Planting the Seeds of Environmental Stewardship
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Why Good Dental Coverage Saves Companies Money on Employee Health Claims
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UnitedHealthcare conducted a study which found that by improving dental health of people with chronic medical conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes and asthma, in particular), employers can save more than $1000 per person, per year on their medical costs. The $1000 savings is above and beyond the cost of the dental coverage. This is good news for companies looking to lower the amount of money they pay out on their employee's health costs, especially when those companies integrate medical benefits with dental benefits, as well as providing wellness support programs to workers.
This study showed that people with the above-mentioned chronic medical conditions who received appropriate dental care (i.e. exams, x-rays, cleanings as well as treatment of gum disease) had a net medical/dental claim cost that was on average $1038 lower than those who were chronically ill but who didn't receive adequate dental care. Benefit savings was greatest among diabetics who lowered their claim costs an average of $1279 per year.
In addition, the study also revealed the following relationship between an integrated (i.e. medical + dental) approach to healthcare coverage;
UnitedHealthcare conducted a study which found that by improving dental health of people with chronic medical conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes and asthma, in particular), employers can save more than $1000 per person, per year on their medical costs. The $1000 savings is above and beyond the cost of the dental coverage. This is good news for companies looking to lower the amount of money they pay out on their employee's health costs, especially when those companies integrate medical benefits with dental benefits, as well as providing wellness support programs to workers.
This study showed that people with the above-mentioned chronic medical conditions who received appropriate dental care (i.e. exams, x-rays, cleanings as well as treatment of gum disease) had a net medical/dental claim cost that was on average $1038 lower than those who were chronically ill but who didn't receive adequate dental care. Benefit savings was greatest among diabetics who lowered their claim costs an average of $1279 per year.
In addition, the study also revealed the following relationship between an integrated (i.e. medical + dental) approach to healthcare coverage;
- Total average medical costs were lower across all chronic conditions for people who received periodontal treatment or cleanings compared to those who did not receive such services, even after accounting for the costs of additional dental treatments.
- People with chronic conditions who received regular cleanings (at least three times during the three years) had the lowest health care costs of any other dental treatment group (i.e. infrequent cleanings, no cleanings).
- The savings were also significant for people who received regular dental care, but were not compliant with the recommended care for their chronic medical condition. Among the group receiving dental care, annual average medical costs were $2320 lower than those not receiving dental care, with net savings of $1829 after accounting for the cost of the dental care.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Can Poor Dental Health Give You an STD?
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According to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, bad dental health (i.e. gum disease, tooth loss, etc.) has been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a STD transmitted via oral sex. HPV is spread through sexual contact and is usually associated with cervical cancer in women.
Both the number of sexual partners a person has throughout their lifetime, along with their age at sexual debut, has been associated with sexually-transmitted HPV. As the majority of HPV cases are seen in younger people, there has been a dramatic fall in the age of the average mouth cancer sufferer.
The More The Not Merrier
The report also found those who said they had poor dental health were twice as likely to have had multiple HPV infections. Of more concern, though, is the link between HPV and mouth cancer with experts in the UK suggesting that one in five mouth cancer cases will likely be a result of the HPV infection.
"The research suggests keeping this infection at bay is relatively simple", says Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. "The HPV infection is very common and is a major reason mouth cancer cases have soared over the last 30 years. Our knowledge of HPV remains relatively low, which suggests there is not enough awareness of the risks we take with multiple sexual partners."
Who Was Surveyed
The authors of the study identified 3,439 people aged 30-69 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for whom data was available on oral health and the presence or absence of 19 low-risk HPV types and 18 high-risk HPV types in the oral cavity were available.
According to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, bad dental health (i.e. gum disease, tooth loss, etc.) has been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a STD transmitted via oral sex. HPV is spread through sexual contact and is usually associated with cervical cancer in women.
Both the number of sexual partners a person has throughout their lifetime, along with their age at sexual debut, has been associated with sexually-transmitted HPV. As the majority of HPV cases are seen in younger people, there has been a dramatic fall in the age of the average mouth cancer sufferer.
The More The Not Merrier
The report also found those who said they had poor dental health were twice as likely to have had multiple HPV infections. Of more concern, though, is the link between HPV and mouth cancer with experts in the UK suggesting that one in five mouth cancer cases will likely be a result of the HPV infection.
"The research suggests keeping this infection at bay is relatively simple", says Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. "The HPV infection is very common and is a major reason mouth cancer cases have soared over the last 30 years. Our knowledge of HPV remains relatively low, which suggests there is not enough awareness of the risks we take with multiple sexual partners."
