Dental implants are commonly used to replace a broken tooth or a tooth with extensive decay that cannot be restored with a root canal or crown. About 1.9 Americans have one or more dental implants each year. Before getting an implant, find out whether it’s the best dental treatment option. Here are five questions to ask your dentist.


1. How will a dental implant benefit my oral health?
A dental implant is designed to fill in for a missing tooth and should feel and function like a normal tooth. After a tooth is pulled and the oral tissue heals, an implant screw, made of titanium or other materials, is inserted into the jawbone. Once the screw adheres to the bone, it’s capped with a crown and looks similar to other teeth.

Titanium implants, invented over 40 years ago, have significantly improved dental treatments reports the American Dental Association. Previously, dentists replaced a missing tooth with a partial denture or a bridge, designed to look like a tooth, that is attached to neighboring teeth. While both options still are used today, dentures and bridges can be uncomfortable, weaken the jawbone, and require periodic replacement.

2. What happens if a missing tooth is not replaced?
When a tooth is lost and not replaced, people may experience difficulty chewing foods, and their jawbone may deteriorate faster, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease and losing neighboring teeth. The remaining teeth may shift, causing bite problems, and the facial skin may sag and create an uneven smile.

3. How long do implants last?
Research shows that 95 percent of implants on average have lasted 13 years or more. Implants today are made of newer materials and designed to fit better, so the jawbone heals faster.

4. How much do implants cost?
Although implants have become a popular dental treatment, many dental insurance plans do not cover the cost. In some cases, medical insurance may pay some of the expense. Depending on the location and dentist, an implant, crown and related dental work can cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Ask the dentist to provide a written treatment plan outlining all of the costs, appointment schedules and follow up checkups. Also, ask about the type of implant used and why it’s the best choice for your needs.

5. What is the dentist’s experience with implants?
Before scheduling an implant procedure, find out the dentist’s experience, such as: What is their training with implants? Are they board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics or prosthodontics, or have they received special training? How many patients have they treated with dental implants?


Daily tooth brushing and flossing can help prevent the need for dental implants. Read this blog to learn more.
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Source: https://www.ameritasinsight.com/wellness/dental/dental-implants?_ga=2.172222371.1425065861.1623757121-1035993497.1623278577 
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Dental Association
Boston Magazine
Medical Xpress

It feels like we blinked and boom - summer is here. It comes and goes as quickly as that, so I try to make every day count (especially living in the north!). I recently made a list of things I'd like to do before fall arrives. I only have three to four months to work with, and doing this gives me something to look forward to each month. If you're feeling stumped on what to add to your list, I’ve got you covered!

Here's some fun ideas to add to your summer bucket list to make it the most memorable year yet.
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1. Have a picnic.
   It only takes an hour or two and it's a fun, relaxing activity with a family or friend. If you can't find someone who is available, bring your furry friend along!
   
   
   
2. Spend the day at the beach.
   Nothing beats the feeling of the sun on your face and the sound of waves in the distance. If you aren't close to a beach, go to a friend's pool or your city's pool for some water fun.
   
   
   
3. Go to an amusement park.
   Take the kids and head to your local water park or amusement park to make some fun memories. You'll definitely take some fun pictures and have a lot of laughs!
   
   
   
4. Throw a BBQ at your house.
   Have you always "talked" about getting together with your friends for dinner, but it never happened? Well, now's your chance! Grill up all of those savory foods you've been thinking about all summer and host a great evening at your place.
   
   
   
5. Go camping for a weekend.
   If you're craving the outdoors, this one is for you. Pick a weekend to unplug from your life, and soak in the scenery and wildlife.
   
   
   
6. Stargaze.
   Summer is the perfect time to go stargazing. Drive far away from the city lights to look at the many constellations and planets in the sky! Experts say the best places to stargaze are national or state parks.
   
   
   
7. Attend a bonfire.
   There's no better way to end the night than with a warm fire and some roasted marshmallows!
   
   
   
8. Watch a movie at a drive-in theater.
   It's rare to find a drive-in theater nowadays. If there's one located near you, go watch your favorite flick for a memorable experience.
   
   
   
9. Go to the zoo.
   If you want to do a fun, affordable activity with your kids, this one is for you. They will love seeing their favorite animals up close, and depending on the zoo, they may offer some interactive exhibits for the kids.
   
