Dental Myths Uncovered

Myth: Brushing more than once a day can harm tooth enamel.

Well, sort of! Brushing multiple times a day with anything other than a soft toothbrush could possibly harm your enamel. That's why most dentists recommend you use a soft bristle toothbrush, and brush preferably after each meal.

Myth: There's no need to take a child to the dentist because their baby teeth will fall out anyway.

As soon as your child develops a tooth, it's time to pay attention. Neglecting your child's baby teeth can cause major and even painful problems for them presently, as well as possibly causing major issues for them once the permanent teeth come in. It is never too early to teach your children about the importance of proper oral hygiene.

Myth: Chewing sugarless gum is the same as brushing.

Nothing replaces actual brushing (with a toothbrush) and flossing. Chewing sugarless gum in between meals can help clean the surface of your teeth and may also freshen your breath, however, it does not remove plaque and food that may be stuck in between your teeth. Also, it does not effectively remove plaque and build-up around the gum line which is what a toothbrush and floss are designed to do.

Myth: Women should avoid the dentist altogether while pregnant.

Due to the amount of vitamins and nutrients the baby needs, pregnant women often find that they develop more dental problems during this delicate period. It is for this reason that regular dental visits should continue and are, if anything, more important during pregnancy. Of course, there are certain dental procedures that pregnant women should avoid, such as x-rays and dental surgery, but your dentist will advise you properly and this should be no reason to skip out on your dental care.

Myth: I can't see any problems with my teeth, so I don't need to go to the dentist.

Not all dental problems are visible. You could have a cavity the size of Texas and never see it because it could be on the back side of a molar or in between two teeth. Too many people go by the notion that "if I can't see it or feel it, it's not there." As with many health related issues, you don't always know that there's a problem until it's too late. If you could physically see every problem in your mouth, what would be the purpose of dental x-rays?

These are just a few myths I found and did a little research on, but all comments or additions are welcome!

Kid Friendly Strawberry Toothpaste

If you have children you probably already know how hard it is to get them to brush their teeth, right? Have you ever thought maybe it's because they don't like the flavor of  toothpaste they are using?

This recipe below is great for kids who do not like the taste of  traditional children's toothpaste. Plus its very simple to make and you will only need these three ingredients:

Xylitol - This is a sweetener that is also found in gum and other oral care products to help prevent tooth decay and dry mouth.

Coconut oil - This is a popular ingredient because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Strawberry flavoring - Makes the toothpaste has flavor.

Now onto the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Xylitol - finely grounded
• 1 tbsp Coconut oil - softened
• 1/8 Tsp  Strawberry flavoring

Directions:

1. In a small bowl mix all indrediatnts together.
2. Transfer into a storage container.

How to use:

• Scoop out a small amount with a Popsicle stick to avoid contamination. 
• Place on the toothbrush and brush like normal!

Hopefully your children love this new homemade toothpaste!

Recipe found here!

Question From A Member

Questions From Our Members

E. Hendricks of Fresno, California asks: 

“You have a lot of different plans.  Can you explain difference in the benefits for each plan?”

Savon’s Answer

This is a question that we get asked all the time.  The answer is simple…  There is no difference in the benefits for any of the plans!

Although we offer 8 different individual plans and 1 business plan, the only difference in the plans is the membership fee and the length of time the plan is in effect.  To become a member, simply find the plan that you qualify for and that fits your needs.  The benefits are all the same.

Savon Dental Plan-Not An Average Dental Plan!

It is true that Savon Dental Plan is one of the most preferred dental plans in the nation. It is also true that Savon is dedicated to providing the best service and the best prices to both our members and dentists. But we didn't stop there...

At Savon, we believe that knowledge is power. Thousands of people are STILL paying way too much for dental coverage and getting little in return, and nowadays, it's easier than ever to be taken advantage of simply because your options haven't been laid out for you. At Savon, we take this problem very seriously, so seriously that we even dedicated a portion of our website for members and non-members alike to use as a tool in finding the right kind of dental coverage to match your needs and budget, whether it ends up being Savon Dental Plan or not. Check this out:

Unraveling the Mystery of Dental Plans, Dental Insurance, and Dental PPO'S -
Here, we have outlined and defined each type of dental coverage, detailing on how each works, pro'sand con's of each, and how they may or may not work for you.

The Comparison Zone - Savon just made your search for dental coverage EASY! Here you can compare all the major insurance companies, dental plans, and ppo's against each other without having to search the entire internet! It's all right here for you in one place!

Our website gives you detailed information about dental insurance and some of the "hidden" downfalls you wouldn't be prepared for if you weren't made aware of them. These are the kinds of things that COST you money and time.


Whether you're already a member, looking to become a member, or know someone who is looking for dental coverage, read the educational information we provided and pass it on so you don't end up paying for it in the future.

Detox That Dirty Mouth

Many people do a body detox to clear away toxins to enhance their overall health, so why not do a mouth detox to improve your overall oral health?

It does not matter whether you eat junk food, gluten free foods or even plant based foods its all filled with microorganisms (some are beneficial) while the others can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, plaque and cavities. 

Stinky breath can lead to more serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and diabetes. 