Who Was Surveyed
The authors of the study identified 3,439 people aged 30-69 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for whom data was available on oral health and the presence or absence of 19 low-risk HPV types and 18 high-risk HPV types in the oral cavity were available.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Should You See a Dentist Twice a Year? Maybe Not
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The Journal of Dental Research just recently published the results of the study which found that seeing your dentist twice a year isn't the end-all and be-all of good dental health for adults. Consequently, dental patients are urged to develop a individualized dental care program with the dentist.
The study was performed by reseachers at the University of Michigan. They found there were preventative benefits for high risk patients that visited the dentist more than once a year. Wolff said if your doctor tells you to return for a check-up in six months, do not be afraid to ask why.
"It (the study) actually affirms the concept of recare or revisiting your dentist based upon your risk," said Dr. Mark Wolff, Chairman of the NYU Dentistry Cariology and Comprehensive Care. "If you are not at risk of developing a gum disease or tooth decay, than you may only need to see a dentist once per year. However, that is not a generic rule for everyone."
Dr. Wolf went on to say that what support is for adults take control of their own dental health as unlike other areas of healthcare there is little if any incentive for dental insurers and providers to focus on preventative care.
The key is to be in control of your own dental health, because unlike other areas of health care there are few incentives for insurers and providers to focus on preventative dental care.
"If you have an abscess on your foot, that's covered under the Affordable Care Act, if you have an abscess on your tooth it may not be. Teeth one through 32 have been carved out of that whole system," explained Dr. Wolff.
Responding to the report's findings, the ADA (American Dental Association) has suggested that American adults work with their dentists to develop a individualized dental care plan. However, the ADA still recommends that children 12 and under still see a dentist twice a year.
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The Journal of Dental Research just recently published the results of the study which found that seeing your dentist twice a year isn't the end-all and be-all of good dental health for adults. Consequently, dental patients are urged to develop a individualized dental care program with the dentist.
The study was performed by reseachers at the University of Michigan. They found there were preventative benefits for high risk patients that visited the dentist more than once a year. Wolff said if your doctor tells you to return for a check-up in six months, do not be afraid to ask why.
"It (the study) actually affirms the concept of recare or revisiting your dentist based upon your risk," said Dr. Mark Wolff, Chairman of the NYU Dentistry Cariology and Comprehensive Care. "If you are not at risk of developing a gum disease or tooth decay, than you may only need to see a dentist once per year. However, that is not a generic rule for everyone."
Dr. Wolf went on to say that what support is for adults take control of their own dental health as unlike other areas of healthcare there is little if any incentive for dental insurers and providers to focus on preventative care.
The key is to be in control of your own dental health, because unlike other areas of health care there are few incentives for insurers and providers to focus on preventative dental care.
"If you have an abscess on your foot, that's covered under the Affordable Care Act, if you have an abscess on your tooth it may not be. Teeth one through 32 have been carved out of that whole system," explained Dr. Wolff.
Responding to the report's findings, the ADA (American Dental Association) has suggested that American adults work with their dentists to develop a individualized dental care plan. However, the ADA still recommends that children 12 and under still see a dentist twice a year.
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Sunday, May 12, 2013
Early Death In Men Linked To Bad Oral Health
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As if prostate cancer, lower testosterone and erectile dysfunction weren't enough, now men have new health concern to worry about; early death due to bad oral health.
Appearing in the May issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the study done by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, University College London and University of Oregon concluded that poor oral health is indicated for early death in men.
It examined just under 4200 men who entered military service between January 1965 and December 1971. Even after adjusting the study to take into account income, education and other early indicators of death such as smoking, alcohol use and chronic illnesses, the study found that men who had that oral health had almost twice the risk of dying than men in good oral health.
Other studies that have connected bad oral health to increased mortality rates suggested that underlying reason was becausen people who have lost all of their natural teeth are more likely to die is due to the fact that they have to change their diets to compensate for their lack of teeth and thus did not get the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Some researchers suggest that periodontal disease and other oral diseases cause the body's immune system to produce inflammation in the gums. This inflammation increases production of a certain protein that spreads throughout the body in the blood stream leading to an increased risk of other health-threatening conditions, such as heart disease.
As if prostate cancer, lower testosterone and erectile dysfunction weren't enough, now men have new health concern to worry about; early death due to bad oral health.
Appearing in the May issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the study done by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, University College London and University of Oregon concluded that poor oral health is indicated for early death in men.
It examined just under 4200 men who entered military service between January 1965 and December 1971. Even after adjusting the study to take into account income, education and other early indicators of death such as smoking, alcohol use and chronic illnesses, the study found that men who had that oral health had almost twice the risk of dying than men in good oral health.
Other studies that have connected bad oral health to increased mortality rates suggested that underlying reason was becausen people who have lost all of their natural teeth are more likely to die is due to the fact that they have to change their diets to compensate for their lack of teeth and thus did not get the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Some researchers suggest that periodontal disease and other oral diseases cause the body's immune system to produce inflammation in the gums. This inflammation increases production of a certain protein that spreads throughout the body in the blood stream leading to an increased risk of other health-threatening conditions, such as heart disease.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Can We Grow Teeth?
