Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all Savon Dental Plan members, vendors, providers and associates - we wish you wealth, health and happiness

Having trouble understanding dental language??

Check out Savon's Tooth-o-Pedia! This convenient dental dictionary helps if you are trying to understand your bill, your treatment plan, or even understand the dentist as he speaks to you!

This is a GREAT tool that I have found very useful at home and at work!!! I've even surprised my friends with how much I know about dental! I recommend bookmarking this page to anyone!

Here is Savon's Tooth-o-Pedia

Want to see a movie on Christmas?

Here are the new releases coming out on Christmas day...

Bedtime Stories ~ Adam Sandler / Keri Russell
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ~ Brad Pitt / Cate Blanchett
Hurricane Season ~ Forest Whitaker
Marley and Me ~ Owen Wilson / Jennifer Aniston
Shanghai ~ John Cusack / Ken Watanabe
The Class ~ François Bégaudeau / Franck Keita
The Spirit ~ Gabriel Macht / Samuel L. Jackson

I am planning on seeing Bedtime Stories so I will comment on how I thought it was after we see it. (:
Have a wonderful Holiday!

Holiday Flu Bug is at it again!

It's flu season so I thought I'd post a few tips for staying healthy over the Holidays. Remember, this is the time of year when everyone is out and about (sick or not) out of necessity....it seems during the holidays there is just so much to do, so, in the interest of wellness here are a few tips to keeping the flu bug at bay:

• Wash, wash, wash your hands!!! You can't do it often enough, especially if you're out shopping. You're touching surfaces that others have touched and unwittingly exposing yourself.
• Carry hand sanitizer in your purse or pocket and use it if there isn't a place to wash your hands.
• Use your own pen to sign a credit card receipt or check, don't accept the "community pen" that most clerks keep handy at the checkout stand.
• Take advantage of the disinfectant wipes that many grocery stores are putting out and take a minute to wipe down the handle of the grocery cart or basket before you shop. This minimizes the risk of picking up the germs left by someone who might have been sick.
• At a restaurant, avoid setting your silverware down directly on the surface of the table. Place them on a napkin instead. Often the people bussing tables fail to wash them properly in their hurry to ready the table for new guests.

These are just a few that I came up with. Feel free to add your own tips if you know of something helpful that I might have missed!

Have a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season!!!

Diabetic-Friendly Holiday Cookie Recipes

Do you have a diabetic in the family? Maybe you're just looking to enjoy the traditional holiday treats without suffering the consequences. Here is a recipe for traditional holiday sugar cookies that won't leave you feeling guilty:

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 cup stick butter
1 cup Equal Sugar Lite
1 med. egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pkg. Sugar Free Fruit Flavored Gelatin

Preparation:
Beat butter and Equal in medium-sized bowl on medium speed of mixer until well combined. Mix in egg and vanilla until blended. Add combined flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until blended. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto cookie sheets sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Flatten slightly using a spoon. Sprinkle with sugar-free fruit flavored gelatin.
Bake in preheated 350 degrees F oven 10-12 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and cool completely on wire rack. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.
For rolled sugar cookies: wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Work with half of the dough at a time, keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator. Roll on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with desired cookie cutters. Sprinkle with sugar-free gelatin. Bake in preheated 350 F oven 8-10 minutes. Proceed as recipe directs.

Nutrition information:
Per serving:
Calories 87
Total fat 4 g
Saturated fat 1 g
Cholesterol 21 mg
Sodium 50 mg
Total carbohydrate 10 g
Dietary fiber 0 g
Sugars 2 g
Protein 1 g

My retainer…

So I finally got my braces off Dec 1st and went in expecting the metal retainer, however I was given this clear plastic thing that goes over all your teeth. Wasn't sure what I thought about it at first, but it is kinda nice not having a metal bar across my teeth as the other one would do. I find them easy to put in and take out for the most part. They also are not that visible unless you are up close, then you notice my teeth are shiny. (:
You can go here to view a picture of them and a little information on caring for them.

Hold on to your Dental Coverage!

Working in the dental industry, I've noticed the downtrend caused by the failing economy with respect to dental insurance, dental plans and even dental appointments. While dental health may not be on everyone's mind at the moment, you should still hold on to your dental coverage if you can. Unfortunately, prices for dental procedures have not gone down to match the economy, so it's as important as ever to make sure that your family is covered in the event that treatment is needed! Also, remember that a good dental plan is an excellent way to help keep the cost of dentistry down, and in most cases can be used as a supplement to dental insurance. Your dental insurance plan has limitations, and a good dental plan doesn't.

Here's a link to the best one out there (in my opinion, of course!)

Cookies In A Jar Recipes

Looking for an inexpensive gift that everyone will LOVE? Check this out:

COOKIES IN A JAR (10 recipes)

Layer ingredients as listed in a quart jar, attach directions shown below.

CRUNCHY TOFFEE COOKIES

2/3 cup toffee chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHOCOLATE LOVER'S COOKIES

1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

HUSTLE-BUSTLE BUTTERSCOTCH- OATMEAL COOKIES

1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

OUTRAGEOUS OATMEAL-RAISIN COOKIES

1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

WONDERFUL WHITE CHOCOLATE-MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES

1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHUNKY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

1 cup chocolate chunks
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

HOLIDAY HAZELNUT COOKIES

1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CRAZY FOR CRAISINS COOKIES

2/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHOCOLATE-COVERED RAISIN COOKIES

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup chocolate-covered raisins
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHEWY COCONUT-ALMOND COOKIES

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

Instructions for layering ingredients:
In 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed. If there is any space left after adding the last ingredient, add more baking chips, dried fruits or nuts to fill the jar

Place lid on top. Cut an 8-inch circle of fabric to cover lid. Place fabric over lid; secure in place with a rubber band, then ribbon or raffia. Decorate as desired.

Note: When measuring brown sugar, crumble it between your fingers for uniform texture. Be sure to pack the brown sugar firmly in the jar to prevent the baking mix from sifting down through it.

Make a gift card to attach as follows: "Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in 1 stick of butter or margarine, melted; 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 1! 0 to 12 minutes or until cookies are light golden brown.

Makes 2-1/2 dozen cookies

Substitute almond extract for vanilla in cookies containing almonds.

"To make cookies as bars: Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in 1 stick of butter or margarine, melted; 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined. Press into an 8x8-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 24 minutes or until bars are light golden brown and center is almost set

Makes 16 bar cookies."


These are fun to make and are enjoyed by everyone! Happy Holidays!

Can an eating disorder harm your teeth?

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that harms your overall health and is particularly destructive to teeth. The digestive system contains strong acids that break down food. When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack tooth enamel. Vomiting often can severely erode tooth enamel and over time, teeth will become worn and translucent.
I found the article here.

Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving

Do you know someone who's lost their benefits or who doesn't have dental coverage at all?? Give them a gift that will save them money all year long!

Savon Dental Plan is offering gift certificates you can buy for your friends or family in need!

