For most patients, dental benefits renew each January, while others renew on an enrollment date or fiscal year. Studies have shown under 3% of PPO dental plan members use all of their allotted benefits each year. This could mean thousands of wasted hard-earned dollars per family.

Most traditional dental benefit plans have yearly maximums and specified coverage limits on procedures (100% coverage on cleanings, 80% on restorative treatment, etc.). Some plans have a deductible on larger treatments too.

Some employers offer a flexible spending account, or FSA, instead of or in addition to dental coverage to help offset deductibles and coverage limits. Each year, the employee specifies an amount of money to be put in the FSA account, which is usually accessible through a debit card. For example, if your dental insurance covers a root canal at 80%, the FSA account could be used to pay for the remaining 20% that would otherwise be an out of pocket expense.

But don’t wait until mid-December to schedule an appointment, because many dentists will be booked solid with patients trying to use up their plan benefits. If you haven’t been in recently, make an appointment or call the office and see if there’s any outstanding treatment in your record that could be done. Are you overdue for a cleaning? Do you have a filling that needs to be replaced? Now is a great time to start getting those appointments on the books.

Whether you have traditional dental coverage or an FSA account, here are some tips to maximize your dental benefits and reasons why you should use them before the new year.

Unused Benefits- Each year your yearly maximum renews and you forfeit any unspent money. Many plans range from $1,000 to $1,500 per year or more. If you have been delaying treatment or only going for cleanings, that’s money flying right out the window.

You’re Throwing Money Away- If you are paying for dental coverage but only going in for cleanings, you’re not recouping much of the money you spend on your annual premium. It makes much more sense to use every last dollar of available dental coverage to offset the cost of the benefits. For example, if your $400 annual premium buys $1,000 worth of coverage and you're not using it, you’re effectively throwing away $600 of “free” money.

Plan Deductibles Reset- Some dental plans have a deductible on more extensive procedures like root canals or crowns. When the plan restarts, so does the deductible. If you’ve already paid the deductible and need another procedure, it might be worth getting it done in the same year and saving a little money.

You Might Be Able to Overlap Needed Treatment- Most dentists don’t recommend postponing treatment, especially if it’s a two-step procedure like a root canal followed by a crown. If you have a tooth that needs a lot of work you may be able to overlap the treatment between this year and next. This reduces your out of pocket cost and repairs your tooth in a timely fashion before there is any further damage.

Schedule Treatment Before Any Fee Increases- Occasionally your dentist raises his or her fees to offset the high overhead of running a dental practice. Dental offices have some of the highest overhead expenses in any industry and most of them happen behind the scenes. Liability insurance, the cost of state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the patient experience, training for that equipment, and single-use items like gloves and sterilization pouches continue to increase. Getting scheduled for any outstanding treatment now could save you a little money down the road.

Maybe you’ve been considering redoing an old crown that’s a shade too dark or want to replace those amalgam (silver) fillings with tooth-colored composite. Or perhaps you’ve been delaying a large treatment plan. Whatever the reason, you work hard for your money. Even if your dental coverage is paid by your employer, it’s still considered part of your salary. You wouldn’t throw part of your paycheck away, so why waste money by leaving needed treatment undone until it becomes a larger (and more expensive) problem? Use your benefits before the end of the year and make your mouth and pocketbook smile!

Being a parent is awesome. But for those trying to teach their children good oral hygiene habits, the struggle is real. It can be a trying time, but it’s one of those necessary skills that your child will take with him or her into adulthood.

Fortunately, there is a grab bag of ideas to help even the most frustrated, exhausted parent break through the struggle. The following tips help make getting your kids to brush more fun and stress-free for everyone!

Set a Toothbrushing Routine - When your child is running late for school or exhausted after a long day of activities, you may be tempted to let brushing slide. But this just gives kids the impression that brushing is optional and soon any excuse not to brush sounds acceptable. Make a strict must-brush policy and stick to it.

Let Your Child Pick Their Own Brush and Toothpaste – Children’s toothbrushes have come a long way since you were young. Many light up, play songs, and have fun, popular characters from TV shows and cartoons. Toothpaste for children has a milder flavor than the standard mint of adult pastes. Allow your child to pick out their favorite brush and child-specific toothpaste in a fun flavor like bubble gum or fruity mint.

