Listerine Reduces Germs That Cause Gum Disease

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DENTAL NEWS: The results of a new clinical study conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey found that participants using LISTERINE® Antiseptic as directed significantly reduces the amount of germs that travel from the mouth to the bloodstream in people with mild to moderate gingivitis. Participants in the study experienced a reduction in aerobic (67%) and anaerobic (70%) bacteria in the blood stream

These findings are significant, as emerging science suggests that gingivitis, if left untreated and allowed to progress to advanced gum disesase, could contribute to broader health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia. The results will be presented during a symposium at the American Dental Association Annual Session in Hawaii.

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DENTAL VIEWS: I remember writing a blog post some time ago that using mouthwash was not good for oral health because the alcohol in the mouthwash acting as a drying agent and thus reduced the amount of bacteria-fighting saliva in your mouth. Now we are told that mouthwash is good for your oral health. I wonder if the makers of LISTERINE® Antiseptic paid for the study.

Americans Unprepared for Dental Emergencies

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To a recent survey done by MajesticDrug.com found thath 72% of Americans have fillings, caps or crowns, and that roughly 17% had a dental emergency during the past 12 months, most are not prepared to deal with a dental emergency, according to a recent survey conducted by Majestic Drug Company, a leading provider of oral care products.

Interestingly, in the national survey of 1,000 Americans, those earning less then $35,000 per year were more likely to have had a dental emergency in the past 12 months compared to 14% of those making $100,000 or more per year.

Of those who had a dental emergency, 23% involved a loose crown or cap, 10% involved a lost filling, while 72 percent said their dental emergency involved something else. Among those who had a dental emergency involving a loose crown/cap or a lost filling, 67% immediately went to a dentist, and 14% looked for a temporary solution to purchase, while 19% did nothing at the time.

"You keep medical supplies on hand for cuts and bruises, but what about your teeth? It's important to be prepared for a dental emergency in case one happens, especially if the emergency occurs on a weekend when your dentist just isn't available or you are on the road and cannot seek immediate dental care," according to Brian Gold, D.D.S., who operates a dental practice in Monticello, NY.

Remember, temporary dental solutions are just that--they are temporary. Make sure to seek professional assistance from your dentist as soon as possible.

Dental Plaque More Dangerous To Blacks Than Whites?

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Body's Immune System Response To Dental Plaque Varies By Gender & Race
A recent study done by the Indiana University School of Dentistry suggests that dental plaque accumulation may be more dangerous to blacks, especially black men, than to whites because it may make them more susceptible heart attacks by raising their white cell counts.

Physicians have known for about a quarter of a century that one of the principal risk factors for a heart attack is an elevated white blood cell count. "While we did not observe higher white blood cell counts as the result of dental plaque accumulation, the increased activity of white blood cells, which we did find, may also carry a higher risk for heart disease," said Michael Kowolik, B.D.S., Ph.D., professor of periodontics and associate dean for graduate education at the IU School of Dentistry on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

The researchers, led by Dr. Kowolik, studied 128 black and white men and women and found that dental plaque accumulation did not result in a change in total white blood count. However, in black males the researchers noted a significant increase in the activity of neutrophils, the most common type of white blood cell and an essential part of the immune system.

Can Failing To Attack Dental Plaque Increase Your Risk Of Heart Damage?
Unlike most other studies that attempt to understand the link between oral inflammatory disease and heart disease risk, these study participants did not have periodontal disease. They were healthy individuals who by the study design were asked to neglect oral hygiene.

"We are talking about healthy people who simply neglect oral hygiene and if they were male and black, we found a response from their white blood cells, or neutrophils, that might be a cause for concern," added Dr. Kowolik.

Many Dental Patients Want To Complain But Don’t

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DENTAL NEWS:The British General Dental Council just released a survey that found that 26% of dental patients have wanted to complain about their dental care but didn't. That's to according to a survey by the Dental Complaints Service (DCS), an independent research service of the General Dental Council.

Of the dental patients surveyed, more than a third (37%) had complained about some aspect of their dental care and 53% of those in the survey who did complain to their dental practice felt their complaint wasn't resolved satisfactorily, says the DCS, which is free to use and which has helped resolve more than 5,000 complaints about private dental care since its launch three years ago.

