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	<title>Smile Warehouse Blog</title>
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	<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog</link>
	<description>Top Products. Warehouse Prices.</description>
	<pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:29:58 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>We Need More Power: Power Brushes Vrs. Manual</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/we-need-more-power-power-brushes-vrs-manual/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/we-need-more-power-power-brushes-vrs-manual/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:29:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=154</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
What Is A Rechargeable Toothbrush?
A rechargeable electric toothbrush (also known as a “power” toothbrush) can help you do more to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Many rechargeable toothbrushes use oscillating-rotating technology to provide better oral health results than regular manual toothbrushes. This brushing action is very different from that of regular manual [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-155" title="5000" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/5000-150x150.jpg" alt="5000" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<p>What Is A Rechargeable Toothbrush?</p>
<p>A rechargeable electric toothbrush (also known as a “power” toothbrush) can help you do more to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Many rechargeable toothbrushes use oscillating-rotating technology to provide better oral health results than regular manual toothbrushes. This brushing action is very different from that of regular manual toothbrushes, as it provides the movement, while you need only guide it.<br />
<span id="more-154"></span></p>
<p>For that reason, some people may find brushing with an electric toothbrush easier once they learn how to do it properly. Just remember that the key to brushing well with an electric toothbrush is to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth.</p>
<p>Getting Started:</p>
<p>Before you begin brushing, be sure to ask your dental professional for recommendations on technique. It also might be helpful to refer to the brushing instructions supplied with your electric toothbrush.<br />
To start, apply a fluoride toothpaste to the brush head and remember to replace the brush head every three months.</p>
<p>Two Minutes, Twice a Day</p>
<p>To brush your teeth correctly, you need to spend at least two minutes using a recommended technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Most rechargeable electric toothbrushes have built-in two-minute timers, and some even have professional timers that parse out 30 seconds for each quadrant to help you keep track. A great one for example in the Oral B Smart series 5000, carried by Smile Warehouse.</p>
<p>The right position:</p>
<p>When using a rechargeable electric toothbrush, it isn&#8217;t necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply guide the brush while it provides the brushing action. In fact, some electric toothbrushes, like Oral-B ProfessionalCare 5000 with Wireless SmartGuide, this brush has a pressure sensors that will alert you when you’re brushing too hard.</p>
<p>Follow these simple steps to maximize your brushing.</p>
<p>Step 1: Make sure your toothbrush is charged. Many electric toothbrushes have charge level indicator lights, so you can actually see when the toothbrush is charged.<br />
Step 2: Start with the outside surfaces of the teeth. Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, holding the brush head in place for a few seconds against each tooth before moving on to the next one. Follow along with the shape of each tooth and the curve of the gums.<br />
Step 3: Repeat Step 2 on the inside surfaces of the teeth.<br />
Step 4: Repeat Step 2 on the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well as behind the back teeth.<br />
Step 5: Direct the brush head along the gum line and upon the gums. Again, do not press hard or scrub this can really damage your gums.<br />
Step 6: Try grazing the brush head along your tongue and the roof of your mouth, back to front, to help freshen your breath. Or a tongue cleaner will work nicely too, Smile Warehouse also carries these.</p>
<p>With proper brushing technique with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, a little practice every day will help make it feel like second nature. Before you know it, you’ll be brushing with confidence knowing you’re using the clinically proven technology of a rechargeable electric toothbrush to clean your teeth. It is important to your body overall to practice good oral hygiene so let Smile Warehouse make it simple for you and be your one stop shop for all your oral health care needs.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-156" title="swlogosmall" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/swlogosmall.gif" alt="swlogosmall" width="67" height="28" /></p>
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		<title>The Truth About Tooth Loss: What The Tooth Fairy Wishes You Knew.</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/the-truth-about-tooth-loss-what-the-tooth-fairy-wishes-you-knew/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/the-truth-about-tooth-loss-what-the-tooth-fairy-wishes-you-knew/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:03:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=149</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When one or more teeth become loose and fall out, it is termed as tooth loss. Tooth loss can happen to anyone at anytime. Tooth loss is natural for kids; they loss their baby teeth which are replaced by the permanent set of teeth. Apart from this, tooth loss is undesirable and occurs due to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-151" title="tooth-fairy" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tooth-fairy-285x300.jpg" alt="tooth-fairy" width="285" height="300" />When one or more teeth become loose and fall out, it is termed as tooth loss. Tooth loss can happen to anyone at anytime. Tooth loss is natural for kids; they loss their baby teeth which are replaced by the permanent set of teeth. Apart from this, tooth loss is undesirable and occurs due to physical injury or disease. The condition of missing teeth is medically termed as edentulism or anodontia.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;"><span id="more-149"></span>Causes of Tooth Loss</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Physical trauma or injury: A severe blow to the face or injury can cause the teeth to become loose and fall out. Our teeth are quite strong and it takes quite a large amount of force to displace the teeth from their sockets.