Who Owns Your Dental X-rays?

This is probably one of the most common dental questions asked. The answer is simple but frustrating to the patient, who believes that since he paid for the x-ray, it should, therefore, be his property. Not so!!
Dentists are required by law to keep all dental records, including diagnostics, treatment plans and a complete history of the work performed by he and his office staff. The x-rays are the property of the dentist, but the patient may request a copy at any time, which the dentist is obligated to provide (in many cases, for an additional fee.)
Essentially, what you are paying for when you have x-rays taken is for the processing and development, and then for the dentist to read and interpret them and render a diagnosis.
Hope this clears up the issue for anyone out there who may have had this on their mind!

Your Oral Health - 5 Things You Need To Know

Brushing...
Flossing..
Bleaching..
Brushing...
Flossing..
Bleaching..

Oh the things we do to keep our beautiful smiles bright and healthy. But are the things we're doing really helping? And is there anything we could be doing better? Well, yes.. There is! Here are a few things to help you amp up your oral care regimen, and some tips to keeping your smile healthy!

-There is a RIGHT way to brush! Your toothbrush should be at a 45 degree angle so it's pointing slightly up to the gum line. Gentle pressure with back and forth and side to side motions focusing on each individual tooth as well as the gums. Brushing should last a minimum of two minutes!

-Most dentists prefer electric toothbrushes to the standard ones. They believe that electric toothbrushes can prevent you from brushing too hard causing damage to the enamel of your teeth. They also believe electric toothbrushes are more thorough. Electric toothbrushes can go as fast as 40,000 strokes per second, which is physically impossible for a human to do.

-It doesn't matter which type of floss you purchase, as long as you are actually FLOSSING! Satin, waxed... It matters not. Your dentist will be happy enough knowing you actually do it. Also, they like to you floss twice a day, not just once. But, if you believe once a day is enough, make sure you do it at night before bed. Dentists say this is the best time because sleeping with food particles in your mouth allows plaque to build more rapidly and the decay process to advance more quickly.

Just brushing and flossing is not going to kill foul breath! Invest in a tongue scraper and use it every time you brush! This literally scrapes all the bad-breath-causing bacteria and build up from your tongue. Good bye morning breath!

Going Whiter? Do It Safely! Dentists prefer, in particular, Crest White Strips to the do-it-yourself at home gel kits. Crest White Strips are pre-measured and safe and they deliver the peroxide evenly. The gel kits also work but the results are commonly uneven and it can irritate your gums (unless you get a custom kit from your dentist). Also, getting a laser whitening treatment from a spa inside the mall is NOT the safest option. Unless you can determine that the person administering the procedure is a licensed dental professional, this would not be a safe idea. An untrained person can cause serious damage by simply not know what they are doing as well as by using products that have not yet been proven to be safe or effective.



Happy New Year and remember, a healthy body starts at the mouth!

This information was gathered from THIS ARTICLE.

Try something new for dinner..

Charleston Gumbo

Ingredients:

1 sm onion
1 bell pepper
2 cloves of garlic
2 8oz cans of whole tomatoes
1/2 lb of okra (optional)
1 lb of sausages - (smoked pre-cooked Beef or Pork) Hot links will also work well
1 lb of shrimp
4 tbs gumbo file - (seasoning available at most stores)
1/4 Cup of bacon grease or olive oil For the Rue
1/4 cup of Flour
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup of water
Saute onions, bell pepper and garlic in bacon grease or olive oil. Add tomatoes and let cook slowly for 15 minutes stirring often. Add a little water if necessary to prevent sticking. Add the Rue, sausages, shrimp and okra and cook for another 15 minutes on low heat. Salt and pepper to taste.

As an option you can add crab legs.Serve over rice and enjoy!

Recipe found here!

Trench mouth-It's a real disease!

It's a common term that we hear frequently, but many do not know that it is a real disease that most commonly affects the younger crowd, ages 25 and under, although it has been known to affect people older than that. It is a bacterial infection of the gums and is characterized by painful ulcerations of the mouth and surrounding mucous membranes, bleeding, foul breath, increased salivation and difficulty in swallowing and talking. Some causes are poor oral hygiene, stress, poor nutrition smoking and immune deficiency. It can be treated effectively by your dentist with antibiotics and oxygenating rinses. Proper hygiene is one of the best preventive strategies!

