With the new Affordable Care Act (ACA) law in effect, it’s important for smaller Illinois employers to know that this change provides an opportunity to evaluate health benefits offered to employees.(Dental Implant Machine)

While businesses with fewer than 50 full-time-equivalent employees aren’t required to offer dental insurance according to the ACA, it is something that should be considered to remain competitive among other employers in 2014 and the years ahead.

Dental insurance is the third most requested employee benefit, behind medical insurance and retirement plans. Employees have come to expect dental to be part of a benefits package, and offering dental benefits may tip the scales when a prospective employee is trying to decide among company offers.

Aside from being a great recruiting and retention tool, there are many other advantages dental insurance can provide your business and employees.

Reduce lost work hours
Each year, more than 164 million work hours are lost because of dental problems, so employees’ dental health affects your business, too. Preventive dental exams can help reduce lost productivity hours by identifying and treating problems earlier and, in some cases, reversing the problem before they become larger issues.

Have healthier employees
Studies show that 81 percent of people with dental benefits visit the dentist twice a year or more, while only 34 percent of people without dental benefits visit the dentist twice a year or more. Dental visits can help prevent, detect and manage oral diseases.

Keep medical costs down
Dental insurance that promotes preventive oral health habits may help keep medical insurance costs down. Regular oral health exams can help detect significant medical conditions before they become serious. In fact, more than 75 percent of oral cancers and more than 120 signs and symptoms of disease can be detected in and around the mouth and jaw.

Effects of the Affordable Care Act
In order to meet the requirements of the ACA, small business’ dental plans require a pediatric dental benefit, one of the ten essential health benefits (EHB). Choosing a carrier that provides adult dental coverage with pediatric coverage is one way to keep family dental benefits together and your employees happy. An employer can meet the requirements of the ACA outside of the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace with a standalone dental carrier. Not only do employers not have to go to the Marketplace to get coverage, they also do not have to get pediatric dental coverage from a medical carrier.

While businesses can sign up for benefits through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, the private marketplace continues to provide valuable options. A broker can help you make a decision that will keep you and your employees smiling.(Marathon Micro Motor)

No matter what the topic is, sitting down with your teen can get formal and awkward. Good thing you know that no matter how awkward the conversation, it is for their own good. Your teen may drive you crazy sometimes, but reinforcing good oral health habits is a must.(Dental Implant Machine)

Teens are at high risk for cavities because they would rather text than brush their teeth. They may choose not to go to the dentist often for routine checkups. They are at risk for eating disorders, which can damage teeth. They may have mouth or tongue piercings, eat an unhealthy diet or drink sugary energy drinks. These are all reasons why these 3 oral health dangers may cause issues for your teen’s teeth:

Food on the Go: Is your teen always rushing in and out of the house? Candy, potato chips and other foods high in sugar and starch are the enemy to your teen’s teeth. Sugar breaks down to acids that destroy tooth enamel and result in cavities. Poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to cavities between teeth, a common problem in teens. Give them healthy snack options instead.

Oral piercings: Teens may think piercings look cool, but they can chip or break the tooth enamel. Piercings can cause the tongue to swell or may become infected, sending bacteria into the bloodstream. If your teen has a piercing, encourage them to see a dentist regularly.

A Caffeine Buzz: If your teen is a fan of soda or energy drinks, encourage them to read the labels. These drinks are full of sugar and caffeine. The added sugars attack their teeth and can contribute to gum disease. If your teen is an athlete, learn more about how they could be harming their teeth with sports drinks. Water is the best and healthiest hydration source.

As parents, you may find it hard to talk to your teen. But educating your teen now will help them have healthy teeth as an adult. If all else fails, appeal to their vanity – everybody loves a beautiful smile!(Micro Motor)

Ever wonder how to keep your teeth healthy and white? Protect the Enamel to keep them beautiful. Enamel is the white part of the tooth and is very strong. If the enamel is damaged, it can never come back. So here are some tips to maintain beautiful teeth.(Dental Implant Equipment)
1. Don’t Brush After Acids

Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking acidic beverages, like wine, coffee and fruit juices. Your Enamel is temporarily softened from the acids, and is vulnerable shortly afterwards.
2. No Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is abrasive. I recommend using a gentle toothpaste so there’s no damage to the Enamel. Use a gentle and thorough brushing technique, twice daily for a minimum of 2 minutes.