   
   
10. Go on a mini vacation.
    If you need some new scenery, planning a weekend getaway will be the perfect cure. Look up the nearest vacation town near you, book the hotel, start driving and don't look back! You'll thank me later.
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Before you know it, the cold will be back (in some parts of the country), school will be in session…and you'll be thinking about the smell of that bonfire or how the sand felt between your toes.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/10-summer-bucket-list-ideas.asp

Whether you're taking a road trip or taking the family camping, driving with a trailer can be a challenge. According to eTrailer.com, when you add a trailer to your vehicle, the overall handling and rules of driving dramatically change. Using your hitch to tow your favorite travel trailer means you should give yourself more time to slow down and turn corners. It's important that drivers of all experience use trailer brakes to decrease speed evenly with the added weight that's being towed. And, because trailers don't follow the exact path as the vehicle on turns, always remember to safely swing out wider when traveling around bends and corners.
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Here are some do's and don'ts of towing to keep you safe on the road.

Do's

• Gradually reduce speed
• Travel at an even, moderate speed
• Steady the steering wheel — sudden turns can cause more sway
• Be cautious of potholes and large bumps
• Use a lower gear over large hills or down gravel roads
• Avoid slamming on the brakes — jackknifing could occur

Don'ts

• Consistently stay in overdrive and/or in a high gear
• Attempt to steer out of trailer sway
• Forget to add sway control or a weight distribution system
• Be afraid to safely stop and reload trailer in case of engine problems, sway, flat tires, etc.

Foremost wants you to tow and travel safely!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/the-dos-and-donts-of-driving-with-a-trailer.asp

Most bikers have ridden at night. Sometimes you can’t avoid it, or maybe you just enjoy it! It can be pretty, with city lights or starry skies and the open road – but it can also be extremely dangerous. Night riding is not impossible, you just need to make smart choices and be cautious on the night roads. 
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The number one cause of nighttime accidents is a lack of visibility. Beyond the obvious lack of sunlight, riders experience impaired depth perception vision impairment due to fatigue. When riding with decreased visibility, try the following: 

• Lower Speed. Slow down. Follow the night riding common rule-of-thumb: never outride your headlights. For example, if your headlights shine to the tree line, make sure you can stop before you pass the tree line. This will prevent you from riding too fast into an unseen object or hazard.
• Adaptive Headlights. Standard headlights provide minimal illumination. Adaptive LED headlights provide a brighter view of the road with an intuitive mechanism that compensates for turns. The angle of the headlight shifts to illuminate the lane in front of you, not the other side of the road.
• Visor Wipes. Smudges, dead bugs and dirt on your helmet can cause obstructions in your vision when riding, especially at night. The debris on your visor will refract the light of oncoming traffic, inhibiting your eyesight. Keep a travel size pack of wipes on your bike so you can clean your visor. You never know when you might need to ride and night.

There are other hazards to consider when riding at night. If you live in the country, animals such as deer are more likely to make an appearance at night. Be cautious and watch out animals crossing the road. Country and city riders alike should be vigilant for inebriated drivers, especially on the weekend. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, "Forty-eight percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2018 occurred on weekends, and those deaths were more likely to occur after 6 p.m. compared with weekdays." Proactive driving, additional lighting and slower speeds will help keep you safe when riding your motorcycle at night.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/tips-for-riding-at-night.asp

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Network
Visiting a network provider will usually save you money, so it’s good to look for a dental carrier with a large network and providers near you.

Maximums
The maximum is how much the carrier may contribute to your dental costs during the benefit period.

Waiting periods
Carriers can offer a variety of plans to match different needs. If there is a procedure you need done soon, like a root canal, look at available plans that don’t have a waiting period for that service before benefits begin.

Benefit tiers
Procedures are classified into four categories— Preventive, Basic, Major, and Orthodontia. The carrier covers a percentage of a procedure cost based on which benefit tier the procedure falls into. But be careful! Not every carrier or plan categorizes procedures the same, which could result in
lower coverage.

Special features
Be sure to look for a carrier who provides additional features such as child orthodontia, LASIK, hearing benefits, teeth whitening, and more!

Ameritas ticks all these boxes. PrimeStar® individual dental plans are designed for someone like you!
✔ access to the Ameritas Dental Network, one of the nation’s largest
✔ generous annual maximums
✔ no waiting periods*, and next-day effective dates
✔ benefit tiers that provide comprehensive coverage
✔ special features* such as child orthodontia, LASIK, hearing benefits, and teeth whitening

Click here to find affordable dental insurance and vision plans in your area.

It's the holiday season again – that special time of year when you brighten your home with colorful and twinkling lights. Although decorating with electric lighting helps you create a cheerful atmosphere, it also brings an increased risk of accidental fire.
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Here are some important safety tips to help you avoid electrical fires, overloaded circuits and other holiday fire hazards both outside and inside your home.

