As summer winds down and cooler days start to sneak in, we’ve put together a newsletter full of things to smile about. Ever wondered if mouthwash really makes a difference? Or how your oral health might connect to your hearing? You’ll find the answers inside.
We’re also excited to introduce our newest hygienist, Carol, and to celebrate making it to the final round of Best of the Best (thanks to YOU!). Plus, if you’ve got a PPO plan, we’ll explain why being out-of-network doesn’t mean being out of benefits.
Here’s to ending summer on a high note and stepping into fall with healthy, happy smiles!
In This Issue:
- Out-of-Network Doesn’t Mean Out-of-Benefits
- Protecting More Than Your Smile: Oral Health and Hearing
- What You Need To Know About HPV and Your Oral Health
- Meet Our New Dental Hygienist
- Best of the Best: We Made It To The Final Round!
- Is Mouthwash Necessary?
- Our Team Soaking Up the Last Days of Summer
- Recipe: Avocado Mango Salsa
- Please Leave us a Review!
Out-of-Network Doesn’t Mean Out-of-Benefits
Dental insurance shouldn’t dictate where you go. What matters most is having a dentist you trust and who listens to you. That peace of mind can save you money (and toothaches) in the long run.
If you have PPO insurance, that means you can see any dentist you choose. That means you can come to our office, use your benefits, and still receive the high-quality care you deserve. In fact, depending on your plan, your visit could even be covered up to 100%! (Note: This flexibility applies only to PPO plans, not HMO or DMO plans.)
What Does “Out-of-Network” Really Mean?
Insurance companies may encourage you to see in-network providers because it costs them less – not because it’s better for you. With a PPO plan, even if your provider is out-of-network, you still have the freedom to choose the dentist you know and trust and receive insurance benefits.
Many patients are surprised to learn that the out-of-pocket difference is often minimal or nonexistent. For preventive and diagnostic services, in- and out-of-network coverage is often very similar.
Common Questions We Hear
- Why don’t you join every insurance network?
Dental insurance doesn’t work the same way medical insurance does. Medical insurance is designed to protect you from high, unexpected costs by limiting how much you’ll pay out of pocket, especially with catastrophic coverage. Dental insurance, on the other hand, does the opposite—it limits how much the plan will pay. These plans also place restrictions on which procedures are covered, how often you can receive them, and when coverage applies.
We carefully choose to participate with plans that allow us to spend the right amount of time with each patient, providing the quality of care each patient deserves. But whether you’re in- or out-of-network, we’re always happy to look into your benefits for you.
- Will I have to pay more if I’m out-of-network?
Not necessarily! Every plan is different, but we’ll always be happy to research your benefits, give you our best estimate up front, and even submit a pre-treatment estimate if you’d like exact numbers.
- Do I have to file my own claims?
Nope – we handle all of that for you! In some cases, your insurance may reimburse you directly instead of us, but we’ll explain everything clearly before treatment so there are no surprises.
- What if insurance doesn’t cover everything?
We offer financing through Cherry and Care Credit, with rates as low as 0%. These options can help make care more affordable than using a credit card, and applications are quick and simple.
Spread the Word
Love our office? Let your family and friends with PPO insurance know that they can use their benefits here, too. And for those without dental insurance, we also offer our Dental Health Club, a budget-friendly in-house discount plan.
If you have PPO insurance, you have options. And one of those options is choosing a dental team that makes you feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in your smile.
Protecting More Than Your Smile: Oral Health and Hearing
When most people think about the benefits of good oral hygiene, they focus on a bright smile, fresh breath, or cavity prevention. But did you know that your oral health can also affect your ears and hearing?
The mouth and ears are more connected than you might realize. Problems such as infected teeth, gum disease, and jaw disorders can all trigger ear pain or even contribute to hearing loss.
How Oral Health Affects Your Ears
Infected Teeth
When bacteria break through a tooth’s enamel and reach the root, they can cause severe pain, infection, and abscesses. Because the nerves in your upper jaw are located close to your ear canals, tooth pain can radiate into the ears, sometimes mimicking or causing an earache.
