We all know the importance of daily brushing for preventing cavities and maintaining healthy teeth. However, many people overlook the need to provide the same degree of care for their gums.

Early Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Gingivitis

Early gum disease is known as gingivitis, and reflects an inflammation of the gums (’gingiva’). Symptoms include: painful, swollen, and/or bleeding gums; gums that look shiny; gums with a bright red or purple tinge; and/or gums that are painful to the touch.

Plaque-the sticky buildup of food and bacteria found on and in-between your teeth-doesn’t just cause tooth decay-it also causes gum disease. Plaque eventually hardens and becomes tartar, which irritates the gums and leads directly to gingivitis.

Most people suffer from gingivitis at some point in their lives. Certain medications, diseases (like diabetes), and conditions (like pregnancy) can contribute to its development. However, gingivitis is normally preventable and reversible. A regular routine of thorough brushing and flossing, as well as seeing a dentist regularly, will reverse gingivitis. Recent studies have shown that rinsing with mouth wash can help to cure gingivitis just as well as flossing can.

Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, which is an infection of the gums and surrounding bone. Symptoms include: gingivitis; loose teeth, bad breath, and/or receding gums (which make teeth appear longer).

Dentists specializing in advanced gum disease are known as periodontists. If you are suffering from periodontitis, your regular dentist may be able to treat you, or they may refer you to a periodontist. This degree of gum disease is usually diagnosed by x-ray, which reveals bone deterioration around tooth sockets.

While advanced gum disease is usually treatable, doing so is usually more painful and more involved than treating gingivitis. Your dentist will need to perform a thorough cleaning to remove tartar and plaque, which can cause temporary discomfort to tender gums. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to clean deep within the gums. A dentist may also suggest securing and/or extracting any loose teeth that result from the disease.

Preventing Gum Disease

Seeing a dentist at least once a year (twice is even better) is essential for preventing and diagnosing gum disease. If you believe you are suffering from some form of gum disease, it is much easier to start reversing the damage early on, during the gingivitis stage, than waiting until it has developed into periodontitis.

A combination of brushing and flossing is the best way to fight plaque and prevent gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, ideally right after breakfast and just before going to sleep. Use a firm back-and-forth and up-and-down motion, and reach both sides of every tooth; replace your brush every few months to ensure strong bristles. It should take at least two full minutes to clean your mouth each time; use a clock, a timer, or even a favorite song to make sure you don’t skimp.

The American Dental Association provides its seal to oral hygiene products that meet its criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for this seal when shopping for toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental flosses, mouth washes, and all other dental care products.

Good oral hygiene can help to keep your dental bills down and avoid costly procedures that may arise without proper dental care. A few of the more common things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and prevent potentially serious conditions from occuring are listed below.

Regular check ups and daily oral care

You should see your dentist twice a year for check ups and cleanings provided you have no dental problems that require more frequent visits. During these visits your dentist will examine and clean your teeth and be on the lookout for any dental problems. Catching problems during the early stages often help prevent pain that would arise if the condition went unnoticed and a costly procedure later on down the road.

To keep your teeth healthy, the American Dental Association recommends that you should brush your teeth at least two times per day and floss once per day. Brushing your teeth as recommended can help prevent cavities, which can lead to more serious dental problems or cause the need for fillings or root canals. Flossing helps to remove any tartar or food particles stuck in between your teeth, which can later turn into cavaties if not removed.

Yearly x-rays

You should have a routine x-ray of your teeth done each year to be sure there aren’t any underlying problems that your dentist may not see with a typical check up. Without routine x-rays, missed problems could get worse before they are discovered causing you possible pain and a higher dental bill down the road.

Brushing with Flourid

Using fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. It does this by forming a more acid-resistant surface layer on your teeth which in turn helps to prevent cavities and bleeding gums.

Avoid the sugar

Tooth decay occurs when sugar in the food we eat is converted by the bacteria in plaque to produce acid. This acid then attacks the clear enamel that coats and protects our teeth allowing tooth decay to occur leading to more serious dental problems. You should always brush your teeth after intaking foods that are heavy on sugar, such as candy, cookies and soda.

Following the tips above can help ensure healthy teeth and lower dental bills for you and your family. By preventing any serious teeth problems before they have a chance to start, you not only save yourself the pain many dental problems can cause, but you also save your wallet from the impact more intensive dental procedures can cause on your finances.