Make Brushing Time Fun – The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Why not make it fun by putting on your child’s favorite song and dancing? You might find they brush longer so they can finish the song!

Reward Your Child – On the days your child beelines for the bathroom without a struggle, offer up a sticker, a high-five, or other positive encouragement that lets them know you notice their good behavior.

Lead by Example – Children are excellent mimics, and they want to do everything you or an older sibling does. Make it a point to tell your child that you are going to brush your teeth before work or better yet, brush your teeth while your child brushes theirs so they can see you. Invite your older children to do the same. Before bed, pile everyone in the bathroom and brush as a family for a few minutes of family bonding time.

Ask Their Dentist for Help – Sometimes children, especially toddlers, defy their parents in a struggle for independence. If you are struggling with getting your child to brush, consider reaching out for help. Bring along your child’s toothbrush and ask their hygienist or dentist to help show them the right way to brush. Most dentists have a disclosing liquid or chewable tablet that show areas of missed plaque. After your child brushes their teeth, they will rinse with or chew the tablet and then look for areas of pink. This can be surprising to children and can encourage better brushing habits.

No matter how frustrating it can be, never yell, threaten or hold your child down to brush their teeth if they aren’t compliant about brushing. Creating a negative association with oral hygiene can push your child in the other direction and make them avoid brushing altogether. Try to remain calm and be patient. It might take a while, but it will happen. Encouraging your child and sticking with a solid routine now is the key to building a lifetime of good hygiene habits.

Spoiler alert:You’re never too old for a perfect smile or relief from jaw joint discomfort.

Lack of access to proper dental care and economic hardship are two reasons parents don’t get their children’s teeth straightened. Or maybe some issues develop later in life. But times are changing, and with many dental benefit plans now covering braces and more employers offering FSAs, more adults are seeking out the beauty and function of a straight smile.

Orthodontics does more than create a beautiful smile. It can fix jaw alignment problems due to crooked and missing teeth. Orthodontic treatment can also help relieve certain TMJ problems that cause chronic pain, broken or chipped teeth, and headaches.

While the treatment is essentially the same regardless of age, there are some minor differences.

Differences Between Child and Adult Orthodontics

The length of treatment is one of the main differences between child and adult orthodontic cases, although it isn’t much longer. Children’s teeth move more quickly than adults because they are still growing and it’s easier to coax teeth into place. As a result, their treatment usually takes a little less time than an adult. Every case is unique, but an adult can expect treatment to last about two years, give or take.

Some adult cases require a helping hand. There are a few adult issues that can’t be fixed solely by orthodontics. In severe cases, like a narrow palate, a child would usually be fitted with a palatal expander that would slowly widen the roof of the mouth. When an adult has a narrow palate, surgery might be necessary to give the teeth space to move into their proper place because the bone has long since stopped growing and shifting on its own.

Traditional Braces or Clear Aligners?

For many adults, the thought of wearing traditional metal braces for two years is enough to make them put off treatment. But with today’s technology, there is a straightening method for everyone!

Traditional braces are fixed to your teeth with dental cement. Some brackets are metal, others are plastic or porcelain, and some can even be cemented on the back (tongue side) of your teeth. Archwires are attached to the brackets on the molars and then threaded through the brackets of the other teeth and held into place using small O-rings. These come in a variety of colors and are changed each time you go in for an adjustment, usually every 4-6 weeks. Sometimes small elastic bands and other guides will be used to help shift a tooth in a specific way.

Traditional braces require dedication to homecare. Brushing after each meal and flossing at least once a day will help prevent plaque buildup around your brackets that can result in demineralization, staining, and decay. You also need to be diligent with professional cleanings and, depending on your unique case, may be placed on a shorter recare schedule, coming in every 3-4 months, versus every 6 months.

Clear aligners are made of medical grade hard plastic trays that resemble whitening trays. They are worn for 22 hours per day and are removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. A digital model of your mouth is taken, and a series of trays are made, each pair moving your teeth just a little bit closer toward their ideal position.

In many cases, the continuous pressure on specific teeth means less discomfort and shorter treatment times. While aligner treatment works for 90% of straightening cases, some tooth movements may not be possible.