If left untreated, oral bacteria can spread through the bloodstream, putting your overall health at risk. Root canal therapy or other timely dental treatment can relieve pain, stop infection, and prevent further complications.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria infect the gums, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Left unchecked, it can lead to tooth loss, but its impact may go beyond your smile.
Inflammation from gum disease can restrict blood flow to the delicate nerve cells in your ears. Without proper circulation, these nerves may begin to weaken, potentially contributing to hearing difficulties.
Routine brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are the best defenses against gum disease and may also help protect your hearing health.
TMJ Disorders
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows your jaw to move when you chew or speak. Because this joint is located so close to the ear, TMJ disorders can cause:
- Earaches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Muffled or reduced hearing
Dentists can often help by addressing the root causes of TMJ issues, such as teeth grinding or bite misalignment.
Protecting Both Your Smile and Your Hearing
The good news? Many of these problems are preventable with simple habits:
- Brush twice daily and floss every day
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
- Address toothaches, gum problems, or jaw pain promptly
Your oral health is closely tied to your overall well-being – including your ears. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re also taking a step toward preserving your hearing.
If you have questions about how your dental health might be affecting your ears or if you’re due for a check-up – schedule an appointment with us. We’re here to help you protect both your smile and your hearing!
What You Need To Know About HPV and Your Oral Health
Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/hpv-vaccine
You may already know that human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to several health risks. In many cases, the body clears the infection naturally within a year or two. But sometimes, HPV lingers and that’s when it can create bigger health concerns.
What many people don’t realize is that HPV doesn’t just affect the reproductive system. It can also infect the mouth and throat, and certain strains of HPV increase the risk of developing head and neck cancers.
How HPV Impacts Oral Health
HPV can cause cancers in the oropharynx – the back of the throat, the tonsils, and the base of the tongue. In fact, research shows that up to 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. are linked to HPV.
The good news is there’s a simple way to reduce this risk: the HPV vaccine.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
The American Dental Association supports the HPV vaccine as a safe and effective way to prevent oral HPV infections and related cancers. The CDC recommends:
- Between ages 9-12, boys and girls will be protected with two doses.
- For those receiving the vaccine at a later age (15-26), three doses are needed.
- Three doses are also recommended for people with weakened immune systems (9-26)
The FDA has approved the vaccine for adults up to age 45. If your age is between 27 and 45 and you haven’t been vaccinated, it’s worth talking to your healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.
Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?
Yes. More than 170 million doses have been administered with no serious safety concerns, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Some people experience mild side effects like soreness or redness at the injection site. After your vaccine, you’ll typically be monitored for about 15 minutes.
Protect Your Health
While your dentist may not treat HPV directly, regular dental checkups are still an important part of protecting your overall health. Dentists can often spot unusual changes in the mouth, throat, or tonsils that may need further evaluation.
If you have questions about the HPV vaccine, its safety, or whether it’s right for you or your family, talk with your primary care physician or pediatrician. They can provide guidance based on your age, health history, and vaccination status.
Prevention is powerful – stay proactive about both your oral and overall health.
Meet Our New Dental Hygienist
We’re thrilled to welcome Carol to our team! She’s a recent dental hygiene graduate and brings so much enthusiasm (and heart!) to her new role. While hygiene is a new chapter for her, patient care isn’t. Carol started her career as a surgical nurse back in her home country of Brazil. In the short 2 months she’s been with our practice, she has already established herself as MVP. This month, the team voted for her because she’s been an awesome addition to our hygiene team and a great team player.
What really makes Carol shine is the way she connects with people. She loves making patients feel comfortable, sharing practical tips for keeping your smile healthy, and just getting to know your stories. Her kindness, curiosity, and dedication are a perfect fit in our practice!
Outside of the office, Carol’s life is just as full. She’s a proud mom of two, a beach lover, and has a Boston Terrier who keeps things fun at home.
Next time you’re in, be sure to say hi – she can’t wait to meet you!
Best of the Best: We Made It To The Final Round!
Thanks to YOU and your incredible support we’ve made it to the final round of Frederick News-Post’s Best of the Best! We’ve qualified among the top 5 dental practices competing for the title of Best Dental Practice! The final round of voting begins September 17th and we’d be honored to have your vote again.