This offer is only good until December 20th, so hurry! Call 1-800-809-3494 for details!

Thanksgiving dishes part 1..

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner I thought I would post some of my favorite recipes. (:
If you have any recipes you like to share please do so. It is always nice trying something new.


Green Bean Casserole;
Prep: 10 minutesBake: 30 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. soy sauce Dash ground black pepper 4 cups cooked cut green beans 1 1/3 cups French's® French Fried Onions

Directions:
MIX soup, milk, soy, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in 1 1/2-qt. casserole.
BAKE at 350°F. for 25 min. or until hot.
STIR . Sprinkle with remaining onions. Bake 5 min.
TIP: Use 1 bag (16 to 20 oz.) frozen green beans, 2 pkg. (9 oz. each) frozen green beans, 2 cans (about 16 oz. each) green beans or about 1 1/2 lb. fresh green beans for this recipe.


*recipe found here

Golf Tournament-Calling All Golfers!

For all of you avid golfers out there, Savon Dental Plan is hosting a Golf Tournament on April 25, 2009. All proceeds are to benefit The Salvation Army Youth Character Building Programs in the central Phoenix area. This event is open to the public. The more the merrier!

Where: Coyote Lakes Golf Club, Surprise, Arizona
When: April 25, 2009, To begin at 8AM
Cost: $85 per person (Price includes cart fees & Buffet Lunch)

The Salvation Army is a great charity and can use our help all year long!

Click here for more details and a number to call for a sign-up form.

Dental Comics

You can view more here! (:

Time to remove those braces…

How do the dentist remove the braces?

It seems they use a special set of pliers to squeeze the curve on the back of the braces and that breaks the bond to the plastic adhesive. Then they may use another set of pliers to remove the plastic that is bonded to the teeth or a high-speed hand piece to smooth the plastic off the teeth and polish the enamel where the plastic was removed. Then the assistant may polish them a little but it is important to go for a full cleaning with your general dentist maybe within a month or so. You may also want to whiten your teeth a little and can always try Crest products they have out to save a little money.

The elections are over...

Happy Wednesday everyone! Hopefully everyone made it through election day yesterday. I know it's a touchy subject for many, but I'm curious to know what everyone's thinking now...

What are the signs of a baby teething?

Your little one may be cranky and miserable, his/her gums might be swollen or even be hard and sometimes they may even fever. Most babies start to teeth around six or seven months but some can come in even earlier. It may help if you are prepared for when the time comes if you have pain relievers, teething toys & lots of patients. If you would like to read more about the signs you can view this web-site here.

Last-minute Halloween Costume ideas:

Okay, so Halloween is one day away. You haven't really planned on doing much of anything except maybe sit at home and hand out candy, when all of the sudden your best friend calls inviting you to a KILLER Halloween party you DON'T want to miss. Then you realize you have NOTHING TO WEAR! Here are a few ideas for a last minute costume emergency:

-You can wear anything as long as you look DEAD... Go to the nearest convenience store to the Halloween section and buy some fake blood and some white face makeup.. Then dress up in your most favorite outfit, but paint your face, a little blood around the nose, ears, and mouth will be a HIT!!!

-Have an old prom dress (that still fits??), or an old bridesmaid dress? You can be a dead prom date! Same with guys if you happen to have a suit lying around...

-Take an old shirt and an old pair of jeans that you don't care about and either cut holes or tear holes in them, paint your face up and go as a zombie... You can even dip in to your mom's, sisters, or girlfriends makeup (or your own) and use eyeshadow to create bruises that look REAL!

-Go as a hippy! It's the easiest costume in the world! Jeans, a shirt or a tank, and flip flops... Then part your hair down the middle and put a headband around your forehead! Decorate a plain white t-shirt with your favorite hippy design.

-Go 80's style! All you need is hairspray, spandex, and a fanny pack! Any hairstyle will work as long as it is on ONE SIDE of your head! This is for guys AND girls!

-Go Goth! Wear anything black, and wear lots and lots of black eyeliner! Simple and cheap!

If all else fails, wrap yourself up in tin foil and go as a leftover!!!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Happy Halloween!

Like to read??

I was at my son's orthodontics appointment on Monday and they are giving away movie tickets for the new movie Twilight which comes out Nov. 21st (I believe). The movie is based on the book by Stephenie Meyer. I told my son we are going to try and read it before we see the movie. I started to the book last night and WOW! I am not really a reader to begin with, but I couldn't put it down. So if you are looking for something new to read and like fantasy type books I would so recommend this one! (:

G.U.M ~ Soft picks

Since I have had my braces on I discovered soft-picks by G.U.M. Let me tell you they are great for after you eat and have stuff stuck in your braces. When you need a quick effect fix (don't have the time to floss) these little guys do the trick!
I find them to be a great product and thought I would pass it along. (:

What's your favorite Halloween story?

Halloween is one of the worlds oldest holidays. It is still celebrated to this day, world wide.

There are a lot of stories and myths out there about the history of Halloween. Some are clearly myths, some are actual historical facts, and some are both. Although there are actual, proven historical events that explain the Halloween holiday, I have found so many explanations and stories of how Halloween came to be as it is now, and I guess it's up to you as to which story you want to believe. This is my favorite:

In the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the Celtic New year. It has been said that on this day, disembodied spirits of all who had passed on throughout the preceding year would come back, searching for bodies to posses for the next year. It was their only hope for the afterlife, and the celts believed that all laws of space and time were suspended during this time so the spirit world could intermingle with the living. Of course the living did not wish to be possesed, so on October 31st, they would extinguish fires in their homes to make it cold and undesirable for the spirits. They would also dress up in ghoulish costumes and parade around the neighborhood to try and scare the spirits away. It's also been said that the Celts would burn people at the stake if they were thought to have already been possessed.

Of course this is just one story out of thousands of myths and tales. Feel free to share your comments, thoughts, or if you'd like, you can contribute your own story of how you believe halloween began. :)

Monday Already...

Do you dread Mondays?
Here are a few things you can try and do to make Mondays not so blah...
Wear your best clothes
Get an Early start
Eat a good breakfast
Complete as much work possible on Friday
Listen to your favorite music
Plan something special for Monday night
Want a few more ideas? Check out this web-site here on 20 ways to beat the Monday blues.

Put your Halloween candy to good use!

If you are like most of us come Christmas time you are throwing away all the candy left over from Halloween that the kids did not eat. Well this year send it to the troops! I know where I live there are several local dentist offices that are offering money by the pound if you bring them in your Halloween candy and they are sending it to the troops. It is a great way to help out and avoid it all just going to waste. Check with your local dentist and see if they are doing anything like that. Also, you can go here and find out how to send to 'any' soldier.

Halloween Candy-Your Child's Teeth (And Yours!)