3. Clench? Wear a Nightguard

If you clench or grind your teeth during sleep, wear a nightguard to protect your teeth from damage and wear! I can’t stress this enough.
4. Don’t Use Your Teeth to Hold Objects

Don’t hold hair pins or chew hard things like ice with your teeth. This leads to chipping and cracks in the Enamel. If the teeth chip, they require a filling or porcelain restoration to return the tooth back to its original shape.

5. Floss!

Flossing keeps your gums looking healthy and pink. Preventing gum disease is important to having a beautiful smile.(Marathon Micro Motor)

Sleep dentistry can encompass many aspects of dental care. It is a branch of dentistry that works to help people have better, less interrupted sleep throughout the night. A person’s sleep may be less than ideal for reasons ranging from snoring to sleep apnea; whatever the cause, Lifepoint Dental Partners in Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown and West Des Moines have experienced dentists who can help remedy these issues.(Sleep dentistry can encompass many aspects of dental care. It is a branch of dentistry that works to help people have better, less interrupted sleep throughout the night. A person’s sleep may be less than ideal for reasons ranging from snoring to sleep apnea; whatever the cause, Lifepoint Dental Partners in Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown and West Des Moines have experienced dentists who can help remedy these issues.(oilless air compressor)
Sleep Apnea – what is it?

The sleep disorder that happens when airflow is reduced or even stopped while an individual is sleeping is called sleep apnea. The reduction in airflow can be caused by sickness or by an obstruction in the airway. Whatever the reason, this loss of breath can be a tiresome and potentially dangerous occurrence. When airflow is diminished blood oxygen levels decrease, which in turn prompts a signal to be sent to the brain that there is a serious problem and the body needs to be woken up. An individual will then wake up just a little in order to start breathing again; this cycle will continue throughout the night, for every single night until the sleep apnea issue is met with a remedy. One type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea – people who suffer from this have disrupted sleep, a proclivity to cardiovascular problems and daytime sleepiness, and low blood oxygen levels. Another condition related to sleep apnea, which falls somewhere between issues with snoring and full-blown sleep apnea, is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. This syndrome shows similar symptoms to Obstructive Sleep Apnea but tends to show a negative result when tested against sleep apnea.
What can I do about my Sleep Apnea?

At one time the CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine was the only option available for people suffering from sleep apnea. And while some patients do find this method effective, CPAP has particular issues that make it unusable for the vast majority of patients. One of the most apparent problems results in extremely low compliance with using the machine – it is uncomfortable and requires a lot of pressure from the patient to keep the throat passage open.

Although oral appliance therapy is a relatively new alternative to traditional CPAP machine therapy, oral appliances in sleep dentistry have quickly become recognized as a viable and more comfortable option to the CPAP machine.

Lifepoint Dental Partners custom fits and crafts each oral appliance to fit our patient’s mouth exactly. The appliances look similar to a sports mouth guard, generally have high compliance rates (as in patients find them comfortable enough to wear nightly, ensuring the efficacy of the appliance for sleep apnea) and can also be used for patients with snoring issues that don’t quite fall under the category of obstructive sleep apnea.
What types of CPAP alternative oral appliances are available?

Lifepoint Dental has two choices for patients seeking an oral appliance as an alternative to the CPAP machine:

Tongue Retaining Appliances use a suction bulb to hold the tongue in a forward position, preventing the back of the tongue from collapsing and essentially obstructing the airway during sleep.

The second option is the Mandibular Repositioning Appliance, which moves the lower jaw forward slightly to ensure the patient’s airway remains open while sleeping. This device stimulates the muscles in the tongue to make it more rigid, which indirectly forces the tongue forward. The Mandibular Repositioning Appliance gently holds the mouth in a stable position so it remains closed throughout the night.
Snoring solutions

While not necessarily an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea, snoring still disrupts the sleep quality of the individual snoring as well as their partner.