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Gum (periodontal) disease: Gum disease is the leading cause for tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is the inflammation or infection of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth. When gum disease has progressed to an advanced stage, it causes the resorption (degradation) of the bone supporting the tooth. This leads to the tooth loosening and eventually falling out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Dental caries: It is an irreversible microbial disease of the tooth which damages the tooth structure. Also known as tooth decay or cavities, it can result in tooth loss over a period of time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Prevention of tooth loss</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Brushing and flossing: Gum disease and tooth decay occur often as a result of poor oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep dental problems down. Add flossing to your daily routine, it helps remove food debris in between your teeth and is recommended. There are other helpful products that you can purchase like the Hydrofloss or Waterpik, both of these are a great way to get between the teeth and help clean out the bacteria.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Regular visits to dentist: It is recommended to visit your dentist twice a year to identify oral problems in their initial stage.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Fluoride therapy: using fluoridated toothpaste and mouth wash can help prevent the dental caries that can lead to tooth loss. Look for toothpastes and mouth rinses that specifically say they contain fluoride like Tom’s of Maine Whole Care toothpaste or Mi Paste Plus. Smile Warehouse carries these in a variety of flavors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Dental sealants: Dental sealants are often applied in children on the chewing surfaces of back teeth as it acts as a physical barrier against dental caries.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Treatments for tooth loss</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Dental implants:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>A dental implant is the replacement of the missing tooth/teeth by an artificial tooth which are embedded in your jaw bone. It is the most advanced treatment for tooth loss and can be costly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Bridges: Dental bridges are also known as fixed partial dentures. They replace the missing tooth and are supported by surrounding teeth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Removable partial dentures: These are removable dentures which replace the missing teeth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: small;">·</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">         </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Complete denture: In cases of completely missing teeth, a complete denture is an effective way to replace the missing teeth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">If you have experienced the loss of one of your permanent teeth, see your dentist immediately untreated teeth can also affect the rest of your mouth and cause further damage which can be very costly. Prevention is key for tooth loss as it is in many other diseases, so shop Smile Warehouse today to help improve your daily dental routine. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-150" title="toothless-mouth" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/toothless-mouth.jpg" alt="toothless-mouth" width="640" height="480" /></p>
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		<title>Foods to Avoid For A Whiter Smile</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/foods-to-avoid-for-a-whiter-smile/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/foods-to-avoid-for-a-whiter-smile/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:21:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/foods-to-avoid-for-a-whiter-smile/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Foods to Avoid For A Whiter Smile
Tea
Although tea has a reputation for being a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea, especially the basic black variety can cause more stains than coffee. Recent studies have found that herbal and white teas have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Foods to Avoid For A Whiter Smile<br />
Tea<br />
Although tea has a reputation for being a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea, especially the basic black variety can cause more stains than coffee. Recent studies have found that herbal and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.<br />
Sauces<br />
Although tasty, rich colored sauces like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry are also believed to have significant tooth staining potential. Try lighter cream sauces as a less damaging option. Rinse and or brush as soon as possible after eating to reduce the potential staining.<br />
Sports Drinks<br />
Acidic foods and drinks have also lead to tooth discoloration. New research indicates that highly acidic drinks such as sports or energy drinks erode tooth enamel, which leads to staining. When exercising, try and limit your intake of these drinks. Water may be a better choice, at least for your teeth.<br />
Wine<br />
If a food or drink can stain a tablecloth or carpet, chances are it can stain your teeth. Red wine is an acidic drink with intensely pigmented molecules called tannins and chromogens. Red Wine is notorious for tooth discoloration. But did you know white wine is even more acidic and can lead to stains, too?<br />
Berries<br />
Pigmented molecules stick to dental enamel. That&#8217;s why blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and other bright colored fruits can stain teeth. Juices and pies made from those fruits can also cause stains. Fruits with less pigmentation &#8212; like white grapes and white cranberries &#8212; are less likely to stain teeth. But these acidic substances can still harm enamel, so be sure to brush and floss.<br />
Soda, Cola and Other Carbonated Drinks<br />
The acid and chromogens in these drinks can lead to serious staining of your teeth. Even light-colored sodas contain enough acid that they can encourage staining by other foods and drinks. The acidity in carbonated drinks is so intense that it actually compares to the acidity in battery acid. Many of these beverages contain flavored additives that add to their erosive effects.<br />
Candy, Sweets, and White Teeth<br />
If your favorite sweet &#8212; like hard candy, chewing gum, or popsicles &#8212; makes your tongue change colors, it may contain teeth-staining coloring agents. Fortunately, unless you eat those goodies often they probably won&#8217;t do much to stain your teeth.<br />
Minimize Staining: Cut Back<br />