When it came to complaints that patients wanted to make but didn't, the most common reason was the cost of treatment (33%), followed by ineffective treatment (14%), inconvenient appointments (13%) and unnecessary treatment (13%). Most common reasons not to complain were because it wouldn't ‘be worth it' (35%), patients lacked confidence (17%), or they feared "negative comeback" (15%) while 9% of those who failed to complain didn't know where to take their complaint.

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DENTAL VIEWS: I'm sure if a similar survey was taken of American dental patients, I suspect the percentage of people who wanted to complain but didn't would be lower than 25%. Everyone knows how much more polite the British public is compared to Americans (Don't you believe it! My brother-in-law is British and he never stopped complaining).

Is Obama-care Good For Our Kids' Teeth?

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A dental benefits industry group is complaining that health care reform proposals in Washington contain a change that parents and others won't like. Evelyn Ireland, executive director of the National Association of Dental Plans, wants to get the word out that buried in all the health care plans her group has studied there's a little paragraph that could make your teeth hurt so bad that no dentist can help;

"Forty million kids are going to be pulled out of their parents dental benefits and have their dental care provided by the medical plan that Congress is mandating, with no guarantee that the coverage is going to be as robust or that the dentist that they use today is going to be covered", Ireland said. "Because most medical plans don't even offer dental today, they would either have to add that capacity or buy it, at the very least complicating coverage."

In addition, the National Organization of Dental Plans is trying to fight a provision that would require everyone to pay for pediatric dental, even those who could never use it because they don't have kids.

Dental Insurance Can Actually Save You Money

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Unless you have great dental coverage through work, you know how expensive dental insurance can be. But did you know that preventive dental care (i.e. check ups, x-rays, cleaning, etc.) can limit future medical costs.

“Gum disease can lead to the spread of infections that affect the lungs, heart and other organs, so a plan that offers preventive care may be an expense worth bearing to prevent future expenses”, said Dr Samer Itani, a dentist with BAHCD (Bay Area House Call Dentists). “It’s a crucial issue for the elderly, not just for their daily comfort but for their overall health.”

Len Finocchio, California Healthcare Foundation senior program officer, recently told the Los Angeles Times, “Our research tells us that many people in California have been avoiding routine care that might have cost about $100 for a checkup and cleaning, and then find themselves in the emergency room, where they get only an antibiotic, a bill that can average over $600 and instructions to see a dentist.”

That is exactly what happened to like Socorro Salazar who ignored oral pain for eight years, and ended up paying $19,000 to have six removed and replaced because he did not have a dental plan which probably would cost less than 15% of what he paid.

Dentist Puts Money Where Patients Mouth Is

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DENTAL NEWS: Perhaps it's a sign of the economic times, but one California dentist is so concerned over the lack of dental care many senior citizens are receiving that he's putting his money where their mouth is... literally.

Dr. Doug Reams, a dentist in Lucerne, California, is offering a 10-percent senior discount to all seniors in September and October. “We all need to do what we can in today’s economic downturn. Lucerne, being a small community, I want to give something back,” explained Reams.

Dr. Reams has practiced dentistry in Lucerne for 32 years and recently has become quite concerned over the lack of proper dental care many seniors in his area receiving. "It is sad to see seniors unable to keep up with their dental needs because they live on a fixed income," Reams said. "Proper dental hygiene can aid in the prevention of many medical illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart problems, joint pain, stroke and a lot more."

To find out more about Dr. Reams senior discount plan, call his office at 707-274-6605 or check with the Lake County California senior center for information.

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DENTAL VIEWS: If any of my readers know of a dentist offering similar type discounts for seniors (or anybody for that matter), please let me know so I can highlight their practices as well. Good deeds should not go unpublicized.

Choosing a Toothpaste: More Than Just Mint

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When it comes to plaque removal, it’s your toothbrush that does most of the heavy lifting, but toothpaste contributes by removing stains and leaving your mouth fresher. Typically, commercial toothpastes are a concoction of abrasives, foaming agents, water, and binders, with flavor, color, and sweeteners added. They also may contain therapeutic agents such as fluoride or ingredients designed to combat tooth sensitivity. The main difference between gels and pastes is that gels contain more thickeners.

