"When do I take my child to the dentist for the first time?"

As a parent I often wondered what age do I start taking my kids to get their teeth cleaned by a dentist? After some research on line I found most articles said about when they are two or three, when all 20 baby teeth have come in. After the first visit, children should see a dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. These visits can allow your dentist to detect flaws early, possibly preventing more serious problems in the future. Hope that helps some of you out there who might have wondered the same thing. :)

Metal Fillings & Tin Foil Don't Mix!

Have you ever (either accidentally or on purpose) chewed a piece of tin foil and had it come into contact with a metal (amalgam) filling? It's an interesting experience, to be sure. Not only does it feel like a small electric shock has occured, but it puts a strange, metallic taste in your mouth. I looked it up online just for fun and came up with this interesting article that explains exactly what happens when your metal filling comes in to contact with another piece of foreign metal inside your mouth. Read on!

Click this link to read the article.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Did you ever drink something hot or cold and feel a sharp, shooting pain in one or more of your teeth? You probably have tooth sensitivity: potentially caused by a myriad of different problems. Here is a list of things that can cause sensitive teeth.

• Receeding Gums
• A Cracked Tooth
• Teeth Grinding (Also known as Bruxism)
• Whitening Products (Especially if overused.) Note: Some people have a natural sensitivity to whitening products, so it's common to have some sensitivity after use.
• Gum Disease
• Brushing your teeth too hard or with a hard bristled toothbrush.
• Foods that have a high acid content, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar.....diet soda....

There are a variety of remedies out there to try, such as:

• Desensitizing Toothpaste (there is a wide variety available at the drugstore)
• Sealants
• Brushing with warm water or rinsing with warm salt water
• Add foods rich in vitamin D to your diet.

The most effective remedy is the common sense approach.....limit your usage of harsh mouthwashes, use a soft bristled toothbrush and keep up with your routine dental cleanings!

As always, keep smiling!

Today In History

1796 ~ Cleveland, Ohio, was founded by Gen. Moses Cleaveland.

1933 ~ Wiley Post became the first person to fly solo around the world.

1934 ~ John Dillinger was shot to death outside Chicago's Biograph Theater.

1937 ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt's "court packing" scheme was rejected by the U.S. Senate.

1975 ~ Congress restored Confederate general Robert E. Lee's U.S. citizenship.

1990 ~ Greg LeMond won his third Tour de France. A Minnesota native, Lemond was the first American to win the great French cycling race.

2003 ~ Saddam Hussein's sons, Uday and Ousay, were killed in a firefight.

Savon Dental Plan’s Back to School Special!

Join now, Save now!

It’s that time again when the kids will be going back to school soon. Take advantage of their back to school special by joining before Aug. 31th and you will get 18 months for the price of 12. (*on basic plan only*) Send the kids back to school with a clean and healthy mouth!


Go here!

Get Shades Whiter!

What is the Zoom Whiting all about?
Zoom Whiting is a bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of enamel.
What is the process for the procedure?
First you will Begin with short preparation to cover your gums and lips leaving only your teeth exposed. Next the assistant will apply a whiting gel all over your teeth, then will apply the light. Now is the time to sit back and relax!
How long is the procedure?
This procedure will last a total of 45 min. Three 15 min. sessions. Between each session the assistant will reapply the whiting gel.
Are there any side effects?
Some people may experience sensitivity. on rare occasions tingling may occur after the treatment. You can ask your dentist to prescribe a anti-sensitivity toothpaste before the treatment.

Ever Wonder How Braces Work?

This is the time of year when parents are gearing up for the cost of braces for their teens and pre-teens. Aside from the cost, many people really don't know what is involved in the process of braces and don't understand some of the dental terminology.
I found an article that addresses these types of questions.

Click here for an enlightening, if not graphic, article.

Keep Smiling!!!!

Flossing with braces...

I recently had braces on and as an adult I know how important it is to floss. Well if you ever have had braces you know it is not an easy task. I had a friend tell me about Glide Threader Floss from Crest. No more threading the floss through the little hook each time. This is a string of floss with a threader tip on it, which makes it easy going in between your brackets. If you have not used it before it is worth trying!

Anesthesia During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or think you might be it is best to avoid any dental treatment that is not essential in your first trimester. Pregnant women can receive some local anesthetics but most dentist advise having dental work done before or after the pregnancy. You should also avoid nitrous oxide.

Read more about it here…

Animal Dental Facts...

Bet you didn't know dogs have 42 teeth while cats only have 30.

The armadillo has 104 teeth, ouch!

The elephant grinds down its molars, which are about 7" square to grow new ones.

Read more fun facts here.

Happy 234th Birthday America

Independence Day, July 4, 2010 marks the 234th Birthday of the United States of America. As we celebrate with barbecues, family gatherings and the traditional firework displays, lets take time to remember our service men and women who can not be here on US soil for this beloved celebration. I personally have some friends currently serving overseas and more set to deploy soon. Their sacrifices should not go unnoticed. As we honor America, we also honor those who defend our country and our freedom. With out them, Independence would be only a thought. Thank you to all our troops and their families.

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!