You may not want to cut all teeth-staining food and drinks out of your diet. Many of those foods and beverages &#8212; like blueberries, blackberries, and tomato sauce &#8212; are rich in antioxidants. You want these beneficial nutrients in your diet. So keep eating them &#8212; but in moderation &#8212; or substitute other antioxidant sources such as cauliflower, apples, grapefruit, and melon.<br />
Use a Straw to Fight Stains<br />
Try using a straw to sip your favorite drinks &#8212; like sodas, juices, and iced tea. This should keep teeth-staining drinks away from your front teeth and reduce your risk of unsightly stains.<br />
Swallow Swiftly<br />
Don&#8217;t let stain-causing foods and drinks linger in your mouth for long. Instead, swallow them quickly to help protect your teeth from stains. To avoid choking, it’s still important to chew your food well before swallowing and be sure not to gulp.<br />
Rinse &#8212; then Brush &#8212; After Eating<br />
Swish your mouth with water right after eating a stain-causing food or drink. For about 30 minutes after you consume something acidic, the enamel on your teeth is especially at risk of abrasion from tooth brushing. So rinse, then brush well after every meal. If you can&#8217;t get to your toothbrush, chew a piece of sugarless gum as soon as you&#8217;ve eaten.</p>
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		<title>Two Minutes&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/two-minutes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/two-minutes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:12:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In two minutes your whole entire life could change. I know what you’re thinking, “Huh? What are you talking about?” I’m talking about getting an oral cancer exam. “Oh but I don’t smoke so I’m fine. I don’t need that.” That’s where you’re wrong. Twenty-five percent of all oral cancer victims are non-smokers, non-drinkers and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-138" title="2-minute-egg-timer" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2-minute-egg-timer.jpg" alt="2-minute-egg-timer" width="300" height="300" />In two minutes your whole entire life could change. I know what you’re thinking, “Huh? What are you talking about?” I’m talking about getting an oral cancer exam. “Oh but I don’t smoke so I’m fine. I don’t need that.” That’s where you’re wrong.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Twenty-five percent of all oral cancer victims are non-smokers, non-drinkers and have no other lifestyle risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer affects more than 35,000 people in the U.S. each year. In the U.S. alone, one person dies from oral cancer every hour.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="more-137"></span>Other risk factors commonly associated with oral cancer include the human papillomavirus (HPV), age, gender and race. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HPV, a common sexually transmitted virus, is associated with oral cancers located in the upper throat and back of the tongue. Oral cancer can be found in older patients due to poor immune systems and is twice as prevalent in men as it is in women. It is also more common in African Americans.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Unfortunately, the signs of oral cancer don’t normally develop until later stages of the disease. This is why many precancerous lesions and early-stage oral cancer go undetected until symptoms appear. Symptoms may include:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 33.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-admin/PicExportError" alt="*" width="13" height="13" /><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">       </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A sore/lesion or white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or wall of the mouth that does not heal within two weeks</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 33.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-admin/PicExportError" alt="*" width="13" height="13" /><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">       </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A lump or thickening in the cheek</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 33.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a name="OLE_LINK1"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-admin/PicExportError" alt="*" width="13" height="13" /><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">       </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A lingering sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat</span></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 33.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-admin/PicExportError" alt="*" width="13" height="13" /><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">       </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Difficulty chewing or swallowing</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 33.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-admin/PicExportError" alt="*" width="13" height="13" /><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">       </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 33.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-admin/PicExportError" alt="*" width="13" height="13" /><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">       </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 33.75pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-admin/PicExportError" alt="*" width="13" height="13" /><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">       </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, see the dentist immediately. If there is a history of oral cancer or precancerous lesions, prompt evaluation is crucial for the best possible outcome.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">As with any cancer, early detection and diagnosis is key; it’s important for patients to see an oral healthcare professional regularly, particularly if they are in the high-risk groups — those who use tobacco, abuse alcohol or have been exposed to HPV.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your dental provider should perform an annual evaluation for oral cancer. This evaluation will include a visual examination of the oral cavity plus the use of an adjunctive device. </span></span><a href="http://zila.com/40/VIZILITE%C2%AE%20PLUS/" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/zila.com');"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">ViziLite® Plus with TBlue®</span></span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"> is an oral cancer screening system that was developed to help oral healthcare providers identify and mark abnormal oral lesions including precancerous or cancerous cells that may be difficult to see during a regular visual exam. Another oral cancer screening system is the VELScope. Its</span></span><span class="maintext1"><span style="font-size: 8.5pt; color: #404041; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"> </span></span><span class="maintext1"><span style="font-size: 8.5pt; color: windowtext; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">distinctive blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissues of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. Healthy tissues fluoresce in distinctive patterns. Using the VELScope, a wide variety of oral abnormalities can be discovered under this light technology.