How To Survive The Weekend With A Toothache!

So it's the weekend and everyone is busy.. And where are you? At home with a toothache, wishing Monday would hurry up and arrive so you can get to a dentist. Here's a few tips on how to make it throughout that painful weekend with out suffering completely:

- Try rinsing your mouth out first. Take a mouthful of room-temperature water and rinse vigorously. Many times, a painful toothache can caused simply by trapped food.

-If that doesn't work, try flossing GENTLY. This should get rid of the problem, unless your problem is something other than just stuck food.

-Numb the pain- Take a shot of whiskey (do not swallow it), and hold it in your mouth right over the painful tooth. Your gums will absorb the alcohol and it will numb the pain.

-Rinse with salt water- Make sure the water is room temperature. This is very soothing and cleansing and will help keep it from getting any worse.

-Massage your hand- No, I'm not kidding. Rubbing an ice-cube in the V-shape between your index finger and your thumb for 5-7 minutes can reduce the pain by 50%.

-Put a little clove oil on it- You can purchase this over the counter. Simply drop a little right on the tooth.

-Try not to bite- This is a no-brainer. Obviously, if you have a toothache, try not to bite on that side whatsoever.

-Try icing it up- This may not work if you have sensitivity to cold. If you don't, you might try sucking on an ice cube- on or near that tooth. If sucking on an ice-cube isn't going to work, try puting an icepack on your cheek in 15 minute intervals.

-Shut your mouth- If you are having sensitivity to cold, breathing through your mouth can cause even more pain. Try breathing through your nose.

-Take Aspirin- And no, don't put it directly on your tooth or gum, this can cause damage. Actually take and swallow an aspirin every 4-6 hours.

-Keep it cool- Try to avoid getting to warm or hot. And definitely avoid placing heat on the area. Heat draws infection to the surface, making it worse and more painful.

This information is not intended to replace regular, professional dental care. Do-it-yourself dentistry is never a good idea. These tips are to GET YOU BY until you can see a dental professional. This information was gathered from various online sources.

Question From Our Member

Questions From Our Members

R. Allen of Tulsa, OK. asks: 

“An Orthodontist told me that I’m not a candidate for Invisalign braces but I’m not clear on why, can you shed some light on this for me?”

Savon’s Answer

While both treatments can straighten teeth Invisalign is not ideal for people with bridgework, back tooth bite issues, the need to rotate canines or premolars or the need to move teeth vertically.

There is also the issue of removability.  Since Invisalign braces are removable, it is important to make sure that you are wearing them at least 22 hours a day and they must be taken out when eating or drinking anything but water, a problem not associated with regular braces.

These are just a couple of reasons that you may not be a candidate for Invisalign but I suggest you reconnect with the Orthodontist and see if he or she can fully explain why the Invisalign system is not for you.

Original post on our October 2017 Newsletter

Bio-Teeth: Is It a Real Concept?

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!

As Always, Keep Smiling!

A Little Honey A Day May Stop Tooth Decay!

Manuka Honey, Have you ever heard of it? Good, me either!

Honey is sweet and comforting and many people don't even know about all the healing abilities honey has to offer. Honey offers incredible antiseptic, antioxidants and cleansing properties for our body and health.

Manuka Honey is made by bees that feed off of the Manuka bush in New Zealand. This type of honey not only fights infections and helps with tissue healing but it helps reduce the amount of inflammation and scarring. As a side note this honey helps with diarrhea, stomach ulcers and many other problems.

Here are some interesting facts about Manuka Honey:

• Manuka Honey which has  potent antibacterial qualities, that works just as well as mouth wash.

• Most honey consumed in the US is processed and will not have the same healing properties found in raw Manuka Honey.

• Manuka Honey is also known as "Medihoney"

If you would like to learn more about Manuka Honey click here!

Are There Any Benefits to Brushing Without Toothpaste?

The answer may surprise you!  The fact is, we really don't need toothpaste!  Here's why.
Some toothpastes contain polishing compounds (abrasives), some contain undesirable chemicals (such as sodium lauryl sulfate, a key ingredient in soap...yuk!) fluoride (we've all heard about the controversy there).  Still others contain a healthy balance of all of that and a desensitizing agent as well. Then there's peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen etc. for flavoring.
Trust me, you can do just as well with a drop of peppermint essential oil for a fresh mouth. Or even a dab of baking soda.   
When you consider all the unnecessary additives in a tube of toothpaste, one might conclude that it's better to do without.... but the fact is it really doesn't matter what you use, only how often you brush. All you need is a good toothbrush. You can brush with plain water after a meal, then floss and effectively get the germs off of your teeth!

The more natural things you can use the better, including baking soda, coconut oil and peppermint essential oil.  They're easier on the checkbook, and on the smile!

Keep on smiling!

5 Tips Good Oral Heath

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.

Why Does My Dentist Need To Take X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are an important part of your dental treatment because they can detect damage to the teeth and gums that are not visible during a routine visual exam.

