Dental problems are not uncommon and everyone is vulnerable.  Although with that say you an also protect your oral health by sticking to a good oral hygiene routine.    To help prevent the common dental problems such as cavities, proper oral hygiene is important. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day reduces plaque on your teeth.

Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by infection and inflammation of the gums.  Gum disease is initially caused by plaque. Untreated plaque progresses into hardened tartar, and the plaque and tartar infect your gums.  One way to help prevent gum disease is once again proper oral hygiene.

A common question for seniors after they settle their Medicare Supplemental Insurance and Medicare Part D coverage is what about dental?   Unfortunately Medicare has little to no dental insurance benefits.

Yet you still have some low cost dental insurance options, such as dental HMO insurance plans and dental discount plans.  On this website we provide both options in most states. We are always happy to assist you with any of our dental insurance and dental plan options.  So please call our member services at 310-534-3444 M-F 8-4 if you have any questions.

One way seniors can save money is by choosing a dental insurance plan that provides coverage’s on the services they may use. As an example people over 65 may not feel the need to have orthodontic coverage’s so paying more for a plan the provides that benefit may not be best. However seniors my have a higher need for Perodontics services so choosing a plan that provides the best benefits for that type of dental service would be advised.

When shopping out for dental insurance you should know that dental policies will very widely. Therefore it is important to  read the plans terms and conditions fully. As an example: Some plans pay the reasonable and customary fee, while other plans pay a flat amount depending on the treatment.

Many PPO plans have waiting periods (the time period you need to be on the plan before certain benefits are effective) which will also very depending on the plan you are reviewing. By knowing the dental insurance plan terms and conditions before you buy the plan will save you money and aggravation latter on.

If you have currently or thinking about buying a Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Dental insurance plan, then make sure to maximize your benefits by using an in network provider. If you are currently seeing a dentist you wish to stay with then find out which plan he or she participates in. By maximizing your plan benefits you will not only help to save money on your dental care cost, but you also do not max out your annual maximum limitation as fast.

In a prior post dated August 10th 2013, we talked about how seniors have a greater risk for root caries.  Although root caries is the major cause of tooth loss in older adults prevention is still the best solution.

If your gums have started to recede you should make sure to take measures to prevent root decay.  Some ways of doing this is to avoid sweets since sugar will promote dental plaque causing bacteria found on your roots.

Dry mouth is also a factor that can increase your chances of getting root decay. Make sure to treat dry mouth if you have it. By drinking lots of water, sucking on sugar free candy or chewing on sugar free gum are some ways to help relive dry mouth.

Make sure to maintain regular dental visits, by doing it will allow your dentist to check for tooth rood decay.  Other preventive measures that a dentist can do is gum disease treatment, dental cleaning, and if necessary gum grafts.

Also remember that preventive care starts at home by having proper dental and oral health care habits.  Brushing  you teeth twice a day, flossing daily and using a mouthwash that fights against plaque.

Oral cancer, which includes lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancer, is a particular concern for persons 65 years of age and older, because they are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than persons under age 65.

In 1997, 4,775 people 65 years and older died as a result of oral cancer. More older adults died from oral cancer than from skin cancer (3,978)

As with other cancers, survival improves when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage rather than at a later, more advanced stage. Because patients with an early stage of oral cancer rarely have pain or other symptoms, detecting an early oral cancer is primarily dependent upon the clinician providing a comprehensive oral cancer examination.

If you are thinking about buying dental insurance you should not wait until you need to have a root canal. Many dental insurance companies have waiting periods before certain coverage’s are in effect. By waiting until you need dental insurance you may not have benefits for the dental service needed. Therefore buying dental insurance well in advance of treatment is best advised.

HealthDay News – It is likely a connection few have considered, but new research in mice suggests that obesity may up your risk of gum disease.

Dental insurance cost can be a large factor for many seniors that live on a fixed income. Are you looking for the most affordable dental insurance rates with dental benefits that best fit your needs ? On this website we provide dental plan options such as Dental discount plans, Dental HMO insurance plans and Dental PPO’s and Indemnity insurance plans. By providing a large range of dental insurance plan types and options it make it easier to find a dental insurance plan that fits your budget and your dental needs without having to spend hours or even days searching different sites to compare dental plans.