Getting a regular dental exam is key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. In addition to seeing a dentist for regular cleanings and exams, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits. These tips can help you make the most of your next trip to the dentist. 

Brush regularly 

It’s key to good oral health because it prevents plaque buildup. Aim to brush two times a day — once in the morning and once before bed. And try to clean your teeth and tongue for about 2 minutes each time.  

Be gentle 

Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down and damage your teeth and gums. To protect them, choose a soft toothbrush and angle it toward your gums in small circular motions. If you have arthritis, ask your dentist about electric toothbrush options that will make brushing easier.  

Don’t forget to floss  

Leaving food in between your teeth can lead to gum disease. Some signs of gum disease include red, tender or bleeding gums, a bad taste that won’t go away and painful chewing. Aim to floss once per day to clear out particles your toothbrush can’t reach.  

Stop grinding 

Stress can cause you to grind your teeth during the day or even while you’re sleeping. This can lead to tooth decay. Talk with your dentist about ways to stop grinding your teeth like mouth guards or stress-relief strategies.  

Quit smoking 

Chemicals from tobacco can damage your teeth in many ways. Smoking also raises your risk of oral cancer and gum disease. If you’re a smoker, make a plan to quit.  
 

A registered nurse is just a phone call away

Call our 24/7 Nurse Line at 1-855-493-7019 (TTY: 711) to speak with a nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it’s an emergency, dial 911.

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Know your benefits before you go 

When you use an in-network dentist, all dental services are covered (except cosmetic services like whitening). Some of your covered services include:

• Oral exams
   
• Cleanings
   
• Fluoride treatments
   
• Dental X-rays

Need help finding an in-network provider? We have a helpful tool for that. Go to AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com and then follow these simple steps:

• Click on “Find a provider or prescription” in the gray bar at the top.
   
• Select “Find a provider or hospital” from the drop-down menu.
   
• Click the green “Log in to find a provider” button. 
   
• Enter your ZIP code to find a provider near you. 

Searching as a logged-in member allows you to find all your coverage information, including cost estimates. If you don’t have a member account, click the “Find a provider” button under “Guests” and search by your ZIP code.

Prefer to see a dentist who isn’t in network? Not a problem. You can see any licensed provider who accepts your plan, even if they’re out of network. Here’s how: You have an annual allowance to spend on dental care. To use it, ask the provider to submit the claim on your behalf. If they won’t, you may have to pay the provider, then send us proof of payment and a reimbursement form to get reimbursed. 

Need to find an in-network dental provider? Visit AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider or call Member Services at 1-833-570-6671 (TTY: 711) between 8 AM and 8 PM, seven days a week.  

For language services, please call the number on your member ID card and request an operator. For other language services: Español | 中⽂ | Tiếng Việt | 한국어 | Tagalog | Pусский | ةيبرعلا| | Kreyòl | Français | Polski | Português | Italiano | Deutsch | ⽇本語 | فارسی | Other languages… 

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.  Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Allina Health | Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat plan members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

©2023 Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Company 
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