Helpful Dentistry Articles

Tooth decay starts early!

Surprisingly, tooth decay can occur as soon as your child's first tooth comes in. So it is very important to start taking care of those “pearly whites” as soon as you see them peeking through the gums. If your child gets decay, your child can suffer pain and infection. Also, if a child is in pain, he may have trouble eating, sleeping and learning.

What causes tooth decay?

The bacteria that cause decay are in everyone's mouths. Barbies get these decay-causing bacteria from their caregivers, mom and dad, just as we all are exposed to germs in our families. These bacteria then stick onto the baby teeth.

Brushing the teeth to clean off the bacteria us important to keep teeth healthy. Bacteria on the teeth use the sugar in foods and drinks and turn it into acid. Each time your child eats or drinks, this acid can attack the teeth for 20 minutes or longer after eating or drinking. Over time, enamel gets damaged, tooth decay develops and cavities appear.

Children are more likely to get decay if their teeth are in contact with sugar often or for long periods of time. Babies should not be put to bed with a bottle. If your baby falls asleep with in his or her mouth, the liquid in the bottle pools around the teeth. Liquids such as fruit juice, soda and even milk contain sugar. Plain water in a bottle or sippy cup at the end of the day is better choice.

Begin dental visit early

• Protect your child's teeth by starting dental checkups early. The American Dental Association and The America Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that the first dental visit should occur when the baby's first tooth appears, but no later than the child's first birthday.
• Why schedule a visit so early? A dentist can show you how to clean your child's teeth, talk about feeding, oral habits, and recommend dental care products. He or she also can help you make sure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride (floor-ide), a natural mineral that protects teeth. And your dentist can answer questions about your baby's teeth.
• Having a well-baby checkup at this age also connects your child to a dental home. This is a place where you can take your child from year to year. This helps the dentist get to know your child's and family's needs, so your child will have the best care.
• If your child is a toddler, the dentist will gently examine his or her teeth and gum, looking for decay and other problems. The dentist may also clean the child's teeth. Your toddler can also be checked for problems related to habits such as thumb or finger sucking.
• Fluoride treatment and dental sealants are two important ways your dentist can prevent cavities. Dental sealants are coating that the dentist puts on the grooves of your child's teeth to protect. Your dentist will let you know if these treatments are right for your child.

Preventive care from your dentist can save time, money and teeth. Your dentist will recommend a schedule for your child's dental visits.

Tips for a positive dental visit

• Schedule your child's first dental visit before his or her first birthday.
  
• If possible, schedule a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative. Don't schedule during nap time.
  
• Stay positive. Don't show any anxiety that might feel about dental visits.
  
• Never bribe your child to go to the dentist or use the visit as a punishment or threat.
  
• Make your child's dental visit an enjoyable outing. Teaching your child good oral hygiene habit early can lead to a life time of good dental health.

What is the focus of child's beautiful SMILE? Strong, healthy teeth.

Baby teeth – also called primary teeth- are important in the growth and development of a child. Baby teeth can help your child chew foods and speak. They also hold space in the jaw for adult teeth that are growing under the gums.

Babies are born without teeth. Usually, baby teeth start to appear in the mouth when the child is 6 months old. By the third birthday, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth including incisors, canines, and molars.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

A healthy start is smart

Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth. Baby teeth (also called primary teeth) help your child chew and speak. They also give the face its shaped and hold space for adult teeth to come in the right way. That's why it's smart to take good care of baby teeth.

How baby teeth develop 

When your baby is born, they already have 20 baby teeth hidden in their jaws. Your baby's first tooth begins to come in (or “erupt”) as early as 6 months after birth. The front 2 upper and 2 lower teeth usually appear first.

Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are 3 years old. As your child grows, their jaw also grows to make room for their adult teeth. By the age of 5 or 6, their adult teeth begin to erupt.

Holding space for permanent teeth 

Sometimes a baby tooth is lost before the adult (permanent) tooth beneath it is ready to come in. If a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth can shift into open spaces. And when the adult tooth is ready to come into space, there may not be enough room. The new tooth may be unable to come in, or, it may erupt crooked or in the wrong place.

If your child loses a tooth early, the dentist may recommend a space maintainer. This is a plastic or metal piece that holds open space left by the missing tooth. The dentist will remove this plastic or metal piece once the adult tooth begins to appear.