Outside lights

• Always buy lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
• Never use seasonal lighting outside your home unless it is specifically labeled for outdoor use.
• Connect outside lighting to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) outlet. If you don't have a GFCI outlet, contact a qualified electrician for proper installation.
• Never secure the wiring of outdoor lighting with staples or nails – or place lights on sharp hooks or nails.
• Do not close doors or windows on extension cords, or mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation.
• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. Never overload extension cords.

Inside lights

• Keep kids and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
• Unplug all holiday lighting before leaving the house or when going to bed.
• Make sure the lamps do not rest on the supply cord or on any wire.
• Avoid covering lights with cloth, paper or any material that is not part of the lighting.
• Throw away any lighting that shows cut, damaged or frayed wire insulation or cords. Also discard lights with cracks in lamp holders, loose connections or exposed copper wire.
• Virtually all holiday lighting is provided with overload fuse protection. A blown fuse indicates an overload or short-circuit situation. When this occurs, unplug lights from the outlet immediately and replace the blown fuse.
• If the replacement fuse blows, a short circuit may be present. Either throw the light string away – or return it to the retailer if new.
• Take the lights down when the holidays are over. Seasonal lighting is not intended for permanent installation or use.

Christmas tree safety

• When lights are placed on a live tree, be sure your tree is fresh and well maintained. Never purchase a tree with dry or dropping needles.
• Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water every day.
• Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over. Make sure the tree stand is well secured and stable before putting on the lights.
• Always use safe tree lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory.
• Inspect lights carefully. If a string of lights has worn, frayed or broken cords, or loose bulb connections it should not be used.
• Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source. Try to position it near an outlet so cords don't have to run long distances.
• Do not position the Christmas tree where it may block exits.
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
• Buy artificial trees only if they are labeled as fire-retardant.
• Make sure larger tree lights have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb.
• Keep an eye on children when they are near the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
• Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children.
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Don't keep dried out trees in your home or garage, as they are highly flammable.
• NEVER attempt to burn a dried out tree in your home's fireplace. It may burst into hard-to-control flame instantly.

Candle fire – Beauty or a beast?

• The warm glow of holiday candlelight is beautiful, but can be a severe fire hazard. Since December is the peak month for candle fires, put safety first when lighting any holiday candle. Here are a few safety tips to observe.
• NEVER use candles to decorate your Christmas tree!
• Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Don't place candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.
• Use sturdy candleholders that won't tip over easily and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Remember, a candle is an open flame and can easily ignite nearby combustible materials – such as clothing, books, paper or any flammable liquid.
• Keep candlewicks trimmed to one quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they are within two inches of the holder. Votive candles should be put out before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

Candles and children

• Keep candles up high and out of reach of children.
• Do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children.
• Never leave a young child unattended in a room with a lighted candle.
• Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Store candles, matches and lighters up high – out of children's sight and reach.

During power outages

• Try to avoid carrying a lit candle.
• Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
• Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern.

Sources of holiday lighting information and web links

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Whether you bought a new or used mobile home, odds are that when you purchased it the design wasn’t exactly what you wanted. Builders may not use the most high-end materials on new builds, and if it’s an older model, it may be time for an update. If you ever plan to revamp a room in your mobile home, consider starting with the kitchen. It can make your mobile home look more modern, and they can have some of the best return-on-investment rates.*
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If you’re not sure where to start in your kitchen or if you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. Foremost® has done some research for you and put together a list of ideas you can use to give your kitchen a more updated look!

• Paint your cabinets.
  This can be a great option to give your kitchen a completely new look. If it’s in your budget, consider having professional painters do the job. However, if you’re up for the challenge, there are plenty of step-by-step tutorials online that explain how to prep and paint your cabinets. You can definitely save some money if you go this route, but it is not an easy task!
• Add an island.
  This could be a nice way to add more counter space without doing extensive work. We’ve learned that there is such a thing as a mobile kitchen island. They have wheels and will allow you to move the island where you need it. There are a wide variety of styles to choose from, so you are likely to find one that matches your kitchen.
• Update the lighting.
  Switching out your light fixtures can be a game changer. Replacing the light fixtures with more decorative options is a simple change that can make the space look trendier, more unique and improve the overall style of your home. If you want to save a few dollar bills on your electric bill, consider going with energy saving LED lighting.
• Paint the walls.
  This can be an inexpensive way to change the look of any room. With kitchens, you typically want to brighten up the space, so you may want to go with a lighter color. The wall color will depend on what your cabinet colors are, so make sure you pick one that pairs nicely. White is timeless (and popular right now), so that is a color you can’t go wrong with!
• Install backsplash.
  Adding backsplash to your kitchen or switching out your current backsplash can instantly give the space a facelift. If you’re into DIY projects there is plenty of free information and videos online that explain how to install it. However, if it looks too intimidating, it may be best to get it professionally installed.
• Switch out the hardware.
  Replacing the knobs and handles on your kitchen cabinets is an easy, inexpensive way to give your kitchen a new look! There are tons of different colors and styles to choose from; you can visit your local hardware store to see what your options are or search online.
• New window treatments.
  Giving your windows a more polished look can really complete the look of your kitchen. There are certain styles that are popular for kitchens right now and will be sure to make a statement in the room whenever you have guests over. Window treatment styles to consider are: Roman shades, faux wood blinds, wood shutters and roller shades.