</span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"> If the screening does identify a potential area for concern, the dental professional may have the patient return for an additional evaluation or be sent to a specialist. The specialist may perform a biopsy of the suspicious area to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oral cancer causes 7,500 deaths each year and only slightly more than half of oral cancer patients survive five years.<sup> </sup>This is largely because they are diagnosed in later stages. After five years, the survival rate for patients who have localized disease at diagnosis is 82 percent as opposed to only 28 percent for patients whose disease has metastasized. With such alarming rates we urge you if you are 18 or older to ask your dental provider about making oral cancer screening a part of your annual checkup.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-142" title="velscope_sidebar-images2" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/velscope_sidebar-images2.jpg" alt="velscope_sidebar-images2" width="253" height="933" /></span></span></p>
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		<title>Foods for a Healthy Smile:</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/foods-for-a-healthy-smile/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/foods-for-a-healthy-smile/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:16:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=131</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Maintaining a healthy diet isn’t just good for your body, it’s also good for your teeth. When in doubt, the food pyramid is a great resource. The food pyramid is designed to be your outline for healthy servings of all the necessary food groups you need throughout the day to help your body and teeth [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-134" title="old-school-milk1" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/old-school-milk1.jpg" alt="old-school-milk1" width="468" height="465" /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Maintaining a healthy diet isn’t just good for your body, it’s also good for your teeth. When in doubt, the food pyramid is a great resource. The food pyramid is designed to be your outline for healthy servings of all the necessary food groups you need throughout the day to help your body and teeth stay healthy and strong. We know it’s hard to pass up sugary treats like cookies and candies. But just as with your body, food choices play an important role in tooth decay. Some foods can harm your teeth, while others contain essential nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. To help prevent tooth decay, look for the following food groups and we guarantee you a healthy smile.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span id="more-131"></span>We will start from the ground up like the real food pyramid.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Whole Grains</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Whole grains provide B vitamins and iron, which help maintain healthy gums. Whole grains also have magnesium, an important ingredient for bones and teeth. In addition, whole grains are high in fiber. For foods with whole grains be on the lookout for foods such as bran, brown rice. More cereals and pastas are being made with whole grains, too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fruit, Fiber and Veggies</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Eating foods with high-fiber keeps your saliva flowing, which helps create mineral defenses against tooth decay. Good sources of fiber can be found in dried fruits such as dates, raisins, and figs. As well as fresh fruits, like bananas, apples, and oranges. Other options include veggies, such as beans, Brussels sprouts, and peas, along with peanuts, almonds and bran.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Calcium</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Calcium is a prime ingredient for preventing tooth decay, especially in growing children. Dairy is a great source of calcium, and can be found in milk, yogurt and cheese. But here’s the skinny, yes we know that some items in this category are high in fat, however the calcium doesn’t hide in the fat so if you are worried about the extra lbs, then try skim milk and/or low-fat yogurt and cheese. They are equally rich in calcium. If dairy is not your thing, there are other options such as leafy greens, like broccoli or bok choy. Canned fish with bones, almonds, Brazil nuts, and dried beans are also another great source of calcium.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sugar Snacks</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Next time you get the munchies, focus on choosing healthy foods, like the ones mentioned earlier. A helpful hint: try eating fruit like blueberries or chewing a piece of sugar free gum. It might help curve that craving for something sweet. Remember to try to avoid sweets, because sugar partners with plaque and they can weaken your enamel, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay. In fact, each time you eat a sugary snack, your teeth are under acid attack for the next 20 minutes</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Baskerville Old Face&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Following these guidelines along with regular checkups, cleanings, and a daily oral hygiene routine will help your smile be bright and healthy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; color: #666666; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-133" title="food20pyramid" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/food20pyramid.jpg" alt="food20pyramid" width="590" height="460" /></span></p>