You can prevent decay in baby teeth

Tooth decay in baby teeth can affect the growth of adult teeth. It also can be painful. Your child may avoid eating and speaking normally if they have tooth pain, so it is important to take good care of baby teeth even though they will fall out later.

Decay can start as soon as teeth appear in your child's mouth. Decay happens when baby teeth are in contact for long periods with liquid that have sugar in them. These liquids include sweetened water, soda, fruit juice, and even milk or formula.

Tooth decay can happen when you put your baby to bed with a bottle or use bottles to soothe them if they are fussy. Once your baby has started to eat solid foods, they may be given a bottle of water at these times. 

Here are some tips to help protect your child's teeth from decay:

• Do not let your baby your toddler fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than plain water.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you do not give your baby juice until after they turn 1-year-old- even 100% juice.
• If your baby needs comfort between regular feedings or at bedtime, give them a clean pacifier. Never dip a pacifier in sugar or honey.
• Do not put the pacifier in your mouth to clean it and then put it in your baby's mouth. You may pass on decay-causing bacteria to them.
• Do not allow your child to frequently sip sugary liquids from bottles or training cups.

Clean your child's teeth to keep them healthy

• After every feeding, wipe your baby's gums with a clean gauze pad or wet washcloth. This removes plaque and bits of food that can harm erupting teeth.
• As soon as their first tooth appears (around 6 months old), start brushing your baby's teeth 2 times a day (morning and night).
• Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride (Floor-eyed). Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen the outer layer of teeth.
• To clean your child's teeth and gum, you can sit with their head in your lap. That way, you can easily see into their mouth.
• The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your child's teeth until they are at least 6 years old. If they can't tie their shoes, then they shouldn't brush their teeth alone. When your child is old enough to do the brushing, watch to make sure they are not “rushing the brushing”. Also, make sure your child spits out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
• Use floss or another tool to help clean between their teeth as soon as your child has two teeth that are next to each other. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best way to clean your child's teeth.
• When choosing dental products, look for those with the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance, which means they were tested and show to be both safe and effective.

Visit the dentist before your child's first birthday

Plan your child's first dental visit after the first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. Consider it a “well-baby checkup” for your child's teeth. 

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

How to keep your child's teeth healthy at every stage

Children learn healthy habits from their parents and caregivers. You can start good habits if you clean your child's teeth every day, feed your child a healthy diet and take them to the dentist on a regular basis.

Before any baby teeth come in

• Wipe your baby's gums with a clean, wet gauze pad or washcloth after each feeding, before sleep. This removes bits of food that can harm teeth that are starting to come in. It also helps your child get used to having their mouth cleaned.

When your child's first tooth comes in (around 6 months old)

• Start brushing your baby's teeth 2 times every day (morning and night).
• Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste that has fluoride (Floor-eyed). Fluoride is a mineral that helps keep the outer layer of teeth strong. This can help lower the risk of tooth decay.
• Your child should not be allowed to fall asleep while breastfeeding.
• Infants should not be put to bed or allowed to fall asleep with a bottle that contains milk, formula, fruit juices, or any liquids with sugar. Even watered-down drinks can be damage teeth.
• If your child uses a pacifier, don't dip it in sugar or honey, or put it in your mouth before giving it to your child. Bacteria in your mouth that causes decay can be passed to your baby.
• A bottle should not be used as a pacifier. Sipping sugary liquids during the day can cause tooth decay, too.
• Make sure your child finishes their bottle before going to bed.

When your child's second, third and more teeth come in (around 8 months old)

• Try to get your child to drink from a cup by their first birthday. Training cups should be used for only a short time.
• Once your child has learned how to sip, the training cup is no longer needed and should be set aside.
• Don't let your baby constantly sip on liquids with sugar (including juice). If they are thirsty between snacks or meals, offer water.
• Brush your child's teeth for them 2 times a day and for 2 minutes each time. Clean between theirs as soon as they have 2 teeth next to each other.
• Use the right amount of toothpaste for your child
• The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your child's teeth until they are at least 6 years old. When your child is old enough to do the brushing, watch to make sure they're not “rushing the brushing” Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and not to swallow it.

Remember: toothpaste is not food! Don't give your child more because of the taste.

A healthy diet builds strong teeth in kids of all ages

• Limit giving snacks in between meals.
• A new guideline from the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends that you do not give your child any kind of juice until after their first birthday – including 100% juices.
• Try not to use sweet foods and drinks to reward your child.
• If your child eats sweets, make sure it is with a meal.
• Infants and young children should have a healthy diet. Information can be found at www.choosemyplate.gov.