We know that consumers want to be as informed as possible when choosing a dental plan. Below you will find a listing of common terms dealing with dental benefits and dental plans to help you be able to make the best possible choice in regards to dental care.

Allowable charges

The maximum dollar amount on which a benefit payment is based for each dental procedure.

Beneficiary

A person who receives benefits under a dental benefit/plan/insurance contract.

Benefit

The amount payable by a third party toward the cost of various covered dental services and/or procedures covered by the plan.

Benefit booklet

A booklet provided to the subscriber which contains a general explanation of the benefits and provisions of the dental benefit program.

Certificate holder

The person, usually the employee or responsible party, who represents the family unit covered by the dental benefit program; other family members covered are referred to as “dependents”.

Closed panel

A closed panel dental benefit plan exists when patients eligible to receive benefits can receive them only if services are provided by dentists who have signed an agreement with the benefit plan to provide treatment to eligible patients.

Contract dentist

A practitioner who contractually agrees to provide services under special terms, conditions and financial reimbursement arrangements.

Contract fee schedule plan

A dental benefit plan where participating dentists agree to accept a list of specific fees as the total fees for dental treatment(s) provided.

Coverage

Benefits available to an individual covered under a dental benefit plan.

Covered person

An individual who is eligible for benefits under a dental benefit program.

Covered services

Services for which payment is provided for a service or procedure under the terms of the dental benefit contract.

Dental benefits organization

Any organization offering a dental benefit plan. Also known as dental plan organization.

Dental benefit plan

Entitles covered individuals to specified dental services in return for a fixed, periodic payment made in advance of treatment. Such plans often include the use of deductibles, co-insurance, and/or maximums to control the cost of the program to the purchaser.

Dental benefit program

The specific dental benefit plan being offered to enrollees by the dental benefit provider.

Dental insurance

A plan that financially assists in the expense of treatment and care of dental disease and accidents to teeth.

Dependents

Generally spouse and children of covered individual, as defined by terms of the dental benefit contract.

Eligibility date

The date an individual and/or dependents become eligible for benefits under a dental benefit contract. Also referred to as effective date.

Enrollee

Individual covered by a benefit plan.

Exclusions

Dental services that are not covered under a dental benefit program.

Expiration date

Refers to the date on which the dental benefit contract expires or the date an individual ceases to be eligible for benefits.

Fee-for-service

A method of paying practitioners on a service by service rather than a salaried or capitated basis.

Fee schedule

A list of the charges established or agreed to by a dentist for specific dental services and procedures.

Health maintenance organization (HMO)

A legal entity that accepts responsibility and financial risk for providing specified services to a defined population during a defined period of time at a fixed price. Enrollees are generally assessed a monthly payment for health care services and may be required to remain in the program for a specified amount of time.

Indemnity plan

A dental plan/program where a third party payer provides payment of an amount for specific services, regardless of the actual charges made by the provider. Schedule of allowances, table of allowances, or reasonable and customary plans are examples of indemnity plans.

Insurer

An organization that bears the financial risk for the cost of defined categories or services for a defined group of beneficiaries.

Liability

An obligation for a specified amount or action.

Limitations

Restrictive conditions stated in a dental benefit contract, such as length of time covered or waiting periods, which affect the coverage of an individual or group. The contract may also exclude certain benefits or services, or it may limit the extent or conditions under which certain services are provided.

Managed care

Refers to a cost containment system that directs the utilization of health benefits by restricting the type, level and frequency of treatment, limiting the access to care and controlling the level of reimbursement for services.

Maximum allowance

The maximum dollar amount a dental program will pay towards the cost of a dental service or procedure as specified in the program’s contract provisions.

Maximum benefit

The maximum dollar amount a program will pay toward the cost of dental care incurred by an individual, group or family in a specific period.

Maximum fee schedule

A compensation arrangement in which a participating dentist agrees to accept a prescribed sum as the total fee for one or more covered services or procedures.

Member

An individual enrolled in a dental benefit program.

Necessary treatment

A necessary dental procedure or service as determined by a dentist, to either establish or maintain a patient’s oral health.

Noncontributory program

A method of payment for group coverage in which all of the monthly premium for the program is paid by the sponsor.

