Monday, July 20, 2009
New CIGNA Dental HMO Stresses Prevention, Prevention, Prevention
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DENTAL NEWS: CIGNA has just introduced several new dental HMO plans which place more emphasis on prevention by covering more preventive dental care services. These new plans cover up to four routine cleanings a year (instead of just two cleanings) when recommended by a dentist. Also, under these new plans children are covered for two fluoride treatments a year to help prevent tooth decay as well as doing away with the requirement that claims be done at least six months apart so as to make it easier for people to schedule their preventive dental care. In addition, the new plans cover teeth whitening - the kind of gel bleaching with take-home trays that many dentists offer.
At a time when the affordability of coverage is a concern for both employees and employers, the new plans are offered with a range of benefit and copay options. "CIGNA's new dental HMO plans have more options available than many other carriers, including standard plans, plans with and without orthodontia coverage, specialty dental care discount, and split copay plans where copays are lower for using a general dentist and higher for dental specialty care," said Bebe Shuler-Mure, assistant vice president of product for CIGNA's dental products.
DENTAL VIEWS: These new plans are definitely a step in the right direction, especially when they come from one major providers of dental benefits in the United States. However, the problem is still that those people that need preventative dental care the most -children of poor and working class households- come from families that cannot afford dental insurance coverage and quality dental clinics are usually so backed up that could take weeks just to get an appointment to get your kids teeth cleaned.
DENTAL NEWS: CIGNA has just introduced several new dental HMO plans which place more emphasis on prevention by covering more preventive dental care services. These new plans cover up to four routine cleanings a year (instead of just two cleanings) when recommended by a dentist. Also, under these new plans children are covered for two fluoride treatments a year to help prevent tooth decay as well as doing away with the requirement that claims be done at least six months apart so as to make it easier for people to schedule their preventive dental care. In addition, the new plans cover teeth whitening - the kind of gel bleaching with take-home trays that many dentists offer.
At a time when the affordability of coverage is a concern for both employees and employers, the new plans are offered with a range of benefit and copay options. "CIGNA's new dental HMO plans have more options available than many other carriers, including standard plans, plans with and without orthodontia coverage, specialty dental care discount, and split copay plans where copays are lower for using a general dentist and higher for dental specialty care," said Bebe Shuler-Mure, assistant vice president of product for CIGNA's dental products.
DENTAL VIEWS: These new plans are definitely a step in the right direction, especially when they come from one major providers of dental benefits in the United States. However, the problem is still that those people that need preventative dental care the most -children of poor and working class households- come from families that cannot afford dental insurance coverage and quality dental clinics are usually so backed up that could take weeks just to get an appointment to get your kids teeth cleaned.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Three Things To Do To Combat Dental Erosion
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A new report published in the Journal of General Dentistry says that there are three steps to rehabilitating teeth that are suffering from dental erosion due to the high acidic content of beverages like sodas, citric juices or certain tea.
Dr. Mohamed A. Bassiouny, lead author of the report, instructs those experiencing tooth erosion to first, identify the culprit source of erosion, possibly with the help of a dental professional. Second, the individual should determine and understand how this source affects the teeth, in order to implement measures to control and prevent further damage. Third, the person should stop or reduce consumption of the suspected food or beverage to the absolute minimum. Finally, it is also recommended to seek professional dental advice in order to possibly restore the damaged tissues.
Dental erosion is a demineralisation process that affects hard dental tissues (such as enamel and dentin). This process causes tooth structure to wear away due to the effects that acid has on teeth, which eventually leads to their breakdown. It can be triggered by consumption of carbonated beverages or citric juices with a low potential of hydrogen (pH), which measures the acidity of a substance.
Excessive consumption of the acidic beverages over a prolonged period of time may pose a risk factor for dental health.Some may not even realize a problem exists when their teeth are in the early stages of dental erosion. Without proper diagnosis by a general dentist, more serious oral health issues could occur, says Kenton Ross, DDS, FAGD, a spokesperson for the AGD. Visiting your general dentists twice a year can help maintain healthy teeth as well as uncover and prevent future problems, adds Dr. Bassiouny.