Well, no, at least not yet. However, a recent article in the Journal of Dental Research noted that scientists are currently developing a method of replacing teeth from bioengineered materials from the person's own gum cells.
Previously, research into bioengineered teeth (a.k.a. bioteeth) has focused on generating immature teeth (a.k.a. teeth primordia) which mimic those in an embryonic state which can then be transferred into small sections of the adult jawbone in the hope that they will develop into functional teeth. This implant-based method of whole tooth replacement currently fails to reproduce a natural root structure and as a consequence of the friction from eating and other jaw movement, loss of jaw bone can occur around the implant.
However, Professor Paul Sharpe, an expert in craniofacial development and stem cell biology at King's College London, believes that there is a realistic prospect bioteeth can become a clinical reality. "What is required is the identification of adult sources of human epithelial and mesenchymal cells that can be obtained in sufficient numbers to make biotooth formation a viable alternative to dental implants", says Prof. Sharpe.
With this newer method of growing teeth, researchers isolated adult human gum tissue from patients at the Dental Institute at King's College London, grew more of it in the lab, and then combined it with the cells of mice that form teeth. By transplanting this combination of cells into mice the researchers were able to grow hybrid human/mouse teeth containing dentine and enamel, as well as viable roots.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Does Being Fat Give You Gum Disease?
Can being obese increase your chances of getting periodontal (i.e. gum) disease? Well, according to an article published in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry (a publication of the Academy of General Dentistry), there's an excellent chance it can.
"We know that being overweight can affect many aspects of a person's health," states Charlene Krejci, DDS, MSD, lead author of the article. "Now researchers suspect a link exists between obesity and gum disease. Obese individuals' bodies relentlessly produce cytokines, proteins with inflammatory properties. These cytokines may directly injure the gum tissues or reduce blood flow to the gum tissues, thus promoting the development of gum disease."
Although research involving the links between obesity and gum disease - a chronic inflammatory infection that impacts the surrounding and supporting structures of the teeth - it's becoming increasingly clearer that the two are definitely related.
"Whether one condition is a risk factor for another or whether one disease directly causes another has yet to be discovered," says AGD Spokesperson Samer G. Shamoon, DDS, MAGD. "What we do know is that it's important to visit a dentist at least twice a year so he or she can evaluate your risks for developing gum disease and offer preventive strategies."
While most people have heard that obesity is a significant health concern in the United States (roughly 1/3 of Americans are obese), what is not widely known is that gum disease affects over half of Americans age 30 and older. Thankfully, gum disease can be minimized, if not eliminated, by simply practicing daily brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist at least once a year and asking them to design a program of oral care to do at home that meets your specific periodontal needs.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Gingivitis Bacteria Getting Smarter
The Journal of Leukocyte Biology recently reported that chronic gum disease (i.e. gingivitis) is caused by 'smart' bacteria that manipulates your body's natural immune system so as to disable the normal antibacterial processes that would otherwise destroy it.
"Since greater than 50 percent of the U.S. population over 50 years-of-age develop adult periodontal disease, we hope that the results of our study will ultimately help in the development of novel treatments that could prevent or ameliorate the chronic infection caused by the pathogen Porphyromonas Gingivalis," said Jannet Katz, D.D.S., Ph.D., a researcher at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama who's involved the in research.
The Early Bacteria Gets The Worm
The report's findings showed that the porphyromonas gingivalis occurs when the immune cells of the body are first exposed to this pathogen, implying that for treatment to be successful, it must be started as early as possible, either by eradication of the bacterium via specifically designed therapeutics or by prevention through developing an effective vaccine.
"Gum diseases and the infections that cause them can be incredibly stubborn and difficult to treat," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "What isn't as well known is why these infections are so difficult to eradicate. These new studies now demonstrate that these bacteria go beyond merely evading our body's defenses and actually manipulate our immune systems for their own survival."
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Does Vitamin D Reduces Tooth Decay by 50%?
The December issue of Nutrition Reviews reported the results of a study that found that vitamin D is going to a 50% reduction in dental caries, a.k.a. tooth decay. The study was a review of 24 controlled clinical trials of approximately 3000 children in multiple nations
"My main goal was to summarize the clinical trial database so that we could take a fresh look at this vitamin D question," said Dr. Philippe Hujoel of the University of Washington, who conducted the review.
While vitamin D's role in supporting bone health was never in dispute, there have been significant disagreement over its role in preventing dental caries.
Historical Perspective
Vitamin D' role in preventing tooth decay has been known as far back as 1950 when both the American Medical Association and the U.S. National Research Council concluded that vitamin D was beneficial in managing dental caries. however, current reviews by the Institute of Medicine, the U.S. Department of Human Health and Service and the American Dental Association draw no conclusions on the vitamin D evidence as it relates to dental caries.
