your family’s dental needs, you can spend less time worrying about appointments and more time doing the things you and your family love.

 

At Dental Express, we allow for same-day appointments so that you can get that last-minute cleaning in without any hassle.

 

2. Convenient, Flexible Hours that Work with Your Schedule

Americans miss an average of 320.8 million hours of work or school each year to get dental care. That’s a lot of valuable time taken away from your work and your child’s education that you may never get back.

 

With family dentistry, you don’t have to sacrifice all those hours to get your family’s dental exams done?

 

Trying to make it to appointments when you work a 9-5 job is hard enough as it is.

 

Having to make appointments for the whole family, drive everyone to the dentist’s office, and sit through the dental exams all while working a full-time job is even more difficult.

 

Family dentists understand that it’s challenging to make a busy schedule work, which is why they offer flexible and convenient hours.

 

Whether you need to get everyone’s teeth cleaned on Saturday morning or after school between 4-6 pm, family dentists work with your busy schedule to accommodate your family’s needs.

 

Additionally, family dentists know that emergencies can happen at any time, so they’ll typically have an emergency contact number so you can get help after-hours.

 

3. You’ll Build a Long-Term Relationship With a Dentist You and Your Family Can Trust

Visiting a new dentist can be scary. It takes time to develop trust and rapport with a medical practitioner.

 

But once you find a dentist you trust, it’s hard to think about switching to another practice or finding another dentist.

 

The goal of family dentistry isn’t just to care for your whole family. It’s also about the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with a practice you can rely on.

 

As you continue visiting your dentist, they will get to know you and your family on a personal level. They’ll begin to understand your scheduling needs, your dental hygiene habits, and more.

 

When you jump from one dentist to the next, they have to transfer your documents and information from one office to another.

 

Family dentists keep track of your family’s dental history all in one place, so you don’t have to worry about losing information or having to explain your situation to a new dentist.

 

4. Family Dentistry is More Than Just Dental Hygiene

Getting your teeth cleaned is important, but what if you need Cosmetic Dentistry Cary treatment or a crown?

 

Family dentists have you covered in all things dental — eliminating the need for multiple dentists meeting all your oral health needs in one convenient location.

 

Whether your child needs a tooth pulled, your parents need dentures, or you want to make your smile brighter with teeth whitening, Dental Express, San Diego’s favorite family dentist, has you covered.

 

We have the expertise, technology, and equipment necessary to handle virtually any oral health issue.

 

And the convenience of having all these dental services under one roof is not even the best part — family dentists are much more affordable.  When you require specialized procedures, specialists’ fees will often run through your yearly maximums much faster than a family dentist.

 

Therefore, save yourself the hassle of multiple dentists and save your wallet with an affordable local, family dentist.

 

5. You Can Set The Stage for Healthy Teeth for Generations to Come

In 2019, only 64.9% of adults aged 18  and older had an annual dental visit. That means almost two-thirds of adults aren’t seeing the dentist as often as they should.

 

Healthy habits start at a young age. 

 

So as a parent, you can set the stage for your children to have healthy dental hygiene for life. The best way to do this is to lead by example and practice dental hygiene yourself.

 

Brush and floss twice daily and schedule annual dental exams. When your children see your healthy dental habits, it will become routine for them as they grow up.

 

When your children see you getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist, they’ll be more likely to understand the value of dental hygiene and care for their teeth as well.

 

Your child will also develop a relationship with your family dentist, so they can grow up understanding the importance of regular dental cleanings.

 

They may even continue seeing the same dentist that you took them to as a child!

 

When you set the stage for your children, they’ll be much more likely to stay on top of their dental care as they get older. Then, they can pass down these habits to their children.

 

When you and your family work with a family dentist, you set the framework for healthy oral hygiene for generations to come.

 

Make Your Smile Shine Bright For the Holidays With The Best Family Dentist in San Diego

Finding a family dentist near you can transform your family’s oral health care — and there is no better time to start than today.

 

With the new year just weeks away, be sure to use up those dental insurance benefits before you lose them. Dental Express wants to help you discover your ideal smile, together.

 

At Dental Express, we’re here to provide affordable dental care for you and your entire family this holiday season. Schedule a dental exam online at one of our six locations, or give us a call to get started.

 

Keep Reading

Characteristics to Seek Out in a General Dentist 

Tips to Find the Best Dentist Near Me in San Diego 

A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Dentistry 

Downfalls of Dental Insurance: Use it or Lose it 

Learn what constitutes a dental emergency and where to seek emergency dental care in the San Diego area.

Emergency dental care usually happen when you least expect them

 

Whether you bit down on something hard and lost one of your fillings or tooth chipping while headbanging to Taylor Swift (yes, we’ve actually had this happen), seeking dental care after an emergency is crucial to protect your dental health.

 

But what constitutes a dental emergency? Should you see an emergency dentist in San Diego for a small crack or chip in your tooth?

 

If you’re unsure of what qualifies as a dental emergency, then this article is for you.

 

We’ll be outlining seven situations that require emergency dental care and how to choose the San Diego emergency dentist that’s right for you.

 

Let’s get started.

 

1. Fractured or Lost Tooth

This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised. People chip their teeth all the time without seeking emergency dental care.

 

Even if the chipped tooth isn’t causing any pain, it’s best to get it looked at by an emergency dentist near you. It may not look like it on the surface, but a chip or crack can cause unseen damage, affecting the integrity of your tooth.

 

If one of your teeth falls out or gets knocked out somehow, seek emergency dental care immediately. Also known as an avulsed tooth, a lost tooth can lead to several dental issues down the road.

 

Aside from the cosmetic drawbacks, a missing tooth can lead to problems speaking or chewing, depending on its location. Not only that, but the extra space in your mouth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, creating hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. Hard-to-reach areas make room for cavity-causing bacteria to take hold, possibly leading to tooth decay and even bone loss.

 

According to the ADA, a  missing tooth can also affect your biting force. With one less tooth to chew up food, the mouth places extra responsibility on the remaining teeth, putting more stress on them and your jawbone.

 

But there’s another, more pressing reason to seek emergency dental care right away after losing a tooth. Believe it or not, if one of your teeth gets knocked out, all is not lost!

 

If you’re able to find the tooth and take action quickly enough, there’s a chance you can salvage it. Once you find it, follow these steps and, if possible, visit a San Diego emergency dentist within thirty minutes to an hour.

What to do if you lose a tooth!