It's that time of year again.... Halloween is just around the corner and the real horror for parents is the amount of sugar their kids will likely consume. In terms of cavities, believe it or not, it is probably better to let the kids have that "candy eating marathon" before bed. Of course, you will want to make sure that they brush before they go to sleep for the night! The fact is that consuming the candy over a prolonged period (say, over a few weeks) is worse for the teeth! It isn't the amount of sugar that the teeth are exposed to but the length of time they are exposed that makes them susceptible to cavities. Sugar feeds the cavity causing bacteria in the mouth. The more often they eat the sugary type foods, the more susceptible they are.

Here is a tip for a Halloween hand out that is good for kids teeth: Sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol is an excellent choice. Xylitol kills the germs and bacteria that cause cavities. And for parents who want even more protection for their kids there are other Xylitol products available in the form of toothpaste, oral rinses and floss. Adults can benefit from the use of these products as well.

TGIF!!

What better way to start the weekend off with a little humor...

~Little Amy confided to her uncle, "When I grow up I’m going to marry the boy next door.""Why is that?""Cause I’m not allowed to cross the road."

~Waiter: And how did you find your steak, sir?

~Customer: Well, I just pushed aside a bean and there it was!

~Bob and Tom both like to golf. One day Bob went to Tom and said, "Hey look at this great ball!" Tom replied, "What’s so great about it?" Bob said, "Well if you lose it, it will beep until you find it, and if it goes into the water it will float. This ball is impossible to lose!" "Wow!", said Tom, "Where did you get that from?" Bob replied, "I found it."

~Tech Support: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop."
Customer: "Ok."
Tech Support: "Did you get a pop-up menu?"
Customer: "No."
Tech Support: "Ok. Right click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?"
Customer: "No."
Tech Support: "Ok, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?"
Customer: "Sure, you told me to write 'click' and I wrote click'."

~Q. How do you make holy water?
A. Boil the hell out of it.

~Do you believe in love at first sight or do I have to walk by you again?

~Q: Where do you find a dog with no legs?
A: Right where you left him.


Want to read some more? Just click here and enjoy a few laughs! (:

How much do YOU know about dental?

Test your dental knowledge and take this little quiz I found online. I scored 16 out of 20.

Take the quiz and post your score as a comment. Let's see who can get 20 out of 20! :)

Be Aware!-Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since this is Breast Cancer Awareness month I thought I'd put out a reminder to all women out there to have a screening done, and men too! This disease does not discriminate between the sexes, age, race or otherwise! The statistics show that approximately 1 in 4 women will develop breast cancer. In 2008, the expected number of new cases of invasive breast cancer in women is 182,480, and about 1,990 men will be diagnosed with the disease. If you'd like to view some staggering statistics, click HERE to visit this webpage.....I found this to be a very sobering article.

There are MANY places to obtain information about how to donate to the cause or to participate in the thousands of events being held in every state. You can find information on the internet, in the newspaper and even your local shopping centers and grocery chains. PLEASE remember to get your screening done and donate when you can!

Beat the heat!

Even though fall is around the corner, some states are still pretty warm. Here are a few things to protect yourself from the heat...

~ Reduce the intensity of your workout, particularly the first few times you are exposed to higher temperatures.
~ Beat the day's heat by working out early in the morning.
~ Wear minimal clothing to provide greater skin surface area for heat dissipation.
~ Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing to reflect the sun's rays.
~ Wear clothing made of a material that absorbs water, such as cotton.
~ Drink before, during, and after exercising. (Drink six to eight ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise).
~ Consume more fluids than you think you need before and after exercise.
~ Know when to say 'no' to exercise. Use common sense to prevent heat stress when it gets hot out.

The Baskin Robins of Toothpaste!

Check out this site I found! This company offers a very unique approach to oral health, offering products that are not only fun to use, but are better for you!

Ever heard of holistic toothpaste? Breath Palette offers 18 different flavors of toothpaste that all have:

-No Sugar
-No Alcohol
-Low effervescence
-Less abrasive particles
-No synthetic surface-active agents

They also offer mouthwash in different flavors!

Check out what they have to offer HERE.

How often do you think about your taste buds?

When your taking a bite of a big, juicy burger or sipping on a milkshake, you know one thing... It tastes good, right? Ever think about why that is?

Your tongue and the roof of your mouth are covered in thousands of these tiny little buds. When you eat, your saliva helps break down food. Your taste buds send little messages to your brain which tell you all kinds of information like wheather or not the food tastes good, if it's hot, cold, sweet, sour, etc.

Taste buds are most important because they are play the biggest part in enjoying different foods and flavors. As a child, you would have been more sensitive to different foods because your taste buds were not only on your tongue, but on the roof and the sides of your mouth. As an adult, you may notice certain foods you were unable to eat as a child, taste better. This is because your taste buds are more centered to your tongue area and are now less sensitive.

Here are some facts about your taste buds:

-Buds that taste bitterness are located at the back of the tongue. Sour taste buds are located on either side of the tongue, with salty/sweet buds on the tip. The center of the tongue does not have many taste buds.

-Taste is the weakest of the 5 senses

- Girls have more tastebuds than boys

-We have nearly 10,000 taste buds inside our mouths

Is This Going to Hurt?

"Is this going to hurt?", is one of the most common questions presented to dental professionals today. Long gone are the days of "cowboy dentistry" where a good shot of whiskey and white knuckling the dental chair were your only means of coping with dental procedures. Long gone are the days of foot pedaled and belt driven "drills" assaulting your senses with the incessant whine, the astrid smell of barbecued tooth and the oh so popular repetitive expectorating into the cuspidor. Yes, dentistry has indeed come a long way.

Painless dentistry is the new wave of the future! Dental anesthetics are by far more effective now, then ever. Patients are presented with a plethora of options to suit their comfort needs. Local anesthetics ( previously known as "Novocaine") are offered and at most times highly suggested with almost all dental procedures. They work faster and last longer to insure the maximum level of comfort for both patient and the dentist. Now, some exceptions do apply. In fact, there are quite a few dental procedures that are regularly done with no anesthetic because there is rarely an opportunity or occurrence for discomfort. (IE., bleaching, sealants, routine cleanings...to name a few.)

General anesthesia is becoming another common practice among specialists and some general dentists when performing more difficult and invasive procedures such as extractions, periodontal (gum) surgeries and implant placements. This allows the patient to comfortably "fall asleep" prior to the dental procedure and awaken after with very little memory of the experience. This can be done intravenously and sometimes orally.

For those dental phobics out there that can't seem to bring themselves to face the dentist because of their "horrific childhood experience", "needle phobias" and "level of pain intolerance", many dentists now offer oral sedatives and nitrous oxide to help calm those dental jitters and make your dental experience a pleasant one.

"How bout after the work is done?"

