What are your thoughts on dental insurance? Many people consider their dental insurance to be a safety net in case they ever have a dental emergency, while others rarely think about it. Because you pay for your dental insurance monthly, it makes more sense to consider how you may get the most out of your coverage. Dr. Borham in Las Cruces provides five simple and practical recommendations to help you achieve just that in this blog post.

Get 5 tips from Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry that will help you take full advantage of your coverage in 2022!

1. Preventive Care Should Not be Overlooked, and Visits Should be Scheduled Early in the Year.

Dr. Borham advises, most people should see their dentist at least twice a year for preventive care. Most dental insurance policies cover check-ups and cleanings in full. These regular dental appointments not only keep your mouth clean and fresh, but they also help your dentist to detect oral health issues before they become serious.

2. Take Action to Improve Your Overall Health.

It is not only about your oral health when it comes to making the most of your dental insurance. It can also improve your overall well-being and quality of life. You can help to prevent the development of gum disease by using your dental coverage to get the care you need. Gum disease is associated to the following health conditions:

• Stroke.
• Diabetes.
• Oral cancer is a disease that affects the mouth.
• Hypertension.
• Heart disease is a serious condition.
• Pancreatic cancer.

3. Find Out When Your Policy Will Expire.

The majority of PPO insurance policies are based on a calendar year. You were issued a yearly maximum at the start of 2022, a number that indicates the most your insurance provider will pay out for authorized services. Any unused amount of the annual limit expires at the end of the year. It will not be renewed in 2023. As a result, if you know you need a procedure, it is a good idea to arrange it before your 2022 coverage expire.

4. Do Not Forget About Your FSA!

In addition to traditional dental insurance, some people have a flexible spending account (FSA). You can set away tax-free money in an FSA for dental bills. Because most FSAs are due to end on December 31, you still have a few months to use the monies in your account.

Are you making the most of your dental benefits? The advice in this article can help you save money while also improving your oral health.

5. Practice Excellent Dental Hygiene at Home.

The typical dental insurance plan devotes the most benefits (generally 100 percent) to preventative care and up to 80 percent to basic care (fillings, root canals and treatment for gum disease). The maximum coverage for major treatments including as crowns, inlays, dentures, and so on is normally 50%.

The better you take care of your teeth at home, the less likely you are to need more complex operations that will cost you more money. Thus, Dr. Borham advises you to start with the basics: brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and monitor your sugar intake.

All your efforts can be doubled by maintaining regular visits to the Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry. This will allow you to protect your teeth, gums and wallet!

Make an appointment with us today for self-confidence and a smile you will be proud to flaunt! Simply contact us at the Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry.

Smiling is the foundation of joy. A genuine smile brightens your eyes, tightens your cheeks, and radiates across your face. When it comes to self-confidence, communication, and relationships, your smile is one of the most significant factors. Why? We catch up on nonverbal communication intuitively as humans. In reality, nonverbal communication accounts for 60 to 90 percent of your daily interactions with people.

Smiling has been found to release endorphins, enhance immunity, and improve the mood of others around you. Most importantly, having a healthy smile boosts your self-esteem. Do you raise your hand to cover your teeth when you feel these muscles moving? Or are you attempting to disguise your teeth by controlling your cheek muscles? If that’s the case, you are missing out on the benefits of smiling, which is why Dr. Borham recommends seeing a dentist to get a confident grin.

Learn with Dr. Borham how a healthy smile can help you feel more confident and how Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry can help you have a great smile:

1. The first thing people notice about you is your smile:

When you can grin with sincerity, it creates the idea that you are trustworthy, enjoyable to be around, and friendly! Having good teeth allows you to highlight your best feature which is your personality.

2. Meaningful Conversations Follow Fresh Breath:

Relationships are strengthened when people communicate effectively. Fresh breath allows conversations to endure longer, whether at work, play, or at home. A healthy dental routine, as well as frequent dental cleanings and examinations, are the first steps toward fresh breath.

3. Your handshake’s best friend is a smile:

Have you practiced your professional handshake to make a strong first impression in interviews and at work? Did you also practice greeting people with a smile? You transmit the message that you are fearless, confident, and upbeat when you pair a confident handshake with a self-assured smile.

4. 4. Having healthy teeth shows that you care about yourself and have confidence

The bright smile around you says that you care about yourself and have confidence. This indicates to others that you understand that you are worthy of attention.

