New Dental Insurance for Diabetics

New dental insurance coverage based on a study of health care costs related to periodontal(gum) treatment of diabetics. United Concordia Dental will begin offering a new insurance plan that covers the oral health maintenance diabetics seek after receiving treatment for periodontal disease. The new program , called UCWellness , is being rolled out following a study , which the author is calling the first of its kind . The study looked at how treating periodontal disease can affect the health care costs associated with diabetes . The results showed that hospitalizations decreased by 33% annually and physician visits by 13% in diabetics who treated and managed their periodontal disease over a 3 year period , reducing their medical costs by around $1,800 per year per patient. The UCWellness includes additional periodontal maintenance procedures and 100% coverage , subject to deductibles and annual maximums on periodontal maintenance , scaling and root planning and several periodontal surgical procedures.

Injuries Associated With Spinbrush Powered Toothbrushes

The Spinbrush , battery-operated toothbrush may pose a potential risk to consumers , and its use has been linked to cases of oral injury , chipped or broken teeth , and more according to a report published by the FDA in February 2012. The FDA warning includes all models of the Spinbrush , which is currently sold as the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush and was sold as the Crest Spinbrush until 2009 . According to the report , the products brush head may detach or break off in the user’s mouth , causing mouth and gum injuries , injuries to the face and eyes , chipped or broken teeth , or swallowing and choking on the broken pieces . When using any Spinbrush model , the FDA recommends that consumers ;
1) Check to ensure the brush head is properly attached
2) Inspect the Spinbrush for loose or damaged bristles
3) Do not bite down on the brush head during use
4) Supervise children and adults who need assistance
5) Replace the brush head either when the indicator is ½ way down or after every 3 months

Death By Dentures

Did George Washington’s famous oral appliance do him in? Was the throat infection that took our first President’s life caused by colonies of bacteria that grew in his world-famous dentures? By all reports, George Washington was a very athletic , strapping man who was taller , larger and stronger than the average countryman of his time . So how is it that –at the age of 67-he became ill and died in only 3 days. Washington suffered from both dental problems and a variety of illnesses in his younger life . He lost his first adult tooth at the young age of 22 and by the time he became president , in 1789 at the age of 57 , he had only one tooth remaining despite daily brushing and the use of toothpaste and mouthwash . At his inauguration , he was wearing a full set of dentures that were attached to his final tooth . Washington was treated by no fewer than 8 prominent dentists who practiced in colonial America , but his favorite was Dr John Greenwood . The dentures he prepared for Washington had a base of hippopotamus ivory carved to fit the gums . The upper denture had ivory , and the lower plate consisted of human teeth fastened by gold pivots that screwed into the base . The set was secured in Washington’s mouth by spiral springs . The upper and lower gold plates were connected by springs that pushed the upper and lower plates against the upper and lower ridges of his mouth to hold them in place . Washington had to actively close his jaws tightly to make his teeth bite together .
Today we know that bacteria in dentures can cause , among other things , upper respiratory infections , cario endocardidits , intestinal infections , and open wound infections . But in Washington’s day you didn’t know that bacteria existed until 1867 when Joseph Lister introduced the idea that microorganisms lead to infection and that antiseptics needed to be used for surgical procedures . Washington died 68 years before this discovery . In Thursday , December 12 , 1799 , Washington spent the day outside in the snow and freezing rain inspecting his estate , Mt. Vernon. He ate his dinner that night in his wet clothing . The next morning , he complained of a severe sore throat . Accounts now attribute the cause to quinsy , acute epiglottis , or possibly thrush . Both quinsy and epiglottis are bacterial infections and thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth and throat . Washington’s condition worsened throughout the day until early Saturday morning , December 14 , when he awoke Martha , his wife , telling her that he felt ill . Although several physicians were summoned to his bedside , Washington died at 10pm. Where did these infections come from? Evidence suggest they could have been harbored in Washington’s dentures .

Whats The Buzz With Dental X-rays And Cancer

Everyone is buzzing about the April 10th issue of the American Cancer Association journal study about taking dental x-rays ……. don’t panic and don’t stop seeing the dentist! Until there is more research done showing a link between cancer and dental x-rays the best advice is to get x-rays when they are necessary and only when they are necessary. The dose of radiation given in a bitewing or panoramic x-ray is lower today than it was two decades ago. Nonetheless, x-rays should be done only when necessary. This is true of all x-ray technology, and it’s the same advice experts would have given without this study. While dental practices have general guidelines for when radiographs would be necessary they should be based on individual patient needs. Benefits and risk are always a consideration and weighed as recommendations are made. Further, patients must be educated about precautions which are taken by a dental practice to reduce radiation exposure such as lead aprons, lead thyroid collars, high speed films, collimators or digital radiographs(which reduces exposure by up to 90%). Finally the doctor and team in a dental practice should be committed to minimally invasive dentistry, which means diagnosis at the earliest stage of disease to reduce the cost to patients in discomfort, time and money while preserving the most tooth structure and a patient’s whole body health.

