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You want to start cleaning a child’s teeth when the first tooth is visible because teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. After every feeding, clean the baby’s teeth and gums with a soft, damp washcloth. Be mindful of BBS (“baby bottle syndrome.”) which is a leading cause of tooth decay among young children. When an infant is allowed to drink from a nursing bottle containing milk, formula, or fruit juice during nap time or at night, the baby often falls asleep with the bottle in their mouth. Exposure to the sugars and acids in these liquids that pool around the teeth can cause discoloration and tooth decay. Make sure to clean your child’s teeth after each feeding and, if necessary, give them a bottle filled only with water at bedtime or during a nap.

Oral and dental health care starts from birth. Providing good oral health care to your child right from the start is very important. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to the dentist before their first birthday. Generally, at this initial visit, the dentist will: 

• Check your child’s teeth for decay and signs of early developmental problems.
• Explain how to care for your child’s teeth, and answer any questions or concerns you might have. Your child should see a dentist once every six months to maintain good oral health and help your child develop a positive attitude about the dentist. Here are some additional tips 
• Take your child with you when you go in for a check-up so they can get used to the dental office and its staff. 
• Avoid using negative words such as “needle” and “hurt.” 
• Play dentist to familiarize your child with what takes place during a visit. 
• Ask your dentist how they explain procedures to children. 
• And answer your child’s questions honestly and sensitively.

It’s important to answer your child’s questions about dental care honestly and sensitively. By doing so, you can help them develop a positive attitude towards their oral health and dentist visits. Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns they may have. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident during their dental visits, leading to better oral health outcomes in the long run. Remember, good oral hygiene starts early, and with the proper care, your child can have a healthy and beautiful smile for life.

Question: My husband and I just had our son seven weeks ago. He is current on our major medical, but our dental is separate. Since he has no teeth yet, I see no point in adding him to our dental insurance plan. At what point would it typically make sense to do so? 

Answer: When you add your son to your dental plan, it can depend on a few factors. For example, some pediatric dentists want to see your child as young as one year old to check their gums/whatever teeth they may have. More and more pediatric dentists say a baby should see a dentist at the sign of their first tooth, which can be as soon as six to eight months of age. Also, check with your dental insurance plan. Confirm if there are any waiting periods that would affect the dental services provided for your son since he would be newly added to the plan. If so, add him sooner rather than later to burn down his waiting periods. Finally, be mindful of those enrollment windows and take advantage of them. If you or your wife are forgetful in any way, the peace of mind is worth the incremental cost.

Question: I am living in Los Angeles and have terrible teeth. I have been to a dentist who gave me a free consultation, but the cost of having all the dental work needed is more than I can afford now. However, I can not afford to delay the required dental care. I am looking for a dental PPO plan to let me stay with the dentist I saw and help me with my dental needs. 

Answer: PPO dental insurance plans are perfect for letting you choose or keep your current dentist, and in most states, we provide several PPO plan options. However, read each plan’s terms and conditions carefully, as dental PPO insurance plans usually have plan waiting periods, maximum limitations, and yearly deductibles/office co-pays. Since these limitations will restrict your dental benefits, ensure you understand what you are getting coverages for and when benefits start.

Dentists are worried that teenagers are risking their teeth and oral health by trying dangerous do-it-yourself teeth-whitening techniques found on the Internet. Too many teenagers use online tips for do-it-yourself teeth whitening since money and access to proper dental whitening care may not be in their reach. However, Children who mix quantities of different chemicals and apply them for long periods risk eroding their tooth enamel and damaging their gums. In turn, this increases their risk of oral infection. The best course of action is to talk to your dentist about safely whitening your teeth or what over-the-counter product they may suggest to be used.

Question: I have been looking for dental insurance, but I am quickly finding out that the plans I have seen online are too costly for me. Is a low-cost dental discount plan a good alternative to dental insurance? I found a few dental discount plans with my online search. How do I know which one is the best one to get?

Answer: Dental discount plans are a low-cost option for dental insurance. Discount dental plans have a low monthly cost, and they help to save you money on dental care needs. However, with a discount plan, you have to go to a dentist in the planned network. So, ensure you have a dental provider you can go to when choosing a dental discount plan. Here are a few tips that may help you choose the best discount plan for your needs. 

When looking to purchase a dental discount plan, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are getting the best plan for your needs and budget:

1. Research different plans: There are many different dental discount plans available, so it’s important to research and compare plans to find the one that works best for you.

2. Check the network: Make sure the dental providers in the plan’s network are conveniently located and include dentists you trust.

3. Look at the discounts offered: Check the discount percentage offered on different dental services and procedures to see if they align with your needs.

4. Check the plan’s limitations: Some plans may have limitations on the number of times you can visit the dentist or on certain procedures, so be sure to check for any restrictions.

5. Consider the annual cost: Make sure the plan’s annual cost fits within your budget and that it provides enough savings to justify the cost.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a dental discount plan that will save you money on your dental care needs.

Question: I am just shopping for dental insurance and want to know how to get the best dental insurance plan. 