Lets face it, you are more likely to experience some sort of sensation after dental treatments. The intensity of the sensations you may feel will depend on the level of invasiveness of the procedure you are having done. For example:

Fillings: In most cases patients may experience mild soreness in the injection site more so than in the tooth. It is common, however, to experience mild to moderate sensitivity to cold for a short period of time after a filling is placed. Again, this sensitivity will depend on the type of filling placed, the depth of the cavity and its proximity to the nerve of the tooth. (IE., teeth with large deep fillings may feel more intense cold sensitivity for a longer duration than a small shallow filling.) Fillings that may feel "high" can also make the tooth and surrounding bone feel bruised because of the constant heavy contact during eating. This causes the ligament surrounding the tooth to become sore. With a simple adjustment by the dentist, this problem is usually remedied in a few days.

Extractions: Patients often say that the extraction site is mildly sore after the tooth is removed. This being one of the most invasive and non-reversible dental procedures, that shouldn't come as a surprise. A lot of healing takes place after a tooth is extracted and if you follow the post operative procedures given to you by your dentist, this healing should go off without a hitch. On the rare side, dry sockets and bone chips can cause discomfort, however, these are also easily treated by your dentist to help speed the healing along.

Root Canals: Oh the horror stories we have all heard! The fact here is, once the nerve is removed from a tooth, the tooth itself has no feeling. Patients will still feel sensations from biting pressure, but that's because the bone and tissue around the tooth still have feeling. One of the most common things I've heard after patients have had a root canal is, "the tooth doesn't hurt, but my jaw is sore." Well, again this makes sense. The tooth has no feeling, therefore it shouldn't hurt, and you've been propped open for over an hour during the root canal so your jaw muscles are fatigued and they become sore. In most cases, some basic over-the-counter pain relievers keep this discomfort in check. Again, on the rare side, sometimes teeth have little side canals or extra canals that can't be seen visually or on a radiograph and they don't get cleaned out. When this happens, it is common for the tooth to begin to ache and a subsequent visit to the dentist is necessary to retreat the tooth. Most dentists do prescribe mild pain relievers in conjunction with procedures like that to help keep your discomfort at bay.

Now these are just a few example of common reactions to the dental procedures listed above. Every mouth is different and every person's pain tolerance is as well. Don't be hesitant about asking your dentist what type of anesthesia and pain management would work best for you. By discussing your options and your tolerances, both you and your dentist should have a pain free experience!

Fun & easy crafts to do pertaining to dental stuff…

Do you like doing crafts with your children? Get tired of the same old stuff to make?
Check out this web-site that has fun & easy crafts to make that have to do with dental.
Have fun! :)

Dental Sealants..

Dental sealants are a plastic resin that a dentist bonds into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth as a means of helping to prevent the formation of tooth decay.
Sealants are normally placed on children once they are at an age they can cooperate with the dentist. So it may vary from child to child on what age is best to get them.
They are normally placed on the back teeth as it is harder to clean them. A sealant however, can be put on any tooth with deep grooves to help prevent decay.
To read more on sealants you can view this article here.

What is your toothache telling YOU??

Most people who get a toothache get just that... A toothache. All they know is that it hurts really bad and the dentist will fix it (when and IF they even get around to going). But did you know that your toothache just might be telling you what kind of problems you may be in for?

Here's how to tell:

Sharp pain and tooth sensitivity (intermittent): Cold sensitivity is a symptom of gum recession, loss of enamel from over-brushing, age, and wear and tear, or a small cavity. Heat sensitivity could also be a small cavity, but could also very well be an abscess, a crack, or a sign of severe decay.

Chronic toothache (more than one tooth): Could be nerve damage from grinding your teeth, severe decay, or dental trauma from an accident or injury.

Throbbing toothache: This is a sign of infection. Swelling of the face may also accompany this type of toothache and is also a sign of an abscess.

Pain while eating: This could indicate tooth decay or a slight crack in your tooth.

Pain in the jaw (back): This could be impacted wisdom teeth, but could also be related to teeth grinding or even possibly TMJ.

Many people wait until they are in RAGING pain to see a dentist. The thing is, if you go to the dentist at the FIRST SIGN of a problem, you'll save yourself a whole lot of pain as well as a whole lot of money. It could mean the difference between a small, inexpensive filling and a painstaking, costly root canal. The bottom line here is DON'T IGNORE THE PAIN!!! If you can feel it, it's time to go to the dentist!

This information was gathered from a great website for dental research. Check them out HERE.

Overcoming Dental Phobia

To begin, I think it's important to note that dental phobia is a very common affliction, with over 80% of the population having at least some level of anxiety and fear over dental procedures. So, to the dental phobics out there, please know that you are not alone!! Conversely, a higher percentage of women have reported having dental phobia than men. (Ok, I'll admit that this statistic surprised me. Just a little.) Having worked in this industry for the past 16 years, it occurred to me to write on this topic because I have witnessed so many people who have been diagnosed as needing major restorative work all because they were afraid to see a dentist for preventative care. Some have avoided the dentist for 15 to 20 years! Anyway, I did a little hunting on the web and found some interesting ideas for overcoming dental phobias. Hope this is helpful!

• The first and, I think, most important thing is to find a dentist that you can trust. The best method for this is word of mouth. Talk to a trusted friend or co-worker, or ask family member for a referral. Chances are if they've had a good experience, you will too.
• Proceed with treatment at your own speed. (Except in the case of an emergency, of course.) Do not allow yourself to be rushed into treatment before you are ready. Mental preparation is important to your dental experience. Discuss all options with your dentist prior to the treatment. Knowing what to expect goes a long way toward relaxation.
• Try to bring a spouse or trusted friend with you for treatment. Sometimes just knowing someone is there (even if they stay in the waiting room) can help to relax you and put your mind at ease. Also, sometimes talking about your fears with that person can help to alleviate and irradicate the jitters. You might even be surprised to learn that they have similar fears!
• Predetermine a "stop signal" with your dentist. Most people will just raise a hand....that seems to be the most common signal, but the important thing is that he (the dentist) needs to know if you are experiencing discomfort at any level. Sometimes all that is required is to stop for a moment and let the feeling pass, or if you are in pain, to administer more anesthetic.
• Bring an MP3 player or CD player with headphones to distract you. Music calms the soul, and consequently the mind and body. If you are in to motivational CD's or inspirational types of listening material, that is helpful as well. Many of the new state of the art dental facilities already have these things available.

These are just a few of the ideas that are available on the internet to help overcome your fear of the dentist. Here is a link for some information on the newest dental techniques and tools coming out on the market. Many of these are designed to aid or eliminate pain and anxiety.

Don't forget the sports mouth guard!

Do you like to play sports or have children who play? Did you know that it is normally a tooth to tooth contact that causes the tooth injuries? It is important to wear a mouth guard on the upper or lower teeth to cushion the teeth if you should take a blow to your mouth. You can even get custom mouth guards made so it is easier to talk and more comfortable. Here is a site with a little more info on the importance of them and the benefits it can provide.

You've heard of Swimmers Ear, but what about Swimmers Teeth?

Yes, it's true. Swimmers teeth is an actual condition also known as "swimmers calculus."

