Oral Health Tips

By Insurance Industry Expert & Author
Updated on
Staff Editor Shawn Patrick

The only thing less exciting than oral health tips is dealing with the consequences of neglected oral health. With that in mind, DentalInsurance.com offers the following recommendations to keep your smile healthy.

Tip #1 - Choose your toothpaste well

Not all toothpastes are the same. While modern toothpastes give you features like teeth whitening, anti-bacterial ingredients, and tooth sensitivity reduction, we suggest that you use a fluorinated toothpaste. Fluoride fights demineralization in your tooth enamel. When tooth enamel demineralizes, it is more vulnerable to cavities.

Questions answered and ready to buy?

Tip #2 - Brush, brush

Dental experts would like you to brush twice a day for two minutes each time, cleaning every side of the teeth above the gums. You may also want to consider an electric toothbrush. It may be able to get more plaque off your teeth.

Don't forget about toothbrush maintenance. A toothbrush should be replaced every three or four months. Replace your toothbrush sooner if there is damage to the bristles or you have recently recovered from a cold. To keep your toothbrush in good hygienic condition, rinse it with clean water after every use and then place it where it can dry.

Tip #3 - Floss

Even thorough brushing can leave behind food particles and plaque because toothbrushes can't reach the spaces in between teeth. Floss solves this problem by running a string of floss in that space and dislodging material that might contribute to cavities if left in place.

Water flossing tools are meant to complement traditional string floss, not replace it. Some people prefer the feeling of water picks to traditional flossing because you can adjust the water pressure and use different nozzles to control the size of the water stream.

Whether using traditional floss, a water flosser, or both, you should floss between teeth every day.

A Reputation Based on Trust

We do our best to provide you the best experience ever

Excellent

logo
4.7 Stars Based on 1007 reviews trustpilot
logo

Tell your friends and family

Very affordable plans and a wide range to choose from to fit your budget...

Belle Chase, LA

logo

Thank you for a pleasant experience

I got signed up for Dental Insurance and your Representative made it very easy...

Grantville, GA

Eat well

You can damage your teeth by what you eat and drink. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Foods that are high in sugar should also be limited or avoided since sugar can feed bacteria that cause bad breath. Conversely, make certain your regular beverages include plain water. It's healthy for your body and your mouth.

If you're worried about bad breath, avoid foods that are strong smelling and leave lingering odors. The same applies to beverages.

If You Grind Your Teeth at Night, See a Dentist for Help

If you grind your teeth while you sleep, visit a dentist and discuss the issue. Teeth grinding can not only erode your tooth enamel, but it can eventually break teeth leading to their loss.

The dentist will examine your mouth and determine if any treatment is needed to repair your teeth from the effects of grinding. The dentist may also recommend a mouthguard to prevent tooth damage. Other treatments may include temporary medication.

Need some help choosing a dental plan?

Our agents can:

  • Answer your questions
  • Confirm if your dentist is in-network
  • Enroll you over the phone
800-296-3800

Don't smoke

Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, it's bad for your mouth. If you smoke, get help to quit. If you don't smoke, don't start.

See the dentist regularly

A visit to the dentist is not just for toothaches. Regular cleanings and exams can catch problems before they develop into major issues.

We can help you find the plan that best suits YOUR needs.

Need help choosing a plan? Call us at 800-296-3800

Our knowledgeable customer service team will assist you with any questions you may have prior to enrolling in a dental plan. They can guide you through the process of choosing coverage that matches your needs as well as your budget.

Dental Insurance