We also want to take a moment to recognize the heart of our practice – our amazing team. From the front desk to the clinical staff, every member of our team brings kindness, skill, and dedication to caring for our patients every single day. They are the reason we can deliver the level of care that makes us “Best of the Best.”
However, none of this would be possible without our patients and community. Thank you for trusting us with your smiles and for making us feel like the best dental practice in town!
Is Mouthwash Necessary?
Sources: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-use-mouthwash-8709363. Some content in this article was developed with assistance from DentalGPT.
When it comes to oral health, the must-dos are brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly. Mouthwash is never a substitute for these essential pillars of good oral hygiene.
The Role of Mouthwash: Optional, but Often Helpful
Mouthwash isn’t recommended for everyone, but it can offer valuable benefits in certain circumstances:
- It reaches areas that toothbrushes and floss may miss, like your cheeks, tongue, and the mouth’s roof and floor.
- Fluoride-containing rinses may help prevent tooth decay.
- Some types of mouthwash (such as Chlorhexidine, prescribed by your dentist) support oral health after surgery or during treatment for certain periodontal conditions.
Risks and Misuse: When OTC (over the counter) Mouthwashes May Hurt More Than Help
- Some mouthwashes, especially alcohol-based or antiseptic types, can dry out tissues, cause irritation, or disrupt the mouth’s natural bacterial balance.
- Masking bad breath with mouthwash may delay diagnosis of underlying issues like decay or gum disease.
- Overuse of strong antibacterial mouthwash can eliminate healthy bacteria needed for functions like blood pressure regulation and may even impact nitric oxide production.
Who Could Benefit From OTC Fluoride Rinses?
- Individuals with a history of frequent cavities
- Patients with orthodontic appliances (braces, aligners)
- Those with dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Patients with exposed root surfaces or gum recession
- Children over age 6 at high risk for caries
- Patients with poor oral hygiene or dietary risk factors.
Who May Not Need Fluoride Rinses?
- Individuals at low risk for caries who already use fluoride toothpaste and live in communities with fluoridated water may not derive significant additional benefit.
- Children under 6 (risk of ingestion)
- Patients with known allergies to rinse ingredients.
When Mouthwash Makes Sense and How to Use It
- Adjunct not replacement: It’s best used before brushing and after flossing, or separately during the day, depending on your oral health needs.
- Frequency matters: Most sources recommend using mouthwash once or twice daily, unless otherwise directed.
- Fluoride benefits: Avoid rinsing with water immediately after brushing so the fluoride from your toothpaste isn’t washed away.
- Choose wisely: Alcohol-free or essential-oil–based rinses may be gentler, especially for dry or sensitive mouths.
- For children: Mouthwash isn’t recommended for kids under age six due to the risk of swallowing.
Mouthwash isn’t a must-have, but in the right situations, it can be a smart, supportive tool in your oral care toolkit. If you have a history of cavities, wear braces, have dry mouth, or gum recession, ask your dental professional if a fluoride rinse is right for you. If you’re unsure which type is right for you (or whether you even need one) our team is happy to help you select a rinsing routine that fits your unique needs. Remember, no rinse replaces the basics: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and see your dental team regularly.
Our Team Soaking Up the Last Days of Summer
As summer winds down, our team has been making the most of these sunny days—spending time with family, catching up with friends, and enjoying all the little joys this season brings. Whether it’s backyard barbecues, beach trips, or just a quiet evening outdoors, we’ve been recharging and savoring the season.
We’re grateful for the chance to enjoy these moments before heading into a busy fall, and we hope you’ve had time to do the same with the people (and pets) you love.
Here’s to ending summer with smiles and starting autumn refreshed and ready!
Recipe of the Month: Avocado Mango Salsa
Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/74694/avocado-tomato-and-mango-salsa/
Get the most out of those end of summer tomatoes and whip up some delicious salsa. You can’t go wrong with just adding what you have, but mango and avocado are a great choice!
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 mango, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and minced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, mango, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic in a medium bowl; stir in red onion, olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Refrigerate to blend the flavors, about 30 minutes.