California Dental Insurance - Choosing A Toothbrush

PLANS

	Individual Family Plans start at just $12 a month (I-430 Plan)

	Senior 55 + as low as $9.75 a month (S-430 Plan)

	Small Business / Group beginning at $11.75 a month per employee (G-430 Plan)


		BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

		No charge for exams, x-rays or cleaning once every 6 months
		No deductibles!
		No waiting period to see a dentist!
		No claim forms!
		No annual maximums!
		No limitations on most pre-existing conditions!
		Adult and Children braces Include on Plans

Dental Health: Plaque And Your Teeth

Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It makes teeth "feel fuzzy" to the tongue and is most noticeable when teeth are not brushed. What Causes Plaque and Why Is It Harmful? Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, soft drinks, raisins, cakes, or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth.
How Can Plaque Formation Be Prevented?
	Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush. Pay particular attention to the space where the gums and teeth meet. Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
	Floss between teeth at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria.
	See your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for a check-up and teeth cleaning.
	Ask your dentist if a dental sealant is appropriate for you. Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that are painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from cavities and decay.
	Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, fruit, or raw vegetables. Vegetables, such as celery, help remove food and help saliva neutralize plaque-causing acids.

Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to form. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. After many acid attacks, your teeth may decay. Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender or bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In fact, periodontal (gum) disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults. One way to prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease is by eating a balanced diet and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.