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		<title>HMO or PPO?</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/hmo-or-ppo/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/hmo-or-ppo/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:23:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you&#8217;re selecting dental insurance, choosing the network of health care providers is often the most important decision you&#8217;ll make. You will hear words like HMO and PPO but what do those mean exactly. Well, HMO stands for health maintenance organizations and PPO means preferred provider organizations. Both are types of managed health-care systems and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-124" title="tx" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tx.bmp" alt="tx" />When you&#8217;re selecting dental insurance, choosing the network of health care providers is often the most important decision you&#8217;ll make. You will hear words like HMO and PPO but what do those mean exactly. Well, HMO stands for health maintenance organizations and PPO means preferred provider organizations. Both are types of managed health-care systems and both offer excellent access to quality professionals. I will explain the differences to help inform you on making the choice that is right for you.</span></p>
<p><span id="more-123"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">In HMO plans, members must choose a general dentist from among the HMO member general dentists. Your general dentist oversees all of your general dental care and must be consulted before you can see a specialist, such as an endodontist, oral surgeon, or an orthodontist, who must also be part of the HMO. If you select a PPO network, you may choose to see either a general dentist or a specialist, without a referral from your primary dentist.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">HMOs typically provide no coverage for care received from non-network dentists, unless it’s an emergency; for instance, if you needed care while traveling away from your home area. PPO members are not required to stay within the PPO network. Many times there is a strong financial incentive to stay within the network. For example, the PPO may reimburse 90 percent of costs for care received within the network, but only 50 or 70 percent of costs for non-network care. Unless you have a strong preference for a particular provider, it&#8217;s best to stay within your PPO network, because your PPO provider can also refer you to another PPO specialist.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">A strong benefit of choosing an HMO is the fact that there is no individual or family deductible to meet. HMO members generally pay a nominal co-payment for each visit. Whereas with a PPO, they might require that their members meet a deductible and may have larger co-payments than HMOs. However, dental insurance is just a supplemental benefit and does not cover all treatment. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">So, which is best for you? The best choice depends on your particular needs. For example, if you are considering an HMO, it&#8217;s important to make sure that your general dentist is part of the HMO network, unless you are willing to switch. If not, a PPO might be a better choice, because you can still receive at least partial coverage regardless of network affiliation. But, if ongoing out-of-pocket costs are a major concern, which are to many in today’s economy, then HMO is a great choice, because there are no deductibles and co-payments are typically lower.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, HMO coverage will have exclusions and limitations. PPO coverage has a yearly maximum, usually $1,000 to $1,500 dollars per calendar year. Unfortunately, with the advances in science and technology dental benefits have not increased in the past 25 years. If you are fortunate enough to have a choice between HMO and PPO coverage, you will need to take some time to evaluate the coverage offered by each and determine which one best suits the needs of you and your family.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></span></p>
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		<title>Insurance Breakdown</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/insurance-breakdown/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/insurance-breakdown/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:50:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=115</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
With the recent change in the economy, many people are struggling with the decision of whether or not to keep and/or purchase dental insurance. Whether you are considering buying dental insurance through your work or independently, be sure to look at several different plans. In the article that follows you will find nine different points [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="articleContent">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-116" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/woman-bored-at-work.jpg" alt="" width="291" height="412" />With the recent change in the economy, many people are struggling with the decision of whether or not to keep and/or purchase dental insurance. Whether you are considering buying dental insurance through your work or independently, be sure to look at several different plans. In the article that follows you will find nine different points to consider. These key points will help you choose the right dental insurance plan so that you don’t have to sacrifice good oral care. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span id="more-115"></span>Yearly Maximum</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The yearly maximum is the most money that your dental insurance will pay within one full year. The yearly maximum will automatically renew itself every year. If you have unused benefits, they will disappear; that is why it is important to get the treatment you need. For most dental insurance companies, the average yearly maximum is $1,000. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In/Out of Network Dentists</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Most independent dental insurance plans will only pay for your dental services if you go to a contracted and participating In-Network Dentist. Find out if you have to go to a participating dentist or if you can </span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">pick </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">your own. If the plan says that you see an In-Network Dentist, ask for a list of the dentists in your area so you can decide if they have a dentist you would like to see. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">UCR (Usual Customary and Reasonable)</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Almost all dental insurance companies will use an UCR Fee Guide, which stands for Usual, Customary and Reasonable. This means that they set their own price that they will allow for every dental procedure that they cover. This is not based on what a dentist actually charges, but what the dental insurance company will cover if your contracted with a dental insurance company. For example, your dentist may charge $89 for a cleaning but your insurance company will only pay $58 because that is the contracted rate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you are on a policy that says you have to go to a participating provider, you should not be charged the difference between these two prices. A contracted dentist generally has an agreement with the insurance company to write off the difference in charges. If the policy allows you to go to a dentist of your choice, check the insurance company’s UCR fee guide against the fees that dentist charges. You may be required to pay the difference out of your pocket. