The University of Iowa, for one, recently began work on an addition to its college of dentistry which should add about 30,000 square feet to its facility, greatly increasing the number of students the program can accommodate.

Dean of the dental school told Radio Iowa that the expansion wouldn’t just benefit the school, it would also benefit the community.

“This really is an investment in the oral health of Iowans for probably the next two to three generations,” he told the news source. “Eighty-percent of Iowa’s dentists are our alumni and we want to be an invaluable resource to the state.”

Job openings for dentists are expected to increase by 16 percent by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Researchers speculated that when bacteria infect the mouth, the infection can cause chemical changes that affect the ability of the body to use the insulin it produces, making it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.

Lead author of the study, Terry Simpson, said that dental health has long been a known to link to overall health, but that the new knowledge would help dentists and doctors find better treatments for patients with these conditions.

“It would be wise to advise patients of the relationship between treating periodontal disease and the possibility of lowering their blood sugar levels,” he said. “An oral health assessment should be recommended as part of their routine diabetes management.”

About 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease, and diabetes is one of the most common causes of death, according to the National Institute of Health.

Researchers looked at the effect of toothpastes containing triclosan copolymer and found that they were better at killing more of the harmful bacteria that exists in the cavities of mouths.

The warm, moist atmosphere of the mouth is ideal for bacteria. Most of the bacteria common the mouths are harmless, but some can lead to bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay.

Lead researcher, Joseph Zambon, of the University of Buffalo, said that fluoride is known to kill some of these bacteria, but that triclosan copolymer is more effective at preventing certain strains from infecting the mouth.

“Repetitive testing shows that toothpaste with triclosan copolymer outperformed the fluoride-only toothpastes when it came to inhibiting the growth of bacteria,” he said. “Triclosan added to toothpaste has been shown in a number of clinical studies to inhibit plaque and gingivitis.”

Toothpastes with this added bacteria-fighting compound are commercially available from many companies.

Many of these children develop tooth decay which, when left untreated, can lead to painful and occasionally life-threatening infections.

Dr Jared Fine, the dental health administrator for the Alameda, California County Public Health Department, told the New York Times that the problem has gotten out of hand, and that public health organizations need to do more to ensure that children with dental problems can visit a dentist.

“We have an epidemic of dental disease in children that’s absurdly pervasive,” he told the news source. “We can only go up from here.”

According to recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 percent of children between the ages of two and five have untreated tooth infections.

There are many discount dental plans that can help those without insurance access at dentist at little out of pocket expense.

During the recent economic downturn, dentist offices across the country reported seeing fewer patients, but as economic conditions continue to improve, many dentists say they are seeing patients return for procedures they had put off in recent months.

Dr Lyndsie Thurnau, an office manager at a dentist’s office in Granite City, Missouri, told the Suburban Journal that her appointment book has been much more crowded the last few months.

“Some of the patients feel the work has to be done now,” she told the news source. “They’ve put it off and now are saying, ‘OK, I will do it.’ Most of them are blue collar workers.”

Rodger Levin recently wrote in the Journal of the American Dental Association that economic downturns affect dentists more now than they used to because they rely more heavily on elective procedures that many cash-strapped patients would decline.

Most dental wound suffered during the course of athletic competition can be serious and require extensive oral work to help the injury heal. The procedures can be expensive and difficult to pay for without insurance.

However, experts say a simple, inexpensive mouthguard can prevent many injuries. Dr Matthew Messina, an advisor with ADA, said that they are even important for individuals who participate in non-contact sports.

“You don’t have to be on the football field or in a hockey rink to benefit from a properly fitted mouthguard,” Dr. Messina explains. “Findings in sports dentistry show that even in non-contact sports, such as gymnastics, mouthguards will help protect participants.”

In addition to mouthguards, it may also be a good idea for those without insurance to look into discount dental plans. There are many inexpensive options that can help individuals protect their dental health in case of emergencies.

Parents are generally well aware of the importance of bringing their newborns to see a doctor for regular check-ups, but a new survey released by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry found that many parents are not aware of the importance of their infant’s dental health.

