More than five million teeth are “avulsed,” or knocked out, from both adults and children each year. If you or your child plays sports with bodily contact (even accidental), the odds that there will be a lost tooth through force are higher. Make sure you know how to save a knocked-out tooth, and you have a chance to restore your smile.

A tooth can be knocked out anywhere and anytime, so brush up on what to do if you or someone close to you has a tooth knocked out. There are a few basic things to remember; not only can they save you money when a tooth is knocked out, they can also potentially help you keep the tooth. For example, did you know that you can save a knocked-out by putting it in milk?

Saving a Knocked-Out Tooth with Milk – Act Fast

The most critical factor to saving and preserving a tooth for reimplanting it successfully is time. In other words, get to the dentist or an emergency room as quickly as possible. The possibility of reimplantation diminishes rapidly after 30 minutes. If you can’t get to help that fast, the second-best thing that you can do is properly store the tooth.

First and foremost, keep it moist by whatever means possible. If you can, put the tooth back in the socket. Your next best option is to store your tooth in milk (not water). Use a small container or bag.

So, why do we recommend using milk to save a knocked-out tooth? When the cells from the tooth’s root surface come into contact with water, they tend to swell up. They can even burst. Milk provides the necessary proteins needed to maintain the proper pH balance, anti-bacterial properties, and sugars that keep these root cells growing. Storing your tooth in milk improves the chances of successful reimplantation at your dentist.

If milk isn’t available, storing the tooth inside your mouth is the next best option. Water is not the best or most effective option for preserving your tooth, but if it’s all that’s available, it’s better than holding it in your hand.

Time and location when you’re storing an avulsed tooth are most important to a successful reimplantation. Here are some other considerations that will help improve the chances of success:

• Hold the tooth by the crown – Always grab and hold the tooth by the crown, or the chewing surface. Do not touch the root of the tooth. This can help keep the roots of the tooth cleaner if it can be saved. Don’t wrap the tooth in a piece of cloth or napkin. This will dry out the tooth, and it would not be practical to put it back in the mouth.
• Rinse off the tooth – As mentioned before, this step may or may not be possible depending on where you are when the tooth is knocked out. If you do have access to clean water, a gentle rinse to remove dirt and debris is advised. Remember not to use any soap or cleaning products, and never scrub the tooth. A quick, gentle stream of water will do the trick.

Getting a tooth knocked out can happen anywhere, anytime. Take quick action and remember these basic steps. They will go a long way toward improving your chances of keeping the avulsed tooth clean, safe, and able to be reimplanted. This saves hassle and expense down the road.

To learn more about our dental benefits plans for you and your family, click here.

If you have bad breath after brushing your teeth, you aren’t imagining things. The minty freshness of toothpaste plus the scrubbing power of your toothbrush may not be enough to fix some underlying issues.

We have between 2,000 and 8,000 taste buds in our mouths, mostly on our tongues. With so many taste sensors, it’s easy to detect a lingering flavor – especially if you don’t like it. You may experience a bad taste in your mouth, even after brushing, because of these factors:

What causes bad breath after brushing teeth?

• Medication: Anti-depressants, neurological medications, and anti-thyroid prescriptions can leave a metallic taste in your mouth. The severity varies for individuals. Talk to your dentist and your primary care physician about this. They can recommend a mouth rinse to help with taste and dryness. 
• Women in their first trimester of pregnancy:A bitter taste is typical due to increased levels of estrogen, and this is only temporary. Talk to your dentist and your primary care physician to see what they recommend for short-term solutions.
• Acid reflux:Stomach acid can cause a similar bitter taste in the mouth if you experience reflux. Discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician and dentist right away if you haven’t already.
• Dental problems: Tooth decay, gum infections, and other problems can cause a bad taste in the mouth due to the presence of bacteria. Visiting the dentist regularly will help ensure you’re addressing any issues 
• Halitosis: Bad breath, officially termed “halitosis,” can also be a problem on its own. Bacteria in the mouth caused by food particles stuck between teeth can contribute to the foul taste. It’s important to floss, brush your tongue, and use mouthwash. Brushing your teeth alone is not enough. Chronic bad breath could be a sign that it’s time to see the dentist. 
• Nasal problems: The common cold, allergies, and other infections can leave a bad taste from the mucus buildup. Bacterial or viral residues can remain in the mouth, causing an unpleasant taste.
• Bad habits: Smoking or a poor diet can also lead to bad breath. Good oral health is the key to removing this and improving your health.