A new report published in the Journal of General Dentistry says that there are three steps to rehabilitating teeth that are suffering from dental erosion due to the high acidic content of beverages like sodas, citric juices or certain tea.
Dr. Mohamed A. Bassiouny, lead author of the report, instructs those experiencing tooth erosion to first, identify the culprit source of erosion, possibly with the help of a dental professional. Second, the individual should determine and understand how this source affects the teeth, in order to implement measures to control and prevent further damage. Third, the person should stop or reduce consumption of the suspected food or beverage to the absolute minimum. Finally, it is also recommended to seek professional dental advice in order to possibly restore the damaged tissues.
Dental erosion is a demineralisation process that affects hard dental tissues (such as enamel and dentin). This process causes tooth structure to wear away due to the effects that acid has on teeth, which eventually leads to their breakdown. It can be triggered by consumption of carbonated beverages or citric juices with a low potential of hydrogen (pH), which measures the acidity of a substance.
Excessive consumption of the acidic beverages over a prolonged period of time may pose a risk factor for dental health.Some may not even realize a problem exists when their teeth are in the early stages of dental erosion. Without proper diagnosis by a general dentist, more serious oral health issues could occur, says Kenton Ross, DDS, FAGD, a spokesperson for the AGD. Visiting your general dentists twice a year can help maintain healthy teeth as well as uncover and prevent future problems, adds Dr. Bassiouny.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Cancer Linked To Cell Phone Use
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DENTAL NEWS:A report just recently commissioned by the Israeli Dental Association says the sharp rise of salivary gland cancer could be linked to the growing use of mobile or cell phones. The report focused on oral cavity cancer in Israel from 1970 to 2006 and said from 1980 to 2002, the number of sufferers of this kind of cancer were approximately 25 each year but the number rose dramatically to 70 cases each year more recently.
Researchers expressed concern over the increase of malignant growth in parotid glands, located under the ear, the report said. Salivary gland cancer was the third most common cancer of the 11,843 Israelis who suffer from oral cancer documented in the report Lip cancer and throat cancer were the most common forms of cancer, the report said.
DENTAL VIEWS: Relax... no one is saying you have to get rid of your cell phone just yet as this is only one study done in one country. However, you might consider reducing the number of hours you and/or your teenage children spend each day on the cell phone until more research is done on the subject.
"Better safe than sorry", as my mother used to say.
DENTAL NEWS:A report just recently commissioned by the Israeli Dental Association says the sharp rise of salivary gland cancer could be linked to the growing use of mobile or cell phones. The report focused on oral cavity cancer in Israel from 1970 to 2006 and said from 1980 to 2002, the number of sufferers of this kind of cancer were approximately 25 each year but the number rose dramatically to 70 cases each year more recently.
Researchers expressed concern over the increase of malignant growth in parotid glands, located under the ear, the report said. Salivary gland cancer was the third most common cancer of the 11,843 Israelis who suffer from oral cancer documented in the report Lip cancer and throat cancer were the most common forms of cancer, the report said.
DENTAL VIEWS: Relax... no one is saying you have to get rid of your cell phone just yet as this is only one study done in one country. However, you might consider reducing the number of hours you and/or your teenage children spend each day on the cell phone until more research is done on the subject.
"Better safe than sorry", as my mother used to say.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Most Employees Expect Dental Benefits Will Be Dropped
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A July poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) found more than half (56%) of all Americans with employer-sponsored dental benefits are "likely or very likely" to drop their coverage under health care reform financing proposals that tax health benefits.
With 97 percent of dental benefits in the United States provided through employers and other groups, the poll results indicate that 81.7 million Americans are likely to join the ranks of the dentally uninsured if these benefits are taxed.
"These results are alarming," said Evelyn Ireland, CAE, NADP Executive Director. "Three decades of steady increases in Americans with dental coverage and parallel improvements in oral health would be wiped out by taxation of dental benefits. The impact of taxation falls heaviest on families."