The study found that only 33 percent of parents consider dental health a concern for their child, and 97 percent were unaware that infants should be brought to a dentist in the first year of life.

William Berlocher, president of the academy, said that tooth decay can begin as early as teeth begin to emerge, which is typically around six months, and that life-long problems can occur if these early issues are not treated.

“Oral health is absolutely critical for overall health,” he said. “Parents know the value of early visits to the pediatrician, but it’s alarming to learn how few parents understand that infants need to see the pediatric dentist before their first birthday, even before baby teeth appear.”

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that baby teeth can be very important to a child’s development, because they help the child learn to chew and speak properly.

Parents are the first teachers of children, and proper dental hygiene habits are often formed at a young age. It may be important for parents to instill an understanding of the importance dental health before children are even born.

Dental surgeon Tegwyn Brickhouse said in a recent article in General Dentistry that women may be able to pass oral bacteria through the womb, and that periodontal disease has been linked to preterm birth

“Ideally, the oral health education for any family will begin with prenatal education,” she wrote. “Many people don’t realize that the oral health of the mother affects both the infant’s future oral health and the child’s overall health.”

Brickhouse added that it is important for mothers to continue teaching their children proper dental hygiene after birth by encouraging healthy lifestyles.

A new study from the University College of London has found that individuals who brush their teeth less than twice a day are at an increased risk of heart disease, further linking good dental health with overall health.

It has been known for years that poor dental hygiene can lead can lead to many serious oral problems like gum disease and cavities. Dentists have even warned that those who do not take care of their mouths may be at a higher risk of other, more serious health problems.

However, this is the first study to show a direct link between those who don’t brush regularly and heart disease.

Professor Richard Watts, who led the study, speculated that inflammation in the mouth may spread to other parts of the body, like the heart and arteries, leading to the elevated risk, according to Dentistry.co.uk.

“Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between oral hygiene and the risk of cardiovascular disease – furthermore, inflammatory markers were significantly associated with a very simple measure of poor oral health behavior,” he told the news source.

Other studies have shown that bacteria-causing inflammation in the mouth

To improve access to dental care in low-income communities in Tucson, United Concordia Dental has partnered with the Southern Arizona YMCA and the Southern Arizona Dental Society to offer free oral health services to a total of 160 children.

Children who participate in this event will receive free dental screenings and fluoride treatments, and individuals who have developed serious dental complications will receive follow up care.

Representatives of the organizations will also discuss with the children the importance of dental care as well as the proper ways to brush one’s teeth and use floss.

Woodrow Greene, a community outreach coordinator for United Concordia Dental, state that “for the past eight years, we’ve been helping promote dental health awareness in the communities we serve.” He added that “through events like this one, we are helping deliver free dental care to children with minimal or no insurance.”

While opportunities like this can help people with little insurance coverage or no dental benefits receive treatment, there are also discount dental plans that can better assist these families.

We live in a society where we no longer need to fear growing old — we now have the resources to battle wrinkles, weight gain and health problems associated with aging. Thanks to current medical advancements, we’re living longer, healthier lives — and that includes our dental health. But there is one drawback to our good fortune — keeping our teeth longer puts us at risk for tooth root decay, a disease that affects many people over the age of 50.

Baby Boomers Dental Health Issues

While cavities may be considered kids’ stuff, anyone with natural teeth can get tooth decay. To top that off, receding gums are a fact of life for many middle-aged people and seniors as gums experience normal wear and tear over time.

Hard or recurrent tooth brushing can also destroy the soft tissues of your gums. But the main culprit of receding gums is gum disease which affects three quarters of adults. No matter how your gums recede, once they do, you’re a target for root decay.

Dental Direct Senior Discount for Baby Boomers

Dental Direct is making Dental Plans Affordable for Seniors especially the Baby Boomer population while offering the same dental discounts as an individual or family plan.

