Best Practices for Healthy Teeth

Taking care of your teeth and gums helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Start with these basics:

• Floss, brush, tongue scrape, and then rinse with mouthwash before bed
• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities
• Floss and rinse with mouthwash once a day
• Don’t overuse whitening products (this can erode enamel)
• Opt for an electric toothbrush over a manual toothbrush for a deeper clean
• Choose soft-bristle toothbrush heads (medium to hard bristles can damage gum tissue and enamel)
• Get routine teeth cleanings and dental exams (twice a year)
• Limit sugary, processed, and acidic foods and drinks
• Prevent tooth discoloration by limiting coffee, tea, and other dark-colored drinks
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night (bruxism)
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco

How Does Oral Health Affect General Health?

A healthy mouth is essential for a healthy body. An unhealthy mouth can also contribute to health problems elsewhere in the body.

Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets can cause the oral cavity and body to deteriorate over time. General health conditions can also worsen oral health.

Common medical issues associated with poor oral health include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer (tobacco)
• Osteoporosis
• Birthing complications

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Dental visits and treatments can be expensive without insurance. That is one reason many people delay professional care and develop problems over time.

Fortunately, many plans fit different lifestyles and budgets. Alternative options, like dental discount plans, are also available. These plans offer discounted rates on services provided by dentists within the customer’s network.

Many insurance companies follow the “100-80-50” plan, which covers:

• 100 percent of regular preventive care, such as teeth cleanings, dental exams, and fluoride treatment
• 80 percent of basic procedures, such as dental fillings, extractions, and root canals
• 50 percent of major procedures, such as bridges, implants, and crowns