Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and regular dental checkups can help detect any underlying health issues. It’s common for a dentist to spot potential health problems during a routine dental exam, even if the patient shows no symptoms. One such condition that can be detected during a dental checkup is acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells.

When AML spreads to the gums, it can cause swelling, bleeding, and inflammation, which a dentist can easily detect during a routine exam. However, what may tip a dentist off to this condition is if the gums are bright red and bleed upon touch, but the teeth are immaculately clean with very little plaque. This is because the cancer cells attack the gums but not the teeth, leading to clean teeth but inflamed gums.

It’s essential to note that AML spreading to the gums is rare, and other conditions can also cause red and inflamed gums. However, if you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as weakness and weight loss, it’s essential to consult your primary care physician for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment of AML can significantly improve the chances of survival.

In summary, good oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can help detect potential health issues, including AML. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as bright red and inflamed gums, it’s essential to consult your dentist and primary care physician for an evaluation. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and maintaining good oral health is crucial to overall well-being.

A dentist can diagnose occlusal disease during a comprehensive dental examination. A basic occlusal (bite), TMJ (jaw joint), and head and neck muscle exam can screen for signs and symptoms of occlusal disease. A brief dental history interview can often reveal the presence of occlusal disease. The key to preventing occlusal disease from becoming complex begins with a thorough interview and exam. 

Not all dental insurance plans will cover treating Occlusal disease or TMD. However, having dental insurance can help early detection. The reason is that people with dental insurance tend to make and keep their dental appointments. As advised, it is essential to see your dentist to maintain good dental health care. 

What are the signs and symptoms of occlusal disease?

•  Abnormal wear and fractures of natural teeth: worn, chipped, thinned, flattened, or cracked teeth.
•  Fractured or broken previous dental work (fillings/crowns)
•  Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
•  Tooth Mobility (loosening of teeth)
•  Shifting of teeth
•  Gum Recession
•  Grooves/indentations on exposed root surfaces of teeth
•  Jaw joint pain, clicking, popping, and locking during eating and other jaw movements
•  Head and neck muscle pain
•  Unexplained headaches: tension headaches
•  Clinching/grinding of teeth or other habits in which teeth come into contact during the day or night
•  Severe localized bone loss around teeth

Keep these signs in mind if you experience any of these systems. Talk to your dentist about them. Make sure not to put off dental care, as early detection and treatment of dental care is vital in treatment and keeping dental care costs low, as preventive care is the key. 

You can contact our member service line at 310-534-3444, where our team of experts will help you understand each plan’s different options and benefits. They will guide you in selecting the best plan to provide your family with the necessary coverage at a price that fits your budget.

When it comes to dental health, worn teeth can indicate a more significant issue than just a cosmetic concern. They may be a sign of stress and anxiety, which can lead to teeth grinding or clenching. If untreated, such dental problems can result in TMD, occlusal disease, or bruxism.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

TMD: The temporomandibular (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) joint, or TMJ, acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder. Dysfunction can lead to pain and discomfort. Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking and locking the jaw joint are some symptoms. Common treatments include medications, bite guards, and physical therapy.

Occlusal Disease

Occlusal disease is the destructive process that results from a bite in which the teeth are not correctly aligned. There can be many causes of occlusal disease, but it often can be traced to an unbalanced bite, crooked teeth, or involuntary teeth grinding/clenching. Occlusal disease is a frequently overlooked and “silent” oral disease dismissed by dentists and patients. Early signs of occlusal disease are often classified as natural aging and normal wear and tear.

However, studies have shown that Occlusal disease is the most common undiagnosed oral disease, which can be treated when diagnosed early. Occlusal diseases, like cavities and gum disease, can be treated effectively, less invasively, and less costly when diagnosed early.

Bruxism/Teeth Grinding

Bruxism or teeth grinding is when a person grinds, gnashes, or clenches their teeth excessively, often unconsciously, during the day or night. Bruxism can cause headaches, jaw pain, tooth pain, or dental problems. It can frequently improve on its own in children, while adults may require dental guards to protect their teeth.

If you experience worn and flat teeth, it is essential to seek a dentist’s advice to identify the underlying cause and prevent further damage. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid severe dental problems.

Save money on your dental care with a dental insurance plan in California.

Are you tired of paying exorbitant prices for dental care? If so, a dental insurance plan in California might be your solution. Investing in dental insurance can save money on dental healthcare in the long run.