Be Aware of Abrasiveness
An important consideration when choosing toothpaste is its level of abrasiveness. Materials such as chalk, bicarbonate, and silicon or aluminum oxides remove external tooth stains. Polishers are included to restore the luster that abrasive materials dull. Although you want a toothpaste with enough abrasiveness to remove stains, high abrasive content and an incorrect brushing technique can lead to permanent tooth damage, particularly around the gum line. Abrasion also can wear away the fragile gum tissue, causing the gums to recede faster.

If you don’t smoke and have few stains, low-abrasive toothpaste is best for you. A standard test is used to determine the abrasiveness of toothpaste, and the result is a Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) value. Unfortunately, the RDA values of different brands of toothpastes aren’t readily available. Since the ADA issues its seal of approval only to toothpastes that are mild to moderately abrasive (250 RDA or less), choosing a toothpaste that carries the ADA seal is a simple way to ensure that your toothpaste isn’t too harsh.

Look for Fluoride
Also, choose toothpaste with fluoride. This additive is instrumental in warding off tooth decay. Most brands on the market today contain fluoride. Another ingredient, triclosan, has long been used in European dental products to combat gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease. Colgate Total was the first FDA-approved brand of toothpaste in the United States to contain this antimicrobial agent.

Some toothpastes are designed to reduce hypersensitivity. The ADA has granted approval to several products formulated for this purpose. Some antisensitivity toothpastes contain fluoride as well.

For a Whiter Smile
Toothpaste companies have bombarded the marketplace with toothpastes that claim to whiten teeth. Most major brands have at least one such toothpaste. All toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains. However, “whitening” toothpastes that contain the ADA Seal of Acceptance also have chemical or polishing agents that provide added stain removal power.

Dental Health for Adults: A Guide to Protecting Your Teeth and Gums. Copyright © by Harvard University. All rights reserved.

New Device Could Shorten, Improve Orthodontic Treatment

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DENTAL NEWS: A team of orthodontists at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio hopes to speed up and improve orthodontic treatment using a new device called the AcceleDent.

The study involves 34 patients ages 12 to 40 who need braces. Patients receive standard orthodontic treatment including any necessary extractions, and are fitted for braces at the Health Science Center Orthodontic Clinic. Once their braces are on, patients are provided with an AcceleDent device to use at home. The device, which stands about 4 inches high and features a wafer-thin mouthpiece attached to a small, sleek battery-operated handle, resembles something from a science fiction movie.

Patients are instructed to place the device in their mouth and bite down for 20 minutes a day during orthodontic treatment. While in the mouth, the device delivers a low-frequency pulsating vibration to the teeth. The vibration is not uncomfortable and barely noticeable to the patient. The researchers believe the vibratory forces, in combination with standard orthodontic treatment, will enhance the metabolism in bone tissue surrounding the teeth, thus allowing the teeth to move and straighten faster and more effectively.

Brent Tarver, vice president for clinical affairs and technology development at OrthoAccel, is optimistic about the research potential. "We are excited about this particular investigation because we expect it could lead to U.S. regulatory approval," Tarver said. Representatives at OrthoAccel predict the AcceleDent will be marketed in the United States in late 2010.

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MY DENTAL VIEWS: Interesting development but it would've been nice if they told us how much time this new device will "speed up" the average orthodontic treatment program. I mean, will reduce it by 12 months or 12 days?

Sept. 12 Is "World Oral Health Day" (How will you celebrate it?)

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Seeking to increase worldwide awareness of oral health as well as the impact of oral diseases one's overall health, the American Dental Association (ADA) joins with the FDI World Dental Federation -the worldwide voice of the dental profession- in observance of the second annual "World Oral Health Day" on Saturday, September 12.

"The American Dental Association stands with the FDI and other national dental associations around the world in focusing attention on how crucial good oral health is to overall health," said Dr. John S. Findley, ADA president. More information about "World Oral Health Day" is available on the FDI's Web site.

Having A Baby? See Your Dentist, Advises Doctor

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Ready to have a baby? It's time to pencil in a checkup... with your dentist. Oral care is probably not first on the priority list when it comes to planning a pregnancy. But ask a doctor who has helped about 6,500 women bring their new bundles of joy into the world - including his fair share on camera - and he'll tell you that taking care of teeth is key in helping ensure overall health.