Something for Everyone

Orthodontics with either traditional brackets and wires, or clear aligners, produces straight teeth and proper jaw alignment; combining beauty and function.  Identifying problems early in life may allow for faster treatment, but it’s never too late to have a gorgeous smile!

Trick-or-treating is a much-loved tradition and one of the only “holidays” that registers on a child’s radar. Being out at night, dressing up, and the thought of pillowcases full of candy are all part of the allure of the spookiest night of the year. However, the awareness surrounding allergies and the shift toward healthier eating shows more households are choosing to offer non-candy treats.

Balancing a child’s diet is tricky enough without the added sugar from Halloween candy. Proper brushing and flossing even without the plastic pumpkin full of candy is difficult, and some families may choose to do away with all the sweets rather than raise their child’s risk of tooth decay. Candy treats may not only encourage cavities but can also exclude children with allergies. If you’re considering switching to non-candy treats or want to offer them in addition to candy, here are some ideas.

1. Temporary Tattoos – Who doesn’t love a good temporary “I Heart Mom” tattoo? If that’s not your style, there are many choices available including many favorite cartoon characters and animals. Bonus: They last several days, so your kids can enjoy them longer than that pack of Skittles!
2. Glow Sticks – Not only are they fun, but they’re also a great way to help your child stay visible while trick-or-treating. Nowadays there are also glow-in-the-dark necklaces, bracelets, fake eyeglasses and a bunch of other fun options.
3. Bubbles – Halloween themed mini packs of bubbles come in fun character shaped bottles like vampires and witches.
4. Cartoon-themed Band-Aids – It might sound strange to give out adhesive strips for Halloween, but anyone with a toddler can tell you stories about pretend boo-boos just so they can wear one!
5. Small Bottles of Water – Some companies even put out Halloween themed bottles! A healthy choice and they help keep kids hydrated while they’re out trick-or-treating.
6. Halloween Themed School Supplies – Pencils, pens, and erasers. Even adults love these!
7. Crayons and Coloring Books – Many stores sell shrink-packs of crayons and mini coloring or activity books in the candy aisle and near the birthday party favors.
8. Vampire Teeth and Spooky Jewelry – Spider rings, bat necklaces, and vampire teeth are fun for kids of all ages.
9. Stickers - Choosing a variety of different stickers can accommodate a wide range of ages and interests.
10. Cold, Hard Cash – If you live in an area where you don’t get many children, consider padding a child’s piggy bank and offer some change instead of a piece of candy.

If you opt to give out toys instead of candy this Halloween, consider placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep to show you have non-candy treats available. The Teal Pumpkin Project raises awareness for children with allergies and has some excellent resources on going non-candy ideas for Halloween. If your decision to not offer candy is only based on health, a teal pumpkin will also show other like-minded families that you provide non-candy goodies, and that’s a treat in itself.

With Halloween quickly approaching, the stores are already full of costumes and candy. If you have braces, Halloween can be like looking in the window of a haunted house – you want to go in, but you know you shouldn’t. Popped brackets, broken wires, and the risk of cavities sound like a horror movie in itself.

Here are some tips to make your Halloween a little less spooky:

• Set a Specific “Treat Time” – When you eat, saliva production increases. By eating your sweet treats with a meal or immediately after, you help reduce acids made by bacteria and saliva can help rinse away food particles. Choose a time, either lunch or dinner, and have a piece of candy after your meal. By looking forward to a little post-meal treat, you can also prevent yourself from snacking on candy all day.
• Brush and Floss After Meals – While this is always good advice while undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s especially important if you are enjoying some of your hard-earned Halloween treats. Using a fluoridated mouth rinse can also help keep cavities at bay.
• Choose Your Treats Wisely – You should always be mindful of what you eat when you have braces. Avoid super-sticky treats like caramels. Sticky candies can get stuck in your brackets and are hard to clean out of the tiny spaces. You should also avoid hard candies like jawbreakers. Not only can they both dislodge brackets, but because they dissolve slowly, they can increase your risk of cavities. Opt for pure chocolate like a Hershey’s Bar or Reese’s instead of candy corns, jelly beans, and candy bars that have nuts, like Snickers.
• Water, Water, Water – Necessary for life, water helps keep your body hydrated, and that includes your mouth and gums. Sipping on water throughout the day also helps wash away decay-causing bacteria and fills you up, so you’re less likely to reach for that candy bar in between meals.
• Eat Well the Rest of the Time – A little treat now and then is ok, as long as your meals and other snacks are healthy. A colorful (not candy-filled) diet of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and dairy can go a long way not only in your oral health but in your physical and mental health, too. Eating a diet that’s fiber-filled keeps you feeling fuller longer, and helps prevent the sugar crashes that come with a diet that’s heavy on candy and energy drinks.

