There are studies that are showing how it can take longer for a women with gum disease to become pregnant. It is sad how many times good dental and and oral health care is underestimated. However, new research is showing that for woman there is yet another reason to maintain good oral hygiene and dental health care.

This new research has shown that the presence of gum disease can by an average of two months extend the time it takes for a woman to become pregnant. For the first time researcher have been able to clearly demonstrate the significant impact of poor oral health on the time to pregnancy in women who are trying to conceive.

HMO’s dental insurance plans suggests dentist that is working with them. This means that you cannot go to your dentist (unless they are a plan provider of that plan)  and you will have to pick the one from their list, you have to choose dentist that has contract with your dental plan company, in order for your plan benefits to be valid.

Most PPO’s plans allow individuals to stay with their current dentists. Dentists that have contract with dental insurance companies are considered as In-Network Dentists, otherwise they are called Out of Network Dentists. Note: Sometimes out of network dentist will have reduce benefits/coverage’s.

Where to Buy Affordable Dental Plans

You can obtain quotes for more affordable dental insurance plans from companies online and through your local insurance agent or broker. Please keep in mind that there are many web sites who give the appearance of selling dental insurance but instead only offer a dental discount plan which is not insurance.

Your dentist may also have affordable dental plan options available to patients.  Ask the receptionist if they partner with a dental plan company and see if one might be right for you.

There are much better ways of delivering fluoride then having it added to city drinking water.  The fact is the vast majority of fluoride added to water supplies is wasted.  Over 99% of tap water is not actually consumed by a human being. It is used instead to wash cars, water the lawn, wash dishes, flush toilets, You pet drinking water and so on.

If your gums bleed when you are brushing or flossing your teeth you should take note and talk to your dentist about your gum health.  Bleeding gums are one of the warning sings of gum disease. Other signs of gum disease would include:  Red, Swollen or Tender Gums   Sores in your mouth gums that have pulled away from the teeth    Persistent bad breath   Loose or separating teeth    Periodontal/Gum Disease is second only to cavities in dental care services needed.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants and fruits which was approved by the FDA as food additive. Xylitol is now appearing in sugar-free gum, mints and toothpaste. Xylitol is sweet-as-sugar and low in calories, and studies show it may help reduce and prevent cavities. Research confirms that of all factors studied, xylitol most likely inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the oral bacteria that causes cavities.

It has been suggested that breast-feeding over bottle-feeding is better for the overall health of your baby.  However with regards to early childhood cavities breast-feeding is no better or worse then bottle feeding both can cause dental decay in baby teeth if proper dental care is not taken.

To help prevent dental decay:  Avoid overnight feedings, letting your baby nurse at will can make milk pool in baby’s mouth which will cause acid to form contagiously throughout the night which can lead to tooth decay.  This is the same with bottles so avoid letting your child walk around with a baby bottle.   Whether you  are breast feeding or bottle feeding your baby, wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean damp washcloth after feedings.

The ADA (American Dental Association) suggest that you encourage your child to drink from a cup by the time they reach their first birthday.  Dentist suggest that you should take  your child to their first dental appointment by the time they reach their first birthday.  We suggest having either dental insurance or a dental plan in force in order to help make going to the dentist more affordable.  And remember preventive dental care starts from home.

The dental plan decision making process is not an easy task when purchasing coverage for yourself, family, business, or your employees. There are many dental plan decisions to make. Such dental insurance decisions include considering a PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), dental indemnity insurance plans, and discount dental plans.

What is PPO Dental Insurance Plans?

PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) is a network of dentist under contact with a dental insurance company which provides special rates on dental care; but the insured has an option to choose a dental care provider outside the network of dentists.

Generally the PPO dental insurance plans are higher premiums and there are claims forms to be completed by the dental client.

What is HMO Dental Insurance Plans?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations) are networks of dentist under contact with the dental insurance company that offer dental services at a pre-determined rate.

With the HMO dental insurance plan, you do not have the option to choose your own dentist. However, the HMO is usually less expensive.

What is Dental Indemnity Insurance Plans?

The dental indemnity insurance plans require the insured to pay the dentist of their choice directly, and the insured will be compensated or reimbursed by the insurance company after submitting a claims form.

What is Discount Dental Plans?

A discount dental plan provides discounted dental prices through a network of dentists but is not a dental insurance company and in not an insurance dental plan and is not regulated by the department of insurance.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or BBTD is cause by frequent and prolonged exposure to any liquids except plain water.  Liquids such as: Formula, milk any fruit juices or any liquids containing sugars. If these liquids pool around baby’s teeth and gums for a long period of time they will lead to  cavities that first develop in the upper and lower front teeth.  This normally happens when one leaves a baby with a baby bottle to sleep with or as a means of pacifying a baby from crying.

You should not let your baby fall asleep with a baby bottle filled with anything other then plain water, or use a pacifier.  See if your dentist has a pacifier they would recommend for you to use. If you are breast feeding try to avoid letting your child nurse continuously.  Also remember to wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean damp washcloth after feedings.  BBTD is preventable with proper dental healthcare.  Ask your dentist of any more dental care tips for your child and make sure they have regular dental check ups.

In a  study of over 1,000 post-menopausal women it was forecast that over one in four post-menopausal women have a higher risk to suffer from tooth loss over a five year period.  This risk increases to nearly 90 per cent if other risk factors are present, especially diabetes and if they smoke. Having proper dental care and maintaining good oral hygiene reduces  the risk factors.