High-risk pregnancy specialist Dr. Charles Hux, featured on the television series "A Baby Story," on TLC said if a woman has had dental problems in the past, she definitely should see a dentist prior to the start of pregnancy. "Even if she hasn't had problems with her teeth, it's important to have them checked to ensure there isn't any work that needs to be done, as dental problems and decay can result in high risk of premature labour and delivery," said Dr. Hux.

"That's from infection that gets into the bloodstream from the oral cavity into the gums," said Hux in an interview from central New Jersey. "If you have bacteria and you have a toothache and some sort of oral problem it's a very common complication that the bacteria from your mouth will go right into your bloodstream. It's not only dangerous for pregnancy, it's very dangerous for progressive heart disease," Dr. Hux added. "It's associated with much earlier onset of severe - and perhaps sometimes fatal - heart disease by having teeth that are not taken care of."

Many Dentists Wouldn't Hire A Male Hygienist

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DENTAL NEWS: Some dentists would not hire a male dental hygienist according to an online poll at TheWealthyDentist.com, an online portal for United States dentists.

Only 70% of dentists in the survey said they would hire a male hygienist if he were the most qualified candidate for the job, 23% probably would not, and 7% admitted they wouldn't hire a man. On the other hand, 17% said their dental practice currently employs a male dental hygienist.

Public expectation dictates a female. "I'd rather not be a trendsetter," said one dentist. But another said, "While I was initially sceptical, the male hygienists I've worked with are excellent and very well liked by their patients."

To see further comments made by dentists about hiring a male hygienist, visit www.thewealthydentist.com/blog/1023/male-dental-hygienists/.


DENTAL VIEWS: Really? In this day and age I can't believe so many dentists wouldn't hire a good a dental hygienist just because they were a guy. Unless, of course, and they were afraid of being called a "tooth fairy" behind their customers back.

How to Manage Dental Costs, With or Without Insurance

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By Suzanne DeChillo of The New York Times

For most people, a toothache that turns into an expensive procedure like a crown or implant means thousands of dollars out of pocket. Routine checkups, cleanings and fillings can set you back hundreds. No wonder 35 percent of Americans have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months, according to a Gallup report in March.

Even if you’re fortunate enough to have some kind of coverage, you have probably discovered just how little it pays if you have big problems. Most dental policies pay for preventive care like twice-a-year checkups, but cover only a fraction of higher-cost procedures like root canals. Even fillings can get short-changed, if the insurer decides the tooth-colored filler the dentist used was too "cosmetic" for the pothole being patched.

At the same time, dental care costs are rising faster than inflation, just as the evidence mounts that taking care of your mouth can be a critical gateway to good overall health.

The health care bills circulating in the House and Senate include dental care provisions for children, which is good. But it also means that for most of us relief from dental bills is not likely to come soon. That leaves it up to consumers to find smart ways to reduce their dental care costs without sacrificing their oral health. So we asked experts and patients for advice.

PREVENTION
Taking care of small problems keeps them from becoming big ones. Enough cannot be said about prevention, according to Dr. Matthew Messina, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association and a dentist in Cleveland.

Left unchecked, a small cavity that would cost about $100 to fill can easily turn into a $1,000 root canal. Skip those $80 cleanings each year, and you may be looking at $2,000 worth of gum disease treatments. An abscess that lands you in the emergency room will set you back hundreds of dollars for the visit, “and you’ll still have to go see a dentist, because emergency rooms don’t handle dental work,” said Dr. Messina.

Finally, your dentist also routinely looks for more serious problems, like oral cancer. More than 35,000 cases are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Early detection, usually during a dental checkup, is critical to successful treatment.

FULL DISCLOSURE
It’s important to know the price before you agree to the procedure. Often patients sit down for a routine cleaning and checkup, only to find they have a problem. The dentist offers to take care of the situation on the spot, and the patient agrees — but then is socked with a surprising bill at the end of the visit.

That happened to Monica Gagnier of Beacon, N.Y., on a recent visit to her Manhattan dentist for a twice-yearly cleaning. Looking to save money, Ms. Gagnier was careful to tell the office when she made the appointment that she wasn’t due to get X-rays and didn’t need to see the dentist for a checkup. Without those two items, she figured she would save more than $100 on her bill. During the cleaning, however, the hygienist told her that her gums were infected and she needed antibiotic shots. Her total bill was $400.

