The economic downturn in the last couple of years has hit many Americans hard. Unemployment and job losses have impacted millions. However, there is a way to prevent dental problems and recession-proof your mouth, which is a gateway to your body and other health issues.
It is as simple as brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing twice, daily. Taking proper care of your teeth and gums can save you and your family thousands of dollars, for the rest of your life – and prevent you from contracting other illnesses.
Dental and gum disease is linked to oral decay, cavities, abscesses, infections, heart disease, plaque build-up in your arteries, diabetes and many other bacterial-related issues. Safeguard your teeth and gums, and your pocketbook or wallet by following a few simple rules that will help you save money in the long-run.
Here is a list of recommendations for 2011:
• Eat healthier foods, like raw fruits and vegetables
• Kick the habit and quit smoking or using tobacco products, by doing this you protect gum tissues, avoid oral cancer and dental discoloration
• Drink more water and stay hydrated
• Lower alcohol intake, which leads to dry-mouth and cavities around the gum-line
• Brush and floss twice a day
• Avoid high-fructose corn syrup and sweetened, carbonated beverages
Follow these simple steps and save. In addition, many people who have dental insurance do not use it, so their insurance premiums are just being flushed down the toilet, year-after year.
American Dental Plan is a low-cost, effective benefit plan and dental network that works in your favor and is there when you need it most. An ADP membership can save you 40% on almost all of your dental services including: cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns and dentures, and orthodontics, no exclusions! There are no waiting periods or pre-existing exclusions, and you receive one exam each membership year, and 4 x-rays at no charge!
In economic downtimes, it makes sense and cents to put your money where your mouth is and follow a few steps to ensure you save your smile and spend less on coverage and dental visits.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
“All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth”
Well, this would be for certain if they were missing. But more than likely, you have your two front teeth, and most - if not all of your teeth for that matter. Having been in the dental industry for my entire adult career, my job has always required me to educate people about the importance of dental care and oral hygiene.
Consider this blog entry my public service announcement or message.
This has been another tough year on people and their families in Arizona. Unemployment remains high and many people are still without jobs.
It used to be that mainly lower income families had more dental issues, because they could not afford dental coverage, which meant fewer trips to the dentist.
Now, many people, regardless of their social-economic backgrounds are experiencing tough times, and American Dental Plan would like to help. ADP has a gift that could benefit thousands.
American Dental Plan is willing to offer a free membership to any Arizona individual who has lost employment or employment benefits in 2010 (only a $10 administration fee is required). Just contact us at 602-265-6677.
For more information about our benefits, please visit www.arizdental.com.
Enjoy your holidays. We want families to enter 2011 with a smile.
Consider this blog entry my public service announcement or message.
This has been another tough year on people and their families in Arizona. Unemployment remains high and many people are still without jobs.
It used to be that mainly lower income families had more dental issues, because they could not afford dental coverage, which meant fewer trips to the dentist.
Now, many people, regardless of their social-economic backgrounds are experiencing tough times, and American Dental Plan would like to help. ADP has a gift that could benefit thousands.
American Dental Plan is willing to offer a free membership to any Arizona individual who has lost employment or employment benefits in 2010 (only a $10 administration fee is required). Just contact us at 602-265-6677.
For more information about our benefits, please visit www.arizdental.com.
Enjoy your holidays. We want families to enter 2011 with a smile.
Monday, November 22, 2010
End of the Year Dental Checklist –Healthy Tips for Your Teeth and Gums
Our mouths are bacteria-breeding grounds for cavities and gum disease. Tooth decay is the second most common health issue, falling just behind the common cold, which you may find surprising. Most Americans have their first cavity before the age of five. There are many reasons we develop cavities and gum issues, many of which are diet and lifestyle related, which is not surprising.
It is never too late and never early enough to harness control of your dental health. Here are six things you can do all-year-round to improve your dental health and prevent tooth and gum disease.
Brush and Floss Daily and Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year. You would be amazed how brushing and flossing keeps the cavities away and the dentists happy. So, let this serve as a reminder to brush and floss, every day. In addition, keep your calendar open twice a year for a routine, bi-annual check up and cleaning with your dentist. Semi-annual visits to the dentist are vital to maintaining good dental health. Teeth cleanings with a dental hygienist keep your smile bright, and check ups with your dentist are the best preventative measures. Do not wait until you feel pain to visit your dentist. No dental problem will disappear. As a matter of fact, it will only get worse.
