Spirit Dental Resources

Do you like to chew gum just about every day? Before you grab that next piece, keep reading for a few sticky truths about chewing gum and whether or not it is actually a good thing for your pearly whites. Chewing and Your Jaw Health TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) is a painful condition that can be brought about by a wide range of factors. Chewing gum happens to be one of them. Basically, when you chew gum, you could be putting stress on your jaw, and that might increase your risk of jaw problems. If you have symptoms like discomfort in your jaw, or you hear clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth, it’s probably best to avoid chewing gum, as it may make the problem worse. Also consider consulting your dentist, who can help you find the cause of your jaw ailments and provide you with treatment options. Gum and Fillings Don’t Always Mix So this one is pretty scary. If you chew gum a lot, and you have dental fillings, you may want to ditch the habit. Researchers have determined that individuals who have amalgam (mercury) fillings and chew gum for hours every day also have greater amounts of mercury in their urine and blood. Whoa! How you ask? Chewing gum could cause mercury vapor from the fillings to be released, allowing it to get into your blood. Considering the toxicity of mercury, you certainly don’t want it coming out of your fillings and getting into the rest of your body. Sugary Gums Are a Big No-No If you are chewing gum that contains sugar, you might be putting the health of your teeth and gums at risk. Why? Because bacteria can thrive on the sugar, and that could lead to the formation of yucky, sticky plaque, which can then harden into damaging tartar. Here’s what else might happen when you chew sugary gum too often: the enamel of your teeth may become damaged, you may develop cavities, and your risk of gum disease may increase as well. In other words, if you are chewing on sugar-loaded gum, you are basically feeding the bacteria that can be detrimental to your overall oral health. Minty Gum to Freshen Breath? Think Again A lot of people reach for a piece of minty gum when they want to freshen their breath. But, again, if the gum contains a lot of sugar, you could actually be doing more harm than good. Plus, because that sugar could feed the bacteria in your mouth, it might cause your bad breath to become even worse! Consider putting the gum down and picking up a sugar-free mint instead. If You Must Chew Gum… Occasionally chewing sugar-free gum may actually be beneficial to your teeth and gums because it could help boost saliva production, which could help remove food particles from throughout the mouth while neutralizing acid. The ADA has recommended chewing sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after a meal, as studies indicate that doing so might help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Some research has indicated that chewing gum that contains xylitol may help to reduce bacteria that could lead to cavities. But the jury is still out on whether this natural sugar substitute provides any extra benefits compared with your regular sugar-free varieties, so dental experts recommend sticking with sugarless gums instead. You can even find products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, making shopping for your gum a no-brainer. Now You’re Armed with the Truth! Simply being aware of the potentially harmful effects of gum, as well as how to avoid them, could help you keep your teeth strong and healthy. Knowledge is power! But nothing can replace a trip to the dentist, so be sure to schedule your annual checkups and cleanings (you get three cleanings per year with every Spirit dental plan!) to be sure your entire mouth is in tiptop shape. Sources: https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-sticky-truth-about-chewing-gum/ https://www.doctoroz.com/article/toxic-teeth-are-our-amalgam-fillings-safe https://www.dentistryjust4kids.com/blog/chewing-gum-and-teeth/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/plaque-and-tartar https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/gum-that-is-good-for-your-teeth-too-good-to-be-true

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint disorder, which is also referred to as TMD (but what’s in a name, right?). This disorder affects the—you guessed it—temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge that connects the bones of the skull with the jaw. You can locate this joint in the front of each of your ears, as it allows you to move the jaw side to side, forward and backward, and up and down with ease when you open your mouth to speak and chew. Below are a few of the main facts about TMJ syndrome so you can develop a better understanding of it. A Bit of Background: What Happens When You Develop TMJ? If you are diagnosed with TMJ, it means that there is a problem with the hinge that connects your lower and upper jaw together. It can be challenging for your dentist to determine the cause of your TMJ, but it is important to treat the problem. Otherwise, your