How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?

X-rays of the teeth and surrounding tissue show your dentist much more than can be seen with an oral exam. Areas of decay, bone loss, abscesses, changes in root canal areas, even diseases and tumors are more easily and accurately detected with x-rays.

Discount dental plans enable you to save on dental X-rays whenever your network dentist determines that you need them. How often you have dental X-rays depends on many factors, including your:

  • Oral health
  • Age
  • Risk for decay and disease
  • Any discomfort or unusual symptoms

Children, whose teeth are still developing and who are more prone to decay than adults, typically need X-rays more frequently, up to every six months. Adults can go as long as 24 months between routine X-ray exams, depending on the individual and the dentist’s recommendations.

Dental insurance plans may require a waiting period of up to three years before a patient is eligible for the maximum payment amount for X-rays. Insurers can also dictate how often X-rays are allowed, or covered, and for which procedures.

Dental X-rays are often used for diagnosis and to assist in guiding procedures and preparation of implants, braces, dentures, etc. If your dental benefits policy restricts coverage, your dentist may need to justify the additional X-rays, in writing, for payment by dental insurance. Alternatives to this hassle include discount dental plans like New Dental Choice. We recognize that X-rays should be taken based on need, as determined by our trusted dentists.

With discount dental plans, you save between 15% and 60% at every visit. A dental insurance alternative plan like New Dental Choice is your assurance that X-rays will be covered, every time.

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Do I Need Mouthwash?

That’s a question you can take a couple of different ways. Unlike the close friend who asks for a “breath check” after lunch, dentists are often asked whether using mouthwash is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Here are some answers:

  •  Antimicrobial mouth rinses can reduce bacteria, and stop the formation of plaque, which can cause gingivitis, a form of gum disease.
  •  Fluoride mouthwash helps fight tooth decay.
  •  Mouthwash can wash away food particles before and after brushing.
  •  All mouthwashes leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh, and get rid of bad breath, at least temporarily.

 As part of your individual dental care routine, mouthwash can have real benefits. Dentists may also prescribe a specific type of mouth rinse for patients who have had gum surgery, or those with periodontal disease or dry mouth. It’s important to see your dentist if you are having teeth and gum problems. The affordable dental care plans from New Dental Choice enable you to make an appointment when you need to see the dentist, without a waiting period and with no exclusions.

 Another note: Regularly using mouthwash to relieve a bad taste in the mouth, or experiencing chronic mouth odor, can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. Affordable dental care makes it easier to schedule an exam that could prevent bigger health problems down the road.

 We recommend reading a brief article, Swish Swash, Which One is the Best Wash? in the latest issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association. And for more information about affordable dental care (family, group and individual dental care plans), contact us today.

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How Medications Can Affect Your Oral Health

Members of our dental plans are likely to know that sugary foods and beverages, along with poor oral hygiene, can have a negative impact on dental health. But it may not be well known that certain medications can also affect your oral health. Some do this by causing dry mouth, or inhibiting the healthy flow of saliva, which helps to neutralize and wash away bacteria. Others can interfere with the development of permanent teeth during early childhood, and others can cause gum problems.

What are some of the medications that can cause dry mouth or gum problems?

Antihistamines

Drugs used in chemotherapy

Antihypertensive

Oral contraceptives

Medications that can directly harm the teeth include cough syrups that contain sugar (brush after taking), aspirin (if chewed), and certain asthma drugs. As teeth are forming, parents of young children should be aware that tetracycline, as well as excessive fluoride, can discolor teeth.

The credentialed dentists in our dental plans are qualified to answer your questions about the particular medications you are taking. Your dentist or hygienist is likely to ask you about medications you are taking, especially if they spot problems. Since our dental plans offer you savings on exams and x-rays, you can afford to schedule regular checkups and stay on top of any oral health problems caused by medications.

With dental insurance, your visit to a dentist may not be covered for some procedures, you may have a waiting period before a procedure is covered due to plan design limitations, or your dental insurance plan may not cover the exam or consultation.

With our dental plans, you don’t have to wait until you are eligible for a procedure to be covered, and there are no deductibles or copayments at the time of the visit, or afterwards.

You will also save 15% to 60% on every single visit to a network dentist.

To find out more about how specific medications can affect your oral health, contact one of the dentists in our dental plans. By taking advantage of quality, personalized dental care, you can be assured that you are doing what you can to maintain good oral health. Look up dentists in your area who participate in New Dental Choice dental plans.

 

 

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Top 5 FAQS – Orthodontics and Dental Plans

People tend to ask a lot of questions about orthodontics and dental plans, perhaps because this branch of dentistry seems more complicated, more costly, and more time-consuming than other dental procedures. If the dentist recommends that you have a root canal, that’s pretty clear-cut. However, when you find out your kid needs braces, with a cost in the thousands, involving many months or even years of appointments, you will want more information.

