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Reinforcing earlier research that redheads are more resistant to general and local anesthesia and therefore more sensitive to pain, Dr. Daniel Sessler, professor and chair of the Cleveland Clinic's Outcomes Research, and other researchers interviewed 144 people who were natural redheads and brunets about anxiety, fear of dental pain and whether they avoided dental care. The results were that 85 people with the genetic variant associated with red hair reported significantly more dental care-related anxiety and fear of dental pain than the others. Consequently, they were more than twice as likely to avoid dental care, even after researchers controlled for general trait anxiety and gender differences.
Redheads have a genetic variant that is responsible for their red hair. Researchers have found this mutation also stimulates a brain receptor related to pain sensitivity.
Sessler says the study, published this month in the Journal of the American Dental Association, shows that dentists should pay special attention to those with naturally red hair, and adjust accordingly. "This is one more piece of evidence that redheads sense more pain and that it seems to have an effect on their lives," he said. Sessler said he and his fellow anesthesiologists suspected for years that titian-haired patients were difficult to anesthetize, but until recently had no data to back up their suspicions. His study in 2004 suggested that redheads need about 20 percent more anesthesia than others.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
FDA Says Mercury (Amalgam) Fillings Are Safe
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DENTAL NEWS: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a regulation stating that amalgam of (a.k.a. silver) dental been that contain mercury are safe for patients, but added they are considered "moderate risk" devices. The FDA also said the fillings must now include details about the benefits of the products as well as warnings against their use in patients with mercury allergies or in poorly ventilated areas.
Specifically, the FDA recommended that amalgam dental fillings should include the following labeling:
Click here to visit the FDA’s official Web site on dental amalgam.
DENTAL VIEWS: A couple of months ago, the American Dental Association (a.k.a. ADA) issued a statement recommending dentists do not use mercury fillings because they had questions about their safety. Now the FDA says they are safe. I guess the final decision is ultimately up to each dental patient.
DENTAL NEWS: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a regulation stating that amalgam of (a.k.a. silver) dental been that contain mercury are safe for patients, but added they are considered "moderate risk" devices. The FDA also said the fillings must now include details about the benefits of the products as well as warnings against their use in patients with mercury allergies or in poorly ventilated areas.
Specifically, the FDA recommended that amalgam dental fillings should include the following labeling:
- A warning against the use of dental amalgam in patients with mercury allergy;
- A warning that dental professionals use adequate ventilation when handling dental amalgam;
- A statement discussing the scientific evidence on the benefits and risk of dental amalgam, including the risks of inhaled mercury vapor.
Click here to visit the FDA’s official Web site on dental amalgam.
DENTAL VIEWS: A couple of months ago, the American Dental Association (a.k.a. ADA) issued a statement recommending dentists do not use mercury fillings because they had questions about their safety. Now the FDA says they are safe. I guess the final decision is ultimately up to each dental patient.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Economic Stimulus Helping Ex-Cons To Receive Free Dental Care
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DENTAL NEWS: As part of the federal stimulus package, the New Mexico Corrections Department received a federal grant of more than $850,000 to fix the teeth of prisoners who have dental problems stemming from drug abuse. The money will also allow 22 former prisoners to take part in a study to see if these ex-prisoners have a better chance of finding employment in the private sector if their teeth look better.
DENTAL VIEWS: This really boils my blood. Forget about how granting money to fix prisoners teeth is considered to be "economic stimulus"; instead, focus on the insanity that involves spending taxpayers money on improving the smiles of ex-prisoners in the hopes that they might get a job! I correspond with people every day on my website who would love the government to pay to improve their smile, but since they avoid doing illegal drugs and going to prison, they don't qualify. Makes me sick. Excuse me while I go throw up.
DENTAL NEWS: As part of the federal stimulus package, the New Mexico Corrections Department received a federal grant of more than $850,000 to fix the teeth of prisoners who have dental problems stemming from drug abuse. The money will also allow 22 former prisoners to take part in a study to see if these ex-prisoners have a better chance of finding employment in the private sector if their teeth look better.
DENTAL VIEWS: This really boils my blood. Forget about how granting money to fix prisoners teeth is considered to be "economic stimulus"; instead, focus on the insanity that involves spending taxpayers money on improving the smiles of ex-prisoners in the hopes that they might get a job! I correspond with people every day on my website who would love the government to pay to improve their smile, but since they avoid doing illegal drugs and going to prison, they don't qualify. Makes me sick. Excuse me while I go throw up.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Dental Emergency Solutions When On The Go
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Although it's always good to have a dental emergency kit on hand (especially when traveling), really now, how many of us actually have such a kit in our home, car or work place.
Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, and chances are you don't want to spend your vacation time looking in the phone book for a dentist if a problem occurs while you are out of town. A few simple supplies can keep you going until you can get to your dentist.
Dr. Joseph G. Graver of Beautiful Smiles Family Dental Center in York County, Pennsylvania recommends these temporary fixes:
Problem: Filling falls out.
Solution: Mix DenTemp, a moderately strong cement that includes a powder and liquid, and insert it in the "hole."
Problem: Crown or cap comes off a tooth.
Solution: Use a denture adhesive such as Fixodent or Poligrip as a temporary cement to reattach loose temporary or permanent crowns and bridges. DenTemp can also be used if Fixodent or Poligrip does not work. For a porcelain veneer that has come off, use Krazy Glue gel.
Problem: Have a toothache.
Solution: Apply a topical anesthetic such as Benzodent or Orajel to the gum or take a painkiller such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Click here for a homeopathic alternative to pharmaceutical drugs when dealing with toothache pain.
Problem: A tooth is knocked out.
Solution: Place the tooth in an empty prescription bottle with neutral saline solution (often sold in the contact lens aisle). See a dentist ASAP to see if the tooth can be re-implanted. Do not scrub the tooth or root with a toothbrush; you can remove important cells needed for re-implantation.
Problem: Brackets or wires used in braces have broken or come undone.
Solution: Press dental wax against the wire or bracket to prevent it from poking into the cheek or lip.
Problem: Something is jammed under the gum and/or between teeth.
Solution: Use floss to try to remove the debris and then flush the area with a mixture of half peroxide and half water. Apply Benzodent.
Problem: A denture is broken.
Solution: Denture repair kits come with a pink powder and a liquid to mix up an acrylic material that can be used to repair cracked dentures or to reattach a denture tooth to the prosthesis.
SOURCE: Beautiful Smiles Family Dental Center
Although it's always good to have a dental emergency kit on hand (especially when traveling), really now, how many of us actually have such a kit in our home, car or work place.
Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, and chances are you don't want to spend your vacation time looking in the phone book for a dentist if a problem occurs while you are out of town. A few simple supplies can keep you going until you can get to your dentist.
Dr. Joseph G. Graver of Beautiful Smiles Family Dental Center in York County, Pennsylvania recommends these temporary fixes:
Problem: Filling falls out.
Solution: Mix DenTemp, a moderately strong cement that includes a powder and liquid, and insert it in the "hole."
Problem: Crown or cap comes off a tooth.
Solution: Use a denture adhesive such as Fixodent or Poligrip as a temporary cement to reattach loose temporary or permanent crowns and bridges. DenTemp can also be used if Fixodent or Poligrip does not work. For a porcelain veneer that has come off, use Krazy Glue gel.
Problem: Have a toothache.
Solution: Apply a topical anesthetic such as Benzodent or Orajel to the gum or take a painkiller such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Click here for a homeopathic alternative to pharmaceutical drugs when dealing with toothache pain.
Problem: A tooth is knocked out.
Solution: Place the tooth in an empty prescription bottle with neutral saline solution (often sold in the contact lens aisle). See a dentist ASAP to see if the tooth can be re-implanted. Do not scrub the tooth or root with a toothbrush; you can remove important cells needed for re-implantation.
Problem: Brackets or wires used in braces have broken or come undone.
Solution: Press dental wax against the wire or bracket to prevent it from poking into the cheek or lip.
Problem: Something is jammed under the gum and/or between teeth.
Solution: Use floss to try to remove the debris and then flush the area with a mixture of half peroxide and half water. Apply Benzodent.
Problem: A denture is broken.
Solution: Denture repair kits come with a pink powder and a liquid to mix up an acrylic material that can be used to repair cracked dentures or to reattach a denture tooth to the prosthesis.
SOURCE: Beautiful Smiles Family Dental Center
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Using Dentists As Dope Dealers
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(As Reported By CNN) Kenny Morrison soaked in life from his beachfront home. A top chef at a trendy L.A. restaurant, he served dinner to the Hollywood stars, including A-listers. Kenny Morrison got hooked on painkillers after getting dental work in 2003. "I lost everything," he says.
But within a couple years, he lost it all. He got hooked on pain medication after some dental work. His fix was codeine, Vicodin and OxyContin -- all prescription medications -- to help him get through the day. At one point, he even had a tooth removed unnecessarily so he could get a prescription for pain medicines.