Interesting fact: The term "Trench mouth" actually came from the epidemics among soldiers in the field during World War II where proper hygiene was not always possible, and conditions were unsanitary.

Toothpast confusion?

With so many toothpaste's on the market, what is the best kind for you? How do you choose? Well here is the break down of the toothpaste products out there... Maybe this will help pick what one is right for you!
http://www.savondentalplan.com/January2010_Newsletter.php#6

Yes, You Can Microwave Your Dentures!

Whenever I'm scanning the internet for interesting and unusual blog material, it seems I never come up empty handed! I found an informative article about using the microwave to clean dentures. Yes, apparently it can be done, and it is said to be much more effective at removing bacteria when used along with a denture cleaner than with just the cleaner alone.
Here is the link to the article. It explains the effectiveness and gives some handy instructions to boot!
**Note: Before you try this you MUST make sure your dentures have no metal parts!

Dirty Mouth? Clean it up with... Raisins??

Sounds strange but apparently raisins can offer many benefits to your over-all oral health.

Turns out that a study has shown that certain compounds found particularly in raisins inhibit the growth of bad bacteria that lead to cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease. Of course your daily brushing regimen is still necessary in order to maintain good oral hygiene, a hand full of raisins are great when your toothbrush or trident aren't handy.

Some more reasons to chew on some raisins....??

-they are natural antioxidants which aid in reducing the risk of colon cancer as well as some forms of dementia

-they help relieve symptoms of constipation

-they help with the treatment of anemia being high in iron, b-vitamin complex and copper all of which are essential for the formation of blood and red blood cells.

-they help a weakened libido

-they are good for your bones being high in calcium, and boron which is necessary for proper bone formation and calcium absorption. Boron also very helpful in preventing menopause induced osteoporosis in women

-they are good for your eyes as they contain certain antioxidants and nutrients that promote good ocular health

You want a box now, don't you... I know I do.. :)

Winter allergies and how to deal with them

Seasonal allergies affect approximately 20 million people in the United States. For most people, the fall and winter seasons offer relief from the condition, but that is not to say winter allergies don’t exist.

Perennial allergies can be felt year-round, but are often stronger in the fall/winter seasons. Why? Because they are triggered by what’s indoors, which is where people tend to stay when the weather is cooler.

Here are some common causes of allergies:

Dust Mites – Microscopic bugs that feed on animal and plant particles. The droppings they produce contain certain proteins that cause allergy and asthma symptoms. Dust mites are found throughout the house, most commonly in areas where human dander is found like the bedroom, bathroom, or common spaces.

Mildew/mold – Produce spores that cause allergies. Mold or mildew is most commonly found in humid or moist areas like bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and water-damaged areas.

Pets – It is a common misconception that animal fur causes allergies. While a pet can cause your allergies to persist, the actual allergen comes from proteins in the animal’s dander and saliva. In certain pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits, the proteins are released through urine.

As we come in to our fall season, here are a few helpful hints to prepare and prevent the winter allergy blues:

Air out your house and bedroom periodically
Dust frequently
Wash your rugs and bedding frequently
Keep an eye out for mold or mildew. If you smell it or see it, call a professional to have it removed
Vacuum or sweep up pet hair frequently as this carries the dander
Consult your doctor for allergy medication

Also, September is National Courtesy Month! Lend a hand to a needy neighbor, hold a door for a stranger, or simply smile at a new face, you never know, you might make a new friend!

Article found here..

Aloe Vera-The Wonder Plant

Aloe Vera is used for healing in many cultures. It has been known to heal burns and scrapes, stomach ulcers, skin irritations, etc., so it makes perfect sense to incorporate it into our daily routine for oral care! There are many products out there that contain Aloe Vera, including toothpaste and oral rinses.

Here are some facts about Aloe Vera and it's medicinal qualities.

• It is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-viral
• It has regenerative qualities
• It has pain relieving qualities
• It is a natural anti-inflammatory
• It boosts immunity
• It has nutritional benefit

There is a ton of information available on the web about Aloe Vera. It is definitely worth checking out.

Keep Smiling!

Piercings: Not Human Dentition Friendly!

Have you ever wanted to get you lip or tongue pierced? Or do you all ready? Well if you are wondering if lip and tongue piercing are hazardous to human teeth. The answer is a simple and unequivocal YES!
Read more for more information on why this is unhealthy http://www.savondentalplan.com/september2007_Newsletter.php#2

New Zodiac Sign? Really?