Nonduplication of benefits

May apply if a subscriber is eligible for benefits for a procedure or service under more than one plan. A dental benefit contract provision relieving the third-party payer of liability for cost of services if the services are covered under another program.

Nonparticipating dentist

Any dentist who does not have a contractual agreement with a dental benefit organization to render dental care/services to members of a specific dental benefit program.

Open enrollment

The annual period in which employees can select from a choice of benefit programs.

Participating dentist

Any dentist who has a contractual agreement with a dental benefit organization to render care/services to eligible persons.

Preauthorization

Statement by a third party payer indicating that a proposed treatment or procedure will be covered under the terms of the benefit contract.

Precertification

Confirmation by a third party payer of a patient’s eligibility for coverage for a procedure or service under a dental benefit program.

Predetermination

An administrative procedure that may require the dentist to submit a treatment plan to the third party payer before treatment is begun.

Pre-existing conditions

An oral health condition of an enrollee which existed before his/her enrollment in a dental program.

Preferred provider organization (PPO)

A formal agreement between a purchaser of a dental benefit program and a defined group of dentists for the delivery of dental services to a specific patient population using discount fees for cost savings.

Premium

The amount charged by a dental benefit organization for coverage of a certain level of benefits for a specified time.

Prepaid dental plan

A method of financing the cost of dental care for a defined population in advance of the receipt of services.

Prevailing fee

Term used by some dental benefit organizations to refer to the fee most commonly charged for a dental service or procedure in a given area.

Preventive dentistry

Refers to the procedures in dental practice and health programs which prevent the occurrence of oral diseases.

Purchaser

Program sponsor, often an employer or union, that contracts with the dental benefit organization to provide dental benefits to a specified enrolled population.

Quality assurance

The assessment or measurement of the quality of care and the implementation of any necessary changes to either maintain or improve the quality of dental care rendered.

Reasonable and customary plan

A dental benefit plan that determines benefits based only on “Reasonable and Customary” fee criteria.

Reasonable fees

The fee charged by a dentist for a specific dental procedure that has been modified by the nature and severity of the condition being treated, dental complications or unusual circumstances and therefore may differ from the dentist’s “usual” fee or the benefit administrator’s “customary” fee.

Reimbursement

Payment made by a third party to a beneficiary or to a dentist on behalf of the beneficiary, toward repayment of expenses incurred for a service pr procedure that is covered by the contractual arrangement.

Schedule of allowances

A list of covered services with an assigned dollar amount that represents the total obligation of the plan with respect to payment for such services, but does not always represent the dentist’s full fee for that service or procedure.

Schedule of benefits

A listing of the services for which payment will be made by a third party payer, without specification of the amount to be paid.

Subscriber

The person who represents the family unit in relation to the dental benefit program. This term is most commonly used by service corporation plans.

Surcharge

A stated dollar amount paid to the dentist by the beneficiary, in addition to other reimbursement received by a third party payer.

Table of allowances

A list of covered services with an assigned dollar amount that represents the total obligation of the plan with respect to payment for such services, but does not always represent the dentist’s full fee for that service or procedure.

Termination date

Refers to the date on which the dental benefit contract expires or the date that and individual ceases to be eligible for benefits.

Third party

The party to a dental benefit contract that may collect premiums, assume financial risk, pay claims, and provide other administrative services.

Third party administrator (TPA)

Claims payer who assumes responsibility for administering health benefit plans without assuming any financial risk.

Third party payer

An organization other than the patient (first party) or health care provider (second party) involved in the financing of personal health or dental services.

Usual, customary and reasonable (UCR) plan

A dental benefit plan that determines benefits based on “Usual, Customary, and Reasonable” fee criteria.

Usual fee

The fee that an individual dentist most frequently charges for a given dental service or procedure.

Utilization

Refers to the extent to which the members of a covered group use a program over a stated period of time or an expression of the number and types of services used by the members of a covered group over a specified period of time.

Waiting period

The period between employment or enrollment in a dental program and the date when a covered person becomes eligible for dental benefits.

With so many different types of dental insurance and dental discount plans available today, it can be hard to keep track of which one of the two makes the most sense for you and your family. While signing up for either one means that your future dental bills will be lower, there are also a number of important differences to take into consideration before making any commitments.

Dental insurance companies-similar to health insurance companies-pay all or a portion of your dental expenses. They make payments directly to the dentist on your behalf after services are rendered. If you are insured, the only thing you owe at the completion of your exam is your co-pay (as specified by your particular plan, but usually ranging from $10-30 per visit).