Hospital ER Dental Care

Already stressed state budgets are shouldering an extra burden to cover expensive emergency room(ER) treatment for toothaches and other avoidable dental ailments , according to a new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts . The report , entitled “A Costly Dental Destination”, estimates that preventable problems were the primary reason for 830,590 ER visits by American in 2009-a 16% increase from 2006. They concluded that states can reduce hospital visits , strengthen oral health and reduce their costs by making modest investments to improve access to preventative care . Dental-related hospital visits are fueled by the difficulty that disadvantaged people have getting regular preventative care from dentists and other types of providers . The access problem is driven by multiple factors , including a shortage of dentists in many areas of the country and the fact that many dentists do not accept Medicaid –enrolled children. The care provided in an ER is much more expensive . and it generally doesn’t solve dental problems.

Mouthguards

Overview
Use a mouthguard during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. It will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breath.
Ask your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made specifically for you. This will fit well and offer the best protection for your smile.
Do I need a mouth protector?
Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. This includes a wide range of sports like football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball.
Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well.
What are the advantages of using a mouth protector?
Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A mouth protector can help cushion a blow to the face that otherwise might result in an injury to the mouth. A misdirected elbow in a one-on-one basketball game or a spill off a bicycle can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss. A mouth protector can limit the risk of such injuries as well as protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.
A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.
Are there different types of mouth protectors?
There are three types of mouth protectors:
1. Stock
Stock mouth protectors are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
2. Boil and bite
Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don’t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector.
3. Custom-fitted
Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.
I wear braces. Can I use a mouth protector?
A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth protector also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.
Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about selecting a mouth protector that will provide the best protection. Although mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too.
If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.

Pregnancy and Your Dental Health

Overview
Pregnancy is a very special time. You’ll want to think about taking good care of yourself and getting your baby’s life off to a healthy start. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, they also affect the health of your unborn child.
Is there a connection between my diet during pregnancy and my oral health?
Eating a balanced diet is necessary to provide the correct amounts of nutrients to nourish both you and your child. What you eat during the nine months of pregnancy affects the development of your unborn child -- including teeth. Your baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it is important that you receive sufficient amounts of nutrients – especially calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D.
Does a woman lose calcium from her teeth during pregnancy?
It is a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy. The calcium your baby needs is provided by your diet, not by your teeth. If dietary calcium is inadequate, however, your body will provide this mineral from stores in your bones. An adequate intake of dairy products – the primary source of calcium – or the supplements your obstetrician may recommend will help ensure that you get all the calcium you need during your pregnancy.
R What if I’m hungry between meals?
During pregnancy, many women have the desire to eat between meals. While this is a normal urge, frequent snacking on carbohydrate-containing foods can be an invitation to tooth decay. The decay process begins with plaque, an invisible, sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria convert sugar and starch that remain in the mouth to acid that attacks tooth enamel. The longer sugars are retained in your mouth, the longer the acids attack. After repeated attacks, tooth decay can result.
Eat nutritious, well-balanced meals made up of foods from the five major food groups: breads, cereals and other grains; fruits; vegetables; meat, fish, poultry and protein alternates; and milk, yogurt and cheese. Try to resist the urge to snack constantly. When you need a snack, choose foods that are nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables and dairy products. Following your physician’s advice regarding diet is your wisest course.
What if I'm pregnant and need a dental radiograph examination?
A radiograph may be needed for dental treatment or a dental emergency that can’t wait until after the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low. However, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. A leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken. A leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Dental radiographs are not contraindicated if one is trying to become pregnant or is breast feeding.
Does pregnancy affect my gums?
During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise considerably. Gingivitis, especially common during the second to eighth months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone in your system. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester or early third trimester to help you avoid problems.
What are “pregnancy tumors”?
Occasionally overgrowths of gum tissue, called “pregnancy tumors,” appear on the gums during the second trimester. These localized growths or swellings are usually found between the teeth and are believed to be related to excess plaque. They bleed easily and are characterized by a red, raw-looking mulberry-like surface. They are often surgically removed after the baby is born. If you experience pregnancy tumors, see your dentist.
It’s especially important, then, to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.
What can I do to keep my mouth healthy during pregnancy?
To help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Be sure to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to brush and floss correctly. When choosing oral care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.