5. Make a big smile for the camera!

It is nearly difficult to avoid being photographed, and you should not try. With a bright smile, you may find yourself planning more memorable vacations and adventures, as well as capturing more photos. You will be delighted to show your photos to your children, grandchildren, and friends.

So, is your smile promoting positive connections, communication, and self-assurance? Do not allow your smile to get the best of you. You have earned the right to take advantage of whatever life has to offer with self-assurance and pride. Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry can assist you in developing a healthy dental regimen and repairing any damage that may be preventing you from smiling freely.

Make an appointment with us today for self-confidence and a smile you will be proud to flaunt! Simply contact us at the Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry.

Have you seen a bit of blood in your sink when you brush your teeth recently? That bleeding can be one of the first warning signs that you have got gum disease. Most gum diseases can be reduced or eliminated by practicing more consistent and comprehensive oral hygiene and having professional dental cleanings. After a dentist or dental hygienist at Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry removes the plaque and tartar, the patient can usually avoid gingivitis and gum disease by brushing and flossing after each meal. A patient can use a prescription mouth rinse that targets the oral germs that cause gum disease under the supervision of Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry.

Healthy gums are vital for strong teeth, and the best way to make sure gums stay healthy is with a good oral health routine. Professional dental cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing. Often, dentists are also capable of identifying potential problems that patients are not yet able to see or feel. When you maintain regular preventative dental appointments, you can stave off decay and gum disease, as well as identify the beginnings of oral health problems before they become severe. Dr. Borham explains the best way to treat gum disease:

Oral Hygiene:

It is important to maintain oral hygiene to avoid gum disease, to keep it clean Dr. Borham recommends the following:

1. Borham recommends brushing your teeth twice before bedtime and once more a day by using toothpaste with the proper amount of fluoride, a natural mineral that aids in tooth decay prevention.
2. Brushing your teeth after flossing or using interdental brushes on a regular basis (preferably daily).
3. Visit your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis.
4. Do not smoke.

Mouthwash:

Mouthwashes can’t get rid of plaque that’s already there, and this can only be accomplished by brushing and flossing on a regular basis. Dr. Borham will be able to advise you on the best mouthwash to use and how to use it properly. If mouthwash helps control plaque build-up, the sticky substance that formed when bacteria collect on the surface of your teeth, your dentist may recommend it. Pharmacies sell antiseptic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine or hexetidine over the counter but if you use chlorhexidine mouthwash on a daily basis, it might colour your teeth brown. Hence, Chlorhexidine mouthwash should not be used for more than four weeks.

Saltwater Treatment for Gingivitis:

Rinsing with salt water can help repair gingivitis-inflamed gums. Salt is a natural disinfectant that aids in the healing process of your body.

Salt water can also be used to:

1. Gums that are irritated should be soothed.
2. Assist in the reduction of pain.
3. Bacteria are reduced.
4. Food particles should be removed.
5. Get rid of foul breath.

To find out how to treat Gum Disease, simply contact us and get more details by making an appointment at the Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry.

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Our patients often ask Dr. Borham if they are old for Invisalign. As Dr. Borham advises his patients that as long as their teeth and gums are healthy, he can help them get an incredible smile at any age.  Also, patients may be embarrassed to get braces installed, or maybe they want but cannot afford the costs, do not worry, the solution is always there, most adults are embarrassed to get braces, or they cannot afford the costs, and this is where Invisalign comes in. Invisalign is a clear, invisible compound that a person can take off and eat and will no longer embarrass you.

If you are an adult who needs orthodontics and wants a straighter and more beautiful smile, then Invisalign is the leading provider of clear braces and guarantees stunning results.

Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry shares the reasons why Invisalign is such a great option for adult patients:

1. Completely invisible and does not affect speech and pronunciation:

No one will know you are wearing Invisalign unless you want them to know. Adults who wear braces are more likely to be shy, especially those who work professional or white-collar jobs. When Invisalign is worn, however, it is undetectable. Because it is invisible and no one can tell you are using Invisalign, it has no effect on your speech or appearance, allowing you to carefully adjust your smile.