Mostly common in competitive swimmers, "swimmers teeth" refers to a dark yellow/brown coloring mainly on the front teeth. This is actually made of deposits quite like the tartar or plaque everyone gets, but is darker and more difficult to remove.

Swimmers teeth is actually caused by the amount of time spent in the pool. Pool water contains chemical additives that make the water have a higher pH than saliva. This causes the proteins in saliva to break down causing dark stains on the teeth. It is said that this condition is most common in people who spend more than six hours a week in the pool.

The good news is that this is not permanent, just unattractive. Regular brushing won't help, but your dentist can completely remove it. Proper oral hygiene and regular preventative treatments will help keep the problem under control.

This information was taken from an article found on http://www.completedentalhealth.com/2008/09/swimmers-teeth.html.

Dental Jokes!

A woman phoned her dentist when she received a huge bill. "I'm shocked!" she complained. "This is three times what you normally charge." "Yes, I know," said the dentist. "But you yelled so loud, you scared away two other patients."

Toothaches always start on Friday night right before the weekend when the Dental Office will be closed.

An elderly patient went to have her teeth checked. "Mrs. Hopgood, your teeth are good for the next 50 years." the dentist beamed. To which she replied, "What will they do without me?"

Dentists can be frustrating. You wait a month-and-a-half for an appointment, and they say, "I wish you'd come to me sooner."

To view more jokes click here! Enjoy. (:

A little bit about Labor Day:

• Labor Day is always the first Monday of September
• Is a creation of the labor movement
• Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American Workers and is a tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of our country
• It remains unknown whether Peter McGuire or Matthew McGuire was the actual founder of Labor Day
• The very first Labor Day was on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 and was celebrated in New York City
• It wasn’t until 1884 that they switched it to Mondays
• Oregon was the first state to recognize Labor Day by legislative enactment in February of 1887

Walking Might Just Be The Best Medicine

Straight talk from the Doctor:
Thank-You For Asking, But Some Things Are Not Free(Confessions of a Walkaholic)
Many of you that know I deal in finance are asking more questions about the financial situation the United States is in then dental questions. Dentistry is one of the first things that gets squeezed out of the budget when times get tough and I have written more than once on how best to handle the dental budget. So now I would like to talk about an idea that has worked for me during these trying times.I am not going to give you any secret formula for making your paycheck buy twice as much as it should be buying or, how to make millions in real estate......
more......

Dental Talk

Cohen’s Corner – Straight talk from the Doctor:
Is My Dentist Speaking In A foreign Language to Me?

Many of you have written and asked what the heck is my dentist trying to tell me when he/she is using all that fancy language? The answer to that question is as close as the tongue and lips you just had your dentist (hopefully) do a cancer exam on.

Sometimes in ‘the heat of the battle’ of a dental office between patients arriving a little late, the dentist running a little behind, the dental representative waiting to ‘sell’ the doctor the latest new dental device, the accountant calling to leave a message that the quarterly taxes are done and need to get into the bank tonight, the patient from yesterday’s extraction on the phone with their ‘cheek’ swelling, and the dental assistant needing to pick-up their child from school; the dentist sometimes will tell you what you need to take care of your oral health in dental terms and phrases that mean little, if anything to you.

In other words, you walk out of the dental operatory more confused as to what you need then you were when you went into the operatory. At this point you need to sit down with the office treatment consultant and discuss your treatment in terms that
more.....

Fluoride

We all know fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and is in most of our toothpaste & mouthwashes we use but did you know it is also in the water in some areas? Since we get fluoride from different sources most of the time it is not necessary to take fluoride supplements as too much can be harmful to you. Turn learn a little more about fluoride you can read this article I found.

The History of Bubble Gum

In 1928, bubble gum was invented by a man named Walter E. Diemer. Here's what Walter Diemer, the inventor himself, said about it just a year or two before he died: "It was an accident." "I was doing something else," Mr. Diemer explained, "and ended up with something with bubbles." And history took one giant pop forward. What Mr. Diemer was supposed to be doing, back in 1928, was working as an accountant for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia; what he wound up doing in his spare time was playing around with new gum recipes. But this latest brew of Walter Diemer's was -- unexpectedly, crucially -- different. It was less sticky than regular chewing gum. It also stretched more easily. Walter Diemer, 23 years old, saw the bubbles. He saw the possibilities. One day he carried a five-pound glop of the stuff to a grocery store; it sold out in a single afternoon. Get the rest of this article HERE...

What causes bad breath?

Things that cause you to have bad breath;

• The food you eat
• If you don't brush and floss daily
• A dry mouth
• Tobacco products
• Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder

To help prevent having bad breath, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. To read more on how to prevent or treat bad breath click here.

Do we really NEED to brush with toothpaste?

In a forum I belong to, this subject was brought up causing quite a debate. I've always thought that you needed toothpaste in order to properly clean your teeth... Otherwise, it would be like taking a shower without using soap. I also heard somewhere that brushing without toothpaste could give you gum disease because it pushes the plaque and bacteria up into your gums.

However, the arguments to that idea were basically saying that all toothpaste really does is freshen your breath.

So, I researched it. I wasn't able to find ANYTHING that supports my idea. :( But, I did find a TON of resources that support the idea that you don't need toothpaste (good to know), and that some toothpastes can actually harm your teeth.

Here is an excerpt I found on the subject off of an actual dentists website:

Toothpaste is not necessary for cleaning the teeth. Toothpaste masks odors as you brush your teeth. Toothpaste may make your breath feel fresher. If you choose to use toothpaste, select one that carries ADA Seal of Approval. Materials such as baking soda and salt may be used as a safe alternative to commercial toothpaste.

Some manufactures claim that their product whitens the teeth and, indeed, may do so initially. However, tooth whiteners may scratch the enamel of the teeth, creating more space for bacterial to grow. These are not recommended for use without careful professional guidance and instruction.***

So, there you have it. You don't NEED to use toothpaste to properly brush your teeth.

***excerpt taken from http://www.drdavidjones.com/qa.htm

A good laugh...

Lumineers VS Veneers: What's the difference?

In a forum I visit frequently, this question was brought up. No one seemed to be able to give a solid answer, so, I decided to research it myself and then thought it would be a good blog for others who may not know...

Veneers/lumineers are a type of cosmetic dentistry. They are both made out of thin porcelain, and both:

-Cover only the visible portions of the teeth
-Repair minor tooth imperfections
-straighten and lengthen teeth
-conceal stained or discolored fillings
-are stain proof

The difference?

Veneers: are thin shells that bond to teeth. They are permanent, custom made, and require removal of a portion of the tooth to fit the veneer. Pro- they feel more natural. Con- they can't be removed.

Lumineers: are thinner than the veneers (about the thickness of a contact lense). Your natural tooth does not need to be altered in any way to fit a lumineer. Pro- they can be removed. Con- may feel bulkier than the regular veneers.

I got my information HERE.

