Video Blog: New Online Store

Here is a video blog explaining a something new at Savon Dental Plan!

Check out our NEW online store at http://www.savondentalplan.com/gift_center.php

Did You Know...

• If you don't floss you miss cleaning 40% of the tooth surface.
• Dentist recommend keeping your toothbrush at least six feet away from the toilet to avoid airborne particles.
• If you are right handed, you tend to chew food on the right side of your mouth. If your left handed you tend to chew on the left side of your mouth.
• The greater the amount of time food remains in the mouth, the greater chance of decay.
• In 200 AD, the Romans used a mixture of bones, eggshells, oyster shells and honey to clean their teeth. 
• You are supposed to replace your after get sick.
• Your teeth are unique, just like your finger prints. This is why dental records sometimes are used to identify human remains. 
• Your tooth enamel is the hardest part of your body.
• You make 10,000 gallons of spit in a lifetime.

Periodontal Disease & Prevention

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, approximately 64.7 Million American Adults have periodontitis which is the more advanced form of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is higher in men than women:

• Men 56.4%
• Women 38.4% 

 Stages of periodontal disease:

1. Plaque builds up around tooth, which causes gingivitis (also known as gum disease).
2. Gingivitis - Gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. Early stages of gingivitis can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.
3. Periodontal Pockets - Gums become infected and pull away from the teeth forming spaces called" pockets".
4. Periodontitis - Irreversible. Causes gum recession, deeper pockets and bone loss. Eventually teeth will become lose and my need to be removed.

Below are some tips on how to prevent periodontal disease:

•  Brush teeth two times a day.
• Floss at least one daily.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a regular routine exam and cleaning.
• Avoid smoking and smokeless tobacco.
• Eat a well balanced diet.

*The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that everyone should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation on an annual basis. 

5 Reason To Choose A Dental Plan Over Dental Insurance

When it comes to choosing dental coverage there are many options out there. Find the one that is best for you can be confusing and frustrating. As insurance companies are now starting to jump on the dental train, finding quality dental coverage requires more and more research. Here's a tip, Do not rule out dental plans. Dental plans have been providing affordable quality dental coverage longer than most of the major insurance companies who have recently started selling it as a stand alone policy.

Here are 5 reasons that you should choose a dental plan over dental insurance.

1. More Consistent Coverage: Unlike dental insurance, a dental plan does not require a preauthorization to get dental work done. So you do not have to worry about a claim being denied.

2.  No Deductible or Coverage Caps: With a dental plan, you do not have to worry about meeting a deductible before your coverage kicks in. Also a dental plan does not have a coverage cap. So you do not have to worry about only being covered for a certain dollar amount per year.

3. No Waiting Periods: If you need a root canal today because you are in pain, insurance will cover it if it past their "waiting period". With a dental plan, you do not have to worry about it. There is no waiting period so you can get the work you need done as when need to have it done.

4. Immediate Coverage: With a dental plan, you get the coverage you are paying for right away. In some cases you can even sign while you are in the dental office and be covered for that visit. You do not have to pay for it now and get the coverage later.

5. Pre-Existing Conditions Covered: This is important for this of you who have had dental work done in the past. With a dental plan, if you have any pre-existing conditions, they are covered as well.

If you would like to know what dental coverage is out there and what the differences are between them you can check them out on our website by clicking here.

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

According to the Mayo Clinic this is a medical term  for on going burning of the mouth without an obvious cause. This discomfort your entire mouth. Burning mouth syndrome appears suddenly and can be sever as it can scald your mouth.

Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes BMS quite yet but its believed to be some form of neuropathic pain, meaning the fibers in the mouth are functioning abnormally and transmitting pain despite the fact that there is no painful stimulus.

BMS has several different patterns of recurrence, it may occur everyday, or come and go.

Symptoms of BMS may include:

• Burning sensation though out entire mouth.
• Dry mouth with increased thirst.
• Taste changes - metallic tasting.
• Loss of appetite. 

BMS can be painful and frustrating. With the help of your doctor and dentist they can usually find a treatment plan that is right for you. 

In the mean time you can try to relief buy avoiding any irritating substances like mouthwash, acid foods etc. Suck on ice chips (chewing is bad for your teeth). Brush your teeth with baking soda rather than toothpaste. 

* Remember these are just some suggestions until the professionals find the right treatment for you*

The Benefits of Digital X-rays

Technology is such a wonderful thing!  We've definitely come a long way in the advancement of diagnostics and diagnostic tools in both the medical field and the dental field.  Some may ask what the benefit is of digital x-rays vs. traditional x-rays.  Well, in terms of preventive care,  the difference is huge!  The following are some points of interest regarding digital x-ray machines.

     ~ The images produced by a digital machine are a much higher quality.
     ~ The images can be adjusted so that the doctor can see imperfections in the teeth early in            the diagnostic process.
     ~ There is significantly less radiation with a digital x-ray, which limits your exposure.
     ~ There is no chemical developer involved .
     ~  The images can be transferred from one office to another via email, saving time for the                doctor and the patient.

On the flip side,  the only real negative aspect to this is the cost of the machine, which falls on the dentist. A digital x-ray machine is very expensive.  Consequently, many practitioners do not have them available as yet.  More and more, however,  it is becoming a regular fixture in dental offices throughout the US.  Ask your dentist if digital x-rays are part of their routine.  It's a better option all the way around!

Keep Smiling!!!

Some Useful Ideas For Ordinary Toothpaste

It's a regular staple in every household and it has useful qualities that you might not have imagined!  Definitely a money-saver if you're on a tight budget.

There are many uses for it, aside from just cleaning and whitening your teeth.

Here is a list of useful ideas:

~Use it to scrub and whiten yellowed fingernails.
~Use it to buff out scratches on cell phone screens and watch crystals.
~Fill in nail holes when you don't have any patching compound or spackle around the house.
~Use it as a paste to clean and polish silver or brass.
~Use it to clean and shine piano keys.
~Use it to eliminate the haze that builds up on your headlights. Apply, let sit for a minute and        buff!
~Shine and polish your jewelry.
~Apply to bug bites to stop the itch.
~Apply to bruises to help them fade faster.
~Apply to skin blemishes to help them shrink and heal faster.
~Prevents fogging of mirrors.
~Helps exfoliate rough skin and cleans dirt and tar off of your feet.
~Removes water rings from wooden surfaces.

I'm sure there are more ideas out there.  Feel free to chime in with your own remedies!

Keep Smiling!