joint, which involves the use of a system of bones, discs, ligaments, and muscles, will continue causing unwanted symptoms. Signs and Symptoms: What Does TMJ Feel Like? There are quite a few symptoms that can arise when a patient develops TMJ disorder. However, the symptoms could be related to other health concerns, so if you do experience these issues, experts highly recommend talking to your dentist to figure out if TMJ is really to blame. Severe discomfort or pain, on one or both sides of the face, that could be temporary or could persist over a long period of time Popping, grating, or clicking sounds (with or without pain) within the jaw joint whenever you open and close the mouth or when you chew Difficulty opening the mouth wide Pressure and pain felt behind the eyes Earaches, ringing in the ears, or hearing problems Swelling of the side of the face Headaches that can mimic migraines Dizziness, neck aches, and upper shoulder pain Pain when you open your mouth wide, when you chew, or when you yawn Jaw muscle tenderness or jaw joint pain on one or both sides Toothaches Tenderness or pain in the jaw joint area, the shoulders and neck, the face, and around or in the ear whenever you open the mouth wide, speak, or chew A feeling that your jaw locks, goes out of place, or gets stuck, either in a closed or open position Changes in the way the lower and upper teeth align with one another, an uncomfortable bite or difficulty chewing Getting to the Bottom of Things: What Might Cause TMJ? TMJ could arise from a variety of scenarios, and dentists are not always able to figure out the exact cause. For example: Injuries, such as those that can occur from whiplash or an impact, could adversely affect the muscles of the neck and head, the jaw joint, or the jaw. Grinding your teeth, which is referred to as bruxism, could place too much pressure on the joints, leading to discomfort and pain. Arthritis within the jaw joint could damage cartilage and cause TMJ symptoms. Tightening your jaw and facial muscles, as well as clenching your teeth, could be part of a response to stress that could cause jaw problems. If the disc found in the jaw joint moves out of place or erodes, it could inhibit the smooth movement of the jaw. Getting Relief: How Can TMJ Be Treated? Thankfully, you don’t have to live with the pain of TMJ. Seeing your dentist when symptoms occur will give you access to timely treatments that can bring relief. Your dentist may recommend a variety of options, such as: Applying heat packs or cold packs to your face to inhibit the pain Employing relaxation techniques within your daily life in order to reduce tension in the jaw (Yoga class, anyone?) Sticking with softer foods for every meal Avoiding excessive jaw movements (Keep that chewing gum away!) Performing exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles in the jaw Wearing a night guard or splint to combat bruxism Taking medications, such as anti-inflammatory meds, anti-anxiety prescriptions, muscle relaxants, or pain relievers Fixing a bite that is uneven Using orthodontics Undergoing surgery if the jaw joint has not responded to other treatments You Don’t Have to Live with TMJ: See Your Dentist! TMJ is a painful condition that can get in the way of your daily activities, even when it comes to simple acts like chewing your food. But if you see your dentist, you can narrow down what might be causing your discomfort, and you can get yourself on the road to relief. Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd#1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941 https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/tmj https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/temporomandibular-disorder/what-is-temporomandibular-joint-disorder-tmj

Summer has arrived, which means it’s time to indulge in some sweet, cooling recipes. But not all summer treats will be good at maintaining the health of your pearly whites, so we’ve compiled a shortlist of a few summer recipes that are mouth approved. Treat Yourself to the Fresh Fruits of the Season One of the best aspects of summer is the fact that so many delicious fruits are in season. And the right raw fruits can even help to keep your teeth clean in between daily brushings. Pears and apples are great choices because they are fibrous and could help to naturally stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth. And pears also have the ability to neutralize acid on the surface of your teeth! A salad that combines pears and apples, along with other fruits, such as grapes, peaches, berries, and watermelon, is a yummy and simple way to enjoy a refreshing breakfast or snack that will keep your entire mouth happy. Plus, it’s a good way to satisfy your cravings for sweets without having candy or high amounts of sugar. Keep It Healthy on the Grill Grilling is one of the many pleasures of the summer season, but when you head outside to cook this year, consider using ingredients that could help keep your teeth strong and beautiful. Veggie burgers can provide nutrients that could help to protect your teeth. For example, combining