Baby Boomer Annual Dental Discount Plan

Seniors 65 and over

Regular Price: $119.88/year

Baby Boomer Special Promotion: First 2 months FREE (worth $20)

Your Price: $99.90 (2 months FREE)

After 1st year, plan will renew at $9.99 a month

In an effort to provide free dental care to people with little or no dental insurance who live in Illinois, more than 1,000 oral health specialists participated in the Mission of Mercy. A total of 1,953 patients who can’t afford to see a dentist on a regular basis received treatments including fillings, lab work, teeth cleanings and extractions, according to the Quincy Heard Whig.

Approximately $1 million was donated by the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation, which helped pay for supplies and equipment. Also, more than 50 local businesses gave approximately $180,000 in donations to help fund the program, the news source reports.

Bruce Bergstrom, founder of the organization and executive director of the American Dental Foundation, stated that this event has had the most success out of all campaigns sponsored by the national organization.

A Christian child ministry, the Mission of Mercy aims to help underprivileged children receive both and physical and spirtural assistance, both on a national and international level, according to the organization’s website.

While people with little or no dental insurance coverage can benefit from attending these types of free events, finding a discount dental plan can provide them access to a dentist and oral hygiene treatments on a regular basis.

It is critically important that you take care of your teeth. Dental issues such as cavities that can occur with your gums and teeth can be very unhealthy and painful for your health and heart.

The problem begins with your ability to afford to go to the dentist in order to try to keep healthy teeth. With the expense for the maintenance of your dental health increasing, there is a need for discount dental insurance for most people.

While you may have health insurance from your employer, your dental insurance is a separate plan. Many employers don’t provide dental insurance which means you have to find your own. Fortunately, today there are numerous discount dental insurance plans that provide great coverage for just about any type of dental procedures that you may require. .

Numerous kinds of dental insurance exists for you to choose from that will fit into your budget while meeting your requirements. The first type of dental insurance plans is usually inexpensive while providing good coverage for many dental procedures. Usually, these insurance policies cover general dental procedures such as crowns, filings, tooth extractions, exams, sealants, and x rays.

Some of the insurance plans pay as much as 90% of the costs while you only pay the other 10% and some of the procedures such as cleanings and exams may be free with certain dental insurance plans. There are also co pay dental insurance plans that permit you to only pay one set price per visit and 80% of any procedures needed while you are there. Typically, with many dental insurance plans, braces and dentures are discounted rather than actually being covered by the insurance.

There are dental insurance plans that have a network of dentists that work with different insurance plans. There are also discount dental plans that use cards that permit you to pay a set cost for a dental procedure. These discount dental plans are not insurance, but they do help to offset costs. Some, but not all, of these discount cards can also include braces and dentures.

The savings you may receive from a discount dental card can be as much as 55% for numerous procedures which can really help make dental procedures more affordable. One more way to save on the expense of dental procedures is to check for local coupons from dentists that offer savings on many kinds of dental procedures.

Although discount cards are not insurance, they are used as part of a dental participant program to save the consumer money on dental work. Dental insurance and discount cards are intended to help you repair your teeth when problems occur, maintain dental health, and be able to afford the prevention of dental problems.

Some of these dental plans are only available in some states and some states will only permit a certain kind of insurance or discount card to be used. Make sure you find the plans that meet your state’s requirements. The kind of plan that you select should be determined by your personal requirements. You should research numerous dental insurance and plans to comparison shop before you select a dental plan or dental insurance.

Pregnancy is a blessing, but it can really turn your world upside down. In order to keep up with all the changes that are going on in your body, you need to understand how your dental health impacts your overall health, and the overall health of your unborn child. Understanding these links will help you to make smart pregnancy dental care choices during your nine months as an expectant mother.
Nutrition and Pregnancy Dental Health

Nutrition is one factor of your dental health that you need to get right. Without proper nutrition during pregnancy, your baby is not going to get the building blocks that he/she needs to develop a strong and healthy body. Your overall health is also going to suffer without proper nutrition, further endangering your baby. To make sure your baby is getting the nutrients that they need to develop a healthy smile, you will want to make sure your diet includes adequate amounts of calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, phosphorous and protein.

