Dirty Dentistry: How Savon Protects You!

Many of you may have seen in recent news, a story about an Oklahoma dentist who negligently exposed 7,000 people to hepatitis and HIV.  This came about when one of his patients who had no risk factors for either virus, contracted both.  An investigation was launched, and the results were horrifying.  Rusty tools, reusing needles, using unsterilized tools, out-dated medication, unlicensed staff, and the list goes on...
This is a terrifying tragedy.  7,000 people is a LOT, and sadly, this kind of thing happens too often, not always to this extreme, but often enough.

This is why it's important to be cautious when shopping for dental coverage as well as when choosing your dentist!  With most insurances, you are given the freedom of choosing your own dentist.  Convenient as that may be, it also makes it impossible for them to investigate the profession history of each doctor, leaving you with no guarantee of a quality, qualified dentist.

Dental plans are a GREAT solution to this problem.  Savon Dental Plan conducts an extensive and thorough credentialing check.  The guidelines are strict, all prior complaints and incidents are considered, even if they have been resolved.  If a dentist does not meet the criteria, they can't take the plan.  This protects all of their members from situations like what happened in Oklahoma.

For more information on Savon's dentist credentialing process, click HERE.

To keep up on the Oklahoma story, click HERE.

Famous People You Didn't Know Were Dentists!

I found this article while reading a fellow dental blog this evening and I thought it was a really interesting find!

Enjoy!

"Famous People You Didn't Know Were Dentists"

by Robert Milton

Who says dentistry isn’t exciting? Our noble profession has captured the hearts and imaginations of some pretty interesting people over the years. Granted, eventually these folks turned to other less fascinating professions—like acting, gun fighting, inventing, painting and saving the country—but still, they all had their “roots” (pardon the pun) in the enviable art of dentistry. Just check out this list of people you didn’t know were dentists:

· Edgar Buchanan: This popular character actor started out as a successful dentist before moving to California in 1939. Although he co-starred in countless movies over the years, Buchanan was probably best known for his memorable roles in 1960s sitcoms like “Petticoat Junction,” “Green Acres” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Once he was bitten by the acting bug, he left dentistry. But, interestingly enough, his wife actually took over his successful practice after he retired.

• John Henry “Doc” Holliday: You may remember Doc Holliday for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and their famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but Holliday was actually a dentist who was trained in Pennsylvania and developed a booming little practice in Atlanta. After a short time, Holliday contracted tuberculosis and he was forced to leave his practice and move out West, where the rest is, well…history.....

Get the rest DentalBuzz.com!

March is Oral Health Month!

March is Oral Health Month!  Be sure to schedule a cleaning with your dental hygienist!

To find out how to cut your dental costs in half, contact Savon Dental Plan today!

We Hope You Enjoyed The Expo!

What a weekend!  We had a great time at the Arizona Health & Fitness Expo held at the fairgrounds last weekend!  We met a lot of wonderful people, made a ton a great connections, and got to enjoy the rest of the activities the expo had to offer.

 Setting Up Our Booth!

 Savon's new prize wheel was a hit!

Having fun with some of our visitors!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, we hope you enjoyed the show!

New Study: Fluoride in Drinking Water

A new study shows that adults who consume fluoridated drinking water are getting dental health benefits, even if they never consumed fluoridated water as a child.

Read on...

Get Your FREE Tickets To the Arizona Health & Fitness Expo!

We are only 5 Days Away from the Arizona Health and Fitness Expo. Savon still has  11 FREE Tickets Left to give out! Call 602-841-3494 NOW to claim yours. (Limit 2 Per Household)

Friday Funny!

AZ Health Expo: Our Booth Number Has Changed!!

IMPORTANT UPDATE** Our booth location at the Arizona Health and Fitness Expo has changed to #436. Stop by and see us for some great savings, prizes, games and more!!

Visit Our Booth At The Arizona Health & Fitness Expo

Come join us Friday, March 22nd through Sunday, March 24th at the Arizona Health & Fitness Expo!!!  

There is something to do and see for everyone!

-Plenty of vendors offering the latest and greatest in health and wellness
-Free seminars are health screenings all weekend
-Activities for kids including a rock wall and an obstacle course
-Gourmet food court
-TONS of free goodies and giveaways

Be sure to visit Savon Dental Plan at booth #424, and bring your friends! We are offering an AMAZING special exclusive to Expo patrons!  Already a member?  Show us your card for a chance to win 1 FREE YEAR on the plan!

Get your tickets HERE!  They are only 1/2 price online and $5 at the gate!

The first 7 people to call Savon will get their tickets for free!  Call 602-841-3494 Now!

We hope to see you there!!

One Word: Bio-Teeth!