The Surgeon General also reports Americans without dental benefits are 2.5 times less likely to go to the dentist. Scientific literature increasingly makes connections between gum disease and chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease as well as pre-term births. Industry data is also beginning to find measurable medical cost savings stemming from treatment of dental diseases.
Taken together, this means the loss of dental benefits resulting from new taxes on those benefits are likely to have significant negative impacts on Americans' oral and overall health. Without regular dental exams, diseases will go undiagnosed and Americans will experience more extensive and costly dental and medical procedures.
A July poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) found more than half (56%) of all Americans with employer-sponsored dental benefits are "likely or very likely" to drop their coverage under health care reform financing proposals that tax health benefits.
With 97 percent of dental benefits in the United States provided through employers and other groups, the poll results indicate that 81.7 million Americans are likely to join the ranks of the dentally uninsured if these benefits are taxed.
"These results are alarming," said Evelyn Ireland, CAE, NADP Executive Director. "Three decades of steady increases in Americans with dental coverage and parallel improvements in oral health would be wiped out by taxation of dental benefits. The impact of taxation falls heaviest on families."
The Surgeon General also reports Americans without dental benefits are 2.5 times less likely to go to the dentist. Scientific literature increasingly makes connections between gum disease and chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease as well as pre-term births. Industry data is also beginning to find measurable medical cost savings stemming from treatment of dental diseases.
Taken together, this means the loss of dental benefits resulting from new taxes on those benefits are likely to have significant negative impacts on Americans' oral and overall health. Without regular dental exams, diseases will go undiagnosed and Americans will experience more extensive and costly dental and medical procedures.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Dry Mouth Linked To Prescription & Over The Counter Drugs
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Approximately ninety-one percent of dentists say patients complaining about dry mouth are taking multiple medications, according to a nationwide member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in salivary function. It affects approximately one in four Americans, placing more than 25 percent of people at risk for tooth decay.
Out of the nearly 500 general dentists who responded, 89 percent believe prescription medications are the primary contributor to dry mouth. Aging, dehydration and salivary gland disease were also cited as major contributors. The survey of AGD members also revealed that approximately two-thirds other dentists surveyed consider dry mouth to be a very serious condition, as it relates to the promotion of tooth decay.
"It's not always easy to diagnose xerostomia because of the subjective nature of the condition," said Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD. "That is why it's so important for patients to discuss symptoms with their dentist, even if they do not experience them on the day of the office visit."
The AGD reports a number of actions dry mouth sufferers can take to alleviate the condition:
-- Brush and floss twice a day
-- Chew sugarless gum or suck on non-citrus flavored or sour sugarless candy
-- Drink plenty of water
-- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth
-- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes
-- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
-- Avoid smoking
-- Avoid overly salty foods
-- Avoid citrus juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit, tomato)
-- Avoid dry foods (e.g., toast, crackers)
-- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as often as possible
-- Use moisturizer regularly on your lips
-- Sleep with a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air
-- Visit your dentist regularly
Approximately ninety-one percent of dentists say patients complaining about dry mouth are taking multiple medications, according to a nationwide member survey conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is caused by a decrease in salivary function. It affects approximately one in four Americans, placing more than 25 percent of people at risk for tooth decay.
Out of the nearly 500 general dentists who responded, 89 percent believe prescription medications are the primary contributor to dry mouth. Aging, dehydration and salivary gland disease were also cited as major contributors. The survey of AGD members also revealed that approximately two-thirds other dentists surveyed consider dry mouth to be a very serious condition, as it relates to the promotion of tooth decay.
"It's not always easy to diagnose xerostomia because of the subjective nature of the condition," said Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD. "That is why it's so important for patients to discuss symptoms with their dentist, even if they do not experience them on the day of the office visit."