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Dental Insurance Procedure Coverage</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">According to a majority of dental insurance companies, dental procedures are broken down into three categories: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 22.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">    </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Preventative</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in 0.25in 22.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Most insurance companies consider routine cleanings and examinations as preventative dental care, however X-rays, sealants and fluoride can be deemed preventative or basic, depending upon the insurance carrier. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 22.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">    </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Basic or Restorative</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in 0.25in 22.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Basic or restorative dental treatment usually consists of fillings and simple extractions. </span><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Calibri;">Root canals </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">can be considered basic or major. However, the majority of dental plans list root canals as basic. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 22.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">    </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Major</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in 0.25in 22.5pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Crowns, bridges, dentures, partials, surgical extractions and dental implants are procedures that most dental insurance companies consider a major procedure.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Since all dental insurance carriers are different, it is important to clarify which dental procedures fall under each specific category. This is important because some insurance plans don&#8217;t cover major procedures and others have waiting periods for certain procedures. If you know that you will need major dental work that is not covered by a given plan, you should probably look at finding another one that will suit all of your needs. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Dental Insurance Waiting Periods</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A waiting period is the length of time an insurance company will make you wait after you are covered before they will pay for certain procedures. For example, if you need a crown and the policy has a 12 month or longer waiting period, chances are you could have already paid for your crown while you have been paying your premiums and waiting. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Missing Tooth Clause and Replacement Period</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">More than 90 percent of dental insurance policies carry a “missing tooth clause” or a “replacement clause.” Many include at least one of these clauses, but most have both. These clauses protect the insurance company from paying for the replacement of a tooth that was missing before the policy was in effect. For example, if you lost a tooth before your coverage started and later decided that you would like to have a partial, bridge or implant, the insurance company would not have to pay for that procedure if they have a missing tooth clause in the plan. A replacement clause is similar except that the insurance company won’t pay to replace procedures such as dentures, partials or bridges until the specified time limit has passed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0.25in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Insurance</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Cosmetic dentistry is any type of procedure done for vanity purposes. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure. It may looking amazing but, keep in mind that 99.9 percent of dental insurance companies won’t pay for it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Comprehensive Coverage</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you don’t have dental insurance already, ask your dentist office’s treatment coordinator or their insurance specialist regarding the extent of your treatment plan. This way you can decide if you would be better off with or without dental insurance. A very important factor to remember regarding any dental insurance plan is that dental insurance is <strong>not</strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> like<strong> </strong></span>medical insurance. The majority of dental insurance plans are designed with the purpose of only covering the basic dental care around $1,000 to $1,500 (this has not increased in the last 30 years) per year and is<strong> </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">more or less supplemental</span>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Financing</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Many dental offices are now offering interest-free payment plans because they understand that dental insurance only pays a small portion. Ask your office if this is something they offer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you decide that purchasing dental insurance is the best choice for you or your family, then I hope you found these tips helpful. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0.25in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-117" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/dental-insurance.jpg" alt="" width="222" height="222" /></span></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Brace Face.</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/brace-face/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/brace-face/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:02:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=111</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
What Is Orthodontics?
&#8220;Ortho&#8221; means “correct” or “straight” and &#8220;odont&#8221; means “tooth”. Orthodontics is a special section of dentistry that focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to improve one&#8217;s smile and oral health. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in this type of treatment. 
Why Do People Get Braces? 