 Your child's first dental visit

• It's helpful to have the first visit after your baby's first tooth appears, but no later than their first birthday. This first visit is a “well-baby checkup” for your child's teeth.
• At the visit, your dentist can check for decay and other problems. They can show you how to properly clean your child's teeth.
• Also, your dentist may offer advice on your child's diet, pacifier use, and oral care products for your family.
• Your child should get the right level of fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Ask your child's dentist about how your child can get the right amount of fluoride. 

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

What is fluoride? Why is it important? 

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources- even the oceans. Fluoride can prevent cavities in children and adults. Fluoride helps protect tooth enamel from the acid attacks that cause cavities. It also helps repair weakened enamel before cavities form.

What is the best way to get fluoride? 

Teeth get fluoride in two ways: when it is swallowed and when it is put onto the tooth's surface. To prevent cavities, it is best to get a little bit of fluoride both ways.

Fluoride that is swallowed usually comes from tap water. In some parts of the USA, tap water naturally has just the right amount of fluoride. In other places, the tap water does not have enough fluoride. So, some cities and towns add fluoride to the tap water. This is called “water fluoridation”. If your community's water does not have enough fluoride, talk to your dentist or doctor about your family’s fluoride needs.

Bottled water

Most bottled waters do not have the levels of fluoride needed to help prevent cavities. If you drink bottled water frequently, you may be missing the benefits of fluoridation. To learn about the fluoride level in the water, check the label. If it is not listed, then you should contact the bottler.

Home water treatment systems 

Your home water filters system might remove fluoride from the water. Reverse osmosis and distillation units remove almost all of the fluoride. However, filters that come in pitchers or attach to your faucet generally do not remove a lot of fluoride from your drinking water. 

Topical fluoride

When fluoride is put onto the surface of your teeth, it is called topical fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses sold in stores that contain fluoride are one way for your teeth to get topical fluoride. Also, your dentist can apply fluoride gel or varnish to your teeth.

What are the benefits of water fluoridation?

• Studies show water fluoridation reduces cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
• It benefits everyone, especially those who are not able to get regular dental care.
• It saves money. The cost of a lifetime of fluoridated water is generally less than the cost of one filling.
• It's easy! You can help protect your teeth simply by drinking water, anytime, anywhere.

To find out if the tap water in your area contains fluoride at a level that can help prevent cavities, ask your dentist. You also have a private well, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you test your water every year for safety and at least once every three years for fluoride levels.

Is fluoride safe?

More than 70 years of study and experience have shown that water fluoridation is safe. Fluoridation of community water is supported by leading health organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization.

Other sources of fluoride

Not everyone lives in an area with fluoridated water. For those people, fluoride is available in other forms.

• Fluoride supplements
• Fluoride pills, drops, and lozenges are available only by prescription. They are for children who live in areas with little or no fluoride in the water, do not have adequate fluoride exposure, and are at high risk of tooth decay. Ask your child's dentist or physician about your child's fluoride needs.
• Over-the-counter fluoride products 
• Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse with the ADA Seals of Acceptance help prevent cavities in children and adults. When you shop for dental products, look for the ADA Seal so you know that a product is safe and effective. Your teeth and those of your children should be brushed twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Children under 3 
• Begin brushing the teeth of your children under the age of 3 as soon as teeth begin to come into the mouth. Place no more than a smear or grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the brush. Watch children to make sure they don't swallow the toothpaste.
• Children ages 3 to 6
• Place no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush. Help your child brush and teach him or her to spit out the toothpaste and not swallow it.
• Children under 6
• When it comes to the use of fluoride mouth rinses, they are not recommended for children under 6.
• Parents should keep an eye on children under 6 when they use any dental products with fluoride. More fluoride is not always better. These products should be stored out of the reach of young children.

Have more questions?