The AGD reports a number of actions dry mouth sufferers can take to alleviate the condition:
-- Brush and floss twice a day
-- Chew sugarless gum or suck on non-citrus flavored or sour sugarless candy
-- Drink plenty of water
-- Brush with a fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth
-- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes
-- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
-- Avoid smoking
-- Avoid overly salty foods
-- Avoid citrus juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit, tomato)
-- Avoid dry foods (e.g., toast, crackers)
-- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as often as possible
-- Use moisturizer regularly on your lips
-- Sleep with a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air
-- Visit your dentist regularly
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Health Risks of Oral Piercings
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Like clothing and hairstyles, and can give teens and adults a way to express themselves. While trendy, this fashion statement poses a number of potential oral and overall health care risks. Oral piercings have been implicated in a number of adverse oral and systemic conditions.
"Anyone considering anoral piercings should consult a dentist to discuss the possible adverse effects," says Dr. George Koumaras, DDS, dental director for Delta Dental of Virginia, "or if you already have an oral piercing, make sure to schedule routine dental exams so a dentist can check for potential problems."
"If you decide to get an oral piercing and complications arise, schedule an appointment with your dentist," says Dr. Koumaras. "Dentists are trained to monitor and manage oral health problems and will work with a physician to manage more serious conditions."
Also, make sure to follow any home-care instructions, including cleaning, provided by your dentist or piercing specialist. This may help prevent immediate, short-term or long-term complications. Your dentist can prescribe an antimicrobial rinse to help keep the pierced site and jewelry clean.
"Whether a piercing is through the cheek, lip or tongue, proper oral hygiene measures are critical," continues Dr. Koumaras, "and may help reduce the risk of some damaging adverse effects of oral piercing."
Like clothing and hairstyles, and can give teens and adults a way to express themselves. While trendy, this fashion statement poses a number of potential oral and overall health care risks. Oral piercings have been implicated in a number of adverse oral and systemic conditions.
"Anyone considering anoral piercings should consult a dentist to discuss the possible adverse effects," says Dr. George Koumaras, DDS, dental director for Delta Dental of Virginia, "or if you already have an oral piercing, make sure to schedule routine dental exams so a dentist can check for potential problems."
"If you decide to get an oral piercing and complications arise, schedule an appointment with your dentist," says Dr. Koumaras. "Dentists are trained to monitor and manage oral health problems and will work with a physician to manage more serious conditions."
Also, make sure to follow any home-care instructions, including cleaning, provided by your dentist or piercing specialist. This may help prevent immediate, short-term or long-term complications. Your dentist can prescribe an antimicrobial rinse to help keep the pierced site and jewelry clean.
"Whether a piercing is through the cheek, lip or tongue, proper oral hygiene measures are critical," continues Dr. Koumaras, "and may help reduce the risk of some damaging adverse effects of oral piercing."
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Other "Caines" Often Replace Novocaine In The Dentist's Office
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Have been examining a dentist and I told you need Novocain count is a good chance you're probably getting another type of "caine". In fact, patients are more likely to get any of several other anesthetics than the century-old standby
Novocain, according to an article in the June issue of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN).
C&EN senior editor Elizabeth Wilson notes that Novocaine, or procaine, has become a catchall term for a variety of dental anesthetics widely used today. These substances include less-familiar names like benzocaine, lidocaine, articaine, and mepivacaine. Like Novocaine, all are non-addictive relatives of the original, naturally occurring local anesthetic cocaine, which is found in coca leaves.
None of the newer local anesthetics are perfect, leading dental researchers to seek better medications that are faster-acting, more effective, and safer.
Have been examining a dentist and I told you need Novocain count is a good chance you're probably getting another type of "caine". In fact, patients are more likely to get any of several other anesthetics than the century-old standby
Novocain, according to an article in the June issue of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN).C&EN senior editor Elizabeth Wilson notes that Novocaine, or procaine, has become a catchall term for a variety of dental anesthetics widely used today. These substances include less-familiar names like benzocaine, lidocaine, articaine, and mepivacaine. Like Novocaine, all are non-addictive relatives of the original, naturally occurring local anesthetic cocaine, which is found in coca leaves.
None of the newer local anesthetics are perfect, leading dental researchers to seek better medications that are faster-acting, more effective, and safer.