black beans and rice in a veggie burger will provide your body with phosphorus and vitamin B3, which support the health of your gums and tooth enamel. Start by cooking up ½ cup of brown rice with about 1 teaspoon of salt for flavor. Then mash up a can of black beans (remove the liquid first) in a mixing bowl. Using a food processor, you can quickly mince a small onion, ½ of green pepper, and 3 cloves of garlic. Add this to your black beans. Then, in another bowl, beat 1 egg before adding in 1 tablespoon each of chili powder, pepper, salt, hot sauce, and cumin. Pour this egg mix, along with your brown rice, into the bowl with your black beans and veggies so that you can mix it all until it’s thick enough to form patties. Cook up the patties and serve however you prefer.1 Yum! Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Without Damaging It Summer is also the perfect time to try out some new dessert recipes, especially with all of the parties that you’ll likely be attending. But that doesn’t mean that you have to expose your teeth to the sugar that could damage them. Xylitol can be used as a sweetener in place of sugar in your favorite cookie recipes. This ingredient could help prevent decay by reducing the growth of bacteria that could lead to cavities. Try it in homemade almond cookies: Cream 2 cups of coconut oil and 1½ cups of xylitol, and then add in 2 eggs and beat the mixture well. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of maple extract. Then combine 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda before adding this to your creamed mix. Line a baking sheet with tablespoonfuls set a couple of inches apart, place an almond in the middle of each, and bake for 12 minutes at 350°F.2 What’s summer without ice cream? Making ice cream at home, using natural ingredients without added sugar, is the best way to indulge while keeping the health of your teeth and gums in mind. This recipe is so simple, it might surprise you. All you have to do is take 3 ripe bananas, peel them, cut them into slices, freeze them for about 2 hours, and then put them into a blender under they are creamy. If you want, you can even add in extra flavors like dark chocolate, berries, or peanut butter, but these could add a bit of sugar to the mix, so try using only small amounts.3 Refreshing Drinks That Won’t Contribute to Decay What you drink can impact the health of your teeth, but the right beverages can be refreshing without contributing to the development of cavities. So the next time that you’re entertaining at your backyard barbecue or just enjoying some relaxing time with your friends, try out the following tooth-friendly recipes: Rather than sweetened lemonade or juices, consider sticking with infused water, which you can make right at home. This is an ideal alternative to sugary sports drinks and sodas, and it is also super hydrating—perfect for those hot days that make you sweat. Just avoid using citrus fruits, whose acid can be harsh on your chompers. Try infusing blackberry and kiwi by adding the berries and sliced kiwi to a bottle filled with cool water. Then just let the mix sit in your refrigerator for several hours as the flavors of the fruits make their way into the water (the longer, the better).4 Instead of drinking iced black tea or coffee, opt for green tea this summer. The caffeine could give you a boost of energy, the antioxidants could help protect your overall health, and the light color means it will not stain your teeth as dark drinks can. To make your green tea even more flavorful and invigorating on hot and humid days, add some honey, mint, or lemon to your cup. Enjoy Summer Flavors, but Don’t Forget Your Dentist! Once the summer rolls around, you might realize that it’s also time to see your dentist again. Getting a checkup once or twice a year is highly recommended, regardless of what you eat every day, in order to ensure your teeth and gums are in tiptop shape. And with a Spirit Dental plan, you can even take some time out this summer to get one of your three annual cleanings so you can have a smile that shines like the sun! Sources: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/almond-cookies.html https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/banana-ice-cream.html https://helloglow.co/infused-water-ideas/ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/does-tea-stain-teeth https://www.newbergcommunitydental.com/best-summer-foods-for-your-teeth/ https://drlordo.com/blog/5-summer-foods-great-oral-health/ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/summer-entertaining