1. Pick your tooth up by the chewing side, not the root
2. If necessary, rinse your tooth off with water to remove any dirt (do NOT wash with soap)
3. Try reinserting your tooth back into place and holding it there until you get to the dentist
4. If step three is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk and bring it to an emergency dentist near you immediately.

2. Missing Filling or Crown

Fillings and Dental crowns do an excellent job of reinforcing your teeth against decay. But none of them last forever.

 

Constant pressure from chewing, grinding, and bacteria working its way underneath the restorations can wear them down to the point of failure.

 

Fillings and crowns are put in place to protect the deeper layers of your teeth. When your tooth’s inner layer is exposed, it’s vulnerable to further decay and even tooth loss. Not to mention incredibly painful.

 

If your filling or crown falls out, don’t panic. See an emergency dentist near you to preserve your dental health.

3. Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are another warning sign that requires emergency dental care. You might be brushing or flossing too vigorously, which is a common cause. But in some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of a much larger issue like gingivitis.

 

If caught early, gingivitis can be treated and reversed. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a San Diego emergency dentist as soon as you notice the problem.

4. Nerve Pain

When you experience nerve pain, you won’t need anyone to tell you to schedule an emergency appointment. Even the act of breathing can be painful if the nerves in your teeth become exposed.

 

This painful dental problem can be caused by cavities, receding gums, cracked teeth, tobacco use , bruxism (grinding teeth), and poor dental hygiene.

 

As with bleeding gums, brushing and flossing too hard can lead to exposed nerves. The constant irritation can cause your gums to recede, revealing the sensitive parts of your teeth.

 

So, while the solution might be as simple as brushing more gently, it’s vital to see an emergency dentist near you straight away to get to the heart of the issue.

 

If the nerve pain is due to something minor, getting cleared by a dental professional will give you peace of mind. If it’s something more severe, catching it as soon as possible gives you and your dentist the chance to tackle the issue before it worsens.

5. Tooth Infection

Also known as an abscessed tooth, a tooth infection is another case where you won’t need any encouragement to seek emergency dental care.

 

If you’ve ever accidentally pulled too much skin from the side of your fingernail and gotten an infection, you know what an abscess is. It’s that little pus pocket that forms when there’s no more skin to protect your fingernail’s inner layers from outside bacteria.

 

Unfortunately, the same thing can happen to your teeth. See, your teeth have a soft inner layer called the pulp, which houses all their nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

 

When tooth decay, periodontitis, or a cracked tooth give harmful bacteria access to the pulp, it can cause an infection at the root of your tooth. The pus pocket that forms at the root creates an abscess that can lead to all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms:

1. Pain
2. Red or swollen gums
3. A bad taste in the mouth
4. And even fever

If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can result in a severe infection in the mouth and jaw bone. As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, pay a visit to a San Diego emergency dentist.

They may prescribe you antibiotics to fight the infection or recommend a root canal treatment depending on the severity of the issue.

6. Toothache

This one seems like another no-brainer, but again, you’d be surprised by how many people avoid seeking treatment for toothaches. Typically, by the time y ou feel that sharp pain, your dental problem is beyond a cavity and affecting the nerve. You may need more than a routine filling.

 

Unfortunately, people often fear what and how expensive the issue might be, so they avoid getting the care they need.

 

But the longer you wait, the more nasty and pricey dental problems become. If you develop a toothache, see an emergency dentist near you right away.

7. Swollen Jaw or Neck

Our final red flag to look out for is swelling in your jaw or neck. Erupting wisdom teeth, abscessed teeth, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and mouth sores can all cause swelling in your mouth or jawbone.

 

As with a chipped tooth, even if there’s no pain to accompany the swelling, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Visit an emergency dentist in San Diego to diagnose and treat the issue, and keep your mouth healthy.

San Diego’s Best Emergency Dentist

When you’re looking for an emergency dentist, you need a practice you can rely on. Availability, versatility, and YOU-focused care are a must.

 

At Dental Express, we pride ourselves on being the best emergency dentist in the San Diego  area. We’re open six days a week, always accept walk-ins, and offer emergency dental services at each of our six locations.

 

When you have a dental emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your dentist will take care of you. With us, you and your family can rest assured that no matter what happens, we’ll always be available to protect and care for your smiles.

 

Keep Reading

Is a Cracked Tooth Considered an Emergency?

What Do I Do if My Crown Comes Off?

Do You Go to the Dentist or ER for a Dental Emergency?

Five Reasons Why Regular Dental Exams Are Important

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helpful tips and common myths about wisdom teeth, and when to talk to your San Diego dentist about removal

Get Your Wisdom Teeth Checked Out.

In 2007, around five million people got their wisdom teeth extracted in the United States. So if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you already had yours taken out, or you know someone who has.

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21. They earned that name because they grow in when people are older and wiser than when their permanent teeth grew in.

Healthy wisdom teeth give you extra chewing support, but when there’s not enough room for them in your mouth, it can adversely affect your dental health.

So, how do you know when it’s time to get your wisdom teeth removed?

In today’s article, we’ll cover how unhealthy wisdom teeth can affect your dental health, some signs that you need to get yours removed, and what to expect from the extraction treatment at your local San Diego dentist.

We’ll also debunk some common wisdom teeth myths, leaving you with nothing but the pearly-white truth about your third set of molars.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll be all the wiser about how to handle your wisdom teeth and on track to having a happier, healthier smile.

What are the Common Signs to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Some discomfort is normal when your wisdom teeth start to come in, but there are several signs to look out for that mean it’s time to visit your dentist in San Diego.

Pain, Swelling, & Trouble Eating

If eating certain foods causes you pain, or if you notice a persistent aching in your jaw even when you’re not eating, your wisdom teeth are likely at the root of the issue and will need to be removed.

Additionally, when your wisdom teeth start to come in, you may notice your gums become swollen and sensitive. This sudden change is often due to openings in the gum tissue left by your erupting wisdom teeth, which allow for food particles and bacteria to get trapped.

To fight the cavity-causing bacteria, your body sends healthy, oxygenated blood to your gums, leading to swelling and increased sensitivity.

If you find it hard to open your mouth or clean near your wisdom teeth due to swollen, sensitive gums, make an appointment with your dentist to get an x-ray and dental exam.

Overcrowding

When there’s not enough room in your mouth or your wisdom teeth don’t come in at the right angle, it can cause nearby teeth to shift and bunch up to make room for them. Overcrowding like this makes it easier for food to get stuck between your teeth and more difficult to clean in those hard to reach areas.