We hope some of these suggestions fit into your budget and give you the motivation to get started. Good luck on your DIY journey!

When traveling in an RV, you may find it helpful to have a vehicle available for a run to the store or a short excursion without having to pack up all your gear and maneuver your rig through crowded city streets. Many experienced RV owners tow a car or truck for the convenience of having a more compact vehicle on hand. Here are the different options for towing and tips on how to do so safely.


Four Wheels Down (Toading, Dinghy Towing or Flat Towing)

This is the most popular method for towing a vehicle behind an RV, which involves attaching a tow bar and letting your vehicle roll behind the RV on its own four tires. Benefits of this method include minimal, if any, impact on the gas mileage, handling, and wear and tear of your RV; the equipment needed to attach a car by a tow bar is cheaper than purchasing a dolly or flatbed trailer; and you don’t need a separate trailer license. However, there are a few drawbacks. Not all vehicles are equipped to be towed on four wheels so check the owner’s manual, manufacturer’s guidelines and mechanical capabilities of your vehicle before investing in this option. In addition, though this shouldn’t add miles to your car’s odometer, it will cause wear on the car tires.

Two Wheels Down (Dolly Towing)

For this method of towing, a dolly attaches to the back of your RV and the vehicle rides with two tires up on the dolly and the other two tires down on the road. Any front-wheel-drive vehicle can be towed this way. Plus, you won’t damage your car’s transmission or increase mileage while it’s in motion. The downsides of this method is that a quality dolly trailer is expensive; you may need a separate license for the dolly; it could be difficult to store at a campsite; it puts wear on the two car tires that are down; and it adds weight to the capacity of your RV. If you’re thinking about choosing this option, calculate what the overall weight will be (before purchasing the dolly) to ensure your RV will be able to handle it.

Four Wheels Up (Flatbed Trailer)

The third option for towing a vehicle is with all wheels up on a flatbed trailer that’s attached to the RV. Any vehicle can go on a flatbed trailer as long as it can be secured and as long as the trailer is built to handle the weight of your specific vehicle. Before purchasing a trailer, decide what vehicle you’re going to bring with when traveling and then compare trailer options based on the amount of weight they can haul. Similar to dolly towing, the drive shaft is off the ground so you won’t rack up mileage. Also, with this method, your tires won’t endure any wear and tear. Disadvantages of four wheels up is you’ll have the extra cost of the trailer; you may run into storage issues at campgrounds; and the weight of a flatbed trailer will use up a lot of the weight your RV can carry.

Whichever method you choose, it’s important to take extra precautions when you tow a car behind an RV. Here are some basic safety guidelines to follow:

• Practice driving while towing the vehicle before you go on a long drive for the first time.
• Inspect all wire, cable and chain connections every time you make a stop.
• Obey the speed limits for towing in each state.
• Check for road construction and plan your route in advance.
• Avoid towing in deep sand and gravel, or in icy or snowy conditions.
• Keep a minimum five-second interval between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Check your tire pressure often.
• Avoid tight turns as it puts pressure on the tow bar.

If you’re new to towing, hopefully this gives you a better idea of what method to choose for your next adventure. Have a safe and happy trip!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/options-for-towing-a-vehicle-behind-your-rv.asp

Some people have trails or areas where they can ride their Off-Road Vehicles at home, but others may have to take their ORVs somewhere else to ride. For instance, many people take their Golf Carts with them when camping or haul their ATVs and UTVs to designated riding trails. To get your ORV to these places, you'll probably want to tow it with a trailer. If you've never towed an ORV with a trailer before, follow these steps to keep your ORV from moving around or falling off!