 Here are 5 FAQs about orthodontics:

  1. What is orthodontics? It is the study and treatment of improper bites. Orthodontics corrects irregularities in teeth and jaw positioning.
  2. Who needs orthodontic treatment? There are many reasons for orthodontic treatment, including crooked teeth, overbite and underbite, crowding, gaps in the teeth, etc. Some dental plans do not include orthodontic dental procedures in their coverage, even though teeth and gums that don’t fit correctly can lead to decay, gum disease, and tense jaw muscles that can cause pain in the jaw, neck and shoulders. Our dental plans do cover orthodontics!
  3. What dental procedures and appliances are covered in your dental plans? New Dental Choice’s network dentists and orthodontists can determine whether there is a need for orthodontics. Our dental plans cover diagnosis, as well as dental procedures, and both fixed and removable appliances. These include braces, retainers, headgear, aligners, and more.
  4. Do your dental plans include “cosmetic” orthodontics? Yes. In fact, most orthodontic dental procedures are performed in order to correct irregularities and promote oral health, besides improving the appearance.
  5. How much will it cost for orthodontics? You can find prices in your local area offered by our certified network dentists. You can view actual savings on orthodontic dental procedures simply by entering your zip code and choosing from the menu or entering the American Dental Association (ADA) code for a specific treatment.

 Find an orthodontist in your area, view savings or call us at (888) 632-7558.

 

 

 

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College Students Need Individual Dental Plans

There are so many expenses associated with a college education: tuition, room and board, books and supplies, student fees, and more. Basic medical care may be included in the fees, but in most cases, dental care is not.

 Dental insurance plans offered through the school are typically the same as other dental insurance plans, with monthly premiums, deductibles, and high out-of-pocket costs, payable before any services are covered. Even if your college-bound student is covered by your existing dental insurance policy, you will need to identify an approved provider at school, and the same insurance fees apply.

 Our individual dental plans provide an affordable and convenient alternative to dental insurance for college students. With a New Dental Choice discount individual dental plan, a student chooses from a network of qualified area dentists in their local area, and receives services at a 15% to 60% savings.

 Our individual dental plans provide discounts on everything from cleaning and exams to procedures for crowns and orthodontics, for a very low monthly fee. Making appointments for regular dental exams probably isn’t at the top of a student’s to-do list, but if a toothache strikes, or there is a dental emergency, he or she will be glad they are enrolled in one of our affordable individual dental plans. Discount dental plans for students can help pay for the costs not covered by dental insurance, as well.

 If your son or daughter is in college, either at home or living away from home, you need the peace of mind of knowing that they have access to quality, affordable dental care. Check into the savings and convenience of a New Dental Choice individual dental plan today.

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Why Kids Need a Back-to-School Dental Checkup

As you check off your list of things to do to get your kids ready to start a new school year, there are good reasons why taking them to the dentist for a routine oral health examination should be right up there on the list.

1. After the common cold, tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease. Tooth decay can also cause other health problems if left untreated. With an affordable dental care plan from New Dental Choice, you can have the peace of mind of knowing your children’s teeth are healthy. Plus, the cost of the exam is much less than what you would normally expect to pay because of with our dental discounts. Routine exams can also save money by preventing problems in the future that may require expensive procedures.

2. Tooth decay is preventable. You can stop the decay caused by bacteria by making sure your children brush and floss regularly and by taking advantage of our affordable dental care to schedule regular checkups.

3. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourage parents to make dental exams a regular part of their children’s back-to-school routine.

4. Children with preventable or untreated health issues, including dental problems, may have trouble learning. Because serious tooth decay can affect overall health, it can lead to problems with eating, talking and concentrating in class.

Back-to-school dental check ups should be easier to schedule during the weeks before students’ calendars fill up with after-school sports and homework. If you don’t already have a dentist, you can look up dentists in your area who offer affordable dental care – from 15% to 60% off – through our network.

Make a dental check up part of your preparations for a new school year. Oral health is an important part of overall physical health, and with affordable dental plans from New Dental Choice, you can save on the costs of check ups for the whole family.

 

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When is the Best Time to Brush Your Teeth?

Dentists have long recommended that you brush and floss your teeth twice a day. It’s especially important to brush before you go to bed at night to reduce the chances of bacteria having extra time to do their damage while you sleep. It’s also good advice to brush your teeth after eating and during the day, to help remove plaque that can cause cavities and gum disease. (And use our dental plans’ discounts as an incentive to get those twice-yearly dental cleanings.)

 There is an exception to the rule about brushing your teeth immediately after eating and drinking sugary beverages. Studies have shown that you should wait 30 minutes before brushing after drinking soda or orange juice, and after eating very acidic foods. The combination of the acid with brushing can actually cause your teeth to lose enamel. Also, waiting to brush may allow the protective agents in saliva to help repair and rebuild tooth enamel damaged by acidity.

 While it’s smart to heed the warning about not brushing after eating or drinking something acidic, you should brush your teeth after eating starchy or sugary foods and non-carbonated drinks that contain sugar. These can cause bacteria that create harmful acids.

 As long as you’re taking care to keep your teeth clean and healthy, try to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. It costs less in the long run to maintain good dental health, especially if you take advantage of our dental plans. You’ll save 15% to 60% on checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, as well as procedures, most of which are covered by our dental plans.