"At the height, I was taking probably 20, 25 a day," he says. "It got to the point where I lost the wife, the house, and I was living in a bad part of L.A. in my truck. And I went from taking a couple of codeine all the way to taking OxyContin."
Morrison didn't buy his drugs on a street corner or get them from a dope dealer. He got them mostly from dentists he had never met. He says he'd scroll through the phone book calling dentist after dentist until one would prescribe him pain medication.
"I kind of found out on my own that a dentist will prescribe you painkillers over the phone, instead of a doctor who you would most likely have to go in and see," he says.
Dr. Jay Grossman, a dentist in the Los Angeles area, says he routinely gets calls from people seeking painkillers. "The moment somebody hangs up the phone on me, I know that they're literally going down the book. They're calling the next one in the Yellow Pages, hoping that someone will write them a prescription," he says. "If you're an addict, one of your resources would certainly be a dentist."
Grossman sits on a disciplinary committee for the California Dental Association. He says the calls typically come at the end of the day. The user describes pain in his mouth and insists on medication fast. Red flags go up and Grossman says he begins asking a series of questions to "put it back in their ballpark."
When he asks how many pills they need, sometimes the answer is: "Forty or 50 should do just fine," Grossman says. He tries to set up an appointment for the next day, so he can see the patient in person. Most times, they hang up after he grills them.
"I don't think doctors of any sort -- whether it's a dental professional or one of my medical colleagues -- should be doling out prescriptions in that quantity, like M&Ms. That's not what it's there for," he says.
"I would like to think the vast majority of my colleagues are doing the honest, ethical and moral thing."
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, nearly 7 million Americans are abusing prescription drugs, more than the number who are abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and ecstasy combined. The number of painkiller addicts has nearly doubled from 2000, when 3.8 million Americans were hooked, the DEA says.
The misuse of painkillers represents three-fourths of the overall problem of prescription drug abuse. The DEA says addicts get the drugs from "doctor shopping," online pharmacies and other Internet sources, theft from pharmacies and, yes, traditional drug dealers.
"All DEA registered practitioners and dentists registered with DEA must adhere to state laws and regulations as well as federal laws and regulations when dispensing or prescribing a controlled substance," says DEA special agent Gary Boggs.
But the DEA says only one in every 10,000 doctors loses his or her controlled substance registration each year as a result of DEA investigations into improper prescribing.
James Stillwell, the executive director of Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Pasadena, California, says he believes it's much more prevalent than authorities realize. He says dentists, doctors and veterinarians all become targets of addicts.
"It's an easy way to get your hands on an opiate-based drug, a painkiller, for recreational use," Stillwell says. "If you have an addict that wants to get high, ... he's going to find ways and means to do that."
There's another troubling aspect of addicts on painkillers prescribed by doctors, he says. These addicts don't think they have a problem because they have prescriptions in their hands.
"It helps you legitimize it -- not just in terms of family and loved ones, but what your head is saying to you," Stillwell says. "It's a way to elude the stigma of being a drug addict."
Grossman says the DEA has done a good job in the last 12-18 months of cracking down on dentists who may be over-prescribing pain medicines. According to the DEA, 38 states have enacted legislation to create a database for physicians and pharmacists to prevent abusers from obtaining multiple prescriptions.
Grossman says the DEA notifies dentists and questions them when their prescriptions for painkillers reach high numbers. "They're actually following up," he says.
But he says for a dentist to come before his local disciplinary board, the board first needs to be notified that a dentist may be acting out of line -- and a drug abuser typically isn't going to turn them in.
Grossman believes the issue has come under scrutiny in the last year because "of the celebrities that have been passing away due to drug overdose." Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith had each taken a lethal combination of prescription drugs.
He said dentists, doctors and pharmacies constantly need to be on alert for people trying to use medical professionals as their drug dealers. "Just writing a prescription for the pain is not the answer," Grossman says. "There's a moral and ethical code that we have to follow."
As for Morrison, he says he has been clean for a year after going through Impact's program. He's now the head chef at the treatment facility that saved his life.
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It has been five years since his life fell apart. He's trying to repair his relationship with his daughter and his ex-wife. He wants others to avoid the painful painkiller path he took.
"My body craved it, and I lost everything -- everything," Morrison says. "It's hard to understand how big of a problem this is. My message is it's a disease and it needs to be addressed."
(As Reported By CNN) Kenny Morrison soaked in life from his beachfront home. A top chef at a trendy L.A. restaurant, he served dinner to the Hollywood stars, including A-listers. Kenny Morrison got hooked on painkillers after getting dental work in 2003. "I lost everything," he says.