Snoring generally occurs because a person’s airway is obstructed – by their tongue, by excessive weight gain, because they suffer from sleep apnea or for any number of other reasons. Throughout the day our airways are kept open by the muscles in our throats, however when we sleep those muscles relax and can no longer keep an obstructive issues at bay. The snoring sound while sleeping begins when the back of the tongue (uvula) and other soft tissues within the throat “flap” as air passes over them.

While many people think snoring is a slight issue that should be dealt with rather than treated by a dentist, it can actually be a serious medical problem and has links to other medical issues. For example, snoring has ties to increased rates of ADHD in children, an increase of Type II Diabetes in adults, and the development of hardened blockages in the carotid arteries of men who snore.

While initially created to help patients with obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy has also become an effective treatment for individuals who snore. Lifepoint Dental Partners will custom fit and craft an oral appliance for patients suffering from disruptive snoring.

Another treatment option available from Lifepoint Dental is the Pillar Procedure. It is a minimally invasive treatment choice that can be used for both snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. The Pillar Procedure can be performed in the dentist office and only local anesthesia is needed; tiny implants are placed into the soft palate muscle during the procedure with the intent to prevent the “flapping” that occurs during sleep which blocks the airway.
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Sleep Apnea – what is it?

The sleep disorder that happens when airflow is reduced or even stopped while an individual is sleeping is called sleep apnea. The reduction in airflow can be caused by sickness or by an obstruction in the airway. Whatever the reason, this loss of breath can be a tiresome and potentially dangerous occurrence. When airflow is diminished blood oxygen levels decrease, which in turn prompts a signal to be sent to the brain that there is a serious problem and the body needs to be woken up. An individual will then wake up just a little in order to start breathing again; this cycle will continue throughout the night, for every single night until the sleep apnea issue is met with a remedy. One type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea – people who suffer from this have disrupted sleep, a proclivity to cardiovascular problems and daytime sleepiness, and low blood oxygen levels. Another condition related to sleep apnea, which falls somewhere between issues with snoring and full-blown sleep apnea, is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. This syndrome shows similar symptoms to Obstructive Sleep Apnea but tends to show a negative result when tested against sleep apnea.
What can I do about my Sleep Apnea?

At one time the CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine was the only option available for people suffering from sleep apnea. And while some patients do find this method effective, CPAP has particular issues that make it unusable for the vast majority of patients. One of the most apparent problems results in extremely low compliance with using the machine – it is uncomfortable and requires a lot of pressure from the patient to keep the throat passage open.

Although oral appliance therapy is a relatively new alternative to traditional CPAP machine therapy, oral appliances in sleep dentistry have quickly become recognized as a viable and more comfortable option to the CPAP machine.

Lifepoint Dental Partners custom fits and crafts each oral appliance to fit our patient’s mouth exactly. The appliances look similar to a sports mouth guard, generally have high compliance rates (as in patients find them comfortable enough to wear nightly, ensuring the efficacy of the appliance for sleep apnea) and can also be used for patients with snoring issues that don’t quite fall under the category of obstructive sleep apnea.
What types of CPAP alternative oral appliances are available?

Lifepoint Dental has two choices for patients seeking an oral appliance as an alternative to the CPAP machine:

Tongue Retaining Appliances use a suction bulb to hold the tongue in a forward position, preventing the back of the tongue from collapsing and essentially obstructing the airway during sleep.

The second option is the Mandibular Repositioning Appliance, which moves the lower jaw forward slightly to ensure the patient’s airway remains open while sleeping. This device stimulates the muscles in the tongue to make it more rigid, which indirectly forces the tongue forward. The Mandibular Repositioning Appliance gently holds the mouth in a stable position so it remains closed throughout the night.
Snoring solutions

While not necessarily an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea, snoring still disrupts the sleep quality of the individual snoring as well as their partner.

Snoring generally occurs because a person’s airway is obstructed – by their tongue, by excessive weight gain, because they suffer from sleep apnea or for any number of other reasons. Throughout the day our airways are kept open by the muscles in our throats, however when we sleep those muscles relax and can no longer keep an obstructive issues at bay. The snoring sound while sleeping begins when the back of the tongue (uvula) and other soft tissues within the throat “flap” as air passes over them.

