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If you are one of the millions of Americans whose dental insurance has recently changed or become too expensive, low-cost dental plans are an ideal alternative. Those who buy dental insurance typically do so to keep their teeth, gums and mouth healthy without having to pay excessive rates.

Gingivitis (also referred to as gum or periodontal disease) is gum inflammation that is caused by plaque and bacterial growth. In early stages, bacteria from plaque build-up will cause the gums to become inflamed, which leads to bleeding during tooth brushing. If gingivitis is left untreated, it may advance to periodontitis, wherein the inner layer of the gum and underlying bone structure pull apart and the teeth are no longer firmly planted in their individual sockets.

Everyone who desires a bright smile and excellent oral health cannot achieve those goals without the help of a quality dentist, no matter how good their daily brushing and flossing routine is. At EDP, we believe everyone should have access to a friendly, reliable and highly skilled dentist. That is why we prescreen all our dental health professionals before accepting them into our network.

Fear of the dentist is an unfortunate, yet common occurrence. While this may affect individuals in varying ways, here are some tips that can be helpful to anyone who dislikes going to the dentist. A good bedside manner, skillful hands, extensive knowledge, comfortable atmosphere and passion for dentistry are all good qualities one should look for in a dentist.

While daily brushing and flossing is the cornerstone to a successful oral health routine, getting your teeth checked regularly (every 6-12 months) by a dentist ensures a healthy mouth. Tobacco, diabetes, pregnancy, gum disease and poor oral hygiene are among the reasons to see your dentist more often than twice per year.

Bruxism is a tooth grinding condition wherein an individual grinds or clenches their teeth unconsciously. This can occur during the day or at night and is often related to stress. Over time, tooth grinding can damage the mouth, gums, jaw and teeth.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) occurs when the bacteria in plaque builds up between the gums and teeth, causing the surrounding tissue to become inflamed. If left untreated, it can cause first the gums, and then the underlying bone structure, to recede and deteriorate, leading to tooth loss. Bleeding gums are a common symptom of periodontal disease.

Tooth decay occurs when foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars) are left on the teeth. The bacterium that lives in the mouth combines with these foods, turning them into a corrosive acid. This acid combines with saliva to form plaque, which adheres to the teeth. The acid in the plaque then dissolves the tooth’s enamel, creating painful holes called cavities. Here, we review the most effective methods for preventing tooth decay.

Those who choose to buy a dental plan usually do so for a few important reasons: They want to keep their teeth, gums, mouth, and smile clean and healthy without having to worry about the high costs that come with dental care, or the limitations dental insurance can present. Dental plans allow access to high quality dental care that promotes preventive services such as routine cleanings, as well as advanced procedures to correct a wide range of gum, jaw, tooth and mouth issues.

During childhood, our teeth typically appear whiter than they do as we progress into adulthood. A darker hue, yellowing, or stains related to tea, coffee or wine occur more easily as we age. Tooth whitening is often used to correct this. One way to achieve a brighter, healthy smile is to receive a mix of professional tooth whitening from your dentist’s office or you can buy over-the-counter remedies from your local drug store. Your dentist will use strong agents that can transform the look of your front eight teeth in just a single office visit as well as advise on any issues that may arise, such as increased tooth sensitivity.

Brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits may already be an important part of your regular oral health and hygiene routine, but are you aware that brushing your tongue is just as essential? Here are the benefits of brushing your tongue: Your minty mouthwash is only a temporary fix for bad breath.

Flossing is about more than just removing unwanted food matter from your teeth; many of its oral health benefits are just as important as those of brushing. Here, we review some highly worthwhile benefits of flossing. Regular flossing can significantly lessen bad breath by removing trapped food from between teeth that a toothbrush leaves behind.

The critical service your dentist provides often requires the assistance of other dental professionals. Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants both serve vital functions in a dentists’ office. What is the difference between their duties?

Through the ages, advanced civilizations have been concerned about their dental health. Below are a few interesting dental facts and procedures used by ancient and modern practitioners. And, while oxen hooves are no longer an ingredient in your toothpaste, you’ll learn more about the effective tools and practices dentists in the New York area may use.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that a child’s newly-erupted teeth (cutting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

In addition to general dental care professionals, the field has many specialists dedicated to restoring and preserving your oral health. Here is a list of the many different types of dental specialists, and a description of their expertise.

The dental industry is continually evolving, with new technologies to both maintain sound dental health and to diagnose potential issues for preventative treatment. Here is a short list of some of the latest technologies you might see on your next dentist visit:

Going to your first dental visit with a brand new care provider means you’ll be exposed to a whole new set of procedures, preferences, and personalities at their office. So what can you do to make this change a seamless one while acquiring useful knowledge that will help you get the best care possible? Ask questions! Here are some useful questions to ask at your first dentist visit with your new dental care provider.

Most likely your company offers dental insurance along with your medical insurance, and if you’re like most others in need of dental care, you’ll sign up for it. But dental insurance is rife with all of the pitfalls that medical insurance is: expensive annual deductibles, lengthy waiting periods, tiresome claim forms, restrictive exclusions, and higher associated costs (paying your co-pay, paying bi-weekly for coverage, and then paying for that which is not covered.)

When searching for affordable dental coverage, you’ll want to first understand the difference between a dental plan and a dental insurance program; each one has its own benefits. The popular web resource, Lifehacker, reviewed both types of dental coverage. They concluded that: “In the final analysis, experts say the new [dental plan] companies might be worth a look.