The ADA and their thoughts on "dental tourism"

If you look back to the June 2nd archives you will find a blog pertaining to "Medical Tourism." I found this blog very interesting and decided to research it a little further (if you haven't read it, click HERE).

I found THIS ARTICLE related to dental tourism and decided to elaborate on the subject. Hope you find it as interesting as I did and feel free to comment! :)

Good ol' silver fillings- Are they safe?

The ongoing controversy continues.... Are silver fillings safe? If you're not familiar with the subject, let me fill you in.

Amalgam (silver) fillings contain Mercury, a substance that can be harmful or even fatal to the human body in large quantities. Some say it's safe, some say it isn't. It hasn't been proven, either way.

Take a look at the following articles discussing the pro's and con's of Amalgam fillings, breif description included:

PRO'S- The ADA supports the idea that amalgam fillings are completely safe!

CON'S- Amalgam fillings contain 50% Mercury!

So, what do you think? ARE amalgam fillings safe?

Bone spurs after oral surgery: Is this normal?

I was recently in a forum online and someone asked this question. Everyone else who responded said to get another dentist because this isn't normal. However, after I had my wisdom teeth pulled, I had quite a few in all 4 sockets (or my gums where the teeth used to be, not sure what to call that). Some of them were pushed out as my gums healed, some of them I worked out on my own, and some of them I had to have taken out. I've always thought this was normal, but when I googled it, I couldn't really find any information as to whether or not this is common. Anyone have any ideas?

The health risks of nail biting...

Most of us one time or another have bitten our nails. I knew biting your nails was not healthy, as they are full of germs but I did not know however that it could do damage to your teeth & gums if one bites their nails over a long period of time.
So if you are one who bites those nasty little things, you might want to check this article out! (:

Help with choosing the right teeth whitening system

I am one of those people who is constantly concerned about the color of my teeth, but lately, my pocketbook has been cause for concern as well. Sure, I can go to my dentist and sit in a chair for an hour and pay hundreds of dollars and have a smile as white as snow, but why do that when there are at home kits that work just as well? The problem is there are WAY too many products to choose from. How do you know which one is best? I began doing my homework and I found this awesome website that reviews and rates the most popular whitening products on the market. It briefly describes each product with pros and con's and even includes the official websites for each product. Take a LOOK and see which one you think is best!

Medical Tourism; aka Medical Outsourcing?

I posted a blog in February of this year warning against the dangers of traveling to Mexico to have dental work done. To date, I'm standing behind that article, as I don't believe that Mexico is a contender in the world market for doctors and dentists! However, as I was looking for more information to follow up on that blog, I came across some very interesting and enlightening information about the practice of traveling to other countries for medical and dental procedures. We all know that the cost of medical and dental care is becoming outrageous, and we all know that many people are either uninsured or underinsured, on fixed incomes or bogged down with financial problems not related to medical or dental. Many simply can't afford treatment, and for those people even traveling to another country is out of the question. It's unfortunate and it is unnecessary, but that is my opinion and a good blog topic for another day!
Those of us who are insured are feeling the crunch as well, with rising costs of co-payments and deductibles, and procedures or prescriptions that are no longer covered. I knew that the practice of traveling for medical and dental treatment existed, but what I didn't know was that there are actually companies out there whose sole purpose is to help you locate a state of the art facility in another country with a renouned practitioner, and who will set you up with an exotic vacation, having the procedure done during the course of your stay, all for nearly the same price as the procedure alone would cost in this country! Many of these countries are stepping up in the market today and are answering the call for quality, affordable medical and dental care by expertly trained professionals. Not to mention that there are drugs approved for use overseas that have been proven effective for treatment and are reportedly less harmful than many prescribed here in the states. Who wouldn't want to combine a vacation abroad with medical treatment if it meant you'd be getting twice the value for your money, not to mention expert care!
Some of the countries that medical tourists are traveling to for treatment are: India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Costa Rica. Some of the countries they're traveling from are: The USA, Canada (due to socialized medicine and the lack of timely treatment) Europe, Japan and the Middle Eastern countries. Does this surpise you? It surprised me, but it shouldn't have. I will definitely be doing more research on this topic.

In my next blog I will be writing about the travesty befalling many of our citizens with regard to medical and dental care (or the lack thereof) in this country. Stay tuned......

Teeth: Fingerprints in your mouth?

We all know that our fingerprints are a surefire way to identify a person. Did you know that your teeth can be used to identify you as well? Every person has unique crevices and markings on their teeth, when you bite something or someone, they can actually match up your bite the same as they would a finger or footprint. This kind of forensic dentistry is used to identify persons who are victims of crimes or accidents. They also use this kind of forensic dentistry to identify criminals. Ted Bundy was identified by teeth marks he left on one of his victims. It is even possible for them to access your dental records to find out what kind of dentistry you’ve had done to try and change your bite. Aside from the criminal aspect of dental forensics, it has also been used in identifying ancient human or animal remains. It’s just interesting to me all the things we don’t realize that make us individual and unique. Any thoughts?

Soft Drinks Are Bad For Your Teeth!

It's not just the sugar in soft drinks that causes decay, it's the phosphoric acid and other additives that are the most harmful. I know a couple of hygienists who will attest to the fact that the majority of tooth decay and periodontal problems in young adults today is due to their regular consumption of soft drinks, especially Coke! If you're in doubt of this, try a couple of experiments. I remember doing this one in the eighth grade! Take a 16 penny nail and drop it into a glass of Coke. Check the results after 24 hours, then 36 hours, then 48. All the coating will wear away and it will rust! If that doesn't convince you, try cleaning a corroded battery cable connector by pouring a little Coke on it. It will eat away the corrosion and clean the cable. Imagine what this stuff will do to your teeth! (Not to mention your stomach.) Here is a link to some interesting facts about the effects of soda on your teeth.

The Great DDS/DMD Debate: Different or the Same?

Many of you have asked the question: What is the difference between a dentist with the initials DDS or DMD? I have tried to answer this question in a simple a precise way to finally put this irrelevant question to rest. It appears that some amongst us would like to confuse life in more then it already is. I have never in my whole life understood why people have to try to confuse other people and so I wanted to set the record straight on this one.

How To Effectively Deal With Difficult People

We've all encountered this type of person. He/she may be a friend, co-worker, boss, sibling, spouse, or simply a clerk at the market, gas station or doctor's office.....the list goes on and on. Typically, this type of person tends to transfer all of their hostility and insecurity to those of us around them. They place blame, belittle and degrade others, speak in condescending or insulting tones, refuse or dismiss ideas and solutions that are not their own, and they may be prone to explosive outbursts and, consequently, they fail to see the effects that their own bad behavior has on others. I've included a link that provides some insight for recognizing and effectively managing a relationship with someone who is a difficult person. Click here for an enlightening article!

