Blog

Welcome to “The Dental Digest,” EDP Dental Plan’s educational blog, and an excellent resource to help you and your family keep your smile healthy and bright. The Dental Digest will provide you with dental tips meant to help shorten your routine visits, dental news to help you stay up on the latest developments, and general dentistry knowledge, so you can be a smart, educated patient.

Shorten Routine Dental Appointments

Keep your routine cleanings and other appointments shorter by finding answers to common questions on our blog. Furthermore, by reading our tips on how to practice good oral hygiene at home, you may be able to prevent many conditions, such as cavities and gingivitis, which could become costly to treat later. Shorter dental visits are usually more pleasant visits.

Keep Up to Date on the Latest Dental News and Research

Another benefit of checking recent EDP Dental Plan blog posts is that you can reap all the benefits of the latest dental news. Most adults learned different habits in childhood than those taught by today’s dentists. For example, tongue scraping was not commonly taught in past decades, but we now know that tongue hygiene is crucial not just for your mouth but for overall health. Research also suggests that consistent flossing may reduce the negative effects of teeth grinding, and the ability to examine images of the carotid arteries in dental x-rays has been shown to aid in the prevention of strokes. These are tips that not every patient receives during a routine visit.

Learn More About All Aspects of Dentistry

“The Dental Digest” is about more than self-care. Other topics include the difference between a dental plan and dental insurance, breakthroughs in equipment technology, conquering fear of the dentist, and options for teeth whitening. Read on and find out how you can maximize the value of your dental plan by reviewing our blog regularly and making wise decisions in all aspects of your dental care.

EDP Dental Plan’s low-cost annual membership easily pays for itself, often at the very first appointment. EDP members have access to the expansive EDP network of dentists and specialists throughout New York and can save up to 70 percent on both preventative care and necessary procedures. Best of all, there is no limit to the number of visits per calendar year, and savings add up quickly. In addition to the money you’ll save as an EDP member, you can save time by visiting the blog to remain knowledgeable about preventative at-home oral care.

Water Picks vs. Flossing – What You Should Know

Flossing is an integral part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Flossing regularly in addition to brushing twice a day is effective at keeping plaque and tartar buildups to a minimum. But what about those back teeth that you just can’t seem to reach? Do you have problems reaching into the back of your…Read More »

How Diabetes Affects Teeth and Oral Health

It is understood that regular care is required to ensure tooth and mouth health. But for some individuals with certain health problems, an extra attentive regimen is needed to prevent possible damage. One medical condition that requires such special attention is diabetes. It is possible to prevent diabetic dental damage but first one must understand…Read More »

Why You Need to Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue is an underutilized dental practice that will likely alleviate any bad breath issues and lead to even better dental checkups. The importance of brushing one’s tongue is overlooked by most of us for one reason or another: either it triggers a gag reflex, or we are unaware of it, or we think…Read More »

How Bad Breath Can Be Indicative of Tooth Decay

Bad breath is an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. We often worry about our bad breath offending others, and certainly never want to be its recipient! Yet our primary cause for concern, however, should be about the causes of bad breath and what it means to maintain our oral health. Everyone has bad breath from time…Read More »

Acid Reflux and Teeth Erosion – Causes and Solutions

Loss of tooth structure or enamel is called tooth erosion. It is a serious dental condition as tooth erosion is permanent; however, it is also avoidable. We know to brush after meals, but did you know that food containing vinegar, such as salad dressing and pickles, are corrosive to your enamel? Highly acidic foods such…Read More »

Foods to Avoid for Sensitive Teeth

You bite into or sip a favorite treat and cause extreme nerve pain which makes enjoying these food items impossible. There are several reasons for this pain: receding gums, cracked or worn teeth or a broken filling. Our teeth become very sensitive when a nerve is exposed.  When experiencing this type of pain, be sure…Read More »

Ten Fascinating Facts About Teeth You Need to Know

Here are some facts about teeth you may not know about; some are entertaining however, most will help you keep your pearly whites in top shape.  Too much fluoride can be bad for your teeth. In the 1950s fluoride was believed to make our teeth harder and more decay resistant. Problem is it is now…Read More »

