5 heath risks your dentist can detect.

 Call your Carmichael, Sacramento Dentist at 916-332-9240 for a health screening.

When you look in your mouth you may see teeth that need whitening, but a dentist may see signs of heart disease. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that many dental problems can be signs of serious health complications. University of Washington School of Dentistry professor Philippe P. Hujoel, DDS, PhD, says the sugar and carbohydrates in food, known as "fermentable carbohydrates," are to blame. Found in sugary drinks, snack foods like potato chips, and simple grains like white bread and corn, these carbs are fermented by bacteria in your mouth, which produces the acids that cause tooth decay. "Those dental diseases are a marker for an unhealthy diet, and an unhealthy diet may predict future health complications," Dr. Hujoel notes.

#1: Obesity
"If a kid has tooth decay and cavities, he probably has high exposure to fermentable carbs," Dr. Hujoel says. "He's really having too many snacks and candy, and this may very well be the kid that ends up obese." For adults, too, an increase in cavities could mean you're eating too many unhealthy foods, which also puts you at risk for obesity. A dentist who knows your medical history may ask about your eating habits, but you should feel free to ask if what's happening to your teeth might be a sign of other problems.

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#2: Cardiovascular disease
The same carbs in snack foods and sugary drinks that get dentists drilling are often found in the company of unhealthy ingredients like trans fatty acids. While trans fats themselves don't cause cavities, they're often used in foods with high amounts of cavity-causing fermentable carbs, and they have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease. Whenever you can, replace processed, packaged food with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For those sweet treats you can't give up, check the labels to make sure they're trans fat free.

It's also possible for cavities themselves to threaten your heart, if the bacteria that produce them find their way into your cardiovascular system. Bacteria associated with tooth and gum disease may also be involved in stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems—so brush and floss every day.

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#3: Diabetes
The fermentable carbohydrates in sugary drinks and snacks loaded with carbs increase your blood sugar level drastically, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes, Dr. Hujoel says. Which is one more reason to switch to a diet that produces fewer cavities. "Lifelong usage of high fermentable carbohydrates first leads to dental disease, and then, long-term, leads to other health outcomes," Dr. Hujoel adds.


#4: Cancer
Not only does a tooth-unhealthy diet put you at risk for obesity, which is a risk factor for certain cancers, harmful lifestyle habits like smoking can produce tooth discoloration and periodontal destruction. Abnormalities in your mouth, including bleeding gums and cavities, should be a natural alarm bell, Dr. Hujoel says. So always ask your dentist if your tooth problems could point toward a wider problem.

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#5: Alzheimer's disease
In a study just published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, people who lost most of their teeth were more likely to develop dementia problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, later on. It will take more research to clarify what the connection between tooth loss and brain health may be. But is seems that keeping your teeth as healthy possible has benefits that go far beyond your mouth.

How to get discounted, free dental care in Sacramento, Ca.

How to get discounted, free dental services.
Access to discounted or free dental care is a monumental problem in the United States.  More than 50% of the population do not have dental insurance and state agencies have limited benefits to children.  Therefore, if one has a broken tooth or needs a tooth repair, dental treatment can end up costing thousands of dollars!
In Sacramento, CA., one can get free cleanings, and screenings at the local hygiene school and discounted dentistry at several county agencies. Some dentists do pro bono work as well.
To find out more information, email or call us.
www.drnewens.com

How can I get dental work with no dental insurance?

There are some options for getting dental work done even if you don’t have dental insurance. Indeed, you may be surprised to learn that your health insurance doesn’t cover dental work.
Get instant dental insurance quotes by entering your zip code into the free rate box now!
Many health insurance providers consider dental insurance an entirely different channel of coverage. Popular dental insurance policies include DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization), Indemnity or Individual Dental Insurance, and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Below is information on dental insurance, alternative financing, and determining what is best for you.

Why Dental Insurance is Different from Health Insurance

If you do not have dental insurance, what can you expect from a dentist’s office? First, understand that having dental insurance immediately elevates you in the dentist’s opinion. He or she knows that if you have insurance he will get a percentage of the cost upfront. Having dental insurance shows that you are responsible and trustworthy. It is preferable to have some sort of dental insurance if you want full options.
That said, dental insurance is not as critical for most people as health insurance. A simple operation or a series of diagnostic tests can easily cost you thousands of dollars. On the other hand, dentistry may cost between $200 and $2,000—significantly less than a hospital visit. Unlike physicians, dentists aggressively compete with one another and this affects their entire pay scale. Dentists charge fees directly to the patient, and since they are usually within a $5,000 range, many patients can afford to pay cash, check or credit card.
Because many patients actually prefer paying out of pocket, dental insurance is viewed as a luxury and not a necessity by some practices. Nevertheless, there are still some dental offices that only work with insured patients. It is up to the discretion of the dentist. Naturally, if he or she has had problems with patients not paying the billed amount, he or she would be less inclined to work with uninsured patients.

Why Financing Doesn’t Always Work

What if you don’t have a credit card or a large bank account for these dental expenses? Some dentists offer financing options, especially for procedures that cost in the thousands. Just ask about a payment plan and most providers will work with you. This is especially true if you’ve been with the practice for years.
Of course, dentist offices are not banks. They have no way of accessing credit history, and they are not qualified legal tenders. Although a some offer emergency financing, by in large, it’s not profitable. If patients cannot pay the bill immediately, then financing a large loan will add on interest, and this in turn causes financial hardship. This unfavorable scenario may also lead to unfinished treatment or dental work that never ends and keeps adding to an increasing balance. In the end, the dentist is providing free work to patients who can’t afford it. It’s not fair to anyone.
A better option might be make arrangements to finance a dental loan through a bank or another short-term lender. In this situation, the dentist gets his or her money upfront while you pay according to a comfortable schedule. Ideally though, the best option is to pay for your bill in full right after a visit. You usually pay on each visit, even if you are asked to come back for more treatment.

Shop Around for Dentists and Insurance

Shopping around for a dentist who will work with your financial needs just makes sense. You will find competing rates and offices willing to offer payment plans for larger services. The same goes for the search for dental insurance. The informed buyer knows what his options are before making a choice.
Enter your zip code to compare insurance quotes now!

How Much Coverage is Enough?

Dental insurance can offer benefits, on average, of up to $1,000 a year. Depending on how well you care for your oral health, this average benefit may be enough for you, or you may need supplemental dental insurance. For some people, the average benefit complements their out of pocket expenses. Some dental plans also go much higher than $1,000 a year, though you can expect to pay more in premiums.
The easy answer is yes, you can get dental work without dental insurance. However, if you cannot easily afford to pay out of pocket expenses, than it may be beneficial to look for a dental insurance policy. Remember, some procedures are simple.
Still, the prices can be limiting depending on your budget. Here are some general estimates of what things cost without insurance:
• Tooth extraction $300
• Root canal can cost upwards of $1,000
• Tooth implants or braces $3000-$8000
Don’t conclude that you can afford to pay out of pocket. Ultimately, the cost of dental work will depend on the quality of your teeth and gums. The more work you require, the more you likely you will need a dental insurance plan. It is best to apply for such insurance when you are young and in good health.
Goto www.drnewens.com for more information.