"Such inconsistent conclusions by different organizations do not make much sense from an evidence-based perspective," Hujoel said. The trials he reviewed increased vitamin D levels in children through the use of supplemental UV radiation or by supplementing the children's diet with cod-liver oil or other products containing the vitamin.
"Whether this is more than just a coincidence is open to debate," Hujoel said. "In the meantime, pregnant women or young mothers can do little harm by realizing that vitamin D is essential to their offspring's health. Vitamin D does lead to teeth and bones that are better mineralized."
"My main goal was to summarize the clinical trial database so that we could take a fresh look at this vitamin D question," said Dr. Philippe Hujoel of the University of Washington, who conducted the review.
While vitamin D's role in supporting bone health was never in dispute, there have been significant disagreement over its role in preventing dental caries.
Historical Perspective
Vitamin D' role in preventing tooth decay has been known as far back as 1950 when both the American Medical Association and the U.S. National Research Council concluded that vitamin D was beneficial in managing dental caries. however, current reviews by the Institute of Medicine, the U.S. Department of Human Health and Service and the American Dental Association draw no conclusions on the vitamin D evidence as it relates to dental caries.
"Such inconsistent conclusions by different organizations do not make much sense from an evidence-based perspective," Hujoel said. The trials he reviewed increased vitamin D levels in children through the use of supplemental UV radiation or by supplementing the children's diet with cod-liver oil or other products containing the vitamin.
"Whether this is more than just a coincidence is open to debate," Hujoel said. "In the meantime, pregnant women or young mothers can do little harm by realizing that vitamin D is essential to their offspring's health. Vitamin D does lead to teeth and bones that are better mineralized."
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Sugarless Gum Improves Oral Health of Seniors
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A stick of sugarless gum per day may keep the dentist away, at least according to a study published in the October issue of the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.
The British study compared two groups of senior citizens where the first group chewed sugarless gum twice a day for 6 months, while the second group did not. Compared with the test subjects in the second group, people in the gum-chewing group had less plaque on their teeth which resulted in them having gums.
About 40% of the gum-chewing group thought their oral health had improved during the study while only 21% of the other group said this. The report also found that people who didn't chew gum had an increase in saliva flow, something that the authors of the report said that they hadn't had an explanation for.
Each person in the study was at least 60 years old and had at least 6 natural teeth. None of them lived in nursing homes or other assisted living facilities.
A stick of sugarless gum per day may keep the dentist away, at least according to a study published in the October issue of the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.
The British study compared two groups of senior citizens where the first group chewed sugarless gum twice a day for 6 months, while the second group did not. Compared with the test subjects in the second group, people in the gum-chewing group had less plaque on their teeth which resulted in them having gums.
About 40% of the gum-chewing group thought their oral health had improved during the study while only 21% of the other group said this. The report also found that people who didn't chew gum had an increase in saliva flow, something that the authors of the report said that they hadn't had an explanation for.
Each person in the study was at least 60 years old and had at least 6 natural teeth. None of them lived in nursing homes or other assisted living facilities.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
$1.2 Billion A Year Spent On Dental-Related Hospital Stays
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Researchers from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine found that as far back as 2008, $1.2 billion was spent by Americans for hospital stays for dental-related conditions. Total inpatient hospital costs in that year were $364.7 billion.
The study was published in the September issue of the journal Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology I found that in 2008, there were almost 40 million U.S. hospital stays of which 50,658 (or 130 per day) were for dental issues. The average hospital stay for a dental condition was about 3.5 days.
However, roughly 40% of the patients who were in the hospital for dental conditions also had some other condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, both of which have been linked to Periodontal or gum disease. The most common dental issues that resulted in a hospital stay were diseases of the salivary glands, dental infections or ulcers and problems with functioning of the mouth and/or jaw.
Researchers from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine found that as far back as 2008, $1.2 billion was spent by Americans for hospital stays for dental-related conditions. Total inpatient hospital costs in that year were $364.7 billion.
The study was published in the September issue of the journal Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology I found that in 2008, there were almost 40 million U.S. hospital stays of which 50,658 (or 130 per day) were for dental issues. The average hospital stay for a dental condition was about 3.5 days.
However, roughly 40% of the patients who were in the hospital for dental conditions also had some other condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, both of which have been linked to Periodontal or gum disease. The most common dental issues that resulted in a hospital stay were diseases of the salivary glands, dental infections or ulcers and problems with functioning of the mouth and/or jaw.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Nicotine Helps Cavities To Grow
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The European Journal of Oral Sciences recently published an article linking nicotine to accelerated growth of the bacteria that causes cavities.