Not everyone’s teeth are perfectly straight. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-112" title="invisalign-braces3" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/invisalign-braces3.jpg" alt="invisalign-braces3" width="450" height="318" /></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">What Is Orthodontics?</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&#8220;Ortho&#8221; means “correct” or “straight” and &#8220;odont&#8221; means “tooth”. Orthodontics is a special section of dentistry that focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws to improve one&#8217;s smile and oral health. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in this type of treatment.</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span id="more-111"></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Why Do People Get Braces? </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Not everyone’s teeth are perfectly straight. In fact, many people have crooked or overcrowded teeth. If your dentist thinks your teeth need straightening, they may refer you to an orthodontist. An orthodontist will usually recommend braces to improve a patient&#8217;s physical &#8220;orofacial&#8221; appearance; however, through orthodontic treatment, problems like crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position and disorders of the jaw joints are corrected. This is important because malocclusion (an abnormal bite) may cause other problems, like impaired plaque removal around misaligned teeth which can lead to gum inflammation and cavities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Braces Care Guidelines</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When you have braces, oral hygiene is extremely important. That&#8217;s because braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and poor cleaning while wearing braces can cause your enamel to stain and tooth decay around the brackets or bands. Be sure to brush carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste, a <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=30"  target="_blank">soft-bristled toothbrush </a>or an <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=26"  target="_blank">electrictooth brush</a>. Some <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=31"  target="_blank">electric toothbrushes </a>have special brush heads specifically designed for braces. Rinse thoroughly and check your teeth in the mirror to make sure they&#8217;re clean. Take time to floss between braces and under wires with a floss threader or an <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=52"  target="_blank">oral irrigator</a>. Also it is important to visit the dentist and have your teeth cleaned every six months to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Here are some helpful hints to keeping them clean.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">     </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Prepare to brush.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Take off your elastics and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">     </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Clean your braces.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> It’s best to use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. (Take your time so that all the plaque and debris are removed, and that you brushed all of your teeth.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">     </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Brush your teeth.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Do this for about 10 seconds. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">     </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Floss once a day with super floss,</span></strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> a type of floss for cleaning around appliances such as braces. Have your orthodontist show you how to use this floss, or follow the instructions on the product package. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">     </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Rinse and check your teeth.</span></strong><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Rinse thoroughly with water or mouth rinse, and examine your teeth and braces.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Follow these simple steps and you will have a great smile in no time!</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></p>
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		<title>Stuck on You.</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/stuck-on-you/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/stuck-on-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:41:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=105</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Most of our blogs tell you are to preserve your natural teeth. These are great, but not everyone has their natural teeth and today I am writing for those of you who don’t. It’s a simple blog about the care and cleaning of your dentures. I hope you will find these tips helpful.
 
Removing Your Dentures
You [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-108" title="dentures2" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dentures2.jpg" alt="dentures2" width="400" height="331" /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Most of our blogs tell you are to preserve your natural teeth. These are great, but not everyone has their natural teeth and today I am writing for those of you who don’t. It’s a simple blog about the care and cleaning of your dentures. I hope you will find these tips helpful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span id="more-105"></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Removing Your Dentures</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">You may be asking yourself if you don’t have dentures or are considering them, “How do I get them out?” Well let me tell you:</span></p>
<ol type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Swish your mouth with warm water or a <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=171"  target="_blank">mouthwash</a>. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Fill the sink with warm water to avoid breaking your dentures if they get dropped. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Remove your top denture by placing your thumb against your front teeth and press upward and outward toward your nose. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Remove your lower denture by slowly pulling on it while applying a rocking motion. </span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Cleaning Dentures</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Plaque can form on your dentures, just like it does on natural teeth. If they’re not removed and cleaned every day, your dentures may not look as white and bright as they should. That’s why it is also important to clean your dentures with a denture brush and soak them in a cleanser solution daily, this is to avoid odor. Here are a few tips on how to clean and care for your dentures.</span></p>
<ol type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Clean your dentures over a sink filled with water, this will help you avoid damage if you drop them. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Rinse your dentures thoroughly in warm water to remove any loose food particles. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Use a denture cleanser. (Conventional toothpaste, bleach, vinegar and soap are not designed for denture cleaning and could, in some cases, cause damage. Scratched dentures will harbor unsightly plaque bacteria that can cause denture odor. Harsh products like bleach may even turn the pink parts of your dentures white.) </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Using a moist denture brush (not a soft-bristle toothbrush) clean all surfaces of your denture gently. Brushing too hard can damage any plastic or metal parts. It is best to use warm water when brushing and rinsing. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Brush your <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=184"  target="_blank">gums</a>, <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=130"  target="_blank">tongue</a> and natural teeth with <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=207"  target="_blank">fluoride toothpaste</a> before reinserting your dentures. This will help remove plaque from your teeth, stimulate circulation in your mouth and help maintain good oral health. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 12.75pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When finished rinse with a mouthwash to give your mouth a refreshed feeling. </span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Professional Maintenance</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It is always a good idea to visit your dental professional regularly. Use them as a resource for advice and answers to specific questions about your oral care. Even with the best care, natural changes in your mouth may make it necessary to have your dentures remade after a number of years for example the bony ridge that your dentures rest on can shrink over time. Dentures should be refitted every few years by relining or rebasing, and new dentures should be made every five to 10 years. Report any change in the way your dentures work or feel to your dentist or prosthodontist. Your oral care professional can tell you whether an adjustment, a relining or new dentures are needed.</span></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Are you Pregnant?</title>