Visit MouthHealthy.org/fluoride for the latest information about fluoride and fluoridation.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

What and how often you eat can affect your teeth

Certain eating patterns and food choices can lead to tooth erosion and cavities. A steady supply of sugary foods and drinks, including sports drinks, sodas, and energy drinks, can damage your teeth. Even snacking on healthy foods like oranges and dried fruit all day can raise your risk of erosion and cavities. Here's why:

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. When you do not remove plaque from your teeth every day, it builds up. The bacteria in plaque create acid from eating the sugars found in what you eat and drink. This acid attacks enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. The acid stays on the enamel for up to 20 minutes after you are finished eating and drinking. Eventually, your enamel can wear away from these acids and cavities can start to form. Cavities do not go away on their own and must be treated by a dentist.

When you have sugary foods or drinks many times a day, it exposes the enamel of your teeth to acid attacks throughout the day. This raises your risk of tooth erosion and getting cavities.

Read food and drink labels so you can choose options that are low in sugar.

A healthy diet keeps your mouth healthy

Eating a well-balanced diet may improve your chances of avoiding diseases like heart diseases, type II diabetes, and oral diseases, like cavities.

For teeth to be healthy, they need vitamins, protein, calcium, and phosphorous - and you can get them all from a healthy diet.

A healthy diet is one that:

• Includes a variety of whole fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, like brown rice and oatmeal.
• Adds different protein sources such as lean meats, beans, eggs, poultry, fish, cheese, and Greek yogurt.
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt (sodium), and added sugars.
• Is well-balanced and based on eating foods in amounts according to your specific height, age, weight, gender, and activity level.

You cannot and should not remove all sugar from your diet. Many foods and drinks - like apples, carrots, and milk-naturally contain sugars but also have vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs. Avoiding foods that contain a lot of sugar, but few other nutrients will lower your chance of developing cavities and have other health benefits, too!

Lower your risk of cavities

• Avoid sugary drinks when possible. Many sports and energy drinks as well as sodas and sweetened teas all have a lot of sugar. Even fruit juices that are "100% juice" are high in sugar.
• Limit snacks between meals. Choose foods that are low in sugar and fat, like an apple or handful of almonds. Try to follow up with a glass of water. This can help rinse bits of food in your mouth, but it does NOT replace brushing and flossing regularly.
• If you have sugary foods and drinks, have them with meals. Saliva increases during meals which helps weaken acid and rinse bits of food from your mouth.
• Chew sugarless gum that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Chewing gum after meals have been shown to increase saliva and can help reduce cavities.
• Drinking water. Drinking tap water with fluoride (FLOOR-eyed) can help prevent cavities.
• See your dentist regularly.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

X-ray exams can help your dentist identify and treat the problem early. X-ray images (also called radiographs) help your dentist find problems that may not be visible during your regular dental exam.

Dental x-rays can show:

• Small areas of decay in your teeth and below fillings
• Abscesses or cyst
• Bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease
• Growth problem
• Some types of tumors
• The effects of trauma
• The position of teeth that have not come in yet in children and adults

Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time and money and prevent pain. It also can help you avoid more serious health problems.

If you change dentists, you usually can arrange to copy your x-ray images sent from your previous dentist to your new dentist. If you are not able to, your new dentist may want to take x-rays for the reasons listed above.

Are dental x-rays safe?

Dental x-rays use very low levels of radiation, much less than what's used in other medical settings.

Our team takes steps to reduce the risks to our patients from radiation by:

• taking x-rays images only when necessary
• minimizing exposure to other parts of your body
• using the smallest x-ray dose possible
• lining up the beam with care

If you have questions about x-rays, ask our dental staff.

Why take digital x-ray images?

There are many benefits to using digital dental x-ray images:

• Only a small electronic sensor (digital) is needed in your mouth to capture the x-ray image.
• The image from the electronic sensor is sent directly to a computer and can be viewed right away.
• Digital x-ray images can be enlarged on the computer screen. This makes it much easier for you and your dentist to see the pictures.
• If pictures are too light or dark, digital x-ray images can often be fixed without having to make another x-ray exposure.
• The dental office can print, copy or email your digital x-ray images. They can be sent electronically to insurance companies, which may help claims be processed faster.
• Digital x-rays are environmentally friendly. They do not use film and the chemicals needed to develop the film.
• Digital x-ray images may require less radiation than film images.

Our dental practice uses x-rays to help us take care of our teeth. The x-ray machines we use are filmless, or digital. They are easy to use, make very clear pictures, and save time for you and the dental team.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

Sucking on thumbs, fingers, or a pacifier is one of the most natural things a child can do. However, you may wonder if it is harmful, at what age your child should stop, and what could happen if he or she does not stop.

Why do children suck on things?