The study investigatived seven different strains of the bacteria associated with cavities --Streptococcus mutans or S. mutans-- that thrive in dental plaque which forms on teeth and cause cavities to form. S. mutans treated with nicotine created thicker and denser plaque in the study.
Researchers believe that the reason nicotine increases plaque growth is that it increases the metabolism of the S. mutans which eats carbohydrates on your teeth, a process which creates acid that destroys tooth enamel and thus forms cavities faster.
The findings of this report are consistent with an earlier study published in February 2012 which found that smokers had worse oral health then non-smokers do. However, that report also found that non-smokers are more likely to delay routine dental visits which could play a part in their worsening oral health.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Does Bad Dental Health Affect The Economy?
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DENTAL NEWS
While it has long been known that a bad economy will impact the dental industry --most notably by encouraging newly unemployed people to get work dental work done before their insurance runs out-- can the reverse also be true?
According to the UK-based charity British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) it is true as they recently released a study that found that an estimated 2 million workers (or 7% of the UK workforce) took sick time off at least once in the past five years because of oral health problems, thereby causing unnecessary damage to the British economy.
"Poor oral health habits like these contribute to around three in every ten adults suffering regular dental pain and tooth decay", said Dr. Nigel Carter OBE of the BDHF. "It is inevitable that significant numbers of people are taking sick days off work and (thereby) damaging the productivity of the UK economy."
The BDHF published their findings as part of its annual 'National Smile Month' campaign and warned that the 2 million worker figure is probably even higher as it doesn't take into account that poor dental health has been shown to also put people at greater risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.
"The importance of oral health can often be overshadowed in the workplace by the more common causes of short-term absences such as colds, flu, stomach upsets, headaches, migraines, back pain and stress", said Dr. Carter. "However, our findings show that it affects a significant number of workers over time and is an important factor in a healthy workforce."
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Work Stress May Increase Gum Disease
The June
issue of the International Dental Journal reports that bad dental health is
linked with work related stress.
The study
involved 134 IT workers in India
who reported bleeding gums and sensitive teeth as the most extreme instances of poor oral health that negatively affected their daily lives. Those with the worst
symptoms also reported the highest levels of stress at work.
However, when judging the overall health of the IT worker's mouths as measured by the number of cavities, fillings and levels of gum disease, no correlation to work stress was found.
However, when judging the overall health of the IT worker's mouths as measured by the number of cavities, fillings and levels of gum disease, no correlation to work stress was found.
After
taking into account gender and age of the IT workers studied, the researchers
included that higher levels of work stress were linked with poor oral-related
health, albeit self-reported. Interestingly enough, the study did not find a
link between cigarette smoking and work stress.
Over the
years, surveys have found that as many as 40% of people report they are
"extremely stressed" at work. A 1992 study found a link between
poorer gum health and work stress but very few studies actually looked at how
work stress might affect oral health until now.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
No Link Between Gum Disease & Heart Disease
In news that goes against conventional wisdom, the American Heart Association release a statement saying that gum disease hasn't been proven to cause atherosclerotic heart disease or stroke. The statement was published in Circulation, an American Heart Association (AHA) journal and the statement has been endorsed by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs (ADSA) and the World Heart Federation (WHF).
While keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health, an AHA expert committee made up of cardiologists, dentists and infectious diseases specialists found no conclusive scientific evidence that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, causes or increases the rates of cardiovascular diseases.
"There's a lot of confusion out there," said Peter Lockhart, D.D.S., co-chair of the statement writing group and professor and chair of oral medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. "The message sent out by some in healthcare professions that heart attack and stroke are directly linked to gum disease, can distort the facts, alarm patients and perhaps shift the focus on prevention away from well known risk factors for these diseases."
In addition, the committee found that current data didn't indicate whether regular brushing and flossing or treatment of gum disease can cut the incidence of atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the arteries that can cause heart attacks and strokes.
"Much of the literature is conflicting, but if there was a strong causative link, we would likely know that by now" Lockhart said adding that a large, long-term study would be needed to prove if dental disease causes heart disease and stroke, he said. However, such a study isn't likely to be done in the near future, and it's most important to let patients know "what we know now, and what we don't know," Lockhart said.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Dental Plaque More Dangerous Then Ever
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DENTAL NEWS
Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the University of Bristol In England have discovered that bacteria from dental plaque can trigger endocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation inside the heart muscle, specifically within the heart valves.
Scientists presenting their findings at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Conference in Dublin, Ireland hope that this discovery will fuel further research leading to new drugs to combat persistent heart disease.
The specific type of oral bacteria that causes blood clots is called Streptococcus Gordonii -- present in even the healthiest of mouths -- and contributes to plaque that forms on the surface of teeth. When this type of bacteria enters the bloodstream via bleeding gums, they frequently wreak havoc by disguising himself as human proteins.