1. Connect and secure the trailer to your towing vehicle. Be sure that your vehicle is fit for a trailer and can tow the weight of your ORV. The trailer size needed will vary based on the type of ORV you're hauling. Attach the ball of the hitch to the hitch of the trailer. Fasten all latches and secure them with a pin or lock, and don't forget to hook the chains!
2. Lower or attach the loading ramp(s). Some trailers have built-in ramps that either lower or fold away. If your trailer doesn't have either of these, I'd suggest purchasing a portable ramp suitable for your ORV. Lifting an ORV onto a trailer is dangerous — especially if you're alone.
3. Slowly drive the ORV onto the trailer. Once the ramp is secured, either put the vehicle in neutral and push or slowly drive the vehicle onto the trailer. If you go too fast, the wheels could spin and slip. Don't forget to wear a helmet!
4. Establish proper weight distribution. Place the ORV toward the front of the trailer (closest to the towing vehicle) so that about 60 percent of the weight is at the front. Make sure your parking brake is on once you've got it in the right spot!
5. Strap it in. Use ratchet straps to keep the ORV in place while you drive. Do not attach them to your axels, suspension or any other non-sturdy part — these parts could bend from the pressure of the straps. Check your owner's manual for recommended places to attach straps on the vehicle. Connect the straps to built-in hooks on the trailer, then tighten the straps so the ORV is sturdy and will move as one with the trailer.
6. Raise or remove the loading ramp(s). Now that the ORV is in place, put the ramp away. Place it inside of the bed of the truck (if this is your towing vehicle), or secure it in the trailer — you'll need it when unloading the ORV.
7. Hit the road! You're all ready to head out on your adventure. If you haven't driven a trailer in a while, refresh your memory on the dos and don'ts of towing and take it slow!

Sources:
https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/towing-an-orv-with-a-trailer.asp
https://www.golfstorageguide.com/how-to-tow-a-golf-cart-on-a-trailer/
https://www.tires-easy.com/blog/towing-atv-trailer-tires/

Owning an RV is a wonderful experience – whether you’re a full-timer, a summer traveler or just prefer a weekend getaway, the opportunities for adventure are endless. After all, that’s part of the allure with owning an RV. But, after being in your RV for multiple years, it may need an update! This has drawn many people to renovate their RV DIY style, and if you’re up for the challenge, you can too!

Adding some upgrades or changing the interior of your Recreational Vehicle doesn’t mean you need to gut it and start from scratch. There’s many projects you can do that are simple; such as switching out some of the furniture, or adding some décor to make it feel more homey. To help you get started, we put together six customization ideas for your RV if you’re ready for a new and fresh look.

1. Replace the flooring. If you have a carpet that covers most of your floors, rip it all out for something new. There are a lot of inexpensive options that you can go with, such as laminate or vinyl. Plus, it will give your RV a whole new updated look.
2. Paint the walls. Ready for your walls to shine again? Then paint is your answer. Choosing the right color could even make your space feel larger. We recommend using a latex-based paint, and to put down a coat of primer beforehand. While this isn’t an easy project, it will definitely be worth it in the end!
3. Add new furnishings. When’s the last time you redecorated your RV? Styles change every year, so it doesn’t hurt to freshen up your look every now and then. Some ideas to consider: add new details on the walls, switch out your comforter and sheets, add houseplants throughout, install new curtains or even swap out your faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. It will give it that personal touch you’re looking for! To make it feel cozier at night, hang up LED lights throughout your RV or add them under your awning for extra lighting.
4. Replace the windows. If you can’t see clearly outside the windows while you’re traveling around the country, what’s the point? If you have plastic windows, or they’re just old – it may be time to invest in new ones. If you have glass, see how clean you can get your windows before deciding to replace them. You’ll be able to see the country in a whole new light in no time!
5. Upgrade the shelves in your kitchen cabinets (or do a full remodel). Have an issue with storage in your kitchen? Adding custom shelves will give you more room to utilize within the space. You can work with the cabinets you have now – just remove the shelving it currently has and replace it with new. You can fit a few extra shelves in there, giving you more storage to work with. Another fun idea is to add a spice rack or two on the wall. Adding that extra storage will also free up some space in the cabinets for you. If you decide you want an entirely new look (and if it’s in your budget), then doing a full remodel on your kitchen is the route to go … so many possibilities!
6. Sew some new covers for your couches – or replace them! With the specific sizing for RV couches, it can be hard to find a cover that will fit. That’s why it’s sometimes better to just sew yourself a new couch cover. Plus, you’ll have more options to work with since you can decide what fabric and design. If it’s time for a completely new sofa, don’t hesitate to replace it. Investing in your comfort while you’re on the road is the key to happiness (or pretty close to it).

Any upgrade you decide to go with will certainly add that special “touch” you’re looking for. Just make sure you have a clear vision of what you want, a budget and a lot of patience for the project. As always – good luck and safe travels!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/custom-upgrades-to-your-rv.asp
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