But within a couple years, he lost it all. He got hooked on pain medication after some dental work. His fix was codeine, Vicodin and OxyContin -- all prescription medications -- to help him get through the day. At one point, he even had a tooth removed unnecessarily so he could get a prescription for pain medicines.
"At the height, I was taking probably 20, 25 a day," he says. "It got to the point where I lost the wife, the house, and I was living in a bad part of L.A. in my truck. And I went from taking a couple of codeine all the way to taking OxyContin."
Morrison didn't buy his drugs on a street corner or get them from a dope dealer. He got them mostly from dentists he had never met. He says he'd scroll through the phone book calling dentist after dentist until one would prescribe him pain medication.
"I kind of found out on my own that a dentist will prescribe you painkillers over the phone, instead of a doctor who you would most likely have to go in and see," he says.
Dr. Jay Grossman, a dentist in the Los Angeles area, says he routinely gets calls from people seeking painkillers. "The moment somebody hangs up the phone on me, I know that they're literally going down the book. They're calling the next one in the Yellow Pages, hoping that someone will write them a prescription," he says. "If you're an addict, one of your resources would certainly be a dentist."
Grossman sits on a disciplinary committee for the California Dental Association. He says the calls typically come at the end of the day. The user describes pain in his mouth and insists on medication fast. Red flags go up and Grossman says he begins asking a series of questions to "put it back in their ballpark."
When he asks how many pills they need, sometimes the answer is: "Forty or 50 should do just fine," Grossman says. He tries to set up an appointment for the next day, so he can see the patient in person. Most times, they hang up after he grills them.
"I don't think doctors of any sort -- whether it's a dental professional or one of my medical colleagues -- should be doling out prescriptions in that quantity, like M&Ms. That's not what it's there for," he says.
"I would like to think the vast majority of my colleagues are doing the honest, ethical and moral thing."
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, nearly 7 million Americans are abusing prescription drugs, more than the number who are abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and ecstasy combined. The number of painkiller addicts has nearly doubled from 2000, when 3.8 million Americans were hooked, the DEA says.
The misuse of painkillers represents three-fourths of the overall problem of prescription drug abuse. The DEA says addicts get the drugs from "doctor shopping," online pharmacies and other Internet sources, theft from pharmacies and, yes, traditional drug dealers.
"All DEA registered practitioners and dentists registered with DEA must adhere to state laws and regulations as well as federal laws and regulations when dispensing or prescribing a controlled substance," says DEA special agent Gary Boggs.
But the DEA says only one in every 10,000 doctors loses his or her controlled substance registration each year as a result of DEA investigations into improper prescribing.
James Stillwell, the executive director of Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Pasadena, California, says he believes it's much more prevalent than authorities realize. He says dentists, doctors and veterinarians all become targets of addicts.
"It's an easy way to get your hands on an opiate-based drug, a painkiller, for recreational use," Stillwell says. "If you have an addict that wants to get high, ... he's going to find ways and means to do that."
There's another troubling aspect of addicts on painkillers prescribed by doctors, he says. These addicts don't think they have a problem because they have prescriptions in their hands.
"It helps you legitimize it -- not just in terms of family and loved ones, but what your head is saying to you," Stillwell says. "It's a way to elude the stigma of being a drug addict."
Grossman says the DEA has done a good job in the last 12-18 months of cracking down on dentists who may be over-prescribing pain medicines. According to the DEA, 38 states have enacted legislation to create a database for physicians and pharmacists to prevent abusers from obtaining multiple prescriptions.
Grossman says the DEA notifies dentists and questions them when their prescriptions for painkillers reach high numbers. "They're actually following up," he says.
But he says for a dentist to come before his local disciplinary board, the board first needs to be notified that a dentist may be acting out of line -- and a drug abuser typically isn't going to turn them in.
Grossman believes the issue has come under scrutiny in the last year because "of the celebrities that have been passing away due to drug overdose." Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith had each taken a lethal combination of prescription drugs.
He said dentists, doctors and pharmacies constantly need to be on alert for people trying to use medical professionals as their drug dealers. "Just writing a prescription for the pain is not the answer," Grossman says. "There's a moral and ethical code that we have to follow."
As for Morrison, he says he has been clean for a year after going through Impact's program. He's now the head chef at the treatment facility that saved his life.
advertisement
It has been five years since his life fell apart. He's trying to repair his relationship with his daughter and his ex-wife. He wants others to avoid the painful painkiller path he took.
"My body craved it, and I lost everything -- everything," Morrison says. "It's hard to understand how big of a problem this is. My message is it's a disease and it needs to be addressed."
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.
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