Monday, July 6, 2009
High Dental Costs Putting Off The Fairer Sex
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DENTAL NEWS:British men spend more money on their teeth teeth according to new research from Tesco, a UK-based
dental insurance firm which found that one-third of women in the UK spent nothing on dental treatment over the past 12 months compared with 27% of men. Apparently 45% of British women have been put off from going to the dentist because of cost. The study also found men would be three times more likely than women to extract their own tooth if they felt that they couldn’t afford to go to the dentist.
DENTAL VIEWS: What is really surprising about this study is that they have socialized dentistry in the UK so there is very little if any out-of-pocket expenses in order to go see a dentist so why would women put off going to the dentist because of cost? It doesn't make sense.
Although we don't have free dentistry in America (my father constantly used to say to me "Son... there is nothing free in this world; somebody has to pay for it!"), Americans have ways of making going to the dentist more affordable via a discount dental plan. Hopefully those needing extractions will consider this type of dental coverage before pulling their own teeth."
DENTAL NEWS:British men spend more money on their teeth teeth according to new research from Tesco, a UK-based
dental insurance firm which found that one-third of women in the UK spent nothing on dental treatment over the past 12 months compared with 27% of men. Apparently 45% of British women have been put off from going to the dentist because of cost. The study also found men would be three times more likely than women to extract their own tooth if they felt that they couldn’t afford to go to the dentist.DENTAL VIEWS: What is really surprising about this study is that they have socialized dentistry in the UK so there is very little if any out-of-pocket expenses in order to go see a dentist so why would women put off going to the dentist because of cost? It doesn't make sense.
Although we don't have free dentistry in America (my father constantly used to say to me "Son... there is nothing free in this world; somebody has to pay for it!"), Americans have ways of making going to the dentist more affordable via a discount dental plan. Hopefully those needing extractions will consider this type of dental coverage before pulling their own teeth."
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Dentists May Detect HIV Before Doctors
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The dental community can be the first in identifying possible signs of HIV as dentists are more likely to identify patients who are unknowingly HIV-positive. This is because a significant portion of Americans will visit a dental office before they visit a medical office in the next year according to the Center for Disease Control (
CDC).
There are oral conditions which may indicate the existence of HIV and, if identified, can provide an educational moment for oral health practitioners to discuss, counsel, and offer referral to HIV testing. According to the CDC, one of every five people living with HIV in the U.S. is unaware of their HIV status.
Early diagnosis and linkage to medical care can significantly improve health outcomes. Increasing the number of people who know their HIV status can also help reduce the number of new cases, as once people are aware of their infection, they are significantly less likely to put others at risk of transmission.
In some states, dental offices are conducting rapid HIV testing and this may be an appropriate venue in a public health facility or a private practice in a region with higher reports of HIV infection.
The dental community can be the first in identifying possible signs of HIV as dentists are more likely to identify patients who are unknowingly HIV-positive. This is because a significant portion of Americans will visit a dental office before they visit a medical office in the next year according to the Center for Disease Control (
CDC).There are oral conditions which may indicate the existence of HIV and, if identified, can provide an educational moment for oral health practitioners to discuss, counsel, and offer referral to HIV testing. According to the CDC, one of every five people living with HIV in the U.S. is unaware of their HIV status.
Early diagnosis and linkage to medical care can significantly improve health outcomes. Increasing the number of people who know their HIV status can also help reduce the number of new cases, as once people are aware of their infection, they are significantly less likely to put others at risk of transmission.
In some states, dental offices are conducting rapid HIV testing and this may be an appropriate venue in a public health facility or a private practice in a region with higher reports of HIV infection.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cancer Treatment And Oral Problems
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An estimated 400,000 of the 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with
cancer each year may develop painful and debilitating oral complications from their cancer treatment. (Source: GroupHealthDental.com)
An estimated 400,000 of the 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with
cancer each year may develop painful and debilitating oral complications from their cancer treatment. (Source: GroupHealthDental.com)
