Dry, Cracked Corners of the Mouth: Angular Cheilitis

Have cracked corners of your mouth that are not healing? Is chapstick not doing the trick? A common problem that goes under diagnosed is a skin lesion called Angular Cheilitis. Angular cheilitis is a bacterial, fungal, or bacterial and fungal infection on one or both sides of your mouth. This bacteria and fungus is naturally present on healthy people, but is usually kept under control by our body’s immune system. However, if our immune system is weakened or if we have any type of mouth trauma it can make it easier for the bacteria and/or fungus that causes angular cheilitis to spread.

Angular Cheilitis Definition – Cheilitis is defined as a condition in which your lip becomes inflamed and irritated. Angular is defined as a corner or angle. So angular cheilitis’ literal definition is inflammation and irritation within your mouth corners. This is not contagious howerver it can spread from one corner of your mouth to another.

Treatment-Angular Chelitis can be easily treated by a dentist with a prescription topical antifungal or antibacterial ointments.

For more information visit: http://www.angularcheilitishelp.org/angular-cheilitis.php

Use It or Lose It: Dental Insurance Benefits

Guess what? Fall is upon us whether you’re ready for it or not.. That means so is a new year! Believe it, 2019 is right around the corner and, I’m sure, when you’re thinking of end of the year plans, the dentist doesn’t come to mind.. With that said, knowing these knowing the 5 money-saving facts might just change your schedule before January first..

Before we get started, here is a brief overview of how benefits work..

Benefits don’t always roll over and most plans renew in January. Every year, countless people lose hundreds of unused benefits they have already paid for. The typical dental plan runs on the traditional calendar year, meaning from January – January. However depending when you sign up, some opt to do the fiscal route. Check with your provider of when your plan begins and ends, it could save you hundreds and here’s how!

1) Yearly Maximum

A yearly maximum is the amount of money a dental insurance plan is willing to cover within one full insurance year. Your plan and company will dictate the amount and sometimes they do varies, but the average generally is around $1,000 a person / a year. So check with your provider to see when your maximum renews itself. If not used, benefits will go to waste when the new insurance year starts!

2) Plan Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money required “out of pocket” to your dentist before your insurance benefits kick in. Deductible fees will depend on plan, coverage, or if you see an “out of network” dentist. However, the average plan deductible for insurance is around $50 per year. The deductible will renew itself when the insurance year is over just like the maximum.

3) Premiums

Regardless if dental treatments are needed, you should always have a 6 month check up! This check up is to prevent and detect early signs of disease, cancer, cavities, or any other potential problems. In addition, most people are already paying premiums each month.. So you might as well use the benefits receive!

4) Fees Increases

Generally insurance plans never stay the same for the next year which is another reason to use your benefits. At the beginning of the year some insurance companies and dentists raise rates at the beginning of the year due to additional overhead or other mitigating factors. These fees aren’t always included to monthly payments either, copay costs are also susceptible to increase. Schedule your appointment while your costs are fixed.

5) Oral Health Issues

6 month check ups are vital to maintaining your oral and overall health for years to come. These checkups save patients money because they stop problems very early before the can worsen into a major problem!

With that in mind, don’t be foolish- use what you pay for! Before it’s too late, schedule your appointment to keep you and your wallet smiling.