This past week it's been all over the news and Internet (and yes, this appears to be a very important topic lol). Changes in the zodiac, or "star sign", has people in an uproar and has sparked a world wide controversy. It is now being reported that our "signs" are majorly inaccurate. Star signs were created about 2000 years ago by tracking the Sun's position in the sky each month. According to a member of the Minnesota Planetarium Society, the gravitational pull of the moon has altered the earths rotation on its axis, causing a one-month jolt in the stars alignment. This means that those who thought they were Capricorns are actually Sagittarius', those who thought they were Aquarius' are actually Capricorns etc...

Hmm.. I wonder if this explains why my horoscope was never really accurate?? Just a thought.
Read the full story HERE and tell us what side of the controversy you're on! :)

Want something new for dinner?

Fried Cabbage Over Rice

Ingredients:
1 small cabbage
1/2 small onion
1/2 lb. bacon (pork,beef or turkey)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper Cut cabbage in 1/3 quarters set aside. Fry bacon crisp with the1/4 salt and ¼ pepper. Remove the bacon and leave the grease in the pan, you need it to brown the cabbage in. Brown the cabbage slightly on both sides. Add 1/8 cup of water and let cabbage simmer. Return bacon to the pan and let simmer until cabbage is soft. Serve over rice and enjoy! Make sure you come back next month for Auntie Que's Artichoke Relish recipe!!

Found here!

Metal allergies can affect dental work

If you have experienced an allergic reaction to the metals in your jewelry, you may want to think twice about what your dentist puts in your mouth! Fairly inexpensive materials like nickel and chromium keep the price down on your dental work, but they can cause more pain and discomfort than they're worth.

• Follow this link for more information http://www.savondentalplan.com/February2008_Newsletter.php#4

Effects of Chemotherapy on Your Teeth and Gums

Chemotherapy can cause a multitude of problematic symptoms in the mouth. Every person is different and consequently, symptoms vary widely and some can be affected more severely than others. Some may suffer no symptoms at all. The following is a list of common problems caused by chemotherapy that are related to the mouth.

• Mouth Sores, also known as Mucositis (varies in severity from mild to acute and can be very debilitating, making it hard to chew or swallow without pain)
• Dry Mouth. referred to by dentists as root resorption (this can soften the enamel on your teeth making them more suceptble to decay)
• Inflammation/irritation of the gums which can cause soreness and bleeding and can lead to infection
• Bone Loss and receding gums

The best time to discuss these possible effects with your doctor is before you have treatment! Virtually all of these symptoms may be manageable. Sometimes symptoms can be alleviated by simply changing the course of treatment. This is not an option for everyone however, only your doctor can make that decision. Some symptoms may be long term, so be sure to see your doctor and/or your dentist if you are beginning or are involved in treatment and you experience any of these problems.

Good luck and Keep Smiling!

Current Event: US Says Too Much Fluoride!

That's right, Friday the US Department of Health announced plans to lower the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water for the first time in nearly 50 years. Why the sudden change? How does this affect you?

Read on...

What? X-rays again?

This month’s topic is by far one of the most frequently asked questions. “Do I need x-rays every time I come in for a check up?”

In most cases a dentist will require that every patient, regardless of the state of their dental health, undergo a complete set of x-rays or a panoramic x-ray once every 3 to 5 years. Patients with relatively healthy teeth and gums are usually x-rayed with supplemental films (i.e., bitewing and/or periapicle x-rays) minimally, once a year in between complete sets. Patients who are prone to gum disease, bone loss, multiple caries (cavities), or have specific teeth and restorations the dentist may be watching, may be x-rayed on a more frequent basis coinciding with their 3,4, or 6 month check ups.

Read more here..

Colds vs. Flu

We all know it's that time of year for colds, and the flu. So how do you know if you have the common cold or flu? For facts and information about the Flu and cold click here : http://www.savondentalplan.com/January2009_Newsletter.php#4

Aloe Vera for Gum Disease

We've all heard or read about the benefits of using Aloe Vera for healing...i.e., scrapes, scratches, burns and ailments such as stomach ulcers, etc. It's not surprising, therefore, that dentists have incorporated its uses into the field of dentistry. Follow this link to read an archived article about the uses for Aloe Vera in dental related diseases. I found this to be a very enlightening read.
As always, keep smiling!