Calcium Myths

Calcium is a very important part of a balanced diet while pregnant. However, there is a myth that needs to be dispelled about the loss of calcium that mothers-to-be can experience. The myth is that if your diet doesn’t contain enough calcium while you are pregnant, that your body will harvest it from your teeth. This myth is not true. If your diet does not have enough calcium it will be harvested from your bones, not your teeth. To make sure your diet is rich in calcium, find low fat dairy products that you enjoy to snack on. These will provide you with nearly all the recommended nutrients needed for your baby to develop healthy tooth buds.

Pregnancy Dental Care

Getting pregnancy dental care is very important, as good oral health has been consistently linked to good overall health. This means that if you have a tooth ache, or notice that you have a dental problem developing, you need to get the problem treated right away before things get worse. However, you need to be extra careful about the medications, pregnancy dental x-rays and other treatments that you receive. You can alleviate your worries by working with a pregnancy dentist who knows what precautions to take with radiation and medication when treating pregnant patients.

More attention must be paid to the dental hygiene needs of the country’s senior citizens, the California Dental Hygienist’s Association has claimed.

The CDHA asked families to ensure that grandparents and older relatives receive adequate dental care by educating themselves about the needs of this age group.

As part of this education, it is important to realize that 400 different commonly prescribed drugs may result in dry mouth, a leading cause of tooth decay, the group warned.

Dry mouth can put someone at risk because saliva is one of the ways the mouth washes away sugars and other cavity-causing substances. It also neutralizes acids and helps re-mineralize teeth.

With that risk in mind, the CDHA suggested that people check the teeth of their loved one for signs of decay, as well as helping them stay on top of their daily dental routine.

“People don’t realize how poor oral health can contribute to the downward spiral in the mental and physical health of our parents and grandparents,” commented Noel Kelsch, president of the CDHA.

The group described how tooth decay and gum disease – when left untreated – can lead to poor eating habits, malnutrition and a reduction in overall health.

Senior Annual Dental Plan

65 and over

Regular Price: $119.88/year

Special Promotion: First 2 months FREE (worth $20)

Your Price: $99.90 (2 months FREE)

After 1st year, plan will renew at $9.99 a month

In tough economic times, it’s tempting to cut regular dental checkups out of your budget.

But doing so may cost you more money in the long run.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings help prevent major dental health problems before they occur or diagnose and treat them at the first signs – saving you money.

Unfortunately, many Americans do not take these long-term implications into consideration when making personal budget cuts.

A recent study reported in the online edition of Health Services Research showed an inverse relationship between the number of dental visits and unemployment.

The study compiled 10 years of research from Washington Dental Services, the largest dental insurer in Washington. The data showed a negative correlation between unemployment and the number of dental visits, as the number of dental visits dropped by 1.2 percent for every 10,000 jobs lost.

For those who wish to keep their dental care current without breaking the bank, there are alternatives.

One solution is a discount dental plan, an alternative to dental insurance. If your employer does not offer dental insurance or if you cannot afford dental insurance, a discount dental plan is a great way to save valuable dollars at the dentist.

DentalPlansDirect.com Offers Simple Dental Care Savings Solutions

The dip in the economy has been rough for everyone, but a recent study on women and men’s respective abilities to pay for medical and dental care showed that when it’s time to pay, women are more pressed for cash.

According to a Commonwealth Fund study, 52 percent of working-age women report problems accessing necessary health care due to costs, compared to 39 percent of men.

This gap widened when the focus was put on the underinsured segment of each sex. When asked, 69 percent of working-age women with inadequate insurance coverage reported difficulties accessing care because of cost, whereas just 49 percent of underinsured men reported similar issues.

While talks of reform and government-paid healthcare in the future abound, many are simply looking for a solution for right now. They need a savings program that they can use for the health and dental issues that are currently causing them discomfort – one that won’t just transfer the pain from their body to their bank account.

As many DentalPlansDirect.com Members have already found, a discount dental plan is a quick solution for both women and men struggling to pay for dental care. Whether they need an individual or family plan, those looking for alternatives to dental insurance can find dental care savings solutions at DentalPlans.com.

DentalPlansDirect.com gives those in need the ability to choose a plan based on location, dentist or the specific procedures needed.

Are you one of the many men who avoid the dentist?