Answer: This question comes up quite frequently. However, I will tell you there is no sure answer. The real reason is that no one knows the condition of your teeth except you and your dentist. The second thing is what “best” means to you. Is it the best price or deductible, or maybe you need coverage for orthodontics?  

Shopping for the best dental insurance plan can be overwhelming, but taking the following steps can help you find the right plan for your needs:

1. Determine what type of plan you need: There are several types of dental insurance plans available, including HMO, PPO, and discount plans. Each type has its benefits and limitations, so it’s important to understand which plan will work best for you.

2. Look for a plan with a broad network of dentists: Make sure your plan has a network of dentists in your area. This will ensure you have access to quality dental care when needed.

3. Compare costs: Look at the plan’s premiums, deductibles, and copays to determine which plan offers the best value for your money. Remember that there may be better options than the cheapest plan.

4. Check coverage limits: Make sure your plan covers the dental services you need. Some plans have annual maximums, limiting the coverage you can receive each year.

5. Read the fine print: Pay attention to exclusions, waiting periods, and other limitations that may be included in the plan. Ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered before signing up.

By taking these steps and researching, you can find the best dental insurance plan for your needs and budget.

Question: What type of dental insurance offers you full dental coverage? I am an adult with no kids. I am looking for a dental insurance plan that does not exclude coverage for cosmetic dental services. I want a plan that does it all. 

Answer: Finding one dental insurance plan that covers all dental services is a hard thing to do. We offer dental insurance plans in all states, and none of them provide, as you say, full coverage. A few dental insurance plans offer limited cosmetic dental benefits, but you must read the terms and conditions carefully to verify if they suit your needs. Another option could be a dental discount plan, available in most states. With a dental discount plan, you will receive discounted savings on cosmetic services if needed. You get a discount off any dental procedure with a dental discount plan, but you must go to a dentist who accepts the plan.

Question: I have not been to the dentist for some time now since I was on my parents’ dental insurance plan. I know I need dental work. I am not in any significant pain or anything; I know that my teeth are not in good shape. Should I get a dental insurance plan with its waiting period and yearly max limitations and do my dental services a little at a time? Or go for a dental discount plan for dental savings and get my dental work done all at once. Which way, in the long run, would be cheaper? 

Answer: It is a personal choice for you to make. As you know, with most PPO plans, you will have waiting periods and maximum limitations. As long as you fully understand the plan’s terms and conditions, PPO plans are great dental insurance plans for staying with or choosing your dental provider. However, you should review a discount plan option if you do not want to wait for dental services. Also, think in the long run, when you have a lot of primary dental services needed, waiting for coverages to begin may not be the best option for your oral health.

The best dental insurance policies offered will depend upon the family and its members’ oral health needs. If the best dental insurance available is not offered through an employer or group health policy, then discount coverage should be researched.

The best dental insurance may depend on, local dentists participating in programs, and the family current dental needs. It will be a plan that fits your family’s needs and budget.

Finding the best dental insurance plan that fits your needs is an important part of ensuring that your teeth get the care they need to stay healthy. so take your time read each plan terms and conditions so you know how it would work to suit your needs

Question: I was referred to a dentist by my best friend, and I want to go to them since I do not currently have a dentist, and this one seems promising. The problem is my current dental insurance, which they are not a provider of, so I would not have insurance benefits if I go to them. Should I cancel my current plan for one, they are a provider of? Or go to a dentist, my plan. 

Answer: That would be something you need to answer for yourself. However, before canceling your current dental insurance plan, I suggest you fully know the terms and conditions of any new dental plan you buy. Such as PPO and free choice of provider plans come with waiting periods and other limitations that can restrict your coverage within the first year or more. Meanwhile, HMO and dental discount plans have a few restrictions. For example, you must see a plan provider with your current dental insurance plan. Talk to the dental office, find out what plan they are a provider of, and go from there. Review each dental insurance plan carefully to pick what best fits your needs.

Supplemental dental insurance is an individual or family insurance policy purchased to cover some dental costs. Supplemental dental insurance will typically only cover part of the dental care procedure. The supplemental dental policy typically covers the remaining dental bill if you purchased a primary dental insurance plan or your employer-provided one. For example, if the dental plan policy covers half of the dental cost, the secondary or supplement dental insurance plan should cover the remaining balance of your dental procedure. A supplement dental insurance plan may also be purchased to cover the dental charges when annual dental benefit plan limits or exclusions exist.

Question: My eight-year-old may need to have braces in the future. My current dental plan will only pay $200.00 annually for four years. That is better than nothing but not much better. Can I get another dental plan for her so that if we get my daughter’s braces, I can have better benefits, or can I combine both plans to get better savings off the cost of my child’s braces? 

Answer: When discussing combining two plans to share the cost of your child’s braces, you may need help from companies to make sure you can combine the plans. Even if you can combine them, it may not be cost-effective. Ensure you know the cost of both plans and how both plans’ benefits will cover you. 

You may be better off finding one dental insurance plan that provides better coverage for your child’s braces. I suggest looking at dental HMO offers since. Generally, they are lower-cost plans that do not have waiting periods. Also, many PPO plans are very restrictive about orthodontic services.