Know the Difference Between Myth and Fact. Although diet, poor eating habits and too much sugar can increase your risk of cavities and decay, eating too many foods with high-fructose corn syrup and sugar are not the primary cause of cavities. The main cause is the pH balance in your mouth, which can be impacted by sugar. High acid levels and an acidic mouth lead to cavities, dental disease and bacterial growth. You can brush and floss all you like, but it is also important to neutralize pH balances in your mouth. Ask your dentist about treatments and products that promote healthy pH balance in the mouth and help minimize acid levels.
Food Balancing Act – Much on these Morsels. You can promote a healthier pH balance in your mouth by eating certain foods, like: onions, celery, cheese, wasabi, shitake mushrooms and other food items, because they fight the bad bacteria that causes cavities. They may not be the tastiest foods, but they will make your teeth want to smile.
Hydrate with H20. Your body naturally craves water, because we are comprised of mostly water. So pay attention to your thirst and drink more water to keep up the production of saliva, fight bacteria and hydrate your gums. Drinking water is different from many “hydrating” drinks that contain a lot of sugar. Green tea has a lot of healthy anti-oxidants that fight bacteria and benefit your teeth and gums, without staining.
The Benefits of Xylitol. There are benefits to eating, chewing or drinking products that contain Xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that’s found in plants and fruits. Xylitol adds a shield of protection against bacteria and acid, because it cannot be broken down by either. There are many smile-boosting benefits to Xylitol , because it protects teeth and does not allow bacteria to adhere to the surface of the teeth and create decay. Look for products that contain it and try to consume 6-11 grams per day in the form of select fruits, chewing gums, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.
Newsflash! Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease. Recent studies recently revealed that foods high in polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce risk for periodontitis. This new study released by WebMD suggests that eating foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as salmon and nuts, may help prevent gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is a common type of gum disease in which the gum tissue separates from the teeth and allows bacteria to build up and leads to a condition that can lead to bone and tooth loss. Researchers found that people whose diets were rich in PUFAs were as much as 30% less likely to have gum disease than those who ate little or none of this type of fat.
So, check your dental health checklist and make sure you follow these six steps for healthier teeth and gums. American Dental Plan is here to make sure you and yours have something to smile about, 24/7.
It is never too late and never early enough to harness control of your dental health. Here are six things you can do all-year-round to improve your dental health and prevent tooth and gum disease.
Brush and Floss Daily and Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year. You would be amazed how brushing and flossing keeps the cavities away and the dentists happy. So, let this serve as a reminder to brush and floss, every day. In addition, keep your calendar open twice a year for a routine, bi-annual check up and cleaning with your dentist. Semi-annual visits to the dentist are vital to maintaining good dental health. Teeth cleanings with a dental hygienist keep your smile bright, and check ups with your dentist are the best preventative measures. Do not wait until you feel pain to visit your dentist. No dental problem will disappear. As a matter of fact, it will only get worse.
Know the Difference Between Myth and Fact. Although diet, poor eating habits and too much sugar can increase your risk of cavities and decay, eating too many foods with high-fructose corn syrup and sugar are not the primary cause of cavities. The main cause is the pH balance in your mouth, which can be impacted by sugar. High acid levels and an acidic mouth lead to cavities, dental disease and bacterial growth. You can brush and floss all you like, but it is also important to neutralize pH balances in your mouth. Ask your dentist about treatments and products that promote healthy pH balance in the mouth and help minimize acid levels.
Food Balancing Act – Much on these Morsels. You can promote a healthier pH balance in your mouth by eating certain foods, like: onions, celery, cheese, wasabi, shitake mushrooms and other food items, because they fight the bad bacteria that causes cavities. They may not be the tastiest foods, but they will make your teeth want to smile.
Hydrate with H20. Your body naturally craves water, because we are comprised of mostly water. So pay attention to your thirst and drink more water to keep up the production of saliva, fight bacteria and hydrate your gums. Drinking water is different from many “hydrating” drinks that contain a lot of sugar. Green tea has a lot of healthy anti-oxidants that fight bacteria and benefit your teeth and gums, without staining.
The Benefits of Xylitol. There are benefits to eating, chewing or drinking products that contain Xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that’s found in plants and fruits. Xylitol adds a shield of protection against bacteria and acid, because it cannot be broken down by either. There are many smile-boosting benefits to Xylitol , because it protects teeth and does not allow bacteria to adhere to the surface of the teeth and create decay. Look for products that contain it and try to consume 6-11 grams per day in the form of select fruits, chewing gums, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.
