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We often have patients decide not to have certain procedures performed because their insurance does not cover that particular service.  Sadly, this is especially true of preventative procedures.  It can be frustrating for dentists when a service needs to be performed, but the decision of an insurance company gets in the way.

Don't let insurance decide your treatment options.

We would like to encourage you not to let insurance companies dictate your level of care.  Like most businesses, their primary function is to make a profit. Insurance policies and health plans are designed to give you what the insurance company considers adequate care to balance their costs versus the premium that you are currently paying.  Likewise, your employers’ choices of health plan benefits are based primarily on cost versus coverage.  This is all understandable, but what your insurance does and does not cover should not be the final factor in deciding the care you and your family receives.  Even if you have to pay out of pocket, the future benefits of preventative care may far outweigh the immediate financial cost.

An ounce of prevention...

Preventative procedures such as fluoride treatments, sealants and x-rays are among the most frequently declined dental services because they can seem optional, unnecessary and are not always covered by every health plan.  Many insurance policies, for example, will only cover one fluoride treatment each year even though having a fluoride treatment at each visit can help prevent cavities in children.   Less costly preventative care can often save you and your family from the pain and discomfort of cavities as well as save you money.  It’s not uncommon for patients to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars for dental problems that must be taken care of when earlier care could have prevented the issue at a fraction of the cost.

We're here to help you make the best decision.

We are very sensitive to your families’ budget and always try to help you make the best care decision possible.  We would never suggest treatment that we don’t think our patients need. Please feel free to ask us about any of the services that we offer.  Give us an opportunity to explain the benefits of each procedure so that you can make informed decisions.  Don’t let an insurance company pick the level of care your family receives.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about a child's first teeth.  Primary teeth, also called milk teeth or baby teeth, are the temporary teeth that end up under pillows and provide plenty of business for the tooth fairy!  Here are four myths about baby teeth that every parent should know:

#1 Baby teeth aren’t important.

Many parents mistakenly believe that baby teeth are less important than permanent teeth because they are just going to “fall out anyway”.  But baby teeth serve a very important purpose as place-holders in growing mouths during early years of development.  They help maintain the proper structure of the mouth in providing a guide for permanent teeth to move in behind them when the time comes.  A baby tooth lost too early can lead to crowding of adult teeth, for example.

#2 Cavities in baby teeth do not matter.

This one is similar to dismissing the importance of a baby tooth because it’s based on the idea that since these teeth will eventually come out, what happens to them beforehand doesn’t matter.  Unfortunately, cavities cause more than just a cosmetic blemish.  Cavities can cause pain or discomfort for children and even abscess if left untreated.  Further, cavities harbor bacteria that can spread through the bloodstream and effect your child’s overall health.

#3 There’s no need to brush baby teeth.

Parents should begin brushing teeth as soon as they appear.  Not only will this help prevent tooth decay, but it also begins a lifetime of good dental habits.  It’s even a good idea to begin oral care before teeth appear. A soft, damp rag rubbed over your baby’s gums reduces bacteria and helps emerging teeth get off to a great start.

#4 Kids don’t need to see a dentist until they are older.

Unfortunately, many parents don’t take their child to the dentist until there is a problem. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents bring their children for a first dental visit as soon as the first tooth emerges or by age one at the latest.  Establishing a “Dental Home” early will ensure that your child has a good experience on their first visit and develops a trusting relationship with the dentist.

Do you have questions about your baby’s teeth?  Don’t hesitate to ask!  We would love to talk to you about any questions or concerns you might have!

Is it time to get rid of your old toothbrush and pick up a new one?  Great oral health begins with the right tools and your toothbrush is the first line of defense.  Here are four great tips to help make sure your toothbrush is in top shape!

Yogurt is a dental super food.  Yogurt is more popular than ever as a healthy choice for those seeking to supplement their diet with a food that will help their overall health.  Several respected studies over the last few years have continuously shown that yogurt has benefits far beyond digestive health.  Here are a few of the exciting ways that yogurt can help keep you smiling:

Yogurt helps gums.

A Japanese study of 1,000 adults revealed that the healthiest gums were found in those that ate the most yogurt.  Probiotics, the “good bacteria” found in yogurt are the possible reason as these active cultures may help to slow the growth of cavity causing bacteria.  Healthy gums are essential to your overall health because gum disease can put you at an increased risk for a wide range of complications including heart disease.

Yogurt strengthens teeth.

Yogurt is high in calcium which helps to keep your teeth strong.  Calcium works by maintaining the density of your skeletal bones through years of deposit while your body is growing the most.  For this reason, children especially benefit from the calcium found in yogurt.  Once permanent teeth appear, calcium continues to help prevent tooth decay by keeping enamel strong.

Yogurt fights bad breath.

Researchers have discovered that eating six ounces of yogurt each day greatly reduces the bad breath causing compounds like hydrogen sulfide.  It turns out that the probiotics found in yogurt help to keep “smelly” bacteria in check.

Yogurt makes your mouth less acidic.

Cavity-causing bacteria love an acidic mouth.  Yogurt counters this by balancing your mouth’s PH levels and creating a less hospitable place for bacteria to thrive.

The best yogurt for your dental health is plain and sugar free.  Greek yogurts are an even better option because they often contain the highest amount of probiotics.  If you or your children crave a sweet addition to your yogurt, you might sparingly choose a small amount of fresh fruit or a natural sweetener