Dry Mouth: Causes and Prevention

Do you ever feel as though your mouth is not making enough saliva to swallow or speak easily?  Nearly everyone has experienced this unusual sensation. However for those who experience dry mouth frequently, the condition may be a symptom of other health issues. Dry Mouth Causes and What to Do About It Occasional dry mouth…Read More »

Vitamins, Probiotics, and Other Oral Health Supplements

You should know that oral health is closely linked to the health of your entire body. Tooth and mouth decay not only lead to oral health problems but are also a symptom of deeper nutritional problems. Simply put: good teeth = sound health. Most Americans think we eat a healthy diet; however, this may not…Read More »

Protecting Your Teeth at Night from Teeth Grinding

Sometimes the first time someone learns they have Bruxism (nocturnal teeth grinding) is from their mate as it occurs during sleep. Sufferers may have experienced this nighttime habit throughout their lives, however. Teeth grinding has many causes: an abnormal bite, crooked teeth, even anxiety or sleep apnea may be behind this malady. Grinding your teeth…Read More »

What You Need to Know About Your Receding Gum Line

Fact:  If you want to keep your teeth, you must pay attention to the health of your gums. Healthy gums snug up to our teeth, helping to keep them in place. A receding gum line occurs when gums start to pull away from the teeth.  If you notice this is happening in your mouth, don’t…Read More »

Protective Mouth Guards for Athletes

Professional athletes would not leave the locker room without them, even race car drivers consider them an important part of their uniform.  What protective gear is this?  Mouth guards. Mouth guards should be worn by everyone at every age who participates in contact sports.  These include wrestling, boxing, lacrosse, basketball, field and ice hockey, football,…Read More »

Supplements to Support Oral Health

Having a healthy mouth is important at all stages in life. In addition to brushing and flossing daily and eating right, taking supplements can give your teeth and gums a boost toward supporting oral health. You didn’t know that there are vitamins you can take for your teeth? Some may already be part of your…Read More »

Five Reasons Why Brushing Your Teeth Isn’t Enough

Strong healthy teeth are a sign of youth and vitality. Once lost, it is beyond the financial reach of most of us to have a cosmetic dentist give us something to smile about again. As children we learn the importance of developing sound dental hygiene practices. These are meant to be carried out for the…Read More »

Teaching Toddlers About Oral Health Can Be Fun!

There is a reason that Show and Tell is a popular game with very young children. Children are superb mimics. When you want your child to learn a good behavior or sound habit, be sure to practice what you are preaching. When they are very young, let them watch you brush your teeth. They will…Read More »

Understanding Dental Crowns

If your dentist has recommended dental crowns, it’s important to understand what they are and how they will benefit your teeth before proceeding with treatment. Crowns are tooth-shaped synthetic caps placed on top of a tooth that conceals visible area of a tooth above the gums. They serve many functions, helping to secure weak, broken…Read More »

Dental Bonding Helps Improve Smiles

If you are unhappy with your teeth, it can affect both your personal and professional life. To greatly improve your smile, dental bonding may be the best corrective option. Bonding is a relatively inexpensive cosmetic technique which is often completed in just one single treatment with little to no preparation. Bonding helps correct or mask…Read More »

Wisdom Teeth: Should They Stay or Go?

Imagine that you’re having your routine dental cleaning and your dentist mentions that your wisdom teeth are growing in. Don’t panic. Erupting wisdom teeth is typical for teenagers and adults ages seventeen to twenty-five, and is considered somewhat of a rite of passage. And believe it or not, removing wisdom teeth is not always necessary….Read More »

Your Child’s Oral Health: When to See a Pediatric Dentist

When it comes to your child’s well-being, oral health matters. Early childhood dental visits are essential in preventing cavities, tooth decay and other dental problems. In fact, parents are advised to bring their children to the dentist within six months of their first grown tooth or as early as their first birthday. Why see a…Read More »