Just a quick note

I just finished reading a magazine on health titled: yourhealth America's Health Brand. It had enough interesting articles about all different kinds of health related questions that I wanted to pass this resource on to you. I found it on the counter at my Pharmacy and it was free. It appears to be a local monthly magazine and if you are interested in taking a look at it, but can't find it, then here is the number: 480-353-1703. I have no affiliation with this magazine and would advise you to check into any information you read about with your own health care provider before acting upon any information in this magazine.

DID YOU KNOW THAT CERTAIN FOODS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH?

It is common knowledge that soda pop and candy can do major damage to your teeth and gums. Actually, if you look into the archives of this blog, you’ll find an article pertaining to soda pop and it’s effects on your teeth… While there are hundreds of other types of food that are hard on your teeth, there are foods that are actually good for your teeth and help defend them against plaque and oral disease.

Read my ARTICLE in our newsletter then post your comments as far as other foods to watch out for or that are good for you!

Savon Dental Plan and Merchant Circle

Hi everyone! I just wanted to inform you all that Savon Dental Plan is now on Merchant Circle! Merchant Circle is a newly popular networking/business directory website. But that's not ALL it is!! You really have to check this place out. It's like Myspace for your business. You can go on as a consumer and search for different companies for whatever your needs may be. You can rate them, leave comments and suggestions, write a review, view any promotions they may have running, join thier blogs and much, much more! You can also sign up as a business and connect with other businesses (among MANY other things)!

Savon is now verified by Merchant Circle and is active on the site. They have a new promotion running right now this is special for Merchant Circle users only. If you get a chance, take a look and write a review!

HERE is the link!

Healthy Eating Disorder ?

One man's opinion.
Only in America could they propose to have come up with a disorder for eating healthy. According to an article in the April 22, 2008 Arizona Republic's section E, page 1, upper right hand column Titled "Eat well? Must be a 'disorder'"; "Orthorexia supposedly is an emerging eating disorder marked by extreme devotion to healthful foods." "People suffering from the addiction....." The word addiction is defined according to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary as follows;

1: the quality or state of being addicted
2: compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

I'm not a linguist by trade, (and I don't play one on television either) but the last time I checked with my doctor eating healthy wasn't defined "as persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful". I may be wrong, but I think they are reaching here. In a country where obesity and diabetes is on the increase and the healthy eating habits of many Americans is on the decrease to in any way condemn healthy eating habits is a shame. This author is amazed at what 'they' keep coming up with.

Housing Got You Down?

The debt to equity ratio of housing in the United States is at its lowest level since the 1945's. This isn't the greatest news to those of us that own houses, but what can one to do? The answer is look for places where you can tighten your budget. We can all find ways to cut the budget: but when it comes to health care, don't cut your throat at the same time. Look at your health care premiums and evaluate them. If you have a payroll deduction plan at work that pays for your health plan, look at the amount being taken out of your check every payday. If you feel that you can keep the same level of healthcare coverage, or even improve on it, then it is time to talk to your Human Relations Department at work and ask them if you can opt out of their plan and seek coverage on your own*. Please do the research before you visit your Human Resources Department because you need to have good health plan coverage, you just don't need to spend an arm and a leg on it!

*If you really want to help your fellow workers, show the Human Relations Department at your work how to save money for everybody they employ and at the same time give everybody, including yourself, a bigger net paycheck in the process!

Infectious Smile

In The Arizona Republic's April 15th, 2008 Section E part of the paper is a very good article which is labeled: "Infectious smile..Gum disease leads to cascade of health problems" If you have ever wondered about the 'bugs' in your mouth affecting the rest of your body, then I recommend this article. In the article you will find some of the latest updates on how a clean mouth can lead to a more healthy body.

Thinking of getting your tongue pierced??

I have had a few friends who have had their tongues pierced and even I have thought about getting it done. But after hearing that they removed it do to it breaking their teeth seemed to change my mind.
I found this article about some of the ‘cons’ of having your tongue pierced. Might make you think twice before having it done.

A bit on the humorous side...

I'm a statistic junkie, lol, and I found this great site that offers a whole bunch of useless, but enlightening, knowledge. Did you know that the average woman smiles about 62 times a day and a man only smiles 8? And kids laugh around 400 times a day and adults only 15? Want more useless information? Enjoy. :)

The effectiveness of Electric Toothbrushes vs. Manual Brushing

I did some extensive research on this topic and it appears that electric toothbrushes are the better choice, for these reasons:

• They are more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
• They prevent you from brushing too hard which can cause abrasion.
• They make it easier for people with arthritis and other motor dysfunction to brush effectively.
• Kids will brush more often because they think it's fun ( a definite plus!).
• The ADA (American Dental Association) currently recommends electric brushes over manual brushing.

It seems that the chief drawback to the electric toothbrush is that they tend to be a little bit pricey. However, there are some affordable models out there if you're willing to shop around.

Here is a link to one of the articles I read recently:

Happy Dental Health!

Connection Between Your Oral Health and Your Overall Health

As I was reading through the other blogs this morning, the one about perio disease being connected to diabetes struck me. It reminded me of an article I had read about the connection between your oral health and your health overall, so I decided to post it and add to the point.

I found the link to the article on THIS website, but you can get the actual article HERE.

Enjoy :)

Dental insurance vs a Dental plan..

I often wondered which is better. Everyone wants something that is affordable yet still saves you money in the long run. When searching around on line I found this article from Savon Dental Plan. Really helps clarify the difference and might help you decide which one is right for you.

Temporomandibular Joint Problem?

Could your aches and pains be a Temporomandibular Joint Problem? Let's review some of the symptoms of TMJ problems.
1. A malocclusion which is an imbalance in the way your teeth come together.
2. A 'clicking' or 'grinding' sound when you open or close your mouth.
3. A ringing or aching in and around the ear.
4. A pain or tenderness of the hard or soft tissue in and around the jaw area.
5. A facial pain.
6. A pain or ache when chewing or swallowing.
7. A headache.
8. A 'locking' jaw joint.
9. A shoulder and/or neck ache.
Although any of these signs and symptoms could be a Temporomandibular Joint Problem, it takes a health care professional that is trained in Temporomandibular Joint Problems to diagnose a TMJ problem.

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer cases increase by about 33-35,000 per year in the United States. There are an estimated 8,000 deaths attributed to Oral Cancer in the United States each year. Oral Cancer usually strikes people over 40 but has no age barrier. All people, with or without teeth, should see their dentist regularly for Oral Cancer exams. Unfortunately, pain is not an early sign of Oral Cancer. What can you do to help cut down the incidence of Oral Cancer? Don't smoke. If you use alcohol, drink in moderation. Use lip balm with sunscreen.

