Make the most of your dental insurance
Knowing your plan and your options can save you money and keep you healthier
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD, FAGD, Columnist, The Times
If you have dental benefits, congratulations! – You’re one of the lucky ones. Many folks have no benefits. Too many of us have very little idea how our plans work and how much they actually cover. This is unfortunate and often works to the benefit of the insurance...
The daily grind – it can be more than just clenched teeth
Habitual grinding of teeth — bruxism — can cause more damage than you might think
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
While most people clench or grind occasionally some people do it on a regular basis. This clenching and grinding is known as bruxism and can cause damage to teeth and the bones that support them. Most people don’t know they do it until their dentist or hygienist...
Corporate dentistry: what’s the difference? Plenty
At so-called ‘dental mills’ PBS report airs concerns that profit trumps patient needs
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
Once upon a time – a dentist opened up an office and provided patient care. Satisfied patients referred their friends and families and his (or her) business grew. These dental practices (like mine) answer only to their patients. A private practice...
Dental implants: a reliable choice to replace missing teeth
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
The earliest dental implants seemed to have been placed by the early Egyptians when they used seashells implanted in the jaw bones to replace missing teeth. The first modern dental implants were placed in 1952. Dental implants have come a long way since those early implants. No longer is dental implant treatment considered experimental...
Sports drinks hide an acidic secret
Gatorade could be causing tooth damage
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
There has been a lot of research lately into the effects of sports drinks on our teeth. A recent study by the Academy of General Dentistry reported that tooth damage caused by sports drinks is 3-11 times greater than that caused by a carbonated (non-diet) cola beverage. As I was reading this...
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Don’t ignore early warning signs, when in doubt, get it checked
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
Most of my friends, colleagues and patients know that I am passionate about prevention. My family, my friends and my patients have all been touched by oral cancer. Oral cancer is no fun. Your dental professional is trained to evaluate the health of all the oral...
Why is dental care so expensive?
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
I get asked that question often, and to be honest, I understand why patients feel that way. When a friend of mine, a savvy businessman learned about the business of dentistry he was actually surprised it didn’t cost more! He suggested that I share the hidden side of modern dental care.
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Mom, do I have to brush AGAIN?
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
As a dentist, I am obsessive about oral hygiene, as a mom I fight the same fight as everyone else I know. My kids are just like yours. I’m sure my son isn’t the only kid to swear up and down he brushed his teeth but somehow the toothbrush is still dry. Really?
February is national children’s dental health month. So this...
A new year, make a new plan for dental health
Knowing how your insurance works can save you money and keep your family healthier
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
January is the month of renewal, time to start over, make some healthy changes or break some old habits. It is also a new year for most dental insurance plans.
There is no perfect dental insurance plan, some plans will work better for you and your family. ...
Cranberries, dessert & other holiday traditions
It’s not always what you eat, but how you eat it
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, UnionvilleTimes.com
What we eat over the holidays matters. As the holidays are coming up fast I thought I would share some news on nutrition and dental health.
Pass the Cranberries.
A number of studies have been done recently on the health benefits of cranberries. Women have known for decades that...