 When is the best time to brush your teeth? Before bed and after eating, unless you’ve had acidic foods and beverages – then wait 30 minutes. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and when it’s time for a professional cleaning, check out our discount dental plans’ savings at your local dentist and make an appointment.

 

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What Are Your Teeth Whitening Options?

Everybody responds to a smile. A smile can lift a mood, encourage good communication, and prompt others to smile back. If you’re self-conscious about your smile because your teeth are less than their brightest white, teeth whitening can help.

You have several options when it comes to teeth whitening. There are bleaching products you can use at home, whitening toothpastes, and teeth whitening procedures done in your dentist’s office. A little research will tell you that in-office whitening is usually your best option, and with our affordable dental plans, you can get dental savings on teeth whitening procedures – something most dental insurance policies do not cover.

Here is a quick look at your options for teeth whitening:

At-home teeth whitening: These products come in varieties from plastic strips to gel-filled trays that fit over the teeth. Both products contain peroxide that bleaches the teeth. Some work within hours, while others take several days or weeks. While they are effective in making teeth whiter, drawbacks include sensitivity to the bleaching agents, poorly fitted trays, the time needed to see results, and the hassle of using the products. However, for people who don’t have discount dental plans, this may be the only affordable option.

Whitening toothpastes: Toothpastes with special chemical or polishing agents are recognized by the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance program. Unlike bleaching products, these toothpastes don’t actually change the color of your teeth; they simply remove stains more effectively than ordinary toothpaste.

 Dentist’s office whitening: Whitening done in the dentist’s office often uses light or lasers to boost the action of the bleaching agent. The dentist will also protect your gums from the chemicals, something you can’t do at home as effectively. The dentist may also send you home with trays to continue and maintain whitening. The fastest, most effective option for teeth whitening is an in-office procedure.

 Dental plans from New Dental Choice cover teeth whitening, and you can see the dental savings offered by local dentists before you make an appointment. With dental plans from New Dental Choice, this type of whitening costs much less than you would expect to pay. Check for dental plan discounts on teeth whitening procedures at dentists in your local area.

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How to Find Discount Dental Services in San Diego

We are proud to say that San Diego is the home of New Dental Choice, where the company was founded. And we’re happy to tell you that in San Diego, dental discounts are available in almost every local area, offering from 15% to 60% off what you would expect to pay. Members of our discount dental plans save money on virtually all dental procedures; all that’s required for membership is a low monthly or yearly fee.

 If you are looking for affordable dental care in San Diego, chances are there is a network dentist near you. You can call our toll-free number, 888-632-7558 or use our easy online search. It gives you the contact information for dentists in your local area, and lets you compare prices by procedure. You can also look up a particular dentist offering San Diego dental discounts. Here’s how to search:

 Go to the New Dental Choice Find a Dentist page and type your zip code into the box.

  1. You may also select the type of procedure you are seeking to see the San Diego dental discounts with pricing for specific procedures.
  2. Select the name of a specific dentist if you have one in mind.
  3. Check the circle that tells us the distance you are willing to travel, and whether you are looking for San Diego dental discounts available from all dentists or specialists only.
  4. Choose a language preference from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click “Submit.”

 San Diego dental discounts will be displayed for you, along with names and contact information for dentists within the zip code and travel area you specified. Once you have joined our discount dental plan, simply call a network dentist to make an appointment. Dental savings start with the first visit.

 If you are interested in our San Diego discount dental plans for individuals, families or groups, you can get more information or sign up online now. Discount dental care from trusted, local dentists is just one more reason to love living in San Diego!

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Chewing Sugar-free Gum is Good for Your Oral Health

One of the ways we try to help you achieve dental savings is by sharing tips on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This usually involves telling you to brush and floss, and get regular checkups (using our discount dental plans, of course).

 Here’s a tip that should be pretty easy to swallow – pop a piece of sugarless gum in your mouth and start chewing!

 Studies have that chewing sugarless gum is good for your oral health. The American Dental Association (ADA) awarded the ADA Seal to Wrigley’s for presenting scientific evidence that its sugar-free gum is effective for specific oral health issues, including reducing cavities and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).

 How does it work? According to the studies, chewing sugarless gum reduces plaque acid, which can lead to tooth decay. After eating, the layer of bacteria on your teeth, or plaque, turns sugar into an acid that dissolves the hard enamel surface of your teeth. This can lead to cavities. Chewing sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps to wash away the acid that is created when food is broken down.

 All that saliva stimulated by gum chewing has another benefit: it bathes the teeth in calcium and phosphate, which strengthen tooth enamel. Do you reach for a piece of gum after a meal? That’s one habit you don’t want to break! Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating helps prevent tooth decay.

 By helping to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis, chewing sugarless gum can keep you from needing dental work, which translates to dental savings. But don’t skip regular teeth cleanings and x-rays. Remember that our dental plans give you access to discounts on most dental procedures, including checkups, cleaning and x-rays. You’ll see real dental savings on your first visit, and by taking care of your oral health, you can help prevent the need for expensive dental treatments in the future.

 So check out the dental plans that can help you get significant dental savings, every time you visit the dentist. Remember to brush and floss, and keep on chewing sugarless gum (with your mouth closed, of course)!

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