When decay-causing bacteria has a place to grow, cavities are much more likely to form. If you notice your wisdom teeth are causing overcrowding, then it’s time to talk with your San Diego dentist about an evaluation.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often cause pain and discomfort because they’re impacted. When teeth are impacted, it means there isn’t enough room in your mouth to accommodate them.

The lack of space can cause them to get stuck inside your gums or come in at improper angles. This dental issue can lead to several other complications like overcrowding, cavities, infection, cysts, and even damage to neighboring teeth.

Using x-rays, your dentist can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth before they come in. For some, only two wisdom teeth need to be removed, whereas others need all four taken out. And some get to take advantage of the extra chewing power provided by a complete third set of molars. If your dentist notices any potential troublemakers, they’ll develop a treatment plan that’s best for you and your dental health.

Brushing Away the Myths

Part of being prepared for the development of your wisdom teeth is knowing the difference between fact and fiction. 

Many dentists say it’s okay to wait until you experience tooth pain to have your wisdom teeth extracted, but this is a common myth. If your jaw doesn’t leave enough space for you to clean between your teeth when they break the surface, it’s best to have them removed before they cause any problems.

Another common misconception is that if the area surrounding your wisdom teeth isn’t infected, you don’t need to take them out.

Your third molars may not cause any trouble when they first break the surface but partially erupted teeth can leave room for bacteria to enter the gums. If left unchecked, this bacteria can lead to infection, causing pain and stiffness in the jaw.

When it comes to infection, playing catch up is never a good idea. It’s always better to take a proactive approach to your dental health.

To wrap up our list of myths, some people are under the impression that all wisdom teeth are bad and should be removed. Although most of us have to get at least two removed, not all wisdom teeth deserve a bad reputation.

More often than not, the bottom two cause the most trouble while the top two come in without much issue. It’s worth noting that before your wisdom teeth come in, the only way your dentist can tell if they’re impacted or likely to cause problems is by taking x-rays.

It’s essential to get regular checkups and x-rays at your San Diego dentist to stay ahead of any potential issues.

Preventive, proactive care is vital to maintaining a healthy smile. At Dental Express, we carefully monitor wisdom teeth progression and remove any especially risky teeth before they cause any trouble.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What to Expect

If your dentist decides that removal is the best option, wisdom teeth extraction is a straightforward treatment that usually takes a single visit.

If your wisdom teeth have already grown in, then the process is as simple as a typical tooth extraction. If you have any impacted teeth, your dental professional will surgically remove them from your gums.

Wisdom teeth extraction is generally a pain-free process thanks to local anesthesia, but if the thought of getting your teeth pulled gives you nightmares, don’t worry. You can talk to your dental professional about the possibility of sedation.

What’s the recovery process like? And how long will it take?

Unfortunately, the healing process isn’t quite so easy. Discomfort, swelling, aching pains, and a soft food diet are common parts of the journey back to health. But if you follow your dental professional’s instructions, your recovery should be relatively speedy.

You’ll usually be prescribed medication to relieve any aches and pains as well as an antibiotic, and you can use cold compresses to ease the swelling. Sticking to soft foods and liquids will help prevent unnecessary damage to the gums until they heal enough to allow for a natural diet again.

Smoothies are a simple and delicious way to get your nutrients in while recovering from wisdom teeth extraction. It’s also a great excuse to eat a lot of mashed potatoes!

The main thing to watch out for during the recovery process is dry socket. After a tooth extraction treatment, a blood clot usually forms where the tooth used to be. This clot serves to protect the vulnerable bone and nerves while the area heals over.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot can’t form or an already formed clot becomes dislodged. This condition usually happens when the area is damaged by solid food particles or when the patient smokes or drinks through a straw.

The suction created by smoking and using straws is enough to disrupt the formation and stability of blood clots. Because of this, your dentist or oral surgeon will typically recommend avoiding these activities.

As you can imagine, when the bone and nerves are exposed, it can be quite painful. It can also lengthen the recovery process, as the extraction site will need more time to heal over again. But not to worry, dry socket can be easily remedied with a dental cleaning, medicine, and time.

As long as you adhere to the recovery guidelines your dental professional provides, you shouldn’t have to worry about developing dry socket. The majority of patients recover quickly, without any issues at all!

The average recovery time for someone between seventeen and twenty-one years old is around one week. But for someone over the age of thirty, it can take much longer. As you age, your mouth takes longer to heal after treatments like wisdom teeth extraction.

That’s why it’s important to get your wisdom teeth evaluated at your San Diego dentist as early as possible. The sooner you identify potential issues, the sooner you can get them removed to avoid future pain and longer recovery times.

A Wise Choice for Family Dental Care in San Diego

We specialize in proactive family dental care at Dental Express and believe dental health should never be a game of catch up.

When it comes to wisdom teeth extraction or any treatment you may need, our goal is simple: To clear your path to a difficulty-free, healthy mouth. Placing a strong emphasis on prevention, we work to improve your smile’s longevity by catching issues before they come up.

If you live in the San Diego area and you’d like to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, or you’d just like to drop by for a visit, make an appointment with us today. We have six locations in the San Diego area, and we’d be happy to serve you in any way we can.

Sources

Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

The 5 Most Common Problems Created by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When Can You Eat Again After a Tooth Extraction?

Typical Sources of Tooth Pain and How You Can Treat it

The fascinating – and sometimes scary – history of dental care in America, from floss to mouthwash to dentures.

It’s hard to imagine life without modern dentistry. 

From battery-powered toothbrushes with two-minute timers to powerful water-flossing devices, we’ve got all the fancy tools we need to take care of our pearly whites in this day and age. And getting a problematic tooth taken care of is as simple as taking a trip to the dentist.

But in reality, dental care like this only developed within the past sixty to eighty years. So, how did early Americans take care of their teeth before all these modern advancements?

In part I, we talked about how early Americans brushed their teeth before the invention of toothbrushes and toothpaste, how they handled dental emergencies, and the creation of the first toothbrush.

Today, we’re going back in time to discover when floss and mouthwash were invented, the history of dentures, and what early Americans used to treat toothaches.

With Thanksgiving coming up, we thought it would be fitting to share some fun, interesting facts about how early Americans cleaned up after turkey dinner.

Some of what you’ll learn is captivating and still applies to this day, and some of it is just downright revolting.

They say sequels are never a good idea, but there are exceptions to every rule. So, let’s jump into part II!

When Was Floss Invented? And What Was it Made of?

People have been flossing for millennia, and they found plenty of creative ways to do it over the years.

Early Americans would floss using toothpicks fashioned from twigs or small bundles of horsehair.