The researchers are also looking closely at other dental plaque bacteria that may have similar effects to Streptococcus Gordonii "In the development of infective endocarditis, a crucial step is the bacteria sticking to the heart valve and then activating platelets to form a clot. We are now looking at the mechanism behind this sequence of events in the hope that we can develop new drugs which are needed to prevent blood clots and also infective endocarditis," said Dr. Helen Petersen, one of the researchers presenting their findings at the conference. "We are also trying to determine how widespread this phenomenon is by studying other bacteria related to S. Gordonii. What our work clearly shows is how important it is to keep your mouth healthy through regular brushing and flossing, to keep these bacteria in check."
DENTAL NEWS
Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the University of Bristol In England have discovered that bacteria from dental plaque can trigger endocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation inside the heart muscle, specifically within the heart valves.
Scientists presenting their findings at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Conference in Dublin, Ireland hope that this discovery will fuel further research leading to new drugs to combat persistent heart disease.
The specific type of oral bacteria that causes blood clots is called Streptococcus Gordonii -- present in even the healthiest of mouths -- and contributes to plaque that forms on the surface of teeth. When this type of bacteria enters the bloodstream via bleeding gums, they frequently wreak havoc by disguising himself as human proteins.
The researchers are also looking closely at other dental plaque bacteria that may have similar effects to Streptococcus Gordonii "In the development of infective endocarditis, a crucial step is the bacteria sticking to the heart valve and then activating platelets to form a clot. We are now looking at the mechanism behind this sequence of events in the hope that we can develop new drugs which are needed to prevent blood clots and also infective endocarditis," said Dr. Helen Petersen, one of the researchers presenting their findings at the conference. "We are also trying to determine how widespread this phenomenon is by studying other bacteria related to S. Gordonii. What our work clearly shows is how important it is to keep your mouth healthy through regular brushing and flossing, to keep these bacteria in check."
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Silver May Kill More Than Werewolves
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DENTAL NEWS
Researchers at the University of Minho in Portugal have found that yeasts which cause hard to treat mouth infections are are killed using silver nanoparticles under laboratory conditions.
These yeast infections --caused by Candida albicans and Candida glabrata-- target the young, old and those with compromised immune systems. Professor Mariana Henriques, lead researcher on this project, said that her and her fellow researchers hope to test silver nanoparticles in mouthwash and dentures as a potential preventative measure against these infections. These two yeasts cause painful infections that affect seven out of ten denture wearers.
Findings of this research were published in the Society for Applied Microbiology's journal Letters in Applied Microbiology. Some researchers have expressed concerns around the safety of nanoparticle use but the authors stress this research is at an early stage and extensive safety trials will be carried out before any product reaches the market. However, Professor Henriques hopes to integrate silver nanoparticles into dentures which could prevent infections from taking hold.
"With the emergence of Candida infections which are frequently resistant to the traditional antifungal therapies, there is an increasing need for alternative approaches. So, silver nanoparticles appear to be a new potential strategy to combat these infections (as) the nanoparticles are relatively stable in liquid medium they could be developed into a mouthwash solution in the near future", said Professor Henriques.
DENTAL NEWS
Researchers at the University of Minho in Portugal have found that yeasts which cause hard to treat mouth infections are are killed using silver nanoparticles under laboratory conditions.
These yeast infections --caused by Candida albicans and Candida glabrata-- target the young, old and those with compromised immune systems. Professor Mariana Henriques, lead researcher on this project, said that her and her fellow researchers hope to test silver nanoparticles in mouthwash and dentures as a potential preventative measure against these infections. These two yeasts cause painful infections that affect seven out of ten denture wearers.
Findings of this research were published in the Society for Applied Microbiology's journal Letters in Applied Microbiology. Some researchers have expressed concerns around the safety of nanoparticle use but the authors stress this research is at an early stage and extensive safety trials will be carried out before any product reaches the market. However, Professor Henriques hopes to integrate silver nanoparticles into dentures which could prevent infections from taking hold.
"With the emergence of Candida infections which are frequently resistant to the traditional antifungal therapies, there is an increasing need for alternative approaches. So, silver nanoparticles appear to be a new potential strategy to combat these infections (as) the nanoparticles are relatively stable in liquid medium they could be developed into a mouthwash solution in the near future", said Professor Henriques.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
8 Dental Expenses You Can Write Off For Lower Taxes
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DENTAL NEWS
According to the IRS, there are eight different types of dental/medical expenses you may deduct when you file your tax return this April.
1. You must itemize You deduct qualifying medical and dental expenses if you itemize on Form 1040, Schedule A.
2. Deduction is limited You can deduct total medical care expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income for the year. You figure this on Form 1040, Schedule A.
3. Expenses must have been paid in 2011 You can include the medical and dental expenses you paid during the year, regardless of when the services were provided. You’ll need to have good receipts or records to substantiate your expenses.