Question: I have terrible teeth due to putting off needed dental care. The leading cause for this is that I hate dentists. I hate going and having anyone poking in my mouth. I can not say I am scared of them; I do not like dentists. Although I brush my teeth often, my good friend told me my breath has worsened. I felt terrible that she would say this, but besides lousy breath, my teeth were also starting to hurt me off and on throughout the day. I need a dental insurance plan in place to have something to help me with the cost. What would be a good coverage plan that will help me the best with major dental work? 

Answer: It can depend on what dental care you may need. You may want a dental discount plan if you need to see a dental specialist. Dental HMO may not cover you to see a specialist or require a referral from the general dentist you picked within the plan, putting your dental care out a little longer for that process. However, as long as a general dentist can do the work, you may have more significant savings choosing an HMO dental insurance plan than a discount one.

Question: When searching for dental insurance quotes, how do I know I am getting the best rates? I have seen a website that offers the same plan but with different costs. I need clarification on how a dental plan could cost $25.00 a month on one site, whereas on another, the same dental plan could cost $15.00 a month. If this is the cost, how do I know I am buying the plan at the best rate? 

Answer: It will just come down to shopping it out and making the best choice for you. Sometimes, the price of the same plan can be different if the agent (website) has included additional processing fees. That may only sometimes be the case; you may look at two different plans but thought they were the same. Many companies offer more than just one plan. So, if you are going by the name ( such as Delta Dental), that does not mean they are the same plans. I suggest taking your time and reviewing the details of each plan carefully, and remember, if you have any questions about any of the plans we offer, call our member service line at 310-534-3444, as they will be happy to help.

Question: Does buying a dental discount plan offer you actual savings? How much are you saving by purchasing a dental discount plan? Can we compare what they say your discount rate is to the actual dentist cost to know that you are genuinely getting good savings off the plan? 

Answer: Discount dental plans are designed to help reduce your overall dental cost. Do they save you money? Yes, dental discount plans do what they say they do. They help reduce your total dental care cost. You only need to start calling around a few dentists stating you do not have insurance and get a quote based on that for a $10.00 a month or less dental discount plan. It truly saves you money on your dental care needs. Please review the plans in question and call the dentist under them to confirm they are still accepting the plan. If you do that, you should be okay with buying a dental discount plan.

When choosing the right dental insurance plan, doing your research is vital. Dental insurance policies can vary significantly in terms of coverage and benefits. Some plans may cover preventative care, such as routine cleanings and X-rays, while others may focus more on major dental procedures like root canals or dental implants.

It’s important to carefully review each plan’s terms and conditions to ensure the coverage meets your needs. For example, if you have a specific dentist that you prefer to go to, make sure that the plan you choose covers that dentist. Additionally, if you have a history of dental problems, look for a plan that offers coverage for more extensive dental work.

By taking the time to research and compare dental insurance plans, you can ensure that you get the coverage you need and avoid any surprises or disappointments down the line. Being proactive and informed about your dental health and finances is always better.

So, about a month ago, I had a deep cleaning and a wisdom tooth removed. I had no dental insurance at the time, so I had to pay for it myself, which cost me $1485.00. If I buy a Blue Cross dental plan offering a $ 1500.00-year max limit, can I submit the claim to them for the $1485.00 to get my money back and then cancel the Blue Cross plan? My dentist is very inexpensive on X-rays and regular cleaning, so I do not see the point in keeping the dental plan after I get back my $1485.00.

Reply: Short answer: No. That would be insurance fraud. You can not have a dental insurance plan to cover dental care services if the services were rendered before you bought the insurance. That would be like buying auto insurance after having an accident. Also, I think your dentist would be honest about the date you had the services rendered.

However, this is an excellent time to review your thinking about having dental insurance. You could get a low-cost dental HMO plan that runs around $8.00 – $20.00 monthly for an individual. So that when you have the more costly dental care services, you will be able to have insurance on those services and save money instead of paying out of pocket and thinking up ways to get your money back.

When buying dental insurance for a dental specialist, it’s essential to understand what procedures are covered and the limitations and exclusions. Some plans may only cover primary dental care, while others may provide coverage for more complex procedures. It’s also important to consider the network of providers that are covered under the plan and whether your preferred dental specialist is included. Review the plan’s cost-sharing requirements, such as deductibles and co-payments, to understand your out-of-pocket expenses. Researching and comparing dental insurance plans can help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget.

I have dental insurance through work. It is an HMO. Anyway, I get two cleanings a year for free. I have yet to use the plan and was considering going in for my cleaning because I have not seen a dentist in over two years. My teeth are stained even though I brush and floss daily. I do not drink coffee or tea, nor do I smoke, but I do eat food that may stain my teeth. If I go in for a good cleaning, will that help remove the stains and make my teeth brighter?

Reply:  Basic dental cleaning can help remove surface stains from your teeth but may not provide significant whitening effects. For more noticeable results, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening treatments or over-the-counter whitening products recommended by your dentist. However, regular cleanings can help prevent further staining and maintain good oral health.