2. Comparing to braces, Invisalign has a much shorter treatment time:

You do not have to wear Invisalign indefinitely. You usually will only have to wear Invisalign for about 12 months, which is less than traditional treatment via wearing braces. Placing Invisalign and using it now at an early age will help you make your teeth straighter and more comfortable. Invisalign for adults is considered successful and effective according to advances in diagnosis, treatment, and procedures.

3. Invisalign is low maintenance:

Even If you have a busy schedule, it is easy to make time for the treatment you need with Invisalign. You do not have to spend an hour every few weeks in the dentist’s office to adjust your Invisalign and this will save you time and money.

4. Invisalign is more affordable than you would think:

Dr. Borham believes everyone deserves to get a smile they love within their budget limit. You can call our office to get a quote.  Dr. Borham recommends Invisalign if you wish to straighten your teeth without braces. The therapy consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for you according to Dr. Borham’s instructions. Your new smile emerges as you progress up the chain. The advantages of Invisalign are that it is nearly invisible, and the orthotics are removable, so there are no limits on what you can eat, and your mouth hygiene regimen remains the same and it is convenient. You will not need to schedule any emergency repairs because straighteners do not have brackets or wires. You will be able to go about quickly.

5. The Benefits of Adult Orthodontics are Significant.

• • Improving your facial symmetry and appearance
  • Increasing self-esteem and confidence, which has a positive impact on all aspects of your life
  • Enamel protection against early deterioration
  • You’ll like brushing and flossing since straight teeth are easy to clean.
  • Gum disease, for example, can cause bone loss and possibly tooth loss.

Invisalign is the preferred method of smile correction for most adults. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, simply contact us and get more details by making an appointment at the Mesilla Valley Family Dentistry.

From a very early age, your dentist will advise you to stay away from unhealthy foods and always take care of brushing and flossing your teeth, but unfortunately with this attention, you may have a cavity in your teeth at some point in your life. Tooth decay, which is often referred to as cavities, can occur at any time. But do not worry, here you need to take care and visit Dr. Borham in Las Cruces, New Mexico without delay.

Dr. Borham explains the best ways to keep your teeth in perfect shape.

Here are eight tips that will help to prevent cavities:

1. Brush Your Teeth Regularly

Dr. Borham advises to combat cavities to clean the teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time to avoid the occurrence of cavities. When brushing your teeth, the toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle to clean the teeth well from all sides, front, back, top and bottom. In addition, the toothbrush should come into contact with both the tooth as well as the gums. It is recommended to use fluoride toothpaste.

2. Floss or Clean Between Your Teeth Daily

When eating, some food residues may get stuck between the teeth, and even if you use a toothbrush, it may not remove these residues. If they are not removed, this may lead to tooth decay, unless dental floss is used to clean the teeth. A common problem that hygienists find is that their patients are not flossing their teeth. String floss, flossing brushes, and water flossing devices are different types of floss options available.

3. Visit Your Dentist and Dental Hygienist:

Cavities can only be discovered by a dentist or x-ray. Therefore, it is important to visit your dentist for regular routine check-ups to check your teeth, maintain oral hygiene and prevent cavities. You can consult your doctor and take the doctor’s advice regarding dental cleaning.

4. Consider Fluoride Treatments

Dr. Borham recommends periodic fluoride treatments, especially if you aren’t getting enough fluoride through fluoridated drinking water and other sources. Dr. Borham may recommend custom trays that fit over your teeth for the application of prescription fluoride if your risk of tooth decay is very high.

5. Consider Sealants

Dental sealants are clear coatings applied to the surfaces of a child’s molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. children ages 6 to 12 currently have sealants on their teeth.

6. Eat Healthy Food and Avoid Sugary Drinks

Eating healthy meals helps prevent plaque formation on your teeth, so Dr. Borham advises to stay away from sugary drinks and food that contain sugar, eat healthy food, and drink water instead.

7. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum stimulates the flow of saliva, which protects your teeth from cavities. Dr. Borham says: When you eat sugar-free gum, it helps produce saliva and protects your teeth from cavities, thus reducing plaque acid.

8. Use Mouthwash but Do Not Just Rely on It

Use a mouthwash that contains antimicrobials that reduce plaque, such as Listerine or Crest Pro-Health. Dr. Borham recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing, but you can’t rely on it alone so make sure you remove food residue.

Dr. Borham always advises you to consult your dentist and perform a routine dental examination to ensure that no plaque builds up on your teeth and to prevent them from decaying.