Most dental insurance plans offer free or low-cost preventive care, including basic cleaning and bite-wing X-rays. By taking advantage of these services twice a year, you can prevent more significant and more expensive dental issues from arising.

Dental insurance saves you money and provides peace of mind, knowing that your and your family’s dental health is taken care of. With various individual and family plans in California, you can find a plan that fits your budget and specific dental needs.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late to invest in your dental health. Take the first step towards affordable and comprehensive dental care by exploring your options for dental insurance in California today.

You can contact our member service line at 310-534-3444, where our team of experts will help you understand each plan’s different options and benefits. They will guide you in selecting the best plan to provide your family with the necessary coverage at a price that fits your budget.

According to the World Health Organization, around 60 percent of all adults suffer from gum inflammation and require dental treatment. With that said, dental treatments for gums can become very costly without having some dental insurance to help reduce the cost of services. Also, it is essential to know that under most PPO plans, periodontal services fall under major dental care, which means you could wait a year or more before having benefits for this type of dental care treatment. Therefore, consider your future dental needs when buying dental insurance to protect you better.

If you have a current dentist that you wish to stay with, check if they are in the network of the dental insurance plan you are considering. If your dentist is in-network, you can sign up for that plan and continue to see your current dentist. However, if your dentist is outside the network, you may have to pay higher out-of-pocket costs or switch to a dentist in the network. It’s always a good idea to check with your dentist and the dental insurance company to ensure that you can continue to receive care from your preferred dentist while still being covered by the dental insurance plan.

If you have bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or bite into an apple, you could have a condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontal apparatus. Bacterial plaque attacks the bones. Over time, the tooth could loosen. Leaving the disease untreated could lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease or “shrinking gums,” is a source of disease for the entire body.

To some extent, highly aggressive bacteria make their way into the blood circulation, they could cause additional damage. Many medical studies highlight the interaction between periodontal disease triggers and various diseases like cardiopulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evidence shows that the affected patient has an elevated risk of cardiovascular constriction and Alzheimer’s.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital to avoid periodontitis. Good oral hygiene includes:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing once a day.
• Using an antiseptic mouthwash.

You should also schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year. Also, avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables. By taking these steps, you can help prevent periodontitis and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Research shows vulnerable patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who received enhanced oral care from a dentist were at significantly less risk for developing a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), like ventilator-associated pneumonia, during their stay. The study was published in the November issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients often cannot manage their dental care due to their condition and the need for specialized medical attention. In these cases, the responsibility often falls on healthcare professionals to provide oral care, including brushing and cleaning the teeth and gums, to prevent the development of infections that can have serious health consequences. This is why the earlier study highlights the importance of enhanced oral care from a dentist for ICU patients, as it can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. According to studies, genetics may be a factor in cavity formation. A new study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that keratins, proteins associated with strong hair, are essential for tooth enamel integrity. Maria Morasso and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health found that individuals with mutations in hair keratin genes are prone to cavities. Tooth enamel from individuals with keratin mutations had abnormal structures that resulted in weakness. The results from this study reveal a link between hair disorders and cavity formation.

What are Keratin Proteins?

Keratins are a group of tough, fibrous proteins that are the key structural component of animal hair, nails, feathers, hooves, and horns. In humans, keratins are also found in the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and in tooth enamel. These proteins provide strength and protection to various structures in the body.

It is becoming common practice to charge for missed or broken appointments. Many dental offices will charge you a fee if you need to remember or break a dental appointment without giving advance notice. Typically, around 48 – 24 hours’ notice is required for changing or missing your dental appointment. The fee for this depends on the office, so ask the dental office what they charge for missed appointments because it is also essential to note that most insurance companies will not cover this type of charge.

Why do Dentist Charge for Missing Dental Appointments?

Dentists charge for missing appointments because when a patient misses an appointment, it creates an empty slot in the schedule that could have been used for another patient. When you do not show up for your appointment without advance notice (generally 24 hours), it means that the dentist loses potential income from that empty slot, and they still have to pay for the costs associated with running their practice, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries. By charging for missed appointments, dentists can help ensure that their schedules stay full and that they can continue to provide quality care to their patients. Additionally, charging for missed appointments can encourage patients to be more responsible and respectful of the dentist’s time.

When searching for a new dentist, know their business hours and how they deal with dental emergencies. You want to confirm their business hours because you are more likely to create and maintain regular dental visits when the practice has hours that work around your time frame. Someone taking time off from work will tend to put off their dental care. Check if the dental office is open on a Saturday or if they provide later hours during the week. In cases of emergencies, know what their practice is. Will they take a walk-in or get you in that same day or the next in case of an emergency? Knowing this ahead of time will help you choose a dental provider that is best for you and your needs.