At the beginning of the 19th century, a dentist from New Orleans named Levi Parmly  brought flossing into the spotlight. He stressed the importance of flossing to all his patients, calling it the best way to prevent dental health issues.

Parmly invented the first modern form of dental floss using waxed silken thread. And because of his valuable research in the field of dentistry, he went on to become the most renowned dental practitioner in the southern United States. His ideas about the causes and prevention of oral health conditions still influence how dentistry is practiced even today.

Despite Parmly promoting the widespread use of dental floss, it wouldn’t become a commercially available product until 1882. A company called Codman and Shurleft played off of Parmly’s model and began mass-producing unwaxed silken thread for consumers everywhere.

Then, a little company you might have heard of called Johnson & Johnson stepped in, releasing their first floss in 1896. Two years later, they became the first company to patent their dental floss, which was made out of the same type of silk used for sutures at the time.

Although it was widely produced, Americans wouldn’t fully adopt flossing into their dental care routines until World War II.

All of this backstory is interesting, but it’s worth noting that monkeys have been spotted flossing using feathers and even human hair. So, who’s to say our primitive ancestors aren’t the real pioneers?

When Was Mouthwash Created? And Who Created it?

If you’re not a fan of Listerine, you might develop a newfound appreciation for it after this.

Before we touch on what early Americans used for mouthwash, we’re going to wind the clocks back a bit further.

The ancient Romans had an interesting mouthwash “formula” that was popular over two thousand years ago. Whenever it was time to rinse, they would use either animal or human urine to wash their mouths out.

And the craziest part? It worked! The ammonia found in the urine acted as a disinfectant and Teeth Whitening San Diego agent.

Listerine doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? The real question here is: Who came up with that idea!?

Thankfully, mouthwash has come a long way since then.

Before the settlers arrived, Native Americans used to harvest the roots of the Coptis Trifolia, or gold thread cypress tree, to create mouthwash. The gold thread tree contains an alkaloid called berberine that acts as a pain-reliever, making it a useful tool for treating painful dental issues and sore throats. They also harvested Witch Hazel to use as a mouth rinse.

The first medical-grade mouthwash was invented by Dr. Joseph Lawrence in 1879, although he didn’t create it for that purpose.

Lawrence made an antiseptic formula to sterilize surgical tools using eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol, and alcohol. He named it after Dr. Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptic surgery. And if that name sounds familiar, it should, because we’re talking about the most popular mouthwash on the market: Listerine!

But at the time, Lawrence didn’t market Listerine as a mouthwash. In fact, he sold it as just about everything but mouthwash. Lawrence pitched Listerine as an all-purpose disinfectant, a cure for the athlete’s foot, and even a dandruff remedy.

Listerine’s dental potential wasn’t discovered until 1895 when dentists across America started to adopt it as a decay-fighting antiseptic. By 1914, it finally became available over the counter, and the rest is history.

But unfortunately, Listerine was one of the few effective products on the market during those days. Due to the lack of regulations back then, many other mouthwash formulas caused severe damage.

Ex-Cel Tooth Stain Remover, Bleachodent, and Snowy White contained hydrochloric acid in their formulas, and Tartaroff was proven to erode 3% of users’ enamel per each use.

Thankfully, after the Second World War, public awareness grew, and mouthwashes became much safer.

What Did Early Americans Use for Dentures?

This might surprise you, but George Washington didn’t have wooden dentures. Full wooden dentures were most popular in Japan, where they were invented in the 1500s.

When he took office for the first time, Washington’s dentures were made out of elephant and hippopotamus ivory, both of which were popular denture materials at the time.

Before that, he had dentures made with real human teeth! Looters and scavengers often extracted these teeth from soldiers’ bodies on the battlefield, commonly referred to as “Waterloo dentures.”

Luckily, viable porcelain dentures were created in 1820, which steered people away from the Waterloo and ivory options. Porcelain dentures were typically fastened to a set of gold plates and became the standard for about thirty years.

In 1850, a hardened rubber material called Vulcanite was introduced that replaced gold as the base. This reliable rubber, combined with porcelain teeth, made it the most reliable set of dentures to date.

Acrylic resins and plastics took over at the beginning of the 20th century and have evolved into the smile restorative solutions we have today.

How Did Early Americans Treat Toothaches?

Having a toothache is enough to drive anyone up a wall. The pain can be so intense it can ruin your whole day. But today, you can make a quick run to the drugstore for some over-the-counter painkillers or make an appointment with your local San Diego dentist to get the issue  taken care of.

If the same fate befell one of our predecessors, they wouldn’t be so lucky. Without any advanced medical remedies, how did they get rid of their toothaches?

As we discussed earlier, the Native Americans used the gold thread tree’s root to make mouthwash. Additionally, they would often rub this naturally numbing solution on teething babies’ gums to ease their pain.

They also made use of another plant called the Southern Prickly Ash tree. This thorny relative of the orange tree contains a naturally-occurring novocaine, which they used to numb the aching tooth. The Prickly Ash tree came in handy before and after tooth extraction, keeping the patient as pain-free as possible throughout the process.

Family-Friendly Dental Care for the Modern Age

Looking back, it’s easy to appreciate how convenient and pain-free dental care is now. It wasn’t that long ago that we were using hydrochloric acid as mouthwash. We’ve come so far in such a short amount of time, and technology keeps improving every year.

At Dental Express, we have a passionate appreciation for all the incredible dental technology at our disposal, and we’re proud to use it in service of giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you want friendly, affordable dental care this holiday season,  make an appointment at one of our six locations today. And if we don’t see you this week, we wish you and your family a lovely Thanksgiving holiday filled with love and lasting memories.

Keep Reading

How Early Americans Took Care of Their Teeth, Part I 

Would You Let a Barber Pull Your Teeth? A Brief History of Dentistry 

Did George Washington Have Wooden Teeth? A Brief History of Dentures 

Why Does My Tooth Hurt? Four Reasons for a Severe Toothache 

What you eat and drink affects your oral health and your overall health at the same time. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, our team offers our patients healthy eating guidelines to help them keep their teeth and gums healthy. During a dental exam, we look at your teeth and gums and ask questions about your diet to determine if it’s affecting your oral health. We can discuss soda drinking and the causes of cavities. Every food or beverage you consume comes in contact with your teeth. Acid and sugar attack your teeth. Ultimately, good oral hygiene focuses on the importance of clean teeth and gums. While a healthy diet is great for your health, if you don’t follow proper at-home oral hygiene that removes plaque from your teeth, you can still get a cavity.

What causes cavities and tooth decay?