In addition to brushing, flossing and using mouthwash try some of these natural mouth detoxes to improve your overall oral health:

Oil Pulling - This method has became very popular over the last year or so.  Try to swish coconut oil or sesame oil for at least 20 minutes, once you are done spit the oil in the garbage...DO NOT SWALLOW.

Oil pulling may help prevent cavities, help relieve TMJ issues, help heal canker sores and other mouth irritations. 

Natural Toothpaste - Although this may not foam like the traditional toothpaste we are used to, natural toothpaste is made with natural cleansing and whitening ingredients such as baking soda, sea salt and silica. Natural toothpaste strengthens and whitens without all the other additions.

Gold and Charcoal Toothbrush - Merged the antibacterial properties of gold with the natural whitening and absorbing powers of bamboo charcoal, this brush helps keep your mouth free of additional bacteria and effectively whitens teeth. 

Salt Water Rinse - Add unprocessed raw salt to a cup of warm water, gargle and spit. The minerals help increase your pH balance in your mouth while also reducing inflammation and soothing sores. 

Herbal concentrates - Add just a few drops to your toothpaste, floss or mouthwash for added benefits and fresh breath. Popular drops include cinnamon, peppermint, tea tree and clove.

Hopefully after trying one or all of these you will notice an improvement in your oral health!

Information found here!

Caregiver's Guide To Oral Health For The Disabled

Are you a caregiver to a disabled/special needs person? I  personally have helped take care of my grandfather a few years back even though it was just for a few hours on a Sunday, I can say it was still very challenging. I can only imagine what it was like during his morning routine trying to get him showered,dressed and most importantly taking care of his oral health needs.

Oral tasks, like brushing and flossing can be very difficult if the person is unable to help you.  Below are a few tips on making brushing and flossing easier:

• Determinate what position will work best depending on the persons general health such as laying on the couch/bed, sitting on the floor with head laying in your lap or even sitting straight up in a chair. Whatever location you choose, you will need to adjust accordingly. 
• Stabilize the persons head with pillows or if standing behind them you can wrap your free arm around their head and cradle the chin with your hand.
• Apply gentle pressure to the chin with your four fingers placed on the mandible (Jaw bone) and your thumb should be retracting the lip. You can also make a mouth prop using a rolled up soft cloth or gauze to help keep the mouth open.
• Make sure you wear protective clothing such as a face shield/safety glasses, gloves and disposable gown. 
• Items to have near by in case you need to use them: flashlight, bulb syringe, basin, cup and towel. 
• Brush and floss the persons teeth like normal. 
• Things to be aware of: 
• Be very careful of the persons airway and avoid aspiration of water or toothpaste. If you are concerned with aspiration of fluids you may want to purchase a toothbrush that has a suctioning device attached. 
• Try to avoid regular toothpaste - Try buying non-foaming and indigestible toothpaste.
• Use small amounts of water.

Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, people with special needs/disabilities are no exception!

Gum Contouring

Are your gums too high or too low on your teeth and making you self conscious about your smile? If so you maybe a candidate for gum contouring surgery!

What is gum contouring?
Gum contouring also know as gum reshaping and tissue sculpting, is not a medically necessary procedure but is more of a cosmetic procedure that evens out peoples gum lines leaving them with a smile they are proud of!

What is the cause of uneven gum lines?
Gums that are too low can be a result of genetics, health problems and certain prescription drugs.

Gums that are too high us often caused by gum recession (gum tissue that is pulled back away from the tooth and exposing the root). This can lead to many other serious dental problems down the road such as: decay and tooth loss.

Cost of gum contouring?
The cost can vary depending on the work being done. It is best to talk over the cost with the dentist before hand even if you have insurance since dental insurance typically does not cover this produce since its more cosmetic . You do not want to wined up being blindsided by the cost.

What to expect during treatment?
This procedure is preformed either by your general dentist or a periodontist (gum specialist). They use scalpels, lasers, and radio-surgery to preform the gum contouring procedure. Before they begin they should go over what they will be doing during the procedure. If you are unsure of what they are talking about, always ask questions.

Recovery?
It can take a few day to a few weeks for the gums to fully heal. Your dentist should provide instructions on how to take care of your gums after surgery, what you should be eating and what to take to relieve the pain.

Talk to your dentist about gum contouring if your are unsatisfied with your smile!



Information found here!

Your Pets Need Dental Care, Too!

At some point or another, most of us have owned a pet. As a pet owner myself I wasn't really aware of the importance of maintaining my pet's dental care until I read up on it.
According to the American Veterinarians Association, dental disease in dogs and cats can set our pets up for a whole smorgasbord of maladies. According to petdental.com "The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease may damage other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, or lead to other serious health problems."
Other dental problems such as cracked or decayed teeth or even abscesses can go undetected for a long time, leaving your pet at risk for infections.  It's always a good idea to regularly brush their teeth or feed them dental chews (sold everywhere) to prevent tooth decay. Try to have their teeth examined regularly as well.  Understandably, that isn't always possible but you can always check their mouth for any obvious signs of tooth decay or disease.  Bad breath, darkened teeth and inflamed gums are just a few of the things you can visibly detect on your pet. If they are in serious pain they may pant, pace and whimper. 
Pets are people too!  Don't let them go untreated! 

Keep Smiling!