Newsflash! Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease. Recent studies recently revealed that foods high in polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce risk for periodontitis. This new study released by WebMD suggests that eating foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as salmon and nuts, may help prevent gum disease or periodontitis. Periodontitis is a common type of gum disease in which the gum tissue separates from the teeth and allows bacteria to build up and leads to a condition that can lead to bone and tooth loss. Researchers found that people whose diets were rich in PUFAs were as much as 30% less likely to have gum disease than those who ate little or none of this type of fat.
So, check your dental health checklist and make sure you follow these six steps for healthier teeth and gums. American Dental Plan is here to make sure you and yours have something to smile about, 24/7.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Gums Play an Important Role in Your Health
We tend to place a lot of value on our smiles. Truth be told, the psychology behind dental visits and upkeep is more about the pearly whites than what holds them in place. Most people pay closer attention to taking care of their teeth than their gums, because their teeth are a gateway to their image. However, the gums play an important role in the health of your teeth, and your health, overall.
The American Dental Association recently released an article linking gum disease to Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, this new study conducted by researchers at the NYU College of Dentistry found that gum disease may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s the first long-term evidence that gum disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals as well as in those who already are cognitively impaired.”
The study was led by NYU’s Dr. Angela Kamer, who collaborated with a team of researchers from Denmark, and expands on a 2008 study by Dr. Kamer which “found that subjects with Alzheimer’s disease had a significantly higher level of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal disease in their plasma compared to healthy people.” You can read the article here.
There are many health risks associated with oral issues, tooth decay and gum disease. The best preventative medicine is to keep up with your dental care, flossing, and visits to the dentist office for bi-annual examinations and cleanings.
If affordability is an issue, then American Dental Plan is an answer to keep you and your smile, healthy and happy.
The American Dental Association recently released an article linking gum disease to Alzheimer’s disease. According to the article, this new study conducted by researchers at the NYU College of Dentistry found that gum disease may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s the first long-term evidence that gum disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals as well as in those who already are cognitively impaired.”
The study was led by NYU’s Dr. Angela Kamer, who collaborated with a team of researchers from Denmark, and expands on a 2008 study by Dr. Kamer which “found that subjects with Alzheimer’s disease had a significantly higher level of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal disease in their plasma compared to healthy people.” You can read the article here.
There are many health risks associated with oral issues, tooth decay and gum disease. The best preventative medicine is to keep up with your dental care, flossing, and visits to the dentist office for bi-annual examinations and cleanings.
If affordability is an issue, then American Dental Plan is an answer to keep you and your smile, healthy and happy.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Healthy Tips to Keep the Cold and Flu Season from Getting the Best of You
As a dental benefits provider, our focus is on oral hygiene and how you can achieve healthier outcomes by practicing better dental and oral habits. People always seem amazed at how their oral care factors into their overall health. This is especially true during cold and flu season. Our mouths are huge purveyors of contagious diseases, germs, and viral and bacterial infections.
Whether you do or do not get an influenza vaccine this year, you can still help ward off germs, viruses and bacteria and the flu by practicing and endorsing a few simple practices in your home and around the office.
Sniffling, sneezing, coughs and fevers are big signs of viral and bacterial infection. Wherever these symptoms exist, germs are present. The healthiest response to the coughing, sneezing, sniffling and signs of a fever are to: avoid close contact with others, wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue to, maintain good oral hygiene, and brush your teeth more often to keep your mouth clean.
In addition, there are other factors that can help you avoid contracting or spreading germs and infection, like:
• Wash your hands before and after brushing your teeth.
• Protect your toothbrush an keep it away from others and off common surfaces.
• Rinse your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide, weekly, then rinse and air dry before use.
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, since the bacteria most harmful will die when exposed to oxygen.
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position.
• Replace your toothbrush more often, like every 1-2 months, depending on whether bristles appear worn or you've if you have had a cold or flu to prevent possible re-infection.
• Clean the toothbrush cover or container to kill harmful bacteria and the spread of infection that reside in the bristles.
Here are some things to avoid:
• Do not share your toothbrush, because the exchange of saliva and oral fluids from can increase the risk for infections.
• Be aware of things that can lead to cross-contamination.
• Do not use community toothbrush holders. If you do, then rinse your brushes with hot water and make sure the toothbrushes do not come in contact with one another.
• When you brush, do not allow the toothbrush to touch the toothpaste tube and spread germs to the next user.
Every year the health risks and viruses tend to get worse, not better. You can make a big difference in your general health by taking care of your oral health, first.