4. You can’t deduct reimbursed expenses Your total medical expenses for the year must be reduced by any reimbursement. Normally, it makes no difference if you receive the reimbursement or if it is paid directly to the doctor or hospital.
5. Whose expenses qualify You may include qualified medical expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse and your dependents. Some exceptions and special rules apply to divorced or separated parents, taxpayers with a multiple support agreement or those with a qualifying relative who is not your child.
6. Types of expenses that qualify You can deduct expenses primarily paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, or treatment affecting any structure or function of the body. For drugs, you can only deduct prescription medication and insulin. You can also include premiums for medical, dental and some long-term care insurance in your expenses. Starting in 2011, you can also include lactation supplies.
7. Transportation costs may qualify You may deduct transportation costs primarily for and essential to medical care that qualify as medical expenses. You can deduct the actual fare for a taxi, bus, train, plane or ambulance as well as tolls and parking fees. If you use your car for medical transportation, you can deduct actual out-of-pocket expenses such as gas and oil, or you can deduct the standard mileage rate for medical expenses, which is 19 cents per mile for 2011.
8. Tax-favored saving for medical expenses Distributions from Health Savings Accounts and withdrawals from Flexible Spending Arrangements may be tax free if used to pay qualified medical expenses including prescription medication and insulin.
For more information on the ducting dental or medical expenses, see IRS Publication #502 or Publication #969 available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
DENTAL NEWS
According to the IRS, there are eight different types of dental/medical expenses you may deduct when you file your tax return this April.
1. You must itemize You deduct qualifying medical and dental expenses if you itemize on Form 1040, Schedule A.
2. Deduction is limited You can deduct total medical care expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income for the year. You figure this on Form 1040, Schedule A.
3. Expenses must have been paid in 2011 You can include the medical and dental expenses you paid during the year, regardless of when the services were provided. You’ll need to have good receipts or records to substantiate your expenses.
4. You can’t deduct reimbursed expenses Your total medical expenses for the year must be reduced by any reimbursement. Normally, it makes no difference if you receive the reimbursement or if it is paid directly to the doctor or hospital.
5. Whose expenses qualify You may include qualified medical expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse and your dependents. Some exceptions and special rules apply to divorced or separated parents, taxpayers with a multiple support agreement or those with a qualifying relative who is not your child.
6. Types of expenses that qualify You can deduct expenses primarily paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, or treatment affecting any structure or function of the body. For drugs, you can only deduct prescription medication and insulin. You can also include premiums for medical, dental and some long-term care insurance in your expenses. Starting in 2011, you can also include lactation supplies.
7. Transportation costs may qualify You may deduct transportation costs primarily for and essential to medical care that qualify as medical expenses. You can deduct the actual fare for a taxi, bus, train, plane or ambulance as well as tolls and parking fees. If you use your car for medical transportation, you can deduct actual out-of-pocket expenses such as gas and oil, or you can deduct the standard mileage rate for medical expenses, which is 19 cents per mile for 2011.
8. Tax-favored saving for medical expenses Distributions from Health Savings Accounts and withdrawals from Flexible Spending Arrangements may be tax free if used to pay qualified medical expenses including prescription medication and insulin.
For more information on the ducting dental or medical expenses, see IRS Publication #502 or Publication #969 available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Anti-Aging Dental Procedures? Yep!
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DENTAL NEWS
Your dentist's office is increasingly becoming a place where people visit to get anti-aging procedures performed. Falling under the term "cosmetic dentistry", there are three major procedures for removing yellowish or brownish hue from one's teeth which, according to most cosmetic dentists anyway, can make you look up to 10 years younger.
Nonetheless, there's no question that having a whiter and brighter smile will make someone look and probably feel younger and more vibrant. To that point, here are the three most common anti-aging procedures that your dentist can perform in their office:
Anti-Aging Dental Procedure #1: Dental Veneers
Did you know that if your teeth are crooked and/or misshaped, you will look several years older than you actually are? This is because if the tooth structure is lost, the shape of your lips will be transformed, and so will the entire lower structure of your face. With dental veneers, you can look even up to 10 years younger! The veneers are made of porcelain and they are meant to transform the shape and color of your teeth.
Moreover, if your dentist is truly an expert in cosmetic dental procedures, by re-building the shape of your teeth with the dental veneers the'll also make those fine wrinkles around your mouth disappear.
Anti-Aging Dental Procedure #2: Professional Teeth Whitening
Even if your teeth are relatively healthy, they might loose their bright and white structure if you drink large amounts of coffee and/more tea on a daily basis. Although there are teeth whitening kits that you can use at home, nothing compares to a professional teeth whitening procedure by a dentist. Your teeth can become 5 to 6 shades lighter after only one hour of professional treatment.