Tooth decay damages the teeth and can lead to the need for fillings and, in severe cases, tooth extractions. Decay occurs when sugar reacts with bacteria in plaque. From there, acid forms that attack the teeth and erodes the natural tooth enamel. When this happens, it breaks down, and a cavity forms. The decay process can accelerate quickly. This makes having regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings at Dental Express in San Diego, CA, especially important to detect these dental problems early on.

High sugar and processed foods and beverages can wear away your tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. This makes it important for all of our patients to eat healthily, so they have healthy teeth and gums. We recommend a well-balanced diet with healthy snacks. These healthy eating guidelines help reduce your risk of enamel erosion and the risk of cavities and gum disease.

What is erosion?

Acidic food and beverages can lead to erosion, the gradual dissolving of the tooth enamel. The lower the pH of a food or beverage, the more acidic it is. Milk, citrus juices, soda, red wine, coffee, and vinegar are all erosive beverages. During a comprehensive dental exam, our team can determine if your diet is too acidic, which affects your oral health. When you consume high-acid foods or beverages, drink plenty of water to wash away any harmful acids.

Healthy food for teeth and gums

An anti-inflammatory diet has been proven to lead to healthier gums and less lost teeth. Foods high in fat and refined sugars can also cause inflammation. Healthy fats, such as avocado, fatty fish, or olive oil, are all foods for healthy teeth and good for oral health.

We recommend alkaline foods low in acids for healthy snack choices, including:

• Raw vegetables

• Crackers

• Cheese

• Nuts

• Yogurt (low or no sugar)

How often should I brush my teeth?

It’s important to brush your teeth at bedtime and at least one other time during the day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Brushing right after eating can brush away a portion of your enamel, so wait for at least 20 minutes after a meal before you brush your teeth. Brushing at night is most important as saliva flow slows down at night and can increase your risk of decay if you don’t remove all food particles beforehand.

Learn how eating a healthy diet influences your dental health

During dental exams and dental cleanings at Dental Express, our team can discuss your diet with you at our San Diego, CA office. We offer helpful tips on food and dental health that help improve your oral health. To schedule a dental examination today, call our team or request an appointment online.

How pregnancy affects your dental health and what to do about it

Pregnancy is overwhelming enough.

 

Your body changes so quickly and in so many ways to accommodate the growing baby. The last thing you need is unexpected dental issues coming up and causing unnecessary worry and stress.

 

If you don’t know what to expect, the way pregnancy can affect your dental health can be scary. Worse yet, the simple act of going to the dentist can be daunting.

 

Which treatments are okay for you and your baby? How often should you go to the dentist while pregnant? Are dentist visits during pregnancy even safe?

 

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. We’ll be tackling common problems like these and much more in today’s article.

 

At Dental Express, removing decay-causing plaque isn’t our only specialty. We’re also experts at removing the uncertainty and confusion surrounding dental care as a whole, revealing best practices and healthy habits to keep your teeth shining through all stages of life.

 

Pregnancy is one of the most critical stages of life in which many rapid changes to your dental health can occur.

 

To help you on your journey, we created this dental care guide for pregnant moms to answer common questions, provide solutions, and remove the stress from taking care of teeth for two.

 

Knowing what could be coming down the road will help you navigate this wonderful and challenging part of your life with confidence, keeping you and your baby’s teeth safe and healthy.

 

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Dental Health (And Your Baby’s)?

You may have heard the old wives’ tale before: Gain a child, lose a tooth.

 

It’s not exactly the most promising statement.

 

Thankfully, although it does scare a lot of potential moms, this saying isn’t accurate (at least not in this day and age).

 

However, there is a nugget of truth to it.

 

Studies have shown a strong connection between pregnancy and dental health conditions. So, while losing a tooth is extreme, there are potential issues to look out for that become more likely during pregnancy.

 

Hormonal Changes

During your pregnancy, you may notice your gums become red, sore, and more sensitive to brushing and flossing than usual, even to the point where they bleed. These symptoms are totally normal.

 

The surge in hormone activity as a result of pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive to plaque, leading to a mild form of gum disease known as “pregnancy gingivitis.”

 

Happening most often between the second and eighth month of pregnancy, this type of gingivitis occurs in around half of all women. Talk to your dentist as soon as you notice the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis. Left untreated, a more severe form of gingivitis, periodontitis, could result in potential bone loss.

 

You can keep pregnancy gingivitis at bay with a strong at-home dental care routine and regular visits to your San Diego dentist during pregnancy. In the majority of cases, gums go back to normal after the baby is born. If the problem continues after childbirth, talk with your dentist about the best course of action.

 

Increased Risk of Cavities & Erosion

Women are usually at greater risk of developing cavities during pregnancy due to the diet changes and more frequent snacking that often comes with cravings.

 

If morning sickness becomes a common issue, then the high acidity levels from vomiting can also increase your risk of tooth decay, also known as erosion. We’ll talk more about how to keep your teeth safe from erosion below.

 

Taking care of your teeth at home becomes all the more important when you’re pregnant. Brush twice and floss once daily, and stay cautious.

 

If you start to feel any pain or discomfort, schedule a checkup with your local dentist in San Diego. Your teeth are more susceptible to oral health conditions during pregnancy, so it’s best to catch these issues sooner rather than later.

 

Loose Teeth & Shifting May Occur

Some of your teeth may feel loose or even shift during pregnancy, which can turn chewing into a chore. If this happens, try not to freak out, it’s completely normal! Unless you have a severe pre-existing issue, you don’t have to worry about your teeth falling out.

 

Loose teeth are due to the higher estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy, which causes the tissues that hold your teeth in place to relax.

 

Like pregnancy gingivitis, this condition typically goes away after childbirth, but keep your dentist up to speed if the issue persists.

 

Growths on Your Gums May Appear

You can thank all the bonus pregnancy hormones again for this one. Heightened hormone levels can lead to small, round growths appearing in your mouth, usually on your gums.

 

Although they’re not cancerous or infectious, they’re referred to as “pregnancy tumors.” They can swell up and even bleed, but they’re harmless and most often go away after pregnancy.

 

Your dentist may elect to surgically remove them if they become too much of an issue, so make sure they’re aware of your situation as it develops.

 

How Does Pregnancy Affect Your Baby’s Dental Health?

What you eat and how you take care of your teeth have a profound effect on your baby’s dental health during pregnancy.

 

Between the third and sixth months, the hard tissue that makes up your baby’s teeth will start to form. To help your baby’s teeth grow strong and healthy, be meticulous with your dental care, and make sure you’re getting the proper nutrients in your diet.