You might think that your oral hygiene routine is doing its job, but in reality, you might be missing the mark. Improper brushing could make you more susceptible to dental decay and gingivitis. So, to be sure that you’re getting the very best clean every time you brush your teeth, follow the expert techniques and tips below. It’s All About the Angle To thoroughly clean both the teeth and the gum line, experts recommend holding your toothbrush at a 45° angle. Doing so will help you get rid of the nasty bacteria and plaque that accumulates along the gums, as well as just beneath the gums. Hit Every Part of Every Tooth There’s a reason why dentists recommend brushing for two minutes at a time: you need to be thorough, and that means hitting every part of every tooth. Use an up-and-down and side-to-side motion that incorporates small circular movements to get the job done right. Keeping that 45° angle, brush the outside surface of every tooth first. Then brush the biting side of the teeth, followed by the inside surfaces of your teeth. Hitting every surface will help remove debris and help prevent inflammation along the gums. Finally, to help eradicate even more bacteria and keep your breath fresh, brushing your tongue is a must. Don’t Be Aggressive! Think of your brushing session as a massage for your teeth, rather than it being a harsh scrubbing session. Holding your toothbrush with the same amount of grip that you would use to hold a pencil, as opposed to making a fist, will ensure you don’t go overboard and do any damage from overzealous brushing. In addition to using the right technique, using the right toothbrush will also help prevent irritation when you brush those pearly whites. With an innumerable selection of brushes to choose from, it can be tough to narrow them down, but experts recommend sticking with a toothbrush that features soft bristles. In this way, the bristles will bend, making it easier to access and clean the gum line. So whether you opt to get an electric toothbrush or an old-school manual brush, it is best to avoid hard, stiff bristles. Timing Is Everything You might think that brushing your teeth after having a meal is a good idea. But the truth is that this could actually do some damage. Because there is acid already in your mouth from the foods and drinks that you consumed, when you brush, you are only adding more abrasion to the mix. Essentially, you could be boosting the acid’s ability to erode your teeth. Scary! What you can do instead is rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to start removing some of the damaging acids prior to brushing. It’s also a great idea to wait at least 20 minutes before brushing, as this will give your saliva a chance to work on cleaning your teeth as well. And, as you probably already knew, dentists recommend brushing your teeth every morning and every night. Choose the Right Arsenal of Tools What good is a solid technique if you can’t execute it with the right tools? Experts recommend using dental care products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on their packaging. In addition to brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash is also recommended.   Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if you notice that the bristles are fraying.    Select dental care products that will provide multiple benefits at once. For example, you can purchase a fluoride toothpaste that fights plaque, tartar, and cavities, while also protecting your gums and whitening your teeth. Or you could purchase an electric toothbrush with various heads, including those designed to scrape the tongue clean. Brushing and Dentist Visits: A Perfect Combo If you are experiencing pain when you brush your teeth and gums, or if your gums bleed, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. He or she will be able to give you a complete cleaning and checkup, as well as provide treatment that will bring much-needed relief. Want to be absolutely sure that you’re hitting the mark every time you brush? Want to have all of your toothbrushing questions answered by someone who knows your unique mouth? Seeing your dentist is the best way to get personalized advice on what will work best for you. Once you’re brushing like a pro and you start seeing your dentist on a schedule, you can keep your adorable smile clean, white, and tartar-free! Sources: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3549725/Are-brushing-teeth-wrong-making-small-circular-movements-brushing-tongue-experts-6-step-guide-getting-perfect-pearly-whites.html http://www.dentalone-md.com/blog/

Like other medical fields, the world of dentistry has changed dramatically through the ages. To discover just how much a trip to the dentist has evolved, check out the timeline below. Ancient Dentistry: Baby Steps to Oral Health Care According to the American Dental Association, a Sumerian text that dates all the way back to 5000 BC described what was known as “tooth worms” and the tooth decay that they caused. In 2600 BC, an Egyptian scribe known as Hesy-Re passed away. He’s often referred to as the first dentist, as the earliest reference to a dentist is within the inscription that’s found on his tomb: “the greatest of those who deal with teeth.” Between 1700 BC and 100 BC, more ancient texts that referred to dental diseases, as well as remedies for toothaches, were created. Even Aristotle and Hippocrates wrote about everything from how to treat gum disease and tooth decay, to how to extract teeth using forceps and how to use wires to stabilize loose teeth. And by 201 AD, Etruscans were applying fixed bridgework and gold crowns as