Did your dentist recommend getting a dental crown to restore a badly decayed or damaged tooth? If you’ve never had one before or struggle with dental-related anxiety, you may be hesitant to move forward with treatment. After all, if you just commit to being really good about brushing and flossing, the tooth will heal on its own, right? Sadly, no. Don’t worry – if you’re worried about the procedure being painful, you have nothing to fear. Here’s why.

The holidays are just around the corner, and there are some exciting activities that you are certainly looking forward to. Whether you are eager to sing along to your favorite seasonal jingles, string twinkling lights around your home, or pick out thoughtful gifts to distribute to your loved ones, there is something for everybody this time of year. One thing that everybody seems to be excited about is the holiday foods, but your dentist isn’t looking forward to the aftermath! Here are some treats that you should be especially wary of.

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, approximately 77 million Americans have dental benefits, and most of them have private coverage through an employer or group program. However, since it’s so different from medical insurance, dental benefits aren’t always the easiest topic to navigate. Continue reading to learn about the different types of plans out there, what they cover, and other things you should know.