“The antibiotics may well have been necessary,” Ms. Gagnier said. “But what I hate is being hit by surprise costs and treatments when I’m lying on my back, my mouth is wide open, and I can’t talk about it.”

You should always be given an opportunity to discuss any treatment, sitting up, without equipment in your mouth, says Dr. Messina. In addition, whenever you are facing an invasive dental procedure that is not an emergency, it makes sense to refuse treatment on the spot and get a second opinion, says Elizabeth Rogers, a spokeswoman for Oral Health America, a nonprofit advocacy and education group based in Chicago.

The range of prices on treatments like root canals, for instance, can easily differ by $1,000 or more.

SPREADING THE COST
Patients can often space out treatments or negotiate payment plans with the dentist for extensive work. Working with the dentist on payments, says Dr. Mark Wolff, associate dean at the New York University College of Dentistry, is much better than putting the bill on your credit card and paying high interest.

Another way to negotiate, says Dr. Wolff, is to plan extensive treatments in phases. Say you need a crown. Your dentist may be able to put in a temporary filling for several months while you use that time to save for the permanent crown. “It’s quite possible to phase in many dental procedures,” said Dr. Wolff. “And when it is, most dentists are willing to spread the work out over time.”

DENTAL SCHOOLS
Almost every dental school offers affordable care provided by dental students and overseen by experienced, qualified teachers. You can expect to pay as little as a third of what a traditional dentist would charge and still receive excellent, well-supervised care, Dr. Wolff says.

That is what Julie Kingsley of Portland, Me., did after a checkup for her two young children at a pediatric dentist set her back a total of $375. “I realized that was as much as a car payment or a good chunk of our monthly food bill,” said Ms. Kingsley. “There had to be a better way.”

Ms. Kingsley started asking around for less expensive alternatives and found out about the University of New England’s dental college clinic, at the Westbrook campus in Portland. The bill for her children’s latest checkups: $100. Ms. Kingsley was pleased with the quality of care her children received. But she did warn that patients may sacrifice time for money. “What was a 45-minute visit at the private dentist ended up taking three hours at the clinic,” she said.

If you have trouble finding a dental clinic in your area, you can seek help from Oral Health America (312-836-9900).

DISCOUNT NETWORKS
Alternatives to employer-provided dental insurance are often a bad deal, Dr. Wolff said. But for the uninsured, a discount network can make a difference.

Some networks like those on DentalPlans.com have formed to fill the void. Consumers pay roughly $100 to $200 a year in exchange for 15 to 50 percent discounts on service and treatments from participating dentists. “Be sure to compare plans carefully,” said Ms. Rogers of Oral Health America. And, she added, make sure the discounts you are likely to use will be enough to cover the annual fee — and look carefully for any limits and restrictions.

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Saving A Tooth Not Always Better Than An Implant

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In a somewhat surprising move, the Academy of General Dentistry recently issued an opinion to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry's advice that a patient should should not always elect not to save a tooth, but rather extract and replace the tooth with a dental implant.

"It is important to note extracting a tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, while best for some, may not always be the best type of treatment for all patients," said AGD President David Halpern, DMD, FAGD. "The state of oral health and the needs of each patient are unique as his or her fingerprint", said Dr. Halpern. "In my practice, I encourage patients to save the natural tooth when possible."

"Doing so can many times preserve the supporting bone, maintain the proper contacts to the adjacent and opposing teeth, and allow the patient to use the tooth for as many years as their other teeth. It used to be common practice to remove injured or diseased teeth. Maintaining a tooth through a root canal treatment can help people keep their natural teeth for life. Depending on your area that you live in, restoring and saving a tooth may cost less than replacing a tooth with a dental implant supported replacement."

General dentists, as primary oral healthcare providers, recognize the treatment needs and balance the patient's desires in developing individualized treatment plans that address those needs and wants.

"We want to remind patients that they need to dialogue with their dentists to determine what is best for them," added Dr. Halpern. "Please talk with your dentist to determine whether you are a root canal or a dental implant candidate, and what is best for you based on your particular circumstances. A patient must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums. If you smoke or drink, suffer from chronic problems, such as periodontal disease, teeth clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases such as diabetes, your dentist will determine the best treatment options."