forms of dental prosthetics. The Middle Ages: Getting Dentistry Going It took hundreds of years for dentistry to develop into an actual profession, little by little. For example, it was not until 700 AD that a Chinese medical text referred to a type of amalgam known as silver paste. Much later, around 1210 in France, a Guild of Barbers was started. It would evolve into a group of surgeons who would be able to complete operations, along with a group of lay barber-surgeons who were focused on basic services that included extractions. Curious when the first book on dentistry was published? Well, that would be in 1530. That’s the year that The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth (wow, that’s a mouthful!) was written for both surgeons and barbers who were responsible for treating the mouth. The book, written by Artzney Buchlein and released in Germany, delved into everything from drilling teeth and tooth extraction, to dental hygiene and fillings made of gold.   A bit later, in 1575, Complete Works was published by the Father of Surgery, Ambrose Pare, in France. This text contained information about dentistry as well, including how to treat jaw fractures and tooth decay, as well as how to extract teeth. The 1700s: The Birth of Modern Dentistry In 1723, a French surgeon named Pierre Fauchard, who’s also referred to as the Father of Modern Dentistry, published The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teeth. This is the first publication that described a total system for dentistry as a practice. It included information on oral function and anatomy, restorative techniques, operative techniques, and even the construction of dentures. A few other professionals helped to advance dentistry in the years to come. For example, Claude Mouton stated that a gold crown and post could be retained in a patient’s root canal, and he also suggested using white enameling to make gold crowns look more natural. In 1760, John Baker, an immigrant from England, became the earliest dentist to be medically trained and able to practice in America. And between 1760 and 1780, Isaac Greenwood started practicing as the first American dentist who was born in the country. More advancements took place throughout the latter part of the 1700s, including the development of post-mortem dental forensics, porcelain teeth, a dental foot engine, and the first dental chair. The 1800s: Advancements on Past Achievements It took until 1801 for the first dentistry related book to be published in America. It was titled the Treatise on the Human Teeth and it was written by Richard C. Skinner. But this century saw even more advancements, such as the start of the commercial manufacture of porcelain teeth and the invention of a reclining dental chair. Dentists also began using vulcanite as a base to create false teeth and dentures.    The very first dental journal, the American Journal of Dental Science, was published in 1839, further proof of the spread of education and science related to dentistry. And in 1840, the first dental school in the world, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, was founded by Chapin Harris and Horace Hayden. They established the Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DDS, degree as well. And in the same year, the American Society of Dental Surgeons, which was the first national dental organization in the world, was also founded. With the rise in dentists and the spread of dentistry came the requirement for regulation. So, in 1841, Alabama enacted the first dental practice act that would regulate dentistry in the country. 1846 was the year that the first demonstration of ether anesthesia for dental surgery was presented by William Morton. Phew, no more extreme pain during procedures! In 1859, the American Dental Association was formed, and the National Association of Dental Examiners was created in 1883. While toothpaste had only been available in powder and liquid forms, tube toothpaste was developed in the 1880s, allowing the product to be mass-produced and sold across the nation. Other advancements throughout the century included the cohesive gold foil method to get gold into a cavity with less pressure (that’s a relief!), the creation of the rubber dam, the foot-treadle dental engine, the electric dental engine, the hydraulic dental chair, and the commercial dental laboratory. Regular flossing and brushing were promoted in 1890 after the connection between bacteria and tooth decay was established by Willoughby Miller in his book titled Micro-Organisms of the Human Mouth. The first dental x-ray was taken in 1895, and orthodontics became a specialty in 1899. Whew, a lot happened in the 19th century! The 20th Century: Modern Dentistry in Full Force The start of the 20th century already saw new inventions and advancements in dentistry. These included the development of the porcelain jacket crown, the formulation of a local anesthetic (which would later become known as Novocain), and the creation of a new casting machine for cast fillings.   