 

The right amounts of vitamin A, C, D, phosphorus, calcium, and protein all work together to help your baby’s teeth form properly.

 

When you’re pregnant, you’re brushing and flossing for two. If your dental health is poor, you could pass harmful bacteria to your newborn, leading to complications like cavities during infancy. But, if you take good care of your teeth and make regular visits to your San Diego dentist, you’ll set your baby up with a healthy little set of chompers.

 

When we share these potential issues with you, we’re not trying to scare you. We’re also not guaranteeing that you will experience the same problems.

 

We’re sharing this information with you because, at Dental Express, we value transparency. We built this guide to inform you of what to look out for, so you can get the proper attention and care you need during your pregnancy.

 

Common Questions About Dental Care During Pregnancy

Can I go to the dentist while pregnant?

Absolutely. Dentist visits during pregnancy are strongly encouraged not just for your dental health, but the baby’s too.

 

Make the trip as early as possible to give your dentist the chance to build a dental care plan for the rest of your pregnancy. They may also suggest more frequent checkups or cleanings to be proactive about the increased risk of oral health issues.

 

Can I get my teeth cleaned during pregnancy? Which treatments are safe?

Don’t stress about routine cleanings, x-rays, local anesthetics, or treatments like fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions during your pregnancy. According to the ADA, they’re all completely safe.

 

If you need emergency treatment, putting it off until after the baby is born will do more harm than good. Talk to your dentist about the safest way to move forward for you and your baby.

 

Dental work is crucial during pregnancy to help prevent further tooth decay and protect your baby’s health. The second trimester is considered the safest time to get dental work done, and your dentist may need clearance from your obstetrician before starting any treatments.

 

How often should you go to the dentist while pregnant?

This will vary from person to person.

 

It’s essential to visit your San Diego dentist as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Based on your dental health at the time of your visit, they’ll create a treatment schedule for your pregnancy.

 

If you have pre-existing dental issues, they may have you come in more often for checkups and cleanings.

 

What should I do about my morning sickness?

If you struggle with morning sickness, don’t brush your teeth right after getting sick. Brushing your teeth after vomiting makes them even more vulnerable to stomach acids.

 

Instead, dilute a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water and rinse your mouth out like you would with mouthwash. This solution will neutralize the stomach acids in your mouth and protect your teeth from erosion.

 

I can’t brush my teeth without gagging. What do I do?

When just looking at your toothbrush makes you gag, it can be hard to stick to your dental care routine during your pregnancy. Our advice here is to try everything and be patient.

 

If you need to take a break every few seconds, do it. Listen to your body and do your best to work through it. Try a toothbrush with a smaller head. Switch to a new flavor of toothpaste – try them all if you have to.

 

Do everything you can to stick to your dental health regimen. When your dental health improves, your baby’s does too.

 

Dental Care During Pregnancy: Tips and Solutions

Maintaining your dental health during pregnancy can seem like a toothache. In reality, taking care of teeth for two isn’t all that different than the recommended everyday dental care routine.

 

Here’s a Dental Express approved list of tips for dental care during pregnancy:

• Brush twice and floss once daily – Nothing new here, but adherence is doubly important when you’ve got two mouths to take care of. Ensure your toothpaste contains fluoride, and look for the ADA seal of approval on all your dental care products. At the end of the day, exhaustion can set in, and it can be tempting to skip your nightly brushing and flossing. Don’t do it! Remember, a baby’s dental health depends on yours. If you’re too worn out, have your partner or a family member do it for you. That’s what unconditional love is all about.
• See your San Diego dentist regularly – To keep the increased risk of oral health conditions under control, dentist visits during pregnancy are a must. Let your dentist know if you’re trying to get pregnant, and as soon as you know you have a baby on the way. Setting up regular checkups with your dentist sets you and baby up for dental success.
• Don’t just visit your dentist. Talk to your dentist – Not every dental health issue is visibly noticeable. Your dentist can’t treat what he doesn’t know you have. If you feel pain or discomfort when chewing, or if you notice your gums are tender, let your dentist know immediately. The sooner you catch these issues, the sooner you can get them under control, so they don’t worsen and cause damage. Oral health can decline fast during pregnancy. Stay vigilant, and stay in communication with your dentist.
• Snack in moderation (whenever possible) – Cravings are a force to be reckoned with, and there will be times when resisting them just isn’t possible. But do your best to control your snacking as often as you can. The more contact your teeth have with sugars, the more susceptible they’ll be to decay. So when you do snack, make healthy choices whenever possible.
• Nutrition tips – Balance is key here. Fruits, veggies, dairy products (low fat or fat-free), whole-grain products, and lean proteins are all part of a baby-friendly diet. Avoid juices, sodas, and foods high in sugar whenever you can. If it helps, you can replace juice with milk for the extra calcium. Also, folic acid is crucial for reducing the risk of congenital disabilities and supporting the development of your baby’s teeth. You can get folate from dietary supplements and foods like leafy green vegetables, legumes, oranges, strawberries, bananas, folate-fortified grain products like bread, cereals, or pasta, and more.
• Don’t wait! – Unfortunately, it’s common for women to put off getting the dental care they need during pregnancy. Going to the dentist while pregnant often feels unsafe, so they put it off as long as possible, sometimes until after childbirth. We can’t overstate the significance of seeing your San Diego dentist throughout your pregnancy. You’ll have a lot less time for dentist visits once your baby is born. So don’t wait! Make an appointment as soon as possible.

 

Staying on top of your dental care during pregnancy keeps your teeth healthy and safe from potential issues, saving you time, money, and stress. But most importantly, it gives your newborn the gift of a bright dental future.

 

Healthy Smiles for You & Your Newborn

Pregnancy can be insanely stressful one minute and incredibly rewarding the next. With so many things to worry about and keep track of, calling it overwhelming is an understatement.

 

At Dental Express in San Diego, dental care during pregnancy is nothing to stress about. From when you first share your exciting news with us to when your little miracle is born, you and your baby’s dental health are our top priority.

 

For safe, reliable, and quality dental care during pregnancy, make an appointment at any one of our San Diego locations today. We’d be honored to be a part of your journey.

 

Keep Reading

Need-to-Know Dental Care Tips as You Age

Learn What Foods and Drinks Can Damage Your Teeth

Tips for Keeping Healthy Teeth at Home

Why Are My Gums Bleeding All of a Sudden?

What is Plaque and How is it Removed?

