:DentalPlans Celebrates National Oral Health Month

Did you know a soft drink could contain 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar per serving? So, when you drink a soda you are essentially bathing your teeth in sugar. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth using sugar from food and drinks to produce acids that dissolve and damage the teeth. Regular and diet soft drinks, sport drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and fruit drinks also have high acid levels that can cause tooth erosion.

Tooth erosion occurs when acid dissolves the outer surface of tooth enamel. Each acid attack lasts approximately 20 minutes. And every time you take a sip of the drink, the acid damage begins all over again.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, tooth decay is the most common chronic illness among school-age children. And about 1 in 4 of nonelderly adults and children have untreated tooth decay, which is almost entirely preventable.

“Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums,” states Jenn Stoll, chief commercial officer of :DentalPlans. In recognition of National Oral Health Month in April, :DentalPlans offers a few basic tips to keep your smile bright and help families afford a way to pay for the dental care they so desperately need.

A common reason for not seeking dental care is cost and lack of dental insurance. In fact, a 2003 report by the U.S. Surgeon General found that 108 million Americans had no dental insurance –nearly 2.5 times the number for those who have no health insurance. And more than half of all dental procedures are now paid for out of pocket.

"We want the public to know there are alternatives to dental insurance that are readily accessible to them today. Dental savings plans, like those from :DentalPlans offer up to 60 percent off oral care procedures, have no caps for spending in a calendar year and can be activated right away to help in an emergency situation," adds Stoll.

Dental Savings Plans can help families save money and stay healthy. For example,

Example savings:
Plan: Careington Care 500 Series
Scenario: Two Adults and Two Dependent Children
Annual Family Membership Fee: $189.95

Using the Careington Care 500 Series plan, which costs a low annual fee of $189.95, a family of four could save $626 just on their annual ADA recommended treatments alone. That’s $436 in savings, when including the cost of the plan. And the savings can really add up when considering additional dental care that may be needed for you and your family, like sealants for children’s teeth, crowns, braces, and more.

:DentalPlans also recommends the following tips to keep your teeth healthy and your smile white.

• Limit the quantity of soft drinks and sports drinks and instead choose healthy drinks like milk and water.
• Reduce the size of the drink and use a straw to keep the damaging liquid away from your teeth.
• Eat plenty of foods and drinks that are good for your oral health-including herbal teas, cheese, fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs and water.
• Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to reduce the bacteria and to help harden your enamel.
• Floss daily to remove plaque that can’t be reached by your toothbrush.
• Schedule preventive care and schedule dental checkups. This is the best way to detect early signs of periodontal disease.

About :DentalPlans
:DentalPlans has successfully been operating as a private exchange since 1999, as the largest dental savings plan marketplace. Similar to a membership at a warehouse club, consumers pay an annual fee and get access to reduced rates on dental services and cosmetic dentistry and orthodontia, as well as vision and pharmacy. Members can choose from more than 40 different plans from trusted healthcare brands, like Aetna, Careington, Signature Wellness, and UNI-CARE, and have access to more than 100,000 dentists in combined networks nationwide. :DentalPlans has affordable plans to fit any need and budget. And, depending on the plan you choose, consumers save 10 to 60 percent off services. Visitors of DentalPlans.com can compare plans by ZIP code or procedure, view sample savings and find a nearby dentist. :DentalPlans is committed to making you smile, by making access to quality oral healthcare affordable and available to everyone nationwide. It’s one of the reasons the company has been on the Inc. 5000 list, 3 years standing. To connect with :DentalPlans visit us at www.dentalplans.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dentalplans.