News

Wednesday April 8, 2009

Many of the inmates in the nation’s prisons have never seen a dentist in their lives. Because of harsh living conditions and various drug addictions, such as meth, which wear away at the enamel of the teeth and tissue of the gums, many are in severe need of medical attention.

A recent study performed by Ohio State University shows that children with parents who have increased stress levels actually show higher levels of tooth decay. Those parents who are single, low income or have low education levels were cited as those having the highest stress levels.

Though it is popular practice for young people to pierce their lips, their cheeks or their tongues, dentists are warning that this is dangerous and creates a greater possibility for infection and tooth damage. The metal studs and rings can wear away at teeth’s enamel, causing unsightly chips and sensitivity. Also, the potential risk of infection can be life threatening. Because the lips, the tongue and the cheeks are all soft tissues, with blood running through them, the possibility of bacteria entering the blood stream...

Recent research has shown that a bacterium that grows in an expectant mother’s mouth, due to her disregard for oral care, can actually pass through the amniotic fluid and blood to her unborn baby. This can cause a host of problems, including infections, prematurity and low birth weights. Scientists are now doing DNA testing on the various forms of bacteria found in the mother’s womb to determine how many actually originate in her mouth.

This week, the American Association of Endodontists is celebrating “Root Canal Awareness Week.” They are promoting the work that they do, fielding any questions that potential patients might have and trying to calm everyone’s fears about the dreaded root canal. According to a study by the group, more people are afraid of a root canal than they are of public speaking or even of flying in an airplane during a storm.

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that dental care south of the border can cost up to 70 percent less than the same treatments and procedures in the United States. With many Americans losing their jobs and their dental insurance plans, more and more are considering the possibilities of pursuing healthcare in other countries...

For the very first time, a dentist is being allowed to pursue a lawsuit against her patients’ Yelp posting. On the popular website, users are allowed to post reviews about products, stores, doctors, dentists….just about anything. However, dentist Yvonne Wong claims that one of the reviews was unnecessarily false and is suing for libel.

Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri has announced his plan to cut dental insurance for almost 38,000 low-income families in his state. These individuals are enrolled in the “Rite Care” program, associated with Medicaid. Because of budget cuts, the governor claims that he is forced to cut healthcare benefits for Rhode Island’s most poor individuals and families.

This year, thousands of Americans will flock to the shores of Cabo, Cancun, and Cozumel to welcome in the spring months with drinking and revelry. Unfortunately, even on tropical getaways, it is still possible to get hurt. Tourists who chip a tooth, or snap a wire on their braces may find themselves wondering what to do.

World famous fashion designer Christian Audigier is working out a licensing agreement for his “Ed Hardy” designs that would allow their use for the manufacturers of toothbrushes, toothpastes and other dental products.

A New Jersey dentist is working to make sure that migrant and impoverished children receive proper oral care in an unusual way. He has created a mobile dentist office, in the back of a fire truck.

When wads of gauze, needles and other medical debris washed up on the Jersey Shore, the beaches had to be shut down.

If a certain piece of legislature passes this week, Minnesota will become the second state, which allows medical professionals, other than dentists, to drill and fill cavities and perform other dental procedures.

A recent article, published in USA Today, reports on the dental care “epidemic” that is sweeping the nation. It stated that more and more Americans are viewing the regular dental check-ups as a luxury, instead of a necessity. This is causing larger, more expensive problems down the road, when they have to remove teeth or put in fillings to correct problems.

This week marks the anniversary of the first use of sedation in a dental procedure. Dentists from all over the country have chosen to celebrate this momentous decision, by organizing the first annual Sedation Dentistry Safety Week.

The American Dental Association has created a brochure that will help its dental patients better understand the relationship between their dental health and osteoporosis medications. Many patients panicked when they heard the news that the medications could cause osteonecrosis- a breakdown of the jawbone.

Scientists and dental experts have recently been finding out that the antioxidants in green tea are useful in cutting drinkers’ chances of developing periodontal disease during their lifetimes.

The countdown to the Chicago Dental Association (CDA)’s annual convention is on. In just a few days, 30,000 dental professionals from all over the country will convene in the windy city to discuss new treatment options, the importance of preventative practices and other various topics.

While it was previously thought that the foods that Americans eat is the sole factor in determining our rate of tooth decay, scientists now know that many other aspects play vital roles in protecting our teeth- especially dental education.

This week marks the two-year anniversary of the death of a 12-year-old boy from Maryland. Though he grew up in a wealthy family, in a wealthy area, he did not receive proper dental work. $80 for a routine cleaning could have saved the boys life.