If all else fails, and you just can’t kick the candy cravings, consider donating your candy to the troops overseas, a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, senior center, women’s shelter or food bank. You can also check with your dentist to see if they offer a Halloween buyback program to exchange candy for other small gifts and non-candy treats. As with everything, moderation is key. You can still enjoy Halloween and indulge in a little candy. If you know what to choose and how to keep your mouth healthy, spending Halloween in braces doesn’t have to be so scary after all.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for any woman, but it is also full of a seemingly endless list of do’s and don’ts. Thankfully, there have been incredible advancements in the dental field that help make your dental experience while you’re expecting more pleasant.

Between morning sickness and the excitement of pregnancy, it can be challenging to focus on your homecare routine, but it is never more critical than when you’re pregnant. Your body is working for two, and the link between gingivitis and systemic illnesses suggest that untreated gum disease can affect the health of your unborn baby as well as lower your already compromised immune system. Slacking on brushing and flossing has even been linked to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature delivery.

Gingivitis, Cavities and Pregnancy Tumors, Oh My!

When you’re expecting, your body and mind undergo many physical and emotional changes. The level of the hormone progesterone soars during pregnancy, and gum tissue may overreact to plaque, causing severe inflammation in the gums, resulting in a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. It’s estimated that as many as half of all pregnant women develop pregnancy gingivitis. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include bad breath and swollen, red, sensitive gums that bleed easily.

Pregnant women also have an increased risk of tooth decay due to morning sickness. Up to 50% of women have some symptoms of morning sickness. Increased exposure to acids due to vomiting can wear away tooth enamel making it easier for bacteria to break through.

Another issue some women experience during pregnancy is pregnancy tumors. Don’t worry, they sound scary, but aren’t really cancerous. It’s a name for an overgrowth of gum tissue around or in between teeth that looks worse than it is. They can be difficult to brush and floss around, but they usually go away after childbirth.

Prevention

Due to the increased risks during pregnancy, your dentist may recommend an extra cleaning and exam to remove any excess plaque buildup and check for any cavities. They may also suggest some changes to your homecare routine. Be diligent about brushing and flossing at least twice a day and be sure to brush after bouts of morning sickness or gargle with warm salt water. A healthy, colorful diet that is low in excess sugar and carbohydrates can not only help prevent gestational diabetes but can also reduce plaque buildup.

Treatment and Safety

If you need dental treatment like a filling or a crown while you're pregnant, it’s never been a better time to have it done. Most dentists agree that it is riskier to put off necessary dental work than to have it done during pregnancy. Still, many women have concerns about dental treatment during pregnancy.

Technology has made great strides in the dental field and today’s procedures and medications are more gentle and safer than ever before. Many dentists recommend having any dental work done during the second trimester when most cases of morning sickness subside and before it becomes too uncomfortable to lay on your back for long periods of time during the third trimester.

Thanks to today's digital x-rays, the exposure to radiation is lower than ever, and the added reassurance of a lead apron that covers your abdomen and neck reduces your exposure even further.

Dental anesthetic is also safe for use during pregnancy, and there are several types available. A 2015 study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association showed that anesthetic, like the commonly used Lidocaine, caused no ill effects to the fetus.

If you need work done during your third trimester, your dentist may decide to wait until after your baby is born. Remember that you can always talk with your dental team and express any concerns and ask any questions. If you’re experiencing stress, chances are your baby can feel it, too. Pregnancy can be hard enough, but with a little help from your dentist and their team, maintaining your oral health can be one thing that’s easy to deliver.