Dental professionals recommend regular dental X-rays to detect potential problems that may not be visible during a routine dental exam. These X-rays can help identify cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth, and other dental issues before they become more serious and require more extensive and costly treatment. By taking X-rays at least once a year, dentists can also monitor any changes in your dental health over time and adjust their treatment plans accordingly to ensure your oral health remains in good condition. Overall, regular dental X-rays are an essential tool in maintaining good dental health and preventing more serious dental problems down the road.

According to a study, dental X-rays have been associated with an increased risk of brain tumors. This study stirred media attention and questions from experts on the study’s methodology. The study that was published in Cancer (an American Cancer Society peer-reviewed journal) found that people with meningiomas (typically benign brain tumors) are more likely to report that they’ve had specific dental X-ray examinations in their lifetimes.

The American Dental Association has reviewed the study and notes that the results showed that the individuals’ memories of having dental X-rays taken years earlier were the basis for the results. Yet, studies have also demonstrated that the ability to recall information often needs improvement. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can’t be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call ‘recall bias.'”

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the importance of X-ray imaging in diagnosing dental problems but also emphasizes the need to use X-ray equipment safely. To minimize the risk of radiation exposure, the ADA recommends using protective gear, such as lead aprons and thyroid collars, for patients during dental X-ray procedures. Additionally, the ADA recommends that dental professionals use the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) when administering X-rays, which involves using the lowest possible radiation dose necessary to obtain the needed diagnostic information. Overall, the ADA advocates for the safe and responsible use of dental X-rays to ensure patients’ and dental professionals’ health and well-being.

A study published in BMJ Open reveals links between dental plaque and cancer mortality. The study’s authors wanted to find out if it might be a risk factor for early death from cancer due to infection and inflammation, both of which are thought to have a role in up to one in five cancers. The finding confirmed the study hypothesis that poor oral hygiene, as reflected in the amount of dental plaque, was associated with increased cancer mortality. However, they write, “Further studies are required to determine whether there is any causal element in the observed association.”

I moved to California and am 27 due to poor dental care, as a child, I had some awful teeth and would like dental health care help. I went to a dentist who gave me a free consultation. However, with the amount of dental work needed, I can not afford to have it started.

The dental office advised me to look for a dental PPO plan to let me stay with them. They said to find a dental PPO plan that offers short or no waiting periods. I need help to understand what they mean. Can you help me? 

Reply: Under a dental PPO plan, waiting periods refer to the time a member must wait before receiving certain types of dental services. Waiting periods vary depending on the plan and the procedure. For example, basic services like fillings or extractions may have a shorter waiting period, while major services like root canals or crowns may have a longer waiting period. Some plans may also have no waiting periods for any services. It is essential to review the details of any dental plan you’re considering to understand their waiting period policies.

I am looking for an affordable family dental plan that I can get for my wife and two children. We do not have any dental insurance currently, and I figure I can afford to spend around $50 – $75 a month for a family dental insurance plan, but not much more. I would also like something with no waiting periods for services.

Reply: The cost of a family dental PPO insurance plan can vary depending on several factors, such as location, limitations, benefits, and the level of coverage desired. The average cost can range from around $35 to $100 per month per person. You can see that the cost of PPO’s dental insurance plan may be out of your budget range.

Therefore, I suggest reviewing any HMO’s dental insurance plan available in your area. The cost of a family dental HMO insurance plan can also vary depending on several factors, but on average, the cost can range from around $7 to $25 per month per person, keeping more in line with your budget. You will need to choose a plan provider, meaning there is no outside network dental that you can visit. However, typically, these types of plans do not have waiting periods.

Whether you choose a PPO or an HMO, it is always a good idea to research and compare different plans before making a decision to find the one that best fits your specific needs and budget.

Although there are dental insurance plans that will offer adult braces, there are still many dental insurance plans that only provide Orthodontic dental services to minors.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many dental insurance plans only offer coverage for basic metal braces. Metal braces may be okay for a child but not for adults. You must carefully read each dental insurance plan’s terms and conditions so that when choosing one, you buy the insurance plan that offers the benefits you want.

If you are looking for clear braces, Invisalign, or any other specialty braces you can not find a dental insurance plan for, consider reviewing a dental discount plan for your Orthodontic needs. On a dental discount plan, they offer dental savings off any braces for any age group.

Therefore, a dental discount plan would save you money on your orthodontic needs as long as there is an orthodontic dentist in the plan who does the type of services you are looking for. It is a good idea to call the dentist and confirm they are still taking the dental plan you may be reviewing.

When you have either a Dental PPO or an Indemnity dental insurance plan, you need to understand the claims process. Know how your insurance company handles claims and how your dentist files out your claims.