Additional Tips: When searching for a new dentist, consider the following:

1. Check if they accept your insurance: Find out if the dental office accepts your insurance plan and if they are in-network. Checking can help you avoid unexpected costs and save money.
2. Look for experience and qualifications: Checking the dentist’s experience can help ensure you receive quality dental care. You can also check if the dental office is affiliated with professional associations or organizations.
3. Visit the dental office: Schedule a visit before you make an appointment. This can help you get a feel for the office environment, meet the staff, and ask any questions you may have.
4. Consider the location: Choose a dental office that is conveniently located and easily accessible to you. A dental office near you can help ensure you make it to your appointments on time and avoid missing any essential dental care.

HIV and Your Dental and Oral Health Care. 

It is imperative to have regular oral health check-ups with your dentist for people that have HIV. Compromised immune systems will generally have the first symptoms in their mouth. In a study by Kevin C Heslin of UCLA in 2001, it was reported that 90% of people living with HIV have at least one dental manifestation of the disease. The study also stated that any HIV Health care entity that does not provide dental care as a part of their program is not meeting the needs of their patients. So the importance of good dental care in managing HIV is evident.

What Are Some of the Services an Endodontic Provides

Endodontic treatments and procedures can include root canal treatment, retreatment of a root canal, Endodontic surgery, traumatic dental injuries, and dental implants.

An Endodontist is a dental specialty concerned with the study and treatment of dental pulp. They perform root canal services. However, your general dentist will be responsible for the accompanying dental crown, so it’s a good idea to work with a General Dentist and an Endodontist for a root canal treatment.

Dry Mouth is a Common Problem Among Seniors. 

Xerostomia, otherwise known as dry mouth, is a common problem among older adults. The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that 20 percent of older adults suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth is also a hidden cause of tooth loss and gum disease in 30 percent of adults. There are many reasons you may have a dry mouth, but for older adults, one significant factor is that dry mouth can be a side effect of many medications. Medications such as blood pressure, decongestants, antidepressants, and pain pills other medications may also cause dry mouth, so if you are experiencing dry mouth issues, be sure to discuss treatment options with your dentist.

Is your provider in your dental insurance network?

When shopping for dental insurance, one factor to consider would be your current dentist. If you want to stay with your current dental provider, you must confirm that the dental insurance plans you are reviewing will let you choose your dentist. If, however, you have to pick from the plan providers, You need to make sure your dentist is a provider of the plan.

Many people have dental insurance that lets them choose their dentist, but how do you know you are picking the best dentist for you? One way is by getting referrals. Most people have a large referral base but do not use them. Look toward your family and friends, people at work. You can even ask your friends on social media like Facebook or Twitter. Most people have been to the dentist and will be happy to tell you if they feel their dentist is a good choice for you.

When shopping for dental insurance a good option for families are Dental PPO plans as they provide for a larger provider data base and in most case will provide benefits for out of net work providers.  Therefore affording you the availability to see your own dentist regardless if they are a provider of the PPO plan.    

However one key note to keep in mind with most PPO plans, is that many of them have waiting periods before certain plan benefits are effective. Making PPO dental insurance plans the type of dental insurance you do not wait to buy until you have a larger dental care need.

With dental care cost on the rise, it is even more important to have dental insurance for your family. With dental insurance your family is able to visit the dentist without it braking your budget.   

In California we provide over 40 different dental insurance plans that range in cost and coverage’s, so that you are able to choose a dental insurance plan that best works with your family dental care needs.

When buying dental insurance for young children make sure the dental insurance plan you are buying provide coverage’s for Pediatric dentist. Not all dental insurance plans provide benefits for specialist and not all younger children can go to a general or family dentist. Make sure you buy a family dental insurance plans that fits the needs of all members of your fam

According to a study from Colorado School of Public Health shows that despite some modest improvements, poor oral health remains a major problem in the Navajo Nation and among American Indians overall.     Terrence Batliner, DDS, MBA, associate director of the Center for Native Oral Health Research at the School of Public Health, stated that: “The oral health among Native Americans is abysmal with more than three times the disease of the rest of the country and that the number one problem is access to care.”     

The study, published recently in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, showed that 69.5 percent of Navajo children had untreated tooth decay. While that’s better than the 82.9 percent in 1999, it’s still unacceptably high.