Tips On How To Clean Your Retainer!

 Do you wear a retainer? Do you clean it every day? Many people who wear retainers do not clean them every day... GROSS! To put it into perspective, having a dirty retainer is like not brushing your teeth. 

Below are some ways to clean your retainer:

• Water for cleaning on the go - Although water will not disinfect a retainer it will help prevent bacteria from growing while it is out of the mouth.
• Toothpaste - After you are finished brushing your teeth, gently brush your retainer. 
• Denture Cleaner - Soak in denture cleaner for about 20 minutes. After it's removed from the solution gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 
• Baking Soda - Mix water and baking soda together to create a paste. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. * it also whitens discolored retainers*
• Vinegar - Soak for 20 min in equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Rinse then soak for another 20 minutes in cold water.

What Is Ankyloglossia?

 Ankyloglossia is also known as tongue-tie or anchored tongue.

Tongue-tied is a short, thick band of tissue that is connected to the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth. This condition limits the tongue's range of motion.




Being tongue-tied in some cases can have serious effects on a person, by affecting the way a person eats, speaks, and even swallow. Not all cases are that way, some non-serious problems can be having difficulty sticking out his/her tongue or simply eating an ice cream cone.

Tongue-tie can be fixed by a simple surgical procedure and the recovery time is only about 24 hours.

I personally am tongue-tied and I experience non-serious problems such as; I can not lick an ice cream cone very well and I can not stick out my tongue past my lips. I have thought about getting the tongue release surgery but since I'm not having serious problems I don't see why I need that done at this point.

Tea Tree Oil For Dental Health?

If you follow your dentist's recommendations on cleaning and flossing your teeth then you should have healthy gums and strong teeth.

There are many ways to keep your mouth healthy but one natural remedy is using tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is taken from the leaves of a Melaleuca Alternifolia plant that is native to Australia. This plant is known for its natural disinfectant and has been used for many years in the medical and dental professions as an antiseptic.

Tea tree oil has many benefits for your dental health:

• Helps prevent plaque - The oil fights off microorganisms that destroy tissues in the mouth which cause plaque, receding gums, and tartar deposits. 
• Helps eliminate bad breath - Using tea tree oil as a mouthwash has anti-deodorant properties.
• Helps prevent gum disease - 
• Rub a small amount of tea tree oil on swollen/sore gums.
• Add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil to a small glass of water and swish. Do this twice a day
• Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly onto your toothbrush and brush for at least to min. 
• Helps relieve pain from toothaches - Rinse the mouth with a tea tree oil mixture (listed above) and then apply a small amount of Aloe Vera to the infected tooth. 
• Mouth sores - Rinse mouth with a tea tree oil mixture (listed above).

*Remember this is just a remedy to keep your mouth healthy and should not replace your dentist.

For more information click here!

Do You Suffer From Plugged Ears While Flying?

If you're one of those people who may have problems clearing your ears on an airplane, here is a small list of things you can do to relieve the symptoms.

• Yawning - the most effective way to clear the ears.
• Swallowing
• Chewing Gum
• Valsalva Maneuver (aka, Plug your nose and blow!)
• Nasal Sprays (relief for allergy sufferers)
• Decongestants

Babies are not able to clear their ears on an airplane, but there are ways to help them get through the discomfort which typically is worse during assent and descent. Using the following techniques during take-off and landing may help:

• Bottle feeding
• Pacifiers

Plugged ears and sinuses can actually make your teeth hurt. Sinus pressure can cause pain in a variety of ways.  If you know you are susceptible, try following some of the suggestions above!

 Keep Smiling!!!

Question From Our Member - Why Did My Dentist Prescribe Sinus Medication?

 Questions From Our Members

R. Blackwood of Topeka, Kansas asks: 

“I went to the dentist for a toothache.  They took some x–rays and prescribed me some sinus medication.  Can a sinus infection really cause a toothache?”

Savon’s Answer

Yes, a sinus infection (sinusitis) or inflammation can cause a toothache — specifically in the upper rear teeth, which are close to the sinuses.  In fact, pain in the upper teeth is a fairly common symptom with sinus conditions.  Since you went to your dentist with a toothache, we suggest that you follow your dentist´s advice.

Original post is in our March 2021 Newsletter!