Move over dental implants, bridges and dentures!  The Bio-tooth is taking over!  Well, not yet, exactly.  But it's definitely getting closer.

Okay, so what, exactly, is a "bio-tooth" you ask?  It's probably exactly what you're imagining.  Of course, we're not talking "The Terminator" kind of stuff, you're not going to be part robot.  Basically, scientists have discovered a way to bio-engineer teeth from gum cells, meaning they have figured out how to grow a new tooth in place of a missing one, using your own gum cells.

While they have had much success with mice in the lab, they have yet to completely test this on humans.  Research and testing continues, but imagine the breakthrough it will be!  We are not far from being able to re-grow our own teeth!  Amazing!

For the full details, get the entire article HERE!

Article of the Day: 5 Paradox's of Dentistry

While searching for something interesting to bring you guys on this lazy afternoon, I stumbled upon this article.

5 of dentistry's BIGGEST paradox's.  Read it HERE.

Enjoy!

Green Tea And Oral Health

It's a commonly known fact that green tea has many health benefits.  It's a natural antioxidant and it's great for your digestive system.  I honestly had no idea it provided any oral health benefits.  Here's what I learned today from an article I read today...

Green Tea

1. Reduces Periodontal Inflammation

2. Kills Oral Cancer Cell

3. Inhibits the Formation of Dental Plaque

4. Repels Odor-Causing Bacteria

Interesting!  For more, read the full article.  

Flossing: There Is A WRONG Way To Do It!

Anyone who has ever seen a dentist has heard (over and over, I'm sure) that flossing is just as important as brushing.  A habit most of us perform at least once a day, I'm confident that most of probably didn't know that there is a right and wrong way to do it!  One would think pulling string between your teeth would be pretty much fool-proof, but apparently it's not that simple...

Skipping the spaces- If you have gaps or spaces between any of your teeth, it's important to still floss between them to remove any food or bacteria from beneath the gums.  This includes the gums behind your back molars.

Forcing your floss in a tight spot-  If your teeth are tight together and the floss won't go, gently saw the floss back and forth while applying gentle, but firm pressure until it squeezes through.  Too much pressure or forcing the floss through can damage your gums and increase your risk of gingivitis.  

Using the same piece for the entire job-  Using the same string of floss for the entire session can spread bacteria to different areas of the mouth.  To ensure the removal of the plaque and bacteria and not its redistribution, it's best to use a fresh section of floss for every few teeth. 

Still, there isn't much to the flossing concept, but not doing these simple things could have some complicated and expensive consequences.

Here's to flossing, the right way!

Top 5 Foods To Prevent Bad Breath

Halitosis which is also known as bad breath, is an embarrassing problem This can be caused by poor oral hygiene, the types of foods you eat and any other unhealthy habits.

Your dentist or doctor will tell you that if you have bad breath, you should start by eating right, brushing and flossing  after every meal.

Here are some foods you can eat the will help prevent bad breath:

1. Chew on this: Coriander, Spearmint, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. These are all good for fighting bad breath.
2. Get some active culture: Yogurt. A study found that a serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of odor-causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. This also will cut down on bacteria in the mouth and reduce gum disease.
3. Crunchy food: Apples,carrots - basically any fiber rich fruit or vegetables will help fight bad breath.
4. Masking techniques: Sugar free gum will help freshen up your breath (this shouldn't replace brushing your teeth)
5. High C's: Berries, citrus fruit and other vitamin C -rich foods help fight against bacteria growth.

If you are still  experiencing bad breath please consult your dentist or doctor.

Beware Of "Dollar Store" Toothpaste!

During a recent conversation, the subject rolled around to an odd piece of information which, at the time, I had summed up to my friend being the victim of someone's urban legend.  Apparently, the toothpaste found on the shelves of most "dollar" stores around the USA, is not "real" (or ADA approved) toothpaste, but is actually toothpaste which was manufactured in unapproved, foreign countries.  If this were true, of course this would mean that a frighteningly large number of Americans are brushing their teeth with toothpaste who's ingredients either severely lack, or overly exceed the legal, ADA approved amount.

Skeptically, I Googled.

The verdict?

It's TRUE!

I even had a few references confirm my find, but I think that Snopes.com explained it the best.

Read it HERE!

Prevent Tooth Decay With Coconut Oil?

A study from this past September proves a very high possibility!

The use of digested and undigested coconut oil was closely studied on various strains of streptococcus bacteria, a common oral bacteria we all carry.  Streptococcus mutans (or S. mutans) are the type of bacterium that is the leading cause of tooth decay world wide.   Basically, coconut oil in it's undigested state had no effect, but digested, it stopped the bacteria from growing!  This is a GREAT article, get the rest of the details HERE!