Sucking is a natural infant reflex, necessary for feeding. Many babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born. As they get older, sucking can continue for other reasons.

Infants and young children may suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects while they explore new things and sensations in their world. Teething can be the reason for sucking.

Parents and caregivers may notice finger or thumb sucking during times when the child feels insecure or anxious. Sucking is relaxing, so it may also help them fall asleep. Young children often suck when they are tired.

What problems are caused by thumb or finger sucking?

Thumb and finger can result in problems early. The effects are especially noticeable when the permanent front teeth begin to come in, around age 6. Continued sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth, it can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth.

The chance of dental problems developing depends on how often, how long and strongly the child sucks. Children who rest their thumbs gently in their mouths are less likely to have problems than children who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Speech patterns such as lisping may also be affected by prolonged thumb or finger sucking. If you notice changes in the position of the teeth, talk with your child's dentist.

What about using pacifiers? 

Pacifiers can affect the teeth in the same way as thumb and finger sucking. But pacifier use often is an easier habit to break.

If you offer your baby a pacifier, never dip it in sugar or honey. And do not clean the pacifier in your own mouth, because you can pass cavity-causing bacteria to your baby. Children should stop using pacifiers around age two.

When and how should I help my child stop thumb sucking?

Most children stop sucking on their own between the ages of two and four years. Sucking occurs less often during this period since children can talk and have other ways to handle new situations and deal with anxiety. Peer pressure also causes many school-aged children to stop.

If a child does not stop on his or her own, you should discourage the habit.

However, too much pressure to quit can do more harm than good. Here are few tips to consider:

• Instead of scolding your child for sucking, offer praise for not sucking.
• Reward your child when he or she avoids sucking during difficult periods, such as being away from you. 
• Remember that children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or seeking comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and comfort your child.
• Your child's dentist can encourage your child to stop sucking and explain what could happen to teeth if he or she does not stop.
• If these methods do not work, remind your child of the habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock over the hand at night.
• If the sucking continues, talk to your child's dentist or pediatrician. He or she may recommend other methods to discourage sucking.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

Knocked-out tooth

Go to the dentist right away. It's best to see a dentist within 30 minutes. Bring the tooth and any tooth pieces you can find.

• Baby tooth (Primary)
  
• It's normal for children to lose baby teeth, but an accident that damages a primary tooth could also harm the permanent tooth underneath.
• Take your child to the dentist as soon as you can.
• If a tooth is completely out, do not try to put it back into the tooth socket.
• Adult tooth (Permanent)
  
• Unlike a baby tooth that is knocked out, an adult tooth should be put back into the socket.
• Hold the tooth by the top and not by the root.
• If it looks dirty, rinse the root briefly with water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached bits of tissue.
• First, try to gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket with a clean washcloth or gauze pad. If this isn't possible. Try these other opinions in this order:
• See if your child can hold the tooth under their tongue or between the cheek and gums.
• Put the tooth in a container with milk, saliva, saline (salt) solution, or an emergency tooth preservation kit.
• If none of those liquids are available, put the tooth in water.

Broken or cracked tooth

Go to the dentist right away, and bring the broken tooth piece with you (if possible).

• Rinse the mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
  
• If you can find the broken tooth piece, wrap it in some wet gauze or a wet towel.
  
• Put a cold compress (like an ice pack or washcloth with ice wrapped inside) on the face to reduce swelling.

Bitten cheek, tongue or lip

• Clean the area gently with a cloth and place a cold compress on the area (if possible) to keep swelling down.
  
• If there is a lot of bleeding or if it doesn't stop after 1-2 hours, take your child to a dentist or an urgent care center.

Object caught between teeth

• Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument.
  
• Gently try to remove the object with dental floss.
  
• If floss doesn't work, go to the dentist.
  

Toothache or swollen face

Swelling of the face can be a sign of serious infection. If your child's face is swollen, take your child to your dentist or physician.

• Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out.
  
• Give your child what you would normally give them for pain, but do not put aspirin directly on the aching tooth or gums.
  

Possible broken jaw

• Apply a cold compress to control swelling.
  
• Take your child to the dentist or an emergency center right away.
  

Be prepared when you travel

• Find a dentist at your destination by visiting findadentist.ada.org.
  
• If you are out of the country, contact the U.S. Embassy. Many embassies and consulates keep lists of local medical and dental staff, which may also be available online at www.usembassy.gov.
  