Problems arise when you don’t fully understand your dental insurance and how they pay out claims. It is also essential to know how the dental office will make you pay for your dental care and how they file out dental claims.

Many PPO plans or free choice of dentist plans state they pay a certain percentage for preventive, basic, and major dental services. However, that percentage is usually up to dental companies’ UCR ( Usual, Customary, and Reasonable ) rates. Understanding the insurance company coverages and what UCR rates are is essential. Submitting dental services to the claims department as a quote only before dental work begins is a good idea. That way, you will always know the true cost of the dental services before committing to having it done.

It is equally important to know how the dental office will file your claim. Refrain from assuming that the dentist will not charge you the total amount for the services rendered, thereby having you file the dental claim and wait for return premiums due from the insurance company. What you have to pay when dental care is provided is a mistake often made, and it usually is after the fact, causing many people to be upset.

Ask the dentist what they expect you to pay before starting dental work. Do they file the claims for you, or do you need to file them? Knowing all this will keep you from any unexpected billings and from getting upset with the dental claim process.

If you have a dental insurance plan where you have to file claims (such as a PPO), getting a pretreatment estimate on the dental work ahead of time is a good idea. However, what is a pretreatment estimate?

A Pretreatment Estimate is an estimate of the cost of dental treatment provided to a patient by their dental insurance company before any treatment is carried out. Having a pretreatment estimate will give you in advance an outline of the dental procedures required and the estimated cost of each procedure, allowing the patient to know in advance what dental services are covered, the amount the plan will pay toward the treatment, and how much they will be responsible for paying out of pocket.

However, it is essential to note that a pretreatment estimate is not a guarantee of payment. The actual payment received from the insurance company may differ from the pretreatment estimate based on current eligibility, the amount remaining in the annual maximum limitation, and any deductible that may be required.

The Surgeon General says tooth decay is the most common childhood disease.

According to the office of the Surgeon General, tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Parents should speak to their pediatricians to learn more about how their child’s oral health can affect their overall health. With the help of a dentist, parents can take a few simple steps to introduce healthy oral hygiene habits to their children at a young age and help protect their teeth.

Many U.S. parents need to be more knowledgeable about proper pediatric dental care.  

A study done by MetLife reveals many parents need to follow recommended guidelines for brushing, flossing, and other dental care habits for optimal pediatric oral health. The report states that a dentist or hygienist has told 23% of surveyed parents that their child was at risk for tooth decay. Nearly half (47%) of the parents surveyed have not spoken to their pediatrician about their child’s teeth, and they may not be making the connection between their child’s oral health and their overall health care. According to the study, 42% of respondents report that their child’s teeth or gums are brushed once a day or less, and nearly half, 45%, say their child’s teeth are never flossed.

Smokers are four times more likely to have poor oral health.

Smoking is linked to poor oral health. According to the report by the National Center for Health Statistics, not only are smokers four times more likely than those who have never smoked to have poor oral health status, but they are twice as likely to have had three or more oral health problems.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Your Smile.  

Having cosmetic dentistry services is not just for celebrities and or the wealthy. With cosmetic dentistry going mainstream, every dentist does at least some cosmetic dentistry procedures. Cosmetic dentistry can help from subtle changes to major oral surgery. A host of cosmetic dentistry techniques can treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen, or missing. Talk to your dentist to see what is best for you and your dental needs.

The Benefits of Professional Teething Whitening. 

Although there are many do-it-yourself teeth bleaching kits you can get for whitening your teeth, some of these teeth whitening systems are known to damage your tooth enamel and not provide the whitening you may want to have. There are benefits that professional teeth whitening will have for you. An experienced dentist will guarantee results. In most cases, teeth whitening will be done quickly, and you will see immediate improvement. If you have any other dental issues, a dentist can address those issues as well.

 Seniors and Their Oral Hygiene Care. 

Plaque can build up on seniors’ teeth very quickly, and because of that, seniors need to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Daily brushing and flossing are essential in reducing plaque buildup. Since seniors have a higher risk of gum disease, making sure plaque does not build up is critical in oral health care. It is vital for everyone, regardless of age, to have regular dental checkups at least twice a year, though, for some seniors, a dentist may advise more than twice-a-year checkups if necessary.

Seniors are at a Higher Risk for Oral Health Care Problems. 

Oral health care is essential regardless of age. However, seniors are at a higher risk for oral health care issues. The advancing age puts many seniors at risk for dental care issues such as Dry Mouth, Darkened teeth, and Tooth Loss due to Gum disease. Age even affects how the denture will fit over time. For proper dental care, some seniors may have to see a dentist more than twice a year to maintain their dental health.