:DentalPlans - How To Spring Clean Your Dental Routine

PLANTATION, Fla., April 12, 2016 -- Could your dental care routine use a spring cleaning? Despite your best efforts, outdated oral hygiene habits can compromise your dental (and overall) health. In honor of the season of new beginnings, :DentalPlans offers some tips on what to do - and not do - to keep your teeth strong and your mouth healthy.

Don't brush with enthusiasm: You might figure that a good, hard brushing is more likely to remove food debris and just-forming plaque than a gentler approach. But the truth is that overly aggressive brushing can damage tooth enamel, potentially resulting in tooth decay and gum disease. And enamel has no living cells, so the body cannot regenerate enamel if it is damaged.

Don't brush right after a meal: Tooth enamel can be in a weakened state right after you eat, especially if your meal included acidic foods or drinks. You can safely rinse your mouth with water right after a meal, but wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing to allow enamel time to toughen up again.

Don't bet on sugar-free: Sugar fuels the bacteria that are the primary cause of dental decay. But sugar-free foods and drinks with acidic additives and low pH levels can also soften tooth enamel, regardless of whether the item contains sugar or not. (Sugar-free gum is generally safe, but check the label for additives such as citric acid).

Don't blame bad brushing: If you don't brush your teeth properly,bad breath can certainly happen. But stinky breath isn't solely caused by poor oral hygiene and dental disease. Digestive issues, sinus infections, health concerns such as diabetes, and medications that make your mouth dry can also cause less-than-fresh breath. Your dentist can help you identify and manage offensive oral odors.

Don't rush: A quick brushing or a swish of mouthwash isn't going to ward off dental disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes, two times a day, plus flossing at least once a day. Ask your dental hygienist for tips on how to brush and floss effectively.

Don't skip dental care: We all know that postponing regular dental checkups and professional cleanings is a really bad idea. Yet we still manage to convince ourselves that we can skip a year or two with no repercussions. Don't wait until you are in pain to see your dentist. Preventing problems is easy and cost-effective.

Thankfully, there's no need to skip dental checkups and cleanings due to a tight budget. Dental savings plans make quality dental care affordable to everyone.

With a dental savings plan you can save 10%-60% on dental care for every member of the family. There's a plan for every budget and dental health need – some plans even offer significant discounts on orthodontia (braces). And unlike traditional dental insurance, there are no annual spending restrictions, so you can count on saving all year long.
To learn more about dental savings plans, visit dentalplans.com.

About :DentalPlans

:DentalPlans, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to live happier, healthier lives.

We provide comprehensive resource centers aimed at helping people to maintain/regain optimal health, and successfully navigate the maze of healthcare payment options (including Obamacare and Medicaid.) Our independent research – the :DP SmileMeter™ and :DP SmileIndex™ – delivers a unique look into the consumer healthcare market.

We offer user-friendly access to a wide selection of traditional dental insurance and 30+dental savings plans, along with innovative healthcare offerings including telemedicine, medical advocacy, and online counseling services. Our online plan comparison and savings calculator tools help consumers to make smart choices about essential healthcare services, and our :DP AtYourService™ customer support team leaves no question unanswered.

For more information, visit us at www.dentalplans.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

CONTACT: Alissa Pifer
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         954-668-2148