While many people think snoring is a slight issue that should be dealt with rather than treated by a dentist, it can actually be a serious medical problem and has links to other medical issues. For example, snoring has ties to increased rates of ADHD in children, an increase of Type II Diabetes in adults, and the development of hardened blockages in the carotid arteries of men who snore.

While initially created to help patients with obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy has also become an effective treatment for individuals who snore. Lifepoint Dental Partners will custom fit and craft an oral appliance for patients suffering from disruptive snoring.

Another treatment option available from Lifepoint Dental is the Pillar Procedure. It is a minimally invasive treatment choice that can be used for both snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. The Pillar Procedure can be performed in the dentist office and only local anesthesia is needed; tiny implants are placed into the soft palate muscle during the procedure with the intent to prevent the “flapping” that occurs during sleep which blocks the airway.(Dental Implant Equipment)

Your toothbrush plays a pretty important role in your overall oral health and hygiene, but did you know that your toothbrush is also a breeding ground for germs, fungus and various types of bacteria? Yuck!(dental x-ray machine)

According to the American Dental Association, the duration of an illness can be lengthened by the reintroduction of cold germs through your toothbrush. This is especially dangerous if you have a chronic illness or immune disorder. Even worse, if you experience trauma to your gum tissues, infection can set in and cause some serious health issues.

Fixing the problem is as easy as cleaning your toothbrush – The National Dental Association suggests that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray, and to clean it thoroughly at least once a week. Sterilizing your toothbrush will not only reduce the amount of harmful microorganisms that exists on your toothbrush head, but it will also reduce the likelihood of contracting unnecessary illnesses.When to Replace Your Toothbrush | Kenneth J. Wolnik, DDS

Simple methods for cleaning your toothbrush:

Make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your toothbrush.
Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly clean with water after brushing.
Store the brush upright so it can air-dry between uses. If more than one brush is stored in the same holder or area, the brushes shouldn’t touch each other.
Avoid storing your toothbrush in a cabinet or toothbrush protector; this actually increases the amount of bacteria present.
Check your toothbrush for signs of wear and tear, and replace it more frequently than every three or four months if needed. Children’s toothbrushes need to be replaced more frequently.

Don’t forget your electric toothbrush! – Electric toothbrush heads can be removed and sterilized in the same manner as a regular toothbrush. A good method for sanitizing your electric toothbrush head is to dilute hydrogen peroxide in water then place the toothbrush head inside the solution for five minutes. Make sure you rinse the brush head thoroughly after removing from the solution and store it upright in a rack or cup.(Teeth Whitening Machine)

Sensitive teeth can be extremely uncomfortable and not to mention painful. The middle layer of your tooth is called dentin. This soft layer is attached to thousands of tiny tubes that connect to the tooth’s nerve center called the pulp. When dentin is exposed,  hot or cold temperatures or pressure can cause tooth sensitivity.  So what causes dentin to be exposed? Here are a few reasons why the protective coating on your teeth, also known as enamel, can wear down and expose the nerve of the tooth.
Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

We understand that you want your teeth to be squeaky clean, but brushing your teeth too harshly or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear off the protective enamel on your teeth and expose the dentin that causes tooth sensitivity.  Try finding a toothbrush that has softer bristles and brush your teeth a bit more gently. If tooth sensitivity continues, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.(Portable X-ray Machine)
Eating Too Many Acidic Foods and Drinks

Unfortunately, eating acidic foods such as tomatoes, kiwi, lemons and grapefruit can cause sensitivity to your teeth.  Don’t forget about acidic drinks as well.  Sodas and fruit juices tend to have high acidity. If you notice sensitivity in your teeth, try to steer away from acidic foods and drinks.
Using Whitening Toothpaste or Teeth Whitening Products

Whitening toothpaste, tooth whitening products and mouthwash can cause tooth sensitivity because they often contain alcohol and other chemicals that can wear down your enamel on your teeth. Use neutral fluoride mouthwash or skip mouthwash altogether and spend more time brushing and flossing your teeth. If think your pain is coming from your toothpaste, sensitive toothpaste is available for people with sensitive teeth. However, it should be used regularly for the best end result. You don’t have to sacrifice a white smile for a healthy one. Lifepoint Dental offers professional whitening treatment that is safe for your teeth’s enamel.
Cracking a Tooth