		<link>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/are-you-pregnant/</link>
		<comments>http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/are-you-pregnant/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:24:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Coral L. Williams</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/?p=101</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ 
 
As many of you know, your lifestyle and habits during pregnancy not only affect your health but also the health of your unborn baby. With all the things you need to be prepared for, your oral health may not exactly be a high priority on the list. However, maintaining the health of your teeth and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-100" title="baby-bump1" src="http://www.smilewarehouse.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/baby-bump1.bmp" alt="baby-bump1" /></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">As many of you know, your lifestyle and habits during pregnancy not only affect your health but also the health of your unborn baby. With all the things you need to be prepared for, your oral health may not exactly be a high priority on the list. However, maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is necessary to avoid the risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis and good oral health long-term.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Here are a few key points that will help you stay on top of your oral health care during pregnancy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"> <span id="more-101"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Postpone dental care during your first trimester</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">During the first trimester of your pregnancy (the first 13 weeks) this is the time in when most of the baby’s major organs develop. If you go to the dentist during your first trimester, let them know that you’re pregnant and have only a checkup and routine cleaning. If possible, postpone any major dental work until after the first trimester. If a dental emergency does arise, don’t wait! Infections in your mouth can be as harmful to you as your baby. Visit your dentist immediately, and make sure that every dental professional that examines you is aware that you’re pregnant.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">          </span></span></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Know the facts</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">During pregnancy, 50 to 70 percent of all women experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This is why it&#8217;s vital to pay more careful attention to your daily brushing and flossing routine to keep plaque under control. Here are some helpful hints on how:</span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt">Use a rechargeable <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=31"  target="_blank">electric toothbrush</a>.</span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> They are able to remove more plaque than regular manual toothbrushes. By doing this you are reducing the amount of plaque in your mouth and helping to prevent and reverse gingivitis. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt">Brush with an anti-gingivitis toothpaste.</span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt">Floss regularly.</span></strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> Even if gingivitis causes your gums to swell and bleed, you still need to floss. By flossing daily, you can eliminate more plaque than brushing alone and help reduce the risk of pregnancy gingivitis. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #003366; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt">Rinse with anti-gingivitis mouthwash.</span></strong><strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Take supplements</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Your doctor will advise you to take prenatal vitamins. This is good because you need about 1200 mg of calcium daily. Your teeth are made of minerals similar to bone, and the calcium you consume will help in the bone development in your baby. This amount of calcium will help keep your bones strong and contribute to the development of your baby. </span><strong></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Know the medications you&#8217;re taking</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">It is extremely important to inform all doctor and dentist that your pregnant. This is because some antibiotics and pain medications may be necessary to take during pregnancy. However, one group of antibiotics, tetracycline and related antibiotics, has been known to cause hyperplasia, which is underdevelopment of tooth enamel and/or discoloration of the permanent teeth in children. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Morning Sickness</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting that most women experience during pregnancy. It can happen at any time. If you suffer from morning sickness, it’s a good idea to have <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your own emergency travel bag. You should pack the following:</span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Opaque plastic bags without holes (Plastic grocery bags are a good choice). </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Wet wipes, tissues or napkins to wipe your face and mouth.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">A small bottle of water to rinse your teeth and mouth. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">A travel-sized mouthwash, <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=20"  target="_blank">toothpaste</a> and <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=12"  target="_blank">toothbrush</a> to brush away stomach acids. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=131"  target="_blank">Breathe spray</a> or <a href="http://smilewarehouse.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=179"  target="_blank">mints</a>.</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt"><span style="mso-list: Ignore">·<span style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span></span><strong><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Changes in your mouth</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Other changes that may occur while pregnant are that you may experience symptoms of dysgeusia which is changing taste buds or a bad taste in your mouth or ptyalism which is too much saliva in the mouth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #666666; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">To help treat the bad taste in your mouth:</span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Brush your teeth often and try gargling <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with a mixture of baking soda and water (1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water) to help neutralize your pH levels. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Add lemon to your drinking water or drink lemonade or suck on citrus drops. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; COLOR: #666666; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Use plastic dinnerware and utensils to help decrease metallic taste.</span></li>
</ul>
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