Everyone has plaque, a sticky film that forms on the teeth when bacteria mix with acid, sugar, or starches in the mouth. If you don’t remove plaque on teeth, it can harden to tartar, which can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings help protect teeth and teach patients how to prevent plaque buildup in San Diego, CA. An efficient at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is important too. Learning no only what causes but also how to remove plaque can help patients at Dental Express to learn how to best care for their teeth.

What causes plaque on teeth?

Understanding the difference between plaque vs tartar helps patients understand why oral hygiene, and regular dental exams and dental cleanings are important. So, what is plaque? Plaque is a colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth. It begins to form on the teeth up to 12 hours after brushing, which is why it’s so important to brush at least twice a day. When you eat, the bacteria on your teeth produce acids that erode tooth enamel and can lead to tooth decay. Tartar is what accumulates when plaque isn’t removed. When it’s left too long, it will harden to tartar and become much more difficult to remove. Tartar can only be removed by our dental professionals at Dental Express.

Some of our patients in San Diego, CA, may be more likely to develop plaque, including those who:

• Have a high-starch or sugar diet

• Have dry mouth due to antidepressant medication or other medical conditions

• Smoke

What are the main complications of plaque?

When you don’t brush or floss daily, you are at risk for many different oral health problems, including:

• Tooth decay

• Gingivitis or later stages of periodontal disease

• Periodontitis

• Tooth loss

• Abscessed tooth

Scheduling regular dental exams with our team at Dental Express in San Diego, CA helps ensure your oral health is intact.

How to remove plaque

Removing plaque from teeth at the dental office isn’t difficult. First, we will examine your teeth and gums. Next, we take dental X-rays to detect any problems that we may not see with our eyes alone. If we detect any problems, our team will create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Cavities are addressed before teeth cleaning, while other more extensive procedures may be done during another visit to our San Diego, CA, dental office.

During your dental cleaning, we first remove any tartar or plaque on the teeth. Our hygienist uses special tools to perform tooth scaling, which will break down these substances without hurting your teeth. After your teeth and gums are thoroughly clean, your enamel is polished, which can remove any stains. Our professional hygienist team can also make suggestions to our patients on how to take care of their teeth from home best.

Learn how plaque is removed efficiently

Plaque is a key player when it comes to tooth decay. If you care for your teeth and gums well from home and schedule regular dental exams and dental cleanings, you can keep it at bay. To learn more about how to remove plaque from teeth, schedule a visit to Dental Express in San Diego, CA today.

A simple guide to understanding your dental insurance and getting the most out of your dental benefits.

Having dental insurance is like owning a Roomba.

 

You can bring your new Roomba home from the store and take it out of the box. You can take the plastic off and place it on the floor.

 

But if you don’t turn it on and set it up, it’s just going to sit there doing nothing.

 

Even if you bought the super-deluxe unlimited power model, if you don’t know how to make it work, then your floors won’t get any cleaner, and the money you spent will have gone to waste.

 

The same goes for your dental insurance coverage.

 

If you don’t take the time to learn what your benefits are and how your policy works, the only thing it will do is sit there collecting dust. Like a poor, useless Roomba.

 

The worst part about this situation is that you could be leaving a ton of savings on the table.

 

Depending on what type of dental insurance coverage you have, you could be saving money on regular dental checkups, cleanings, and various treatment plans!

 

Our mission at Dental Express is to provide top-notch dental care while saving you as much money as possible. When it comes to your dental insurance coverage, transparency is our highest value.

 

To make sure you understand the full extent of your dental benefits, we’re going to cover the four downfalls of dental insurance and some useful tips you might not know on how to make your policy work for you.

 

The Four Downfalls of Dental Insurance

The two key takeaways from this article, if you learn nothing else today, should be to:

1. Know your benefits, and
2. Understand your policy

 

Understanding what your dental insurance coverage can do for you is the first step to reaping all of your dental benefits.

 

What’s your yearly maximum? Do you know your deductible? Does your insurance cover the full cost of preventive care visits or only a portion?

 

If you don’t know how to answer these questions, set aside some time to learn about your dental policy. Call your insurance provider to go over it with you if you need to.

 

Your smile is worth it, and it could save you a lot of money.

 

To help with this process and put you on the fast-track to savings, we’re going to go over the four downfalls of dental insurance.

 

These pitfalls are the main features to be aware of when understanding your dental insurance plan and how to take full advantage of it.

 

Downfall #1: Waiting Periods

Waiting periods are downfall number one because if you’re not careful, they can take you by surprise at the start of your dental coverage.

 

A waiting period is set by your insurance provider and is the amount of time you have to wait before your dental insurance coverage takes effect.

 

Waiting periods are put in place to keep you from scamming the system by signing up for coverage, getting a ton of dental work done, and then canceling your policy.

 

But you would never do something like that…right?

 

All jokes aside, not all dental policies have waiting periods, and not all waiting periods are the same. Some waiting periods last longer than others, and some allow coverage for certain dental treatments while others don’t.

 

Your plan might have you pay your premium for six months or even a year before your full coverage starts. Or, it might cover routine checkups but only provide partial or no coverage for major treatments.

 

This variety in standards is why you need to read up on your dental insurance policy to see if it requires a waiting period, and if so, what the details are.

 

People often get excited about starting or switching to a new policy during open enrollment, and without fully understanding their coverage, they head straight for the dentist.

 

Little do they know, there’s a waiting period that keeps them from getting the affordable dental care they were looking for.

 

Someone forgot to program their Roomba. Yikes.

 

But don’t worry. At Dental Express, our treatment planners will go over your dental coverage with you before any procedures, so you know where you stand.

 

Have complicated insurance questions? We’ve got simple answers.

 

We’re always happy to clear up any confusion about your dental insurance coverage. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call or ask any questions you may have when you come into one of our offices in San Diego .

 

In addition to waiting periods, pre-existing conditions can also heavily impact your dental coverage.

 

Many plans will cover smaller pre-existing issues like cavities, but if you need more expensive care like partial dentures or a dental implant, your insurance may not help with the costs.

 

These issues lead us to our second downfall: the missing tooth clause.

 

Downfall #2: Missing Tooth Clauses

Many dental insurance plans have what’s called a “Missing Tooth Clause,” which is how insurances avoid paying for dental care that addresses pre-existing conditions.

 

Say you get a tooth removed before signing up for a new dental insurance policy. 

 

Because you got the procedure done before your coverage began, the missing tooth clause in your plan absolves your insurance of having to pay for the bridge or implant you want to replace your tooth with.

 

Now, you’re stuck without an affordable solution to your issue. Either that or you’re stuck with the full cost of an expensive dental procedure you weren’t prepared for.

