Careful dental hygiene prevents a host of problems, but how many people really go to the get their check-ups every 3-6 months? Research suggests that these routine cleanings are more preventive than many people are aware of. Oral bacteria can negatively affect the heart, pregnancy, and respiratory system. It is common belief that bacteria only cause cavities and gingivitis. It is not unusual for a person to go to the dentist only after realizing that either of these two problems has become serious. If you don’t have dental insurance a visit to the dentist every 3-6 months may be even more unlikely than if you did.
There are about 175 million uninsured or underinsured people in America. Tricityinc.com, DentalPlans.com, and Dental Insurance.com offer low cost dental plans and insurance. Tricityinc offers a plan called Ameriplan that is a bit more expensive than others might be, but also offers a wide array of discounts including those for dental, vision, prescription drugs and chiropractic care. Unlike traditional insurance, there is no deductible, plan maximum, claim forms, or waiting period. Members simply pay a monthly fee and receive discounts of up to 80% on their doctor visits. Some dental plans may even cover the complete cost of a routine visit.
Dental Plans.com is a site which offers a comprehensive list of about 22 nationwide, regional, and Canadian dental plans. These plans are similar to the Ameriplan dental plan apart from the fees, which may be annual instead of monthly. Plans vary in their coverage options, most often the more expensive plans have more coverage (vision, etc.) than less expensive plans. Dental Plans.com also includes a list of dentists in your area that participate in each plan and a list of the sample discounted fees. Dental Insurance.com is a similar service which gives consumers the opportunity to compare dental plans and traditional (PPO, Indemnity) insurance plans. Their site also includes easy-to-understand definitions of terms that people who are not insurance-savvy are unfamiliar with. Terms such as deductible, plan maximum, waiting periods, and pre-existing conditions are laid out in layman terminology for those trying to get a better handle on insurance policies.
The many different plan types such as RFF’s (discounted fees programs), PPO’s, DHMO’s, and Indemnity plans are also explained. By helping consumers to understand this information Dental Insurance.com is giving them a chance to make a more educated decision about their insurance policy. With such discounted dental plans there is no excuse for people to avoid good dental hygiene, especially if a routine check-up costs nothing. Many of the dental plans advertised on the above website are affordable enough for the average American family.
Approximately 300 types of bacteria live in our mouths. Imagine how much bacteria can build up if you don’t get your teeth cleaned regularly or don’t keep up with your dental hygiene habits. According to the Mayo Clinic, 80% of Americans suffer from some form of periodontal (gum) disease. One of the most common is gingivitis. Left untreated gingivitis can turn into a more serious form called periodontitis. Gum disease is caused by the build-up of bacteria and minerals that combine to form tartar. This tartar fosters the growth of even more bacteria, sending your gums on a downward spiral of bleeding and swelling. If this stuff sounds scary to you, find out more, including tips on figuring out if you have gum disease at Perio.org, the official site of the American Academy of Periodontology. For more dental hygiene tips visit The Mayo Clinic’s site. And don’t forget that an affordable visit to the dentist’s office is only a few clicks away by visiting one of these websites.
By Nila Steinkamp