Some of the most common reason your dentist takes x-rays are:

·Looking for decay between the teeth - Sometimes decay is not visible to the naked eye.

· Checking for bone loss associated with gum disease - Gum disease can cause bone loss and the x-ray can show how advanced it is.

· Checking for decay under fillings - Sometime decay under the fillings can occur and the only way to detect this is by x-rays.

· Looking for infection at the tip of the root - Infections can appear at the bottom of the teeth where the bone is, which x-rays are needed to confirm.

· Examine before procedures - Dentist need a full view of the area they will be working on, whether it is braces, fillings and tooth extractions.

So next time you get upset about having another set of x-rays taken, remember this is for your own oral health!

Would you rather take the x-rays and see potential problems or be blindsided?

What Could Be Causing Your Sensitive Teeth?

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!

Herbal Remedies for dental care!

For years people have gone the all-natural route instead of pharmaceutical medicines. Today many people turn to herbal remedies for many reasons. A couple being it is cheaper then the alternatives and you are not getting the chemicals found in traditional medicines.

For those of you that drink green tea, did you know it is good for fighting dental cavities by getting rid of bacteria? Apples also help keep bacteria away too. To ease that toothache you may have you can use clove oil, vinegar and also you can place an ice bag on your face wherever the pain is. Those things will help ease your pain until you can get into the dentist. Most people push aside the little parsley that comes on your dinner plate, but if you have somewhere to be after dinner and don’t have time to brush your teeth or any gum on hand eat the parsley and it will do the trick.

To whiten your teeth rub the white inside of an orange rind against your teeth and rinse after a few minutes or you can make a paste using a few strawberries, let it sit for a few minutes then rise with a little baking soda.

Those are just a few examples on how you can use herbal remedies that are all natural and healthy for you.

No Dental Insurance? Here's How to Avoid Breaking the Bank.

Did you know that more than 100 million Americans are without dental coverage?

For most people, a toothache that turns into an expensive procedure like a crown or implant can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.  Even routine check-ups with x-rays and a cleaning can add up to hundreds of dollars.  It is estimated that over one third of Americans have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months.  The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2013 includes emergency dental care for children only.  Adult consumers are left to find smart ways to reduce their costs without sacrificing their oral health.  Here are some ways to cut back on dental related costs:

• Consider a good dental plan.  Dental plans generally offer discounted fees with low premiums and no limit or "cap", no waiting periods on procedures, no exclusions and immediate coverage. Early on, the Obamacare website actually suggested "stand alone" dental plans for adults!

• Try having your dental care done at a Dental School Clinic.  Teaching facilities have amazingly skilled dentists and in most cases the cost is cheaper than a private practice facility. Not to mention they use the most state of the art equipment so that your experience is more comfortable.

• Space out your treatments.  If you have extensive work to be done, most dentists will work according to a treatment plan, and a "pay as you go" strategy can go a long way toward helping the patient so those out of pocket expenses don't have to break the bank all at once! 

• Eliminate Surprise Fees!   Make sure to always, ALWAYS get the cost for the treatment plan or procedure before you agree to have it done, or before you sign anything.  Many patients agree to procedures while they are in the chair and don't fully understand that there may be an additional cost...an exorbitant additional cost.  Keep yourself from sticker shock by asking first and discuss other options if you cannot afford the procedure.  

• Prevention, Prevention, Prevention!  The key to saving on dental costs (just like having your car worked on) is to fix small problems before they become big ones.  Have your teeth cleaned twice a year and don't skip that oral exam. 

Here is a parting thought for those of you in the market for dental coverage.  PLEASE check the benefits carefully when considering dental insurance.  The premiums will always be more than the pay out...coverage is always limited and there will almost always be a waiting period for expensive procedures. They want to make sure they have your premiums firmly in hand before the payouts begin. It's the truth....do your homework carefully! A good dental plan is more effective at saving you money than an insurance company will ever be. 

Keep Smiling! 

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*

Is Milk Good For Your Teeth?

If you are am avid milk drinker like me, then this is a blog you definitely want to read. I go through 2 gallons of milk a week, and I mean I GO through it. I personally drink at least 2 gallons of milk a week. What can I say, I love milk! So I had to ask to the question, is it good for your teeth? Well, great news my fellow milk drinkers! IT IS!

It has been proven that dairy products such as milk and cheese actually reduce tooth decay. Milk contains proteins called caseins which will join together with the calcium and phosphorus to create a protective later on the surface of your teeth. (aka enamel). This helps prevent tooth decay by reducing the bacterial acids. Furthermore, the calcium and phosphorus also help strengthen and even repair the enamel on your teeth.

So, drink up my fellow milkaholics. It will help keep our smiles bright!

Oh yeah on a side note: The ADA has recommended not to have milk and cookies because as we all know they sugary items such as cookies are bad for your teeth. However... there is still hope for us on that too. The it is recommended that you have the cookies THEN the milk. That will eliminate the sugar acids that plague your teeth.

As great as that sounds, milk and cookies always sounds better than cookies then milk or milk after cookies, and we all it know it tastes better too!