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease

Diabetes and Periodontal Disease: The connection makes sense! I was reading in a journal the other day about the connection between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes. For the estimated 18-20 million Americans that have Diabetes it is important to understand that one of the main avenues of bacteria into the bloodstream could be from Periodontal Disease. As Diabetics know all to well , the influx of bacteria into their system is much more dangerous then if they didn't have Diabetes because of the higher risk of infections. Periodontal disease is sometimes spoken of as the sixth complication of Diabetes. Now research is suggesting that Periodontal Disease and Diabetes is a two way path. Poorly controlled type 2 Diabetics are more likely to have Periodontal Disease and Periodontal Disease can raise blood sugar levels making it harder for the Diabetic to control his/her blood sugar levels. Make sure that if you are a Diabetic you let your dental care provider know. Your dentist will want to note this important medical information in your chart so that he/she can watch it closely as you have your dental health needs evaluated and treated.

Is teeth whitening safe?

I have heard stories on how it is not good for your teeth as whitening them can strip the enamel. I did some searching around on line and most articles I have read said it "is" safe to whiten your teeth as long as it is done with the right amount of carbamide peroxide. Most teeth whitening systems use 10% carbamide peroxide trays and with that amount it is safe and effective. So just make sure you know what your using when you get them done.

Is it better to go to a privately owned practice with one doctor versus a "clinic" with multiple doctors?

The answer to this question lies solely on personal preference. Whether a facility has one doctor or one hundred doctors shows no reflection on the doctors' credentials or capabilities. Privately owned practices with only one or two providers are ideal for those who prefer to see the same doctor on every visit. Larger practices with multiple providers, or "clinics," if you will, are beneficial for those who have a multitude of dental problems that may require the skills of more than one doctor. Also, on-site specialists are common in larger practices and could be convenient if you get referred out.

Why won’t my dental insurance pay for my veneers?”

Dental insurance will only pay a portion of the dental bill if the insurance company feels that it is within their policy terms to pay it. One must read their policy limits very carefully to determine what, and how much, their dental insurance will pay.

It has been my experience, after 30+ years in the dental field, that I would rather have a patient that is on a comprehensive dental plan then a patient with dental insurance.

What has been your experience with your dental insurance and cosmetic dentistry?

Heart Disease related to Periodontal Disease

For many years my thoughts on periodontal disease, which is a bacterial invasion of the (hard and soft tissues of the mouth) gums and bone around the teeth, was that there must be some type of systemic connection between this localized disease and the rest of the body's health. Over the past few years the research has, unfortunately proven this theory true. According to the American Academy of Periodontology's article of February 7, 2002 entitled Data Reveals Diseased Gums Pump High Levels of Harmful Bacterial Components Into Bloodstream located at www.perio.org/consumer/bacteria.htm this connection between heart disease and periodontal disease seems to be real. Periodontal disease is one of the most prevelant diseases today and now with this added research coming to the forefront, periodontal disease can not only contribute to the loss of your teeth, but can possibly be life threatening.

Do I Need A New Crown After a Root Canal?

If a tooth with a crown on it needs a root canal, it doesn't always need a new crown put on it. There are several reasons to replace a crown, but needing a root canal on a tooth is not one of them. If a tooth that has a functional crown (margins are good, no recurrent decay, good occlusion) needs are root canal, many times it can be done by going right through the existing crown. There is always the danger of the crown fracturing, depending on the material it is made of, so the dentist will usually caution you that a fracture can occur that will lead to the need for a new crown.

Why Do I Need A Crown After a Root Canal??

Many patients wonder why they need a crown on a tooth after a root canal. The need for a crown on a tooth after a root canal is mandated for several reasons. The number one reason for a crown after a root canal is the tooth can become brittle and fracture. By covering the remaining tooth structure after a root canal, the dentist is protecting this 'brittle' tooth from fracturing under the stresses of chewing.

Can't understand dental jargon?? You may find this interesting...

I was online the other day looking up specific terms that I found difficult to understand on my dental bill. Anyone else feel like it's in a different language? Well, I found some stuff I thought I would share.

I found this article at http://www.simplestepsdental.com/:

Many People May Not Understand Dental Information September 27, 2007
by Nancy VolkersInteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH - Many people may have problems understanding written information about their oral health, says a study. Researchers surveyed 101 people visiting the dentist in North Carolina.

The researchers asked people to read 30 words out loud. All of the words were related to oral health or dentistry. Other research has shown that if a person has problems pronouncing words about a certain subject, then he or she is also likely to have problems with printed materials about the same subject. These people also may have trouble understanding what their dentists or dental hygienists tell them.

About one-third of the people scored low enough on the test to have low health literacy. Most people could pronounce at least 20 of the 30 words. Only 7% pronounced them all correctly.

Some people were more likely to have lower scores:

• 
  People who had not visited a dentist in the past year, who were nearly four times as likely to score low
• People who already had incorrect knowledge about periodontal disease and/or preventing tooth decay, who were three times as likely to score low
• People who said their oral health was fair or poor, who were nearly three times as likely to score low

There were no differences in oral health literacy by race, age or gender. Scoring wasn’t different according to the type of dental insurance a person had (private, public or none).

Very little research has been done in the area of dental health literacy. But studies have shown that in general people who can better understand written health information are healthier. They also get better faster when they are sick.

The researchers say that education and counseling could help.
The study is published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

After reading this, I went on to Savon's website to email for help understanding my bill and I found that they offer their own dental dictionary or "tooth-o-pedia" if you will. I was actually able to pretty much answer my own questions. It's a great tool and you don't even have to be a member to use it! Here's the link if you want to check it out (or, after reading that article, you just want to get a bit more educated!! Lol.) :)

Suffering From Restless Leg Syndrome?

It's a little bit off topic.....nothing to do with dental but I thought I'd throw this out there for discussion since I'm having such a problem with it lately!
It seems the more exercise I get, the worse the attack of restless legs, even though some professionals suggest exercise as a treatment. It's also intermittent, some days ( or nights) seem worse than others and sometimes I don't have it at all, so it's impossible to predict the onset of an attack and it seems to creep up when you least expect it. There is a new drug available for it, but it comes with a myriad of side effects, so it isn't an option, at least not for me. Is there anyone out there who has had other limbs affected by this, such as the arms? Does anyone know of a homeopathic or alternative type of treatment? It seems I'm affected more as I get older.

Choosing the right mouth wash?

According to an article I read recently, the Academy of General Dentistry has concluded that different kinds of mouth wash could be harmful to you and may cause whatever you're attempting to treat to get worse. It's an interesting article and it's got me questioning MY mouthwash. I've provided a link incase you would like to read the full article.

Union workers and retirees losing dental benefits??!!!

You should really look into this. Savon is a GREAT alternative (because we all know that individual dental insurance is hard to find, and completely unaffordable when you do!). Everyone qualifies, coverage is instant, and it saves you WAY more than your insurance would, or at least I have found. It's really worth considering...

Laser Printers a Health Hazard?

The January 2008 Savon newsletter talks about the hazards of having a laser printer in your home or office and being around it constantly. Is this for real and has anyone else ever heard of this study?

Welcome!

Welcome to Savon Dental Plan's "Dental Talk." We would like to present this forum to provide you the opportunity to educate yourself and help others on the way. While we understand that not everyone will agree with all of the opinions expressed here, we ask that you respect others.