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

Prevent injuries

Mouthguard, the MVP (Most Valuable Protection)

When it comes to protecting your smile during active sports, a properly fitted mouthguard is a key piece of athletic gear. Mouthguard cushion impact that may otherwise cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts to your lips, tongue, or face.

Mouthguards are most commonly used (and maybe required) in some contacts sports, such as boxing, football, hockey, and lacrosse. However, there is evidence that even in other contact and non-contact sports like soccer, baseball, softball, gymnastics, or skateboarding, mouthguards help prevent mouth and jaw injuries.

Find a mouthguard that fits

Pick a mouthguard that:

• Ideally has been custom made by a dentist
• Has enough flex that it won't tear or break, yet is thick enough to hold up to a heavy hit
• Fits properly and is comfortable
• Is easy to clean
• Doesn't limit speech or breathing
• Fits well enough to stay in place

Your dentist can make you and your child a custom mouthguard that is comfortable and protects the jaw. A ready-made mouthguard may be cheaper, but does not fit as well and can make it harder to speak or breathe. The less comfortable the mouthguard, the less likely it will be worn regularly. If it doesn't fit properly, it is not protective.

If you do choose to buy a ready-made mouthguard, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. A mouthguard that has earned the ADA Seal means that they were tested and proven to help protect your teeth and mouth from injury when used as directed.

Treating a sports-related dental injury can cost thousands of dollars, so buying a mouthguard can be money well spent. Talk about types of mouthguard with your dentist and select one that works for your needs and budget.

Remember: the best mouthguard is one that fits properly and is worn regularly!

The Do's and Don'ts of Using and Taking Care of Your Mouthguard

Do:

• Rinse your mouthguard before and after each use.
• Keep your mouthguard fresh and clean it with cool, soapy water. Be sure to rinse it off well.
• Store it in a container that is firm but still lets air in.
• Check for wear and replace it when it no longer fits properly.
• Wear your mouthguard during both practice and in games.
• Schedule a visit to see your dentist for regular check-ups. Make sure you go before each sport season starts. Be sure to bring your mouthguard.

Don't:

• Don't put your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water; it could melt or lose its special shape to fit your mouth.
• Don't wear removable appliances like retainers with your mouthguard.
• Don't chew on it or cut pieces off of your mouthguard because it will change the way your mouthguard fits, and it won't protect your mouth as well as it should. See your dentist if you need to adjust the fit. 

Additional Sports Safety Tips 

Don't Chew!

• Don't chew gum while playing sports. A fall or push could cause you to choke.
• Don't chew tobacco ever, especially when playing sports. Not only does it increase your risk of oral cancer and gum disease, but you can choke on it, too.

Dental Emergencies That Result From A Sport Injury 

Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. Here are some helpful tips:

Knocked-out tooth

• Keep the tooth moist. Do not let it dry.
• Hold it by the top and rinse the bottom in water if it's dirty.
• Do not scrub the tooth, rub the root or remove any attached tissue pieces!
• If you can, gently put the tooth in its socket and hold it in place.
• If you can't put it back in the socket, put the tooth in a container with milk.
• Take your tooth to your dentist as soon as possible-ideally within 20 minutes for the best chance of successfully keeping your tooth.

Cracked or Broken tooth 

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Put an ice pack or washcloth with ice wrapped inside on your face to keep any swelling down.
• Go to your dentist right away.
• If you can find the pieces of a broken tooth, bring them with you to the dentist.
• Wrap the tooth pieces in some wet gauze or a wet towel, if possible.

Jaw possibly broken 

• Put an ice pack or ice wrapped with a washcloth on your jaw to control the swelling.
• Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

Objects caught between teeth

• Gently try to remove the object with dental floss.
• If you can't remove it, go to your dentist.
• Do NOT use a sharp or pointed tool like a needle or pencil to try to remove it.

Bitten tongue or lip 

• Gently clean the area with a cloth and put an ice pack on it to keep the swelling down.
• If bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop in a short amount of time, go to your dentist or an emergency center.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

Having dental coverage can make it easier to get the dental care you need. But, it’s important to understand that most dental benefit plans do not cover all dental procedures. When deciding on your treatment, dental benefits should not be the only thing you consider.

You should know what your dental plan covers and what it doesn't. This brochure can help you understand why your dental benefits plan may not pay for all or even a portion of your recommended treatment.

