Cover story · Daily care
Healthy teeth start with two minutes, twice a day.
Most of what keeps a mouth healthy happens at home, in about five minutes a day. Here is how to make those minutes count.
Read the cover storyContents
Full issue- 01The two-minute routine: brushing and flossing, done wellDaily care · 5 min
- 02Cavities and gum disease: what they are and how they startUnderstanding · 6 min
- 03What happens at a dental checkup and cleaningCare basics · 5 min
- 04Fillings, crowns and root canals in plain wordsTreatments · 6 min
- 05Why dental bills surprise people, and seven ways to spend lessSaving · 7 min
By the numbers
- 2minutes, twice a dayThe brushing time dental groups suggest
- 1clean between teeth, dailyFloss, picks or small brushes
- 3–4months per toothbrushOr sooner when the bristles fray
- 0quotes, matches or partnersCrownivo only informs
The A–Z of the dental chair
Eight words your dentist may use, in plain English.
- Plaque
- A soft, sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day. Brushing and cleaning between teeth remove it.
- Tartar
- Plaque that has hardened. It cannot be brushed away and is removed by a hygienist during a cleaning.
- Enamel
- The hard outer layer of a tooth. It can be softened by acid but can also take back minerals from saliva and fluoride.
- Dentin
- The layer under enamel. When it is exposed, teeth can feel sensitive to cold, heat or sweets.
- Gingivitis
- Early gum inflammation, often with red, puffy gums that bleed. Usually reversible with good daily cleaning.
- Fluoride
- A mineral that helps strengthen enamel and slow decay. Found in most toothpastes and many community water supplies.
- Sealant
- A thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help shield grooves from decay.
- Annual maximum
- The most a dental plan will pay toward your care in a year. You pay costs beyond it.
The money page
Spend less. Smile the same.
Dental care is often paid for differently from other health care. A few habits can keep surprises small.
- Keep up with preventionSmall problems are cheaper than big ones.
- Learn your plan’s limitsYearly maximum, deductible, waiting periods.
- Ask for a written, itemized planAnd which items are urgent versus can wait.
- Look beyond the usual officeDental schools and community clinics often charge less.
Back page: Q&A
Is Crownivo a dentist?
No. Crownivo is an information website. We do not give dental advice, diagnose problems, quote prices or match you with a dentist.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Reading and subscribing are free. We do not sell plans or services.
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