Bad breath after brushing your teeth may not go away instantly. It is still important to brush twice a day and floss your teeth. Remember to brush your tongue to remove debris and bacteria that can add to the problem.

For more information about your smile health, browse our other blogs.

If you experience anxiety at the dentist, you’re not alone. Many dentists and hygienists understand that patients may fear going to the dentist, but they are here to help.

Below is a letter from Brooke Bodart, certified dental hygienist, to patients who experience anxiety at the dentist.

Dear anxious patient,

First things first, please don’t be afraid to come and see me! As a dental hygienist, my number one concern is making sure you are healthy and well taken care of. If you are really fearful and anxious about coming in, please share those feelings with me. If it helps, write them out and we can talk through them. That way, we can be sure to cover everything and help make you feel more comfortable. Please also know that it is not my intention to ever hurt you, but it is also not within my control sometimes. If you have an unhealthy mouth, I am trying my very best to get it clean for you, which may sometimes be uncomfortable.

I will also need to talk to you about how you care for your teeth at home, so please be honest with me and I will try not to make you feel bad. But remember – it’s a team effort! I can only do so much to keep your mouth healthy, so you must also do your part at home.

I love being a hygienist and without you in my chair, I can’t do the job that I love. So please, come by and see me. If it’s been a long time since you last visited, please be prepared to come see me more often. These appointments are necessary to get your oral health back, so let’s work on it together. I also have a lot of great ideas and ways for you to work on oral health at home, so please give me feedback on what does and doesn’t work for you. It’s not going to be easy, but we can find ways to make it more accessible for you to do.

I’m here to help! Please share with me how I can make this the best experience possible.

Thanks,

Brooke Bodart, RDH

To find a dentist in your area to help alleviate your anxiety, CLICK HERE.

When the year is coming to an end, we think of planning for the holidays and what we’re doing to celebrate the new year. Besides thinking of New Year’s resolutions, take time to review the year-end checklist for your dental coverage. Consider what preventive care services you had during your dental plan year and what other dental work you have coming up.

If you haven’t seen your dentist this year, now’s the time to schedule that appointment. The end of the year marks the busiest time for the health care industry, as people are rushing to maximize their benefits.

Before year’s end, follow our top five to-dos to maximize your dental benefits before the new plan year:

1. See how much you have left in your annual maximum. 

Your annual maximum is the total amount of money your dental benefit provider, like Delta Dental, will pay toward your dental care in one plan year. If your dental plan is based on a calendar year (January through December), your annual maximum will refresh each January. If your plan is based on a contract year (starts and ends during a different 12-month period), your annual maximum will refresh after that plan year.

2. Understand if you have met your deducible.

A deductible is a specific dollar amount you pay before your dental insurance provider begins to contribute toward your dental care. For some plans, cleanings and checkups do not count toward your deductible. Sign in to our member portal to determine if you plan includes CheckUp Plus!

If you’ve met your deductible for this year, take advantage of that. By scheduling dental visits after you’ve met your deductible and before your plan year ends, you’ll save money. If you wait until your plan year starts over again, you’ll have to meet that plan year’s deductible all over again.

3. Put your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to use.

An FSA is a special account that you may be able to enroll in through your employer. It allows you to save a portion of pre-tax income to help pay for certain medical and dental costs. Usually an employee must forfeit any unused funds at the end of the year, many are scrambling during the last few weeks to spend money still in the account.

Access your online portals for your insurance provider(s) and your FSA administrator to accurately review your spending year-to-date. As you determine what you have left to spend in your FSA account, you can also get an estimate for next year’s enrollment. Click to learn more about dental care and flexible spending accounts.

4. Consider how preventive dental care is covered.

Dental plans are designed to focus on preventive care, and many plans completely cover regular exams and cleanings. Take advantage of this coverage, as preventive care can benefit your oral and overall health and save you money in the long run.

5. Coordinate your dental care.

Are you up to date on your dental care? If so, pat yourself on the back. Maintaining oral health and having dental benefits is proven to save money. If your dentist has recommended more extensive dental treatment, consider the length of that process and if treatment will continue into the next plan year. A new plan year will see your annual maximum and your deductible reset, so take both into consideration when planning dental treatment.

Looking for next steps? Sign into your online dental plan account and get planning!

*Updated 2019