Ultimately, your treatment should be determined by you and your dentist – not by your level of dental coverage. 

How dental benefits plan work?

Dental benefit plans are not designed to cover all dental procedures. Plans usually cover some, but not all, of your dental cost and needs.

Many plans involve a contract between your employer and a dental plan provider, but you can also buy individual plans on your own or through the Health Insurance Marketplaces.

Your dental coverage is not determined by your dentist

Your dentist's primary goal is to help you maintain good health, but not every procedure your dentist recommends will be covered. To avoid surprises on your bill, it’s important to understand what and how much your plan will pay.

Your employer and the plan provider agree on the amount your pay and what procedures are covered. Your dentist is not involved in deciding your level of coverage.

Your dental coverage is not based on what you need or what your dentist recommends. It's based on how much your employer pays into the plan. Sometimes, you may have a dental care need that is not covered by your plan. Employers generally choose to cover some, but not all, of employees' dental costs. 

Dental plans share treatment costs with you

There are certain cost-control measures that dental benefit plans use to determine how they share treatment costs with you.

Here are some key terms that are used to describe these measures:

• Deductibles 
• A deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before your benefit plan will pay for any service. It can take more than one service or visit to meet your deductible for preventive services like cleanings and exams or for diagnostic services.
• Coinsurance
• In most cases, after you meet your deductible you will be expected to pay a percentage of the allowed benefit amount of a covered dental service. This is called coinsurance.
• For example, your plan may pay 80% and you pay the remaining 20% owed to your dentist. If your bill was $100, then your plan pays $80 and you will pay $20.
• Annual Maximums
• This is the maximum dollar amount a dental plan will pay during the year. Your employer decides the maximum levels of payment in its contract with the dental benefit provider. You would pay for anything over that set dollar amount.
• For example:
• Your dental expenses: $3,500
• Your annual maximum: $2,000
• You owe: $1,500
• If the annual maximum of your plan is too low to meet your specific needs, you may want to ask your employer to consider a higher annual maximum. If your plan also covers braces, there is usually a separate lifetime maximum limit.
• Pre-Existing Conditions 
• Your dental plan may not cover conditions you had before enrolling even though treatment may still be necessary. You would be responsible for paying these costs.
• For example: If you had a missing tooth before the effective date of your coverage, then benefits will not be paid for replacing the tooth. Even though your plan may not cover certain conditions, you may still need treatment to keep your mouth healthy.
• Coordinating of Benefits (COB) or Nonduplication of Benefits
• These terms apply to patients covered by more than one dental plan. The benefit payments from all plans should not add up to more than the total charges. Even though you may have two or more dental benefit plans, there is no guarantee that all of the plans will pay for your services. Sometimes, none of the plans will pay for the services you need. Each dental plan handles COB in its own way. Please check your plan for details.
• Plan Frequency Limitations 
• A dental plan may limit the number of times it will pay for a certain treatment. But, you may need treatment more often to maintain good oral health. Make treatment decisions based on what's best for your health, not just what is covered by your plan. 
• For example: Your plan might pay for teeth cleaning only twice a year, but you need a teeth cleaning 4 times a year, so you would pay out of pocket for the extra 2 cleanings.
• Not Dentally Necessary
• Many dental plans state that only procedures that are medically or dentally necessary will be covered. If the claim is denied, it does not mean that the services were not necessary. Treatment decisions should be made by you and your dentist.
• If your plan rejects a claim because a service was “not dentally necessary,” you can appeal. Work with your benefits manager and the plan's customer service department or your dental office to appeal the decision in writing.

Other Cost Control Measures

• Claim Bundling - 2 different dental procedures are combined by the dental plan into one procedure. This may reduce your benefit.
• Downcoding – When a dental plan changes the procedure code to a less complex or lower cost procedure than was reported by the dental office.
• Least Expensive Alternative Treatment (LEAT) – if there is more than one way to treat a condition, the plan will only pay for the least expensive treatment. However, the least expensive option is not always the best.
• For example: your dentist may recommend an implant for you, but the plan may only cover less costly dentures. You should talk with your dentist about the best treatment option for you.

Make Your Dental Health the Top Priority

Although you may be tempted to make decisions about your dental care based on what your dental plan will pay, remember that your health is the most important thing. Talk with a dentist to make sure you are getting the treatment that will get your mouth healthy again. 

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)