Do babies need dental insurance? What parents should know

read Children's Oral Health
Baby laughing.

Key takeaways about babies and dental insurance:

  • Babies should see a dentist by their first birthday or the arrival of their first tooth, and dental insurance helps ensure access to care from the very beginning.
  • Regular checkups help detect cavities and oral health issues early, supporting healthy development and future adult teeth.
  • Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services like exams and cleanings, making it easier to keep up with recommended visits without unexpected costs.
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How to face dental embarrassment

read Lifestyle
Man smelling his own breath.

Key takeaways about dental embarrassment:

  • Dental embarrassment is very common and often stems from worries about appearance, past habits, or fear of judgment. You’re not alone in feeling this way.
  • Most fears about the dentist aren’t rooted in reality. Dental teams are trained to help, not judge, and they routinely care for patients with the same concerns you may have.
  • You can overcome dental embarrassment with small, supportive steps like communicating your concerns, focusing on long-term health benefits, practicing relaxation techniques, and using your dental benefits to stay on track.
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Oral nicotine pouches and your oral health

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Can's of oral nicotine pouches.

Key takeaways about oral nicotine pouches and oral health:

  • Although they’re marketed as safer, oral nicotine pouches can still cause gum irritation, dry mouth, and ulcers.
  • Oral nicotine pouch products may contain harmful chemicals, lead to nicotine addiction, and raise heart and cancer risks.
  • Because nicotine pouches are relatively new, there’s limited research on their long-term health impacts, but the existing evidence suggests substantial risks.
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Coffee, energy drinks, and your teeth

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Person holding an energy drink can.

Key takeaways about coffee, energy drinks, and your teeth:

  • Coffee and energy drinks can harm your teeth due to their high acidity and sugar content, which weaken enamel and increase the risk of staining, sensitivity, and cavities.
  • Cutting out these beverages is ideal, but since most people aren’t ready to give them up immediately, it’s important to take steps to reduce their impact.
  • Protect your smile during the holiday season by being mindful of your beverage choices and seeking dental care if symptoms like sensitivity or pain worsen.
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Organizing your dental insurance

read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Dental benefits claim form.

Key takeaways on how to organize dental insurance:

  • Organizing your dental insurance is important because it sets you up for great oral health throughout the year.
  • Staying organized helps you make the most of your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
  • Making a checklist, finding an in-network dentist, understanding your coverage, and writing down your appointments are simple ways to organize your dental insurance at the end of each year.
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What to know about your first dental insurance plan

read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Person smiling at the in the dental chair, talking to the dentist.

Key takeaways about what you should know about your first dental insurance plan:

  • Your first dental insurance plan helps you build lifelong habits, maintain oral health, and prevent serious issues before they start.
  • From fully covered preventive care to reduced costs for common procedures, dental insurance helps you manage expenses and avoid financial surprises.
  • Not all treatments are covered, and not all dentists accept every plan. Knowing the details helps you make the most of your benefits.
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Seeing the science behind the eyes

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An eye showing the science behind it.

All about eye color

No one else in the world has the same exact eye color as you. Even identical twins can have subtle, but still visible, eye color differences.1 If you’re wondering how your unique eye color came to be, there are a few different factors involved.

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Freelancers, students, and part-timers: How to get dental insurance without a full-time job

read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Student walking to class

A shocking 72 million adults in the United States don’t have dental insurance, according to a recent survey conducted by CareQuest Institute. With roughly half of Americans receiving dental benefits from their employers, that leaves a growing segment of non-traditional freelance, contract, and self-employed workers to search for their own coverage.

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