Keep these tips in mind and practice them to avoid the spread of infection, influenza and bacteria.
Our team at American Dental Plan cares about you and your health. To learn more about our dental programs and benefits, visit:
Follow us on Twitter or request a newsletter.
Whether you do or do not get an influenza vaccine this year, you can still help ward off germs, viruses and bacteria and the flu by practicing and endorsing a few simple practices in your home and around the office.
Sniffling, sneezing, coughs and fevers are big signs of viral and bacterial infection. Wherever these symptoms exist, germs are present. The healthiest response to the coughing, sneezing, sniffling and signs of a fever are to: avoid close contact with others, wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue to, maintain good oral hygiene, and brush your teeth more often to keep your mouth clean.
In addition, there are other factors that can help you avoid contracting or spreading germs and infection, like:
• Wash your hands before and after brushing your teeth.
• Protect your toothbrush an keep it away from others and off common surfaces.
• Rinse your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide, weekly, then rinse and air dry before use.
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, since the bacteria most harmful will die when exposed to oxygen.
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position.
• Replace your toothbrush more often, like every 1-2 months, depending on whether bristles appear worn or you've if you have had a cold or flu to prevent possible re-infection.
• Clean the toothbrush cover or container to kill harmful bacteria and the spread of infection that reside in the bristles.
Here are some things to avoid:
• Do not share your toothbrush, because the exchange of saliva and oral fluids from can increase the risk for infections.
• Be aware of things that can lead to cross-contamination.
• Do not use community toothbrush holders. If you do, then rinse your brushes with hot water and make sure the toothbrushes do not come in contact with one another.
• When you brush, do not allow the toothbrush to touch the toothpaste tube and spread germs to the next user.
Every year the health risks and viruses tend to get worse, not better. You can make a big difference in your general health by taking care of your oral health, first.
Keep these tips in mind and practice them to avoid the spread of infection, influenza and bacteria.
Our team at American Dental Plan cares about you and your health. To learn more about our dental programs and benefits, visit:
Follow us on Twitter or request a newsletter.
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Fruity Discovery Made in the Dentistry Industry
As always, science is amazing! American Dental Plan is always looking for interesting news stories and studies that are relevant to our members.
When we think of our teeth and the ideal image of a smile, we always think of a pearly white grin, beaming at our audience. If this were not the case, then teeth whitening agents and teeth whitening procedures would not be such a hot selling item in drug stores and dentists offices.
In this article, The Dental Tribune reveals a study conducted by Harvard University. It revealed that “eating fruit daily is the best way to whiten teeth.”
The three-month clinical study determined that “strawberries, orange peels, and lemon juice are the most effective teeth whiteners in the world. Strawberries can be made into a puree and smothered on the teeth.”
Apparently, strawberries contain a natural enzyme that removes tooth stains, according to TeethWhitener.net. Orange peels can be used to remove tooth stains, just by rubbing the inside of a peel against tooth surfaces.
In addition, the study disclosed that a little lemon juice can go a long way if you take a little lemon juice and salt with warm water, and rinse your mouth out, the combination will remove stains from coffee, tea, red wine and other teeth staining items.
Baking soda can also do wonders, which is why it is now an active ingredient in toothpaste. Peroxide is another whitening agent. Strawberries, lemons, baking soda, peroxide and various concoctions may not taste great, but they are effective whiteners.
As the article states, “it is best to not drink coffee, tea, colas or red wine, which are all known to stain teeth and cause some decay of the enamel. Apples and potatoes can cause discoloration, but they also tend to clean off the teeth. Mouth washing is important after eating apples.”
At American Dental Plan, our “Aim” is to help improve your oral health and smile.
It is best to ask your dentist about any of these agents and the best way to use them. Obviously, too much of any of these items may cause a break-down in the enamel if used in excess. In addition, every one has different shades of teeth. Some teeth are naturally more yellow or darker. It is best to consult with a dentist to discuss a whitening plan, aside from any natural approaches.
Finally, remember that a little prevention can go a long way. Going to the dentist once or twice a year for a cleaning and checkup is strongly suggested.
When we think of our teeth and the ideal image of a smile, we always think of a pearly white grin, beaming at our audience. If this were not the case, then teeth whitening agents and teeth whitening procedures would not be such a hot selling item in drug stores and dentists offices.
In this article, The Dental Tribune reveals a study conducted by Harvard University. It revealed that “eating fruit daily is the best way to whiten teeth.”
