Preventive Care & Your Dental Plan

Do you have dental benefits? If so, preventive dental benefits are likely covered in your plan. Make sure you use them – they’ll keep you smiling long after that trip to the dentist.

See your dentist regularly. Most plans cover dental exams and cleanings every six months. This way your dentist can check on your mouth’s health on a routine basis. During this exam, you may also receive X-rays. Typically, an office will start with a full mouth X-ray, recommended once every three years. They’ll follow up with bitewing X-rays annually. Check your coverage for specifics on any of these items.

If you have children, ask your dentist about a kid-specific preventive procedure — sealants. Sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities, and are placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars).

Another wonderful preventive treatment for kids is fluoride. Generally applied as a gel or varnish, fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter.

Follow these strategies to remain healthy and help save dental costs:

• See a dentist regularly.

• Brush your teeth twice each day and floss once a day.

• Eat a healthy diet.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Limit snacking on sugary or starchy foods. (Chewing sugarless gum after a snack may help prevent tooth decay.)

It’s important to take good care of your teeth. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can help you avoid more serious oral health problems down the road.