Greene Vardiman Black did a lot to advance dentistry. He was credited with developing methods for filling teeth, and he was also responsible for standardizing dental operative instrumentation and procedures. He even developed a better amalgam and established using visual aids to teach dentistry. In 1913, the first school for oral hygiene, the Fones Clinic for Dental Hygienists, was founded by Alfred C. Fones. It’s no wonder that he’s referred to as the Father of Dental Hygiene. More inventions continued to hit the scene, including the Vitallium dental screw implant, the nylon toothbrush, a method for bonding acrylic resin with dentin, fluoride toothpaste, the acid etch technique, the high-speed contra-angle handpiece, the fully reclining chair, and the electric toothbrush. By 1960, four-handed dentistry shortened treatment time and improved productivity, and lasers were developed for conditions like periodontal disease. Later, more advancements in composite resin and dental implants were made, and consumers got their first home bleaching kit in 1989. Woohoo, whiter teeth! Aesthetic dentistry became even more popular throughout the ‘90s when tooth-colored materials to restore damaged teeth, and the use of veneers became increasingly accessible. The 21st Century: So Many Options! The 21st century continues to prove that dentistry will keep evolving. Orthodontics is just one area where things have already improved, with the development of Invisalign and a process known as micro-osteoperforation to fix malocclusion more quickly. By now, we’re assuming that you’re pretty relieved to be living in the 21st century and to be able to reap the benefits of modern dentistry (no more gold fillings!). With the right protocol at home and regular trips to the dentist for cleanings and checkups, you can maintain a beautiful smile. And if you do run into dental problems, modern tools and procedures will ensure an experience that’s as pain-free as possible. Sources:  https://www.ada.org/member-center/ada-library/dental-history

Are you thinking about getting dental insurance for yourself and/or family. If so, you are going to want to familiarize yourself with different essential dental insurance terms to be sure that you know what you are getting into. In this article, we will go over some of the most common and essential insurance terms that you should familiarize yourself with. Different Dental Insurance Terms: 1.  Agent. An agent is someone that is licensed to sell insurance products like dental insurance. He/she may be a captive agent that is only authorized to sell a single carriers policies. Whereas, an independent agent is going to be able to sell you many different carriers' products. Tip: If you are looking for the best coverage and price, you will want to go to an independent insurance agent because you are likely going to get the best deal. A captive agent is only going to be able to sell you on a single carriers policies and this will limit your options. 2. Allowable Charges. This is the maximum amount of money on which the benefit payment is based for each dental procedure. Tip: This means that you are only going to be able to receive this much payment for each dental procedure. 3. Annual Maximum Benefits. This is the maximum amount of money that is to be paid out by the dental plan in a single calendar year. Tip: If you go over this amount, you are not going to receive the payout from your insurance policy. 4. Basic Care. Basic care coverage includes different procedures and dental care in your plan including; dental procedures used to restore and repair individual teeth caused by decay, infection, trauma, attrition, erosion, and/or abrasion. Basic services typically include; amalgam restorations, fillings, composite restorations, extractions, and other kinds of dental repair. Tip: This type of care is typically sufficient for those with good oral health and hygiene. 5. Benefit. A benefit is the amount that is payable by a third party towards the cost of different dental services that are covered by the plan. 6. Broker. A broker is someone that is both; licensed and authorized to sell insurance products for various different carriers. 7. Claim. A claim is the charges for dental products and services that are always submitted by either the provider and/or policy holder to the insurance company in order for them to be reviewed. 8. Coinsurance. Coinsurance is actually an arrangement between the carrier and the insured person in which the insurance company will pay a certain percentage for a different set of services and the remaining percentage is to be owed by the insured party. 9. Copay. The copay is an arrangement set forth in which the insured pays a specific amount at the time of dental service. An common example would be the insured paying $20 for a dentist visit. Dental copay actually is different than those applied to medical office visits because a copay on dental services is typically added onto the cost of the insurance that must be paid at the time of the service. These dental insurance terms should get you going. Be sure to do your research when trying to find the best dental insurance coverage for you and your family.