Biting into hard substances like candy, ice, apples can actually cause a tooth to crack. The crack may be too small feel with your touch, but you may feel pain and sensitivity to a tooth that is cracked. If not treated, bacteria could get into your teeth and causes pain due to inflammation of the gums.
Grinding or Clenching of Teeth

Habitual teeth grinders are actually wearing down the protective enamel on their teeth, which again exposes the dentin. Most people who grind their teeth do so in their sleep. Lifepoint Dental dentists suggest using a mouthguard to ensure teeth are able to be protected by the enamel.  Lifepoint Dental will custom-make your mouthguard to ensure the best possible protection.
A Solution to Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is treatable, but the results vary from person to person because they are so many different causes of the problem. For mild to moderate sensitivity, toothpaste for sensitive teeth can often solve the problem if used consistently. If you are experiencing severe discomfort due to tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact a Lifepoint Dental dentist in Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown and Des Moines.dental equipment

Do you wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a dull, constant headache? You may be grinding or
clenching your teeth at night.(dental x-ray machine)

Teeth grinding
(medically called bruxism) can do damage to your teeth. If it happens on a
regular basis, it can erode tooth enamel and damage dental work. There are
several reasons why it happens. While stress or anxiety can be one cause, more
commonly it is caused by an abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth. It’s
important to visit your dentist for an examination; but in the meantime, here
are some ways to prevent grinding:

1. Wear a mouth guard at night. Use the same kind of mouth guard that kids and
   athletes wear while playing sports, which you can get custom made at your
   dentist. A mouth guard will help protect your enamel when you grind your teeth.
2. Relieve the stress. If you think stress is the cause, try
   exercising, meditation, taking a warm bath, getting a spa treatment, or other
   ways you know will help you relax. Make an extra effort to relax right before
   bedtime.
3. Relax your jaw. Grinding all night can make your jaw feel sore. Try to relieve the
   tension throughout the day by giving yourself mini jaw massages. Also, try not
   to chew on non-food items (like the end of pencils or your nails) to give your
   jaw a break.
4. Be aware.
   If you find yourself grinding your teeth during the day, try to stay aware of
   it and relax your jaw as soon as you notice you’re doing it.If you think you are
   grinding your teeth at night, see your dentist so they can examine your mouth
   for the signs and recommend a course of action.(Teeth Whitening Machine)

Emergency care dentists are equipped to handle any tooth emergency. Seeing us first takes less time than having to sit in a hospital emergency room, only to be told to see a dentist. When dental emergencies occur, seek emergency care with Southwest Dental Care as soon as possible. We are prepared and equipped for any type of dental emergency: day or night, seven days a week, we stand ready to advise and treat you with great dental care.(Marathon Micro Motor)

There are several types of dental emergencies, but only one or two should require a hospital emergency room visit. If you suspect you have a broken jaw or nose, emergency medical attention is required. For pain associated with teeth and gums or injury to a tooth, Southwest Dental Care is the better choice. Dental pain almost always becomes worse without treatment, and can create other serious health issues.

If a tooth has been traumatized or knocked out of your mouth, our team can treat the sensitive nerves and tissues that could be damaged. If you can replace the tooth quickly enough, chances are it can be saved. There are certain precautions to take during a dental emergency that could help preserve a tooth until you can see our professional dentists for emergency dental care.

Call our Abilene, TX office at the first onset of pain. If you have lost a tooth, crown, or filling, try to keep the tooth or restoration moist. Teeth are strong, but they will crack and shift after an injury or the loss of a bridge or crown. If the crack extends to the root, or the loss of a tooth or crown leaves sensitive tissue or nerves exposed, the pain can be excruciating. Our emergency care dentists will always treat your pain immediately upon examination, and fix the problem or advise you of a plan to address the cause of the pain.

Make your appointment immediately if you have suffered an accident-causing tooth injury. If the pain is the result of decay or cavities, medication for infection may be necessary. Depending on the extent of the decay, a filling, extraction, or root canal may be recommended. These treatments are not available in a hospital emergency room, but can be completed quickly and comfortably at Southwest Dental Care .(Air Scaler)