The three-month clinical study determined that “strawberries, orange peels, and lemon juice are the most effective teeth whiteners in the world. Strawberries can be made into a puree and smothered on the teeth.”
Apparently, strawberries contain a natural enzyme that removes tooth stains, according to TeethWhitener.net. Orange peels can be used to remove tooth stains, just by rubbing the inside of a peel against tooth surfaces.
In addition, the study disclosed that a little lemon juice can go a long way if you take a little lemon juice and salt with warm water, and rinse your mouth out, the combination will remove stains from coffee, tea, red wine and other teeth staining items.
Baking soda can also do wonders, which is why it is now an active ingredient in toothpaste. Peroxide is another whitening agent. Strawberries, lemons, baking soda, peroxide and various concoctions may not taste great, but they are effective whiteners.
As the article states, “it is best to not drink coffee, tea, colas or red wine, which are all known to stain teeth and cause some decay of the enamel. Apples and potatoes can cause discoloration, but they also tend to clean off the teeth. Mouth washing is important after eating apples.”
At American Dental Plan, our “Aim” is to help improve your oral health and smile.
It is best to ask your dentist about any of these agents and the best way to use them. Obviously, too much of any of these items may cause a break-down in the enamel if used in excess. In addition, every one has different shades of teeth. Some teeth are naturally more yellow or darker. It is best to consult with a dentist to discuss a whitening plan, aside from any natural approaches.
Finally, remember that a little prevention can go a long way. Going to the dentist once or twice a year for a cleaning and checkup is strongly suggested.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
2010 Most Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Trends
As a provider of dental care programs, we like to keep informed of upcoming trends in the industry. By doing this, we can share updates and evolutions in dental care with you.
The world of dentistry is always changing and evolving to advance procedures, decrease discomfort to patients and improve alternatives. New techniques, procedures, materials and products replace old ones.
The Consumer Guide to Dentistry released its top dental trends for 2010, which focuses more on cosmetic dentistry trends.
According to the report, dental implants are high on the list. Dental implants are an alternative to crowns and bridges for individuals who need replacement teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
In addition, requests for removable teeth aligners will be on the rise are expected to become more popular, because they are less visible and convenient than metal aligners.
Our objective is to offer best practices and comprehensive guidance on traditional dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and treating oral disease and preventative oral health, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth and smile.
Keeping up with your regular dental routine and dental appointments to maintain good oral health is paramount, but there are many things you can do to improve your smile, cosmetically.
Here are some cosmetic dentistry trends that may enhance your smile. See which ones are right for you and discuss the options and procedures with your dentist at your next visit.
Cosmetic Dentistry Trends and Treatments
• Inlays/Onlays:
• Composite Bonding:
• Teeth Whitening:
• Dental Veneers:
• Smile Makeover:
• Full mouth reconstruction:
Aesthetic or cosmetic dentistry can be expensive, but check with your dentist and insurance or dental provider to see if there are discounts available to have the necessary work done to beautify your smile. American Dental Plan, though primarily focusing on basic clinical dentistry, also offers a variety of cosmetic dental procedures. Check with a participating dentist for your free smile evaluation.
The world of dentistry is always changing and evolving to advance procedures, decrease discomfort to patients and improve alternatives. New techniques, procedures, materials and products replace old ones.
The Consumer Guide to Dentistry released its top dental trends for 2010, which focuses more on cosmetic dentistry trends.
According to the report, dental implants are high on the list. Dental implants are an alternative to crowns and bridges for individuals who need replacement teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
In addition, requests for removable teeth aligners will be on the rise are expected to become more popular, because they are less visible and convenient than metal aligners.
Our objective is to offer best practices and comprehensive guidance on traditional dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and treating oral disease and preventative oral health, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth and smile.
Keeping up with your regular dental routine and dental appointments to maintain good oral health is paramount, but there are many things you can do to improve your smile, cosmetically.
Here are some cosmetic dentistry trends that may enhance your smile. See which ones are right for you and discuss the options and procedures with your dentist at your next visit.
Cosmetic Dentistry Trends and Treatments
• Inlays/Onlays:
• Composite Bonding:
• Teeth Whitening:
• Dental Veneers:
• Smile Makeover:
• Full mouth reconstruction:
Aesthetic or cosmetic dentistry can be expensive, but check with your dentist and insurance or dental provider to see if there are discounts available to have the necessary work done to beautify your smile. American Dental Plan, though primarily focusing on basic clinical dentistry, also offers a variety of cosmetic dental procedures. Check with a participating dentist for your free smile evaluation.
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