Before performing this procedure, dentists advise their patients to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth about one week before the treatment as a way of preventing their teeth from feeling extremely sensitive after the whitening treatment is finished. In addition, is advisable to purchase a good teeth whitening toothpaste that you will use at home, in order to maintain your pearly white smile for long months to come.
Anti-Aging Dental Procedure #3: Dermal Fillers
Cosmetic dentists are experts who can make those naso-labial folds disappear with the help of dermal fillers. After the application of the veneers is done, the dentist will use the dermal filer in order to smooth out the appearance of your skin between your lips and nose. This way, your skin will look smooth and healthy, and this will being forward even more your beautiful teeth and smile.
DENTAL NEWS
Your dentist's office is increasingly becoming a place where people visit to get anti-aging procedures performed. Falling under the term "cosmetic dentistry", there are three major procedures for removing yellowish or brownish hue from one's teeth which, according to most cosmetic dentists anyway, can make you look up to 10 years younger.
Nonetheless, there's no question that having a whiter and brighter smile will make someone look and probably feel younger and more vibrant. To that point, here are the three most common anti-aging procedures that your dentist can perform in their office:
Anti-Aging Dental Procedure #1: Dental Veneers
Did you know that if your teeth are crooked and/or misshaped, you will look several years older than you actually are? This is because if the tooth structure is lost, the shape of your lips will be transformed, and so will the entire lower structure of your face. With dental veneers, you can look even up to 10 years younger! The veneers are made of porcelain and they are meant to transform the shape and color of your teeth.
Moreover, if your dentist is truly an expert in cosmetic dental procedures, by re-building the shape of your teeth with the dental veneers the'll also make those fine wrinkles around your mouth disappear.
Anti-Aging Dental Procedure #2: Professional Teeth Whitening
Even if your teeth are relatively healthy, they might loose their bright and white structure if you drink large amounts of coffee and/more tea on a daily basis. Although there are teeth whitening kits that you can use at home, nothing compares to a professional teeth whitening procedure by a dentist. Your teeth can become 5 to 6 shades lighter after only one hour of professional treatment.
Before performing this procedure, dentists advise their patients to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth about one week before the treatment as a way of preventing their teeth from feeling extremely sensitive after the whitening treatment is finished. In addition, is advisable to purchase a good teeth whitening toothpaste that you will use at home, in order to maintain your pearly white smile for long months to come.
Anti-Aging Dental Procedure #3: Dermal Fillers
Cosmetic dentists are experts who can make those naso-labial folds disappear with the help of dermal fillers. After the application of the veneers is done, the dentist will use the dermal filer in order to smooth out the appearance of your skin between your lips and nose. This way, your skin will look smooth and healthy, and this will being forward even more your beautiful teeth and smile.
Monday, January 16, 2012
More Dental Visits = Less Diabetes Hospitalization
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DENTAL NEWS
The Journal of the American Dental Association recently reported that patients with diabetes who received regular dental care were roughly 33% less likely to visit an emergency room or be hospitalized because of that disease.
The study appeared in the January 2012 issue is the latest among several that have associated dental care with better systemic health. Similar findings have emerged for cardiovascular disease, preterm birth, and other disorders.
Dental/Diabetes Debate Not Over
However, the report's lead author David Mosen, PhD, MPH, an affiliate investigator at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Oregon, cautioned that the retrospective study could not prove that dental care directly reduced the patients' risk for a diabetic emergency. "We don't know if it's because of the dental care, or if it's just because people with good dental care also have good general healthcare," he said.
Nevertheless, Dr. Mosen said the researchers did use statistical methods to adjust for such factors as visits to primary care physicians, and still found a strong association with dental visits. Although the association does not prove causality, the relationship of diabetes to dental care is worth further investigation, said Dr. Mosen. In separate research, some evidence is emerging that inflammation from periodontal disease and affects glycemic control, he added.
DENTAL NEWS
The Journal of the American Dental Association recently reported that patients with diabetes who received regular dental care were roughly 33% less likely to visit an emergency room or be hospitalized because of that disease.
The study appeared in the January 2012 issue is the latest among several that have associated dental care with better systemic health. Similar findings have emerged for cardiovascular disease, preterm birth, and other disorders.
Dental/Diabetes Debate Not Over
However, the report's lead author David Mosen, PhD, MPH, an affiliate investigator at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Oregon, cautioned that the retrospective study could not prove that dental care directly reduced the patients' risk for a diabetic emergency. "We don't know if it's because of the dental care, or if it's just because people with good dental care also have good general healthcare," he said.
Nevertheless, Dr. Mosen said the researchers did use statistical methods to adjust for such factors as visits to primary care physicians, and still found a strong association with dental visits. Although the association does not prove causality, the relationship of diabetes to dental care is worth further investigation, said Dr. Mosen. In separate research, some evidence is emerging that inflammation from periodontal disease and affects glycemic control, he added.
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