If so, you may end up spending much more money on dental care than men who make regular visits to their dentists.

A recent study by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association showed just how much can be saved by keeping up with preventive dental checkups and cleanings.

The study estimated that $8 to $50 could be saved on restorative and emergency dental care procedures for every dollar spent on preventive dental care like regular checkups and cleanings.

These findings are especially relevant in today’s economy. Taking better care of your teeth today could save you money in the future.

Most Americans are looking to trim budgets and, unfortunately, preventive dental care is sometimes viewed as a cost that can be cut. However, avoiding the dentist now may mean having to pay even more later for comprehensive dental care that could have been prevented. Most dental diseases and their accompanying dental care treatments can be prevented by regular dental checkups. It’s estimated that early detection and treatment of dental problems could save Americans $4 billion each year.

In addition to saving money, it is important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups because of the link between dental health and overall health. Dental disease has been linked to overall health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Recent studies have also shown a link between dental health and longevity.

For those who want to maintain good oral health but can’t fit regular dental checkups into their budget, discount dental plans are a quick and easy money-saving option.

Whether you lack dental insurance or you want additional savings at the dentist, a discount dental plan can help make you stay in your budget and, most importantly, protect your smile and dental health.

But you’d hate to take a sledgehammer to your savings account. Maybe you can stick it out until next Friday’s paycheck.

You dreaded this situation when you opted out of your company’s dental insurance offering. But, you haven’t had a dental issue in years now and you figured you’d just put away a little each paycheck. Just in case something came up.

But that money isn’t there anymore.

Is there a way to save even if I already need dental care?

Yes. There’s a quick, affordable solution to your dental care woes: a discount dental plan.

These dental care savings plans are affordable alternatives to dental insurance and many individuals, families and groups turn to them to get quick access to dental care savings. And in addition to potential savings, Dental Direct discount dental plans activate immediately.

How long will my plan be active?

Dental Direct discount dental plans are purchased on an annual or monthly basis.

Rather than dealing with annual limits, paperwork hassles and health restrictions, many individuals, families and groups turn to Dental Direct discount dental plans to get yearlong discounts on most dental care procedures for an annual membership fee.

But how much will I have to pay for a plan?

If you’re looking for individual dental discounts, plans for individuals start at just $15 a month. For families in need of discounts at the dentist, plans start at just $25 a month.

]]> http://dentalplansdirect.com/2010/05/tooth-ache-now-what-do-you-do/feed/ 0 http://dentalplansdirect.com/2010/05/childrens-dental-care-and-the-recession/ http://dentalplansdirect.com/2010/05/childrens-dental-care-and-the-recession/#comments Sun, 23 May 2010 19:49:49 +0000 mcomitto http://www.dentalplansdirect.com/?p=60951 Don’t Let Your Children’s Dental Care Fall Victim to the Recession

Many Americans are facing tough times right now and unfortunately, dental care is often viewed as an auxiliary cost, despite its importance to overall health.

What is even more unfortunate is that some children are being affected by this decision to forego dental care in order to cut costs.

The national online poll, conducted May 29-30, surveyed 210 parents of young children in households with annual incomes of $35,000 or less. The survey found that among respondents:

A recent national poll by FORBA surveyed 210 parents of young children in households with annual incomes of $35,000 or less and the results highlighted the unfortunate choice many parents are currently facing.

Nearly half (44 percent) experiencing financial troubles due to the current economic situation have been forced to choose between dental care for their dependents and other necessities.

While this poll highlights a very serious issue, what many faced with this decision fail to see though is that preventive dental care is usually far more affordable than emergency care or major procedures that result from neglected every day care or skipped checkups and cleanings.

Fortunately, there’s another option for families struggling to afford regular dental checkups and cleanings.

DentalPlansDirect.com offers families an alternative to dental insurance: discount dental plans. These dental care savings plans start at just $25 a month for families and they allow families to save 30% to 60% on most dental care procedures during their membership. Further, all new members get two months of membership when you sign up for the year in full.

]]> http://dentalplansdirect.com/2010/05/childrens-dental-care-and-the-recession/feed/ 0