 

Not exactly a fun situation to be in.

 

Always make sure to look for a Missing Tooth Clause in your dental policy. Read all the fine print. 

 

And if you’re confused by the fancy language they use, give us a call at Dental Express. We’re fluent in dental insurance.

 

If you have a serious dental issue that needs attention and you’ve just signed up for a new dental insurance policy, discuss your options with your San Diego dentist before moving forward with any procedures. 

 

Depending on your issue, you may be able to get by with preventive care while you wait for your benefits to kick in, which will save you money in the long run.

 

Downfall #3: Alternate Benefit Applies

Alternate Benefit Applies is insurance lingo for, “We’re not going to pay for that because there’s a cheaper option. Sorry, not sorry.”

 

If they respond with this line when you go in for treatment, your dental insurance plan is the type that covers only the minimal available treatment. 

 

You might hear this when you go to get composite tooth colored fillings front teeth, and they say they’re only willing to cover a metal amalgam. Or, you want to get a dental implant, but they’ll only agree to cover a partial denture. 

 

“Alternate benefit applies.”

 

When you’re shopping for affordable dental insurance plans, pay attention to how they cover these four types of care:

• Preventive Care: preventive care includes pretty much everything you get done at a regular checkup—dental cleanings, routine x-rays, fluoride treatments, etc. Most policies cover the full cost of these visits, while others only take care of a little over half. If you can, choose a policy that pays your preventive care tab in full. These appointments mean the most for your dental health because they help you avoid more serious and expensive issues.
• Basic Restorative Care: fillings, non-routine x-rays, anesthetics, and extractions are all examples of basic restorative dental care. Many plans cover around 80% of these procedures after you’ve met your deductible. Study your policy to see what percentage of basic care it covers. And if you want to avoid the “Alternate benefit applies” line, keep in mind that you’ll likely have to pay higher premiums.
• Major Restorative Care: major restorative procedures are your crowns, bridges, root canals, dentures, and other serious dental treatments. Typically, dental insurance plans cover half the cost of these visits after you meet your deductible. Again, check your plan to see where you stand with major restorative care.
• Orthodontic Services: affordable dental insurance plans usually don’t cover orthodontic care. If you have the extra cash, there are plans out there that help with things like braces. Otherwise, talk financing options with your local orthodontist or give us a call at Dental Express for more information.

 

Understanding how policies handle these types of care means you’ll be able to find the one that works best for you. It’ll also give you a clear idea of how dentist visits will affect your wallet.

 

Downfall #4: Use it or Lose it!

Last, but quite possibly the most important downfall of dental insurance is: 

 

If you don’t capitalize on your dental benefits by the end of the year, you’ll lose them!

 

Yes, unfortunately, dental benefits don’t work like rollover minutes. Once the new year hits, whatever benefits you leave on the table from the previous year are gone for good.

 

So, if the end of the year is approaching and you notice that you haven’t hit your yearly maximum, take a trip to the dentist. Bring your family along if you can. You might catch something that your dental insurance plan can cover before your benefits expire. 

 

At the very least, go in for a routine checkup and cleaning. What’ve you got to lose? The more you go to the dentist, the healthier your smile will be.

 

Besides, you’re paying your premiums for a reason. Make the most of your benefits while you can!

 

Speaking of taking advantage of your benefits, want to know a useful dental insurance hack?

 

The end of the year is the perfect time to plan any expensive dental treatments you might need. 

 

If you wait until the end of the year, you can cover a chunk of the cost using what’s left of your benefits from the current year. Then, when your benefits reset in January, you can apply as many as you need from next year’s maximum to take care of the remaining costs.

 

Share this tip with your friends and family. They’ll thank you later!

 

HMO vs. PPO Dental Insurance

The difference between HMO and PPO dental insurance plans is straightforward. 

 

Health Maintenance Organization or HMO dental insurance plans usually have cheaper premiums, but there’s a catch. With HMO plans, your provider is chosen for you. You may also have to go through your primary care physician to receive care.

 

Preferred Provider Organization or PPO dental insurance plans provide you with a network of providers you can choose from. Dental Express is an example of an in-network PPO provider in the San Diego area. While these plans are typically more costly, they give you the freedom to shop in-network for a dentist you prefer. 

 

So, if you and your family didn’t enjoy your experience at a particular dentist’s office, you don’t have to stick with them. You can look around for one that you like and can entrust your smile to. 

 

Need some tips on how to find the right dentist for you and your family? Click here for a helpful article explaining what to look for in a general dentist.

 

Whichever plan you choose, do your best to stay in-network. Something as simple as a routine checkup and cleaning can cost around $200 if you go out of network. And that’s just basic preventive care. Imagine if you needed a dental root canal therapy or a bridge put in. 

 

Major dental procedures are nerve-wracking enough. There’s no need to put any extra stress on yourself or your wallet. Stay in-network.

 

Key Points to Know About Your Dental Insurance Coverage

To sum up, here are the essential items to keep in mind when it comes to your dental insurance plan: 

 

1. Know your annual maximum.
2. Know your deductibles.
3. Does your plan have a waiting period?
4. Does your plan have a missing tooth clause?
5. Stay in-network.
6. Use it or lose it!

 

Once you get these down, you’ll have a better understanding of how to make your policy work in your favor, helping you keep your smile healthy and happy. Not to mention, budgeting for visits to your local San Diego dentist will be a breeze!

 

Working Together for a Brighter Smile

Dental insurance can be so complicated that it seems purposely confusing at times. That’s why we’ve made integrity and transparency our driving principles at Dental Express.

 

When our dentists recommend a treatment to improve your dental health, one of our treatment planners will meet with you to discuss your coverage.

 

These meetings are where your newfound knowledge of your insurance plan comes in handy! 

 

Our treatment planner will ask you questions about your dental coverage. Based on your answers, they’ll decide which treatments or procedures your insurance is most likely to cover.

 

While we can’t fully guarantee what your insurance will or won’t cover, our treatment planners will work with you and your insurance to build the best possible estimate based on your benefits.

 

Then, once the claim is verified, we’ll schedule your treatments and you’ll be on your way to better dental health.

 

At Dental Express, saving you money is second only to giving you a brighter, healthier smile on our list of priorities.

 

If you ever have any questions in or outside the office about your dental insurance coverage or where to find affordable dental insurance plans, please don’t hesitate to ask us. 

 

And if you’re looking for affordable dental care in the San Diego area, make an appointment at one of our locations today. 

 

We’re right around the corner, and we’re always here to help.