To obtain dental insurance coverage, you must pay a monthly premium. The premium amount depends on the number of individuals covered, with coverage for a single person being the most affordable. Typically, a flat family rate is offered to cover both parents and any number of children. The more services a particular dental insurance plan covers, the higher the premium.

Dental insurance premiums also fluctuate depending on the particular deductible. A deductible refers to the amount the patient (or patients, with group coverage) must pay out-of-pocket before insurance will start to cover any dental expenses. For example, if you have a plan with a $100 annual deductible and a $10 co-pay, and you have $200 of dental work done, you will owe your $10 co-pay and the first $100 of the remaining bill; your dental insurance will cover the last $90.

Every dental insurance company sets its own coverage policies. Different services are covered at different levels, usually set as a percentage of the final bill. Some services may not be covered at all. For example, your insurance may cover 100% of preventative exams, 80% of fillings, and one x-ray per year, but not cover oral surgery at all. You are responsible for all costs that your insurance does not cover.

Often, the amount the insurance company will pay towards your expenses depends on whether or not the dentist who performed the procedure participates in their network. Out-of-network dentists cost more than those who are in-network.

In contrast, dental discount plans do not pay any of your dental expenses. You are responsible for the full payment amount, which is due at the end of your visit. However, belonging to one of these plans means that your total bill may be discounted by a pre-determined amount, which saves you money. Certain dental plans also include one low- or no-cost preventative exam per year.

An annual fee is required in order to join a dental discount plan. This rate increases depending on the number of individuals listed on the plan; a flat family rate is generally available to provide discounts for two parents and all of their children.

Dental discount plans have no deductible and no co-pay; your discount applies from your very first visit onwards. The amount of the discount depends on the plan you signup for, and may vary depending on which services are performed. For example, your plan may provide you with 25% off of a preventative exam, but only 10% off of an extraction.

Savings from a dental discount plan are only available with dentists who participate in your particular plan. If your dentist does not participate, you are responsible for the full cost of the visit.

Instead of choosing only one or the other, many people are electing to combine the benefits of dental insurance and a dental discount plan by subscribing to both. Whether dental insurance would or would not save more money than a discount plan depends entirely on each individual. When making such a decision for yourself, consider such factors as your current dental health, the amount you can afford to spend on premiums or annual fees, and whether or not you would be able to afford a dental emergency without certain coverage.

If the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, know that you are not alone. In fact, it’s quite common to fear the dentist’s chair to some degree. Of course, knowing you’re in good company doesn’t help to make sitting in the exam chair any easier.

What will make your next visit more comfortable, however, is being honest with your dentist about your concerns. If they know you’re nervous, they can then respond accordingly. Your dentist will likely suggest that you take advantage of one of the many options available to lessen or eliminate your discomfort.

First, consider the nature of your fears. Can you identify where they originated-for example, a traumatic past experience? Is there something about the dental practice you currently visit that makes you uncomfortable? Does the entire experience upset you, or are you focused on one particular aspect, such as the potential for pain?

If your concerns originate from your particular dentist, then the best thing you can do is switch to another practice. Don’t tell yourself that you need a concrete reason to make a change; if you are uncomfortable, that’s the only basis you need for moving on.

Dentistry has made great strides in recent years. Many procedures that were once extremely painful and uncomfortable are now quick and painless. Arming yourself with information can be the most effective way to conquer fears of repeating a past painful procedure.

Ask your current dentist how your previous problem would be handled today, and what steps are taken to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free. Chances are, a new method has been developed that is infinitely more pleasant than what you went through before.

Dental phobias are taken more seriously today than in the past. In fact, more and more dental practices are focusing on calming their patients’ fears. Approaches vary from office to office; some have completely remodeled their interiors to provide serene, relaxing environments, while others have added radios and televisions to distract patients from procedures. Staff members are frequently sent to workshops and conferences to better learn how they can ease patients’ anxieties.

If closing your eyes and talking it through isn’t quite enough, some dentists offer nitrous oxide (otherwise known as laughing gas) at the start of a visit-even for cleanings, if necessary. Though fully awake, you will be in a particularly relaxed state. For those who can’t stand the thought of having their eyes open, multiple sedation options are available in both pill and IV forms.

If you find your fears to be so paralyzing that you are unable to receive the medical attention that you need, it may be in your best interests to consult a therapist. A trained mental health professional can aid you in getting to the root of your fears, and then start to overcome them. Remember: if you keep putting your visit to the dentist off, your dental problems will only get worse and harder to treat as time goes on.

Researching multiple dentists in the area before deciding on a particular one allows you to find the one that best meets your needs. A pediatric dentist, who deals only with children, tends to be the friendliest environment for first-timers.

A family dentistry practice - especially one that you are already familiar with-also makes a good choice. Look for a warmly-decorated office, plenty of children’s toys and activities in the waiting room, and a staff that has experience handling little ones.

Schedule a tour of the office for your child a few days before their appointment. Maintain an upbeat attitude and point out the many fun aspects of the environment: toys and books in the play area, decorations on the wall, an exam chair that moves up and down, and/or the ‘prize’ area they get to visit when they’re finished. If at all possible, arrange for a quick hello with the dentist and the hygienist that will be involved with your appointment.

During your tour, ask the dental staff if they can provide a quick overview of what to expect during the visit. Ease any distress this causes by letting the dentist demonstrate on your own mouth (this may also be helpful during the real exam). If your child seems fearful of the equipment, try to frame the tools in a playful manner-for example, likening the water pik to a squirt gun.

Generally, the first visit is not very long or invasive. The dentist will more than likely just want to say hello and gently examine the child’s gums and teeth. You should also expect someone to demonstrate proper brushing techniques. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, they may want to perform a light cleaning. Be sure to ask any questions you may have during this time, and encourage your child to do the same.

Many books have been written to help introduce children of various ages to the dentist. Popular selections include: “Show Me Your Smile! (Dora the Explorer)” by Christine Ricci; “Barney Goes to the Dentist” by Publishing Lyrick; “Just Going to the Dentist” by Mercer Mayer; and “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” by Stan Berenstain. Pretending to visit the dentist at home using dolls can also make your child more comfortable with the process.

The most common problem experienced during the first dental appointment is simply a toddler’s inability to sit still for very long. Even a dental office that specializes in young patients can experience long delays, so it’s helpful to be prepared to wait. Bring along a favorite stuffed animal, book, or small toy to help keep your child occupied. (Avoid bringing drinks or snacks to the dentist.) You should also be able to draw from the play area for additional activities. Many practices now also feature televisions in each room, which you can tune in to kid-friendly television or movie programs for a distraction.

Often, breaking the ice is actually the most difficult part of the process. If your child has been introduced to the dentist’s office beforehand, and is encouraged to look forward to their check-up, the experience is likely to go off without a hitch.

Take note of how the dentist acts during your initial visit. You will likely want a dentist that is caring and sincere. In addition, make sure the dentist is receptive to your feelings and answers any questions you may have in detail. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with him/her during a routine visit so that if an emergency occurs, you can trust their advice and suggested course of treatment.

Taking the time to research your potential new dentist will ensure your confidence in them while also helping to create a doctor-patient relationship founded on trust and respect. Having a dentist you feel secure with is one of the most important aspects of your dental care.

Find out what types of dental services your dentist offers. Areas of focus could range from general dentistry, adult specialty and pediatric specialty. Find out if your dentist has a list of specialists he would be comfortable sending you too in the event that you need specialty services such as oral surgery, periodontal surgery, endodontics, or orthodontics.

You should also find out the fees for any services you may need prior to setting up an appointment to have them done. In the event that you need a costly procedure do they allow you to set up financial arrangements? The office staff should be able to explain all fees to you prior to services being performed.

Ask the office staff how they handle emergencies that occur outside of the regular office hours. If the dentist has an answering service, ask how long it usually takes before he responds to a call placed to them.

Most dentists also arrange for a colleague to aid their patients when they are unavailable or on vacation. Ask the office staff the name of any other dentists that cover for your own dentist so you can check them out so you will be comfortable in case an emergency arises.

When choosing your dentist a factor to consider is if the dentist and their office policies and location fit your lifestyle. A few things to ask the potential dentist or his office staff are; How far is the office from where you work or live? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments that fit your schedule? Does the dentist keep afternoon appointments available so that appointments won’t require your child missing school? Does the dentist make themself available after office hours in case of an emergency?