A new study indicates dentists can play a potentially life-saving role in health care by identifying patients at risk of fatal heart attacks and referring them to physicians for further evaluation.
Published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, the study followed 200 patients (101 women and 99 men) in private dental practices in Sweden whose dentists used a computerized system, "HeartScore," to calculate the risk of a patient dying from a cardiovascular event within a 10-year period.
Designed by the European Society of Cardiology, HeartScore measures cardiovascular disease risk in persons aged 40-65 by factoring the person's age, sex, total cholesterol level, systolic blood pressure and smoking status.
Patients with HeartScores of 10 percent or higher, meaning they had a 10 percent or higher risk of having a fatal heart attack or stroke within a 10-year period, were told by dentists to seek medical advice regarding their condition.
Twelve patients in the study, all of them men, had HeartScores of 10 percent or higher. All women participating in the study had HeartScores of 5 percent or less.
Of the 12 male patients with HeartScores of 10 percent or higher, nine sought further evaluation by a medical care provider who decided that intervention was indicated for six of the patients. Two patients did not follow the dentist's recommendation to seek further medical evaluation and one patient was only encouraged by his dentist to discontinue smoking. Physicians for three patients were not able to confirm their risk for cardiovascular disease.
All 200 patients enrolled in the study were 45 years of age or older with no history of cardiovascular disease, medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes and had not visited a physician during the previous year to assess their glucose, cholesterol or blood pressure levels.
The study's authors conclude that oral health care professionals can identify patients who are unaware of their risk of developing serious complications as a result of cardiovascular disease and who are in need of medical interventions.
According to the authors, "With emerging data suggesting an association between oral and non-oral diseases, and with the possibility of performing chairside screening tests for diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, oral health care professionals may find themselves in an opportune position to enhance the overall health and well-being of their patients."
Source
American Dental Association
пятница, 1 июля 2011 г.
четверг, 30 июня 2011 г.
Link Between Gum Inflammation And Alzheimer's Disease Supported By New Evidence From NYUCD
NYU dental researchers have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal (gum) disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease in healthy individuals as well as in those who already are cognitively impaired.
The NYU study offers fresh evidence that gum inflammation may contribute to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease.
The research team, led by Dr. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry, examined 20 years of data that support the hypothesis of a possible causal link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease.
"The research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation," Dr. Kamer said.
Dr. Kamer's study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Douglas E. Morse, Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion at NYU College of Dentistry, and a team of researchers in Denmark, builds upon a 2008 study by Dr. Kamer which found that subjects with Alzheimer's disease had a significantly higher level of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal disease in their plasma compared to healthy people.
Dr. Kamer's latest findings are based on an analysis of data on periodontal inflammation and cognitive function in 152 subjects in the Glostrop Aging Study, which has been gathering medical, psychological, oral health, and social data on Danish men and women. Dr. Kamer examined data spanning a 20-year period ending in 1984, when the subjects were all 70 years of age. The findings were presented by Dr. Kamer at the 2010 annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research July 16, in Barcelona, Spain.
Dr. Kamer's team compared cognitive function at ages 50 and 70, using the Digit Symbol Test, or DST, a part of the standard measurement of adult IQ. The DST assesses how quickly subjects can link a series of digits, such as 2, 3, 4, to a corresponding list of digit-symbol pairs, such as 1/-,2/- ... 7/?›,8/X,9/=.
Dr. Kamer found that periodontal inflammation at age 70 was strongly associated with lower DST scores at age 70. Subjects with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of the DST compared to subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation.
This strong association held true even in those subjects who had other risk factors linked to lower DST scores, including obesity, cigarette smoking, and tooth loss unrelated to gum inflammation. The strong association also held true in those subjects who already had a low DST score at age 50.
Dr. Kamer plans to conduct a follow-up study involving a larger, more ethnically diverse group of subjects, to further examine the connection between periodontal disease and low cognition.
In addition to Dr. Morse, Dr. Kamer's coinvestigators included Dr. Poul Holm-Pedersen, Professor and Director of the Gerontology & Oral Health Research Center; Dr. Erik Lykke Mortensen, Professor of Psychology; and Dr. Birita Ellefsen, Assistant Professor of Gerontology & Oral Health, all at Copenhagen University in Denmark; and Dr. Kirsten Avlund, Professor of Social Medicine at the Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen.
The NYU study offers fresh evidence that gum inflammation may contribute to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer's disease.
The research team, led by Dr. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry, examined 20 years of data that support the hypothesis of a possible causal link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease.
"The research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation," Dr. Kamer said.
Dr. Kamer's study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Douglas E. Morse, Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Health Promotion at NYU College of Dentistry, and a team of researchers in Denmark, builds upon a 2008 study by Dr. Kamer which found that subjects with Alzheimer's disease had a significantly higher level of antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with periodontal disease in their plasma compared to healthy people.
Dr. Kamer's latest findings are based on an analysis of data on periodontal inflammation and cognitive function in 152 subjects in the Glostrop Aging Study, which has been gathering medical, psychological, oral health, and social data on Danish men and women. Dr. Kamer examined data spanning a 20-year period ending in 1984, when the subjects were all 70 years of age. The findings were presented by Dr. Kamer at the 2010 annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research July 16, in Barcelona, Spain.
Dr. Kamer's team compared cognitive function at ages 50 and 70, using the Digit Symbol Test, or DST, a part of the standard measurement of adult IQ. The DST assesses how quickly subjects can link a series of digits, such as 2, 3, 4, to a corresponding list of digit-symbol pairs, such as 1/-,2/- ... 7/?›,8/X,9/=.
Dr. Kamer found that periodontal inflammation at age 70 was strongly associated with lower DST scores at age 70. Subjects with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of the DST compared to subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation.
This strong association held true even in those subjects who had other risk factors linked to lower DST scores, including obesity, cigarette smoking, and tooth loss unrelated to gum inflammation. The strong association also held true in those subjects who already had a low DST score at age 50.
Dr. Kamer plans to conduct a follow-up study involving a larger, more ethnically diverse group of subjects, to further examine the connection between periodontal disease and low cognition.
In addition to Dr. Morse, Dr. Kamer's coinvestigators included Dr. Poul Holm-Pedersen, Professor and Director of the Gerontology & Oral Health Research Center; Dr. Erik Lykke Mortensen, Professor of Psychology; and Dr. Birita Ellefsen, Assistant Professor of Gerontology & Oral Health, all at Copenhagen University in Denmark; and Dr. Kirsten Avlund, Professor of Social Medicine at the Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen.
среда, 29 июня 2011 г.
New Dental Registration Plan Against Patients' Interests, Say UK Dentists
Plans to change NHS dental registration in Scotland could harm patient care, according to a survey of high street dentists. Dentists are worried that proposals to introduce continuous registration, a scheme which would sweep away the need for patients to visit their dentist in order to remain registered with them, sends the wrong message about the value of regular check-ups.
In a survey of general dental practitioners from across Scotland, 87 per cent of respondents said they were opposed to the introduction of continuous registration. Concerns articulated by respondents include it undermining the importance of regular check-ups, failing to promote a strong dentist-patient relationship, and increasing the chances of serious conditions such as mouth cancer going undetected.
Concerns were also expressed about the strain on NHS services that would be caused by patients who chose to attend less regularly. Irregular attendance often results in more complex and time-consuming treatment being required. Catering for a greater number of emergency appointments would also increase waiting times for patients attending regular appointments.
Colin Crawford, Chair of the BDA's Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said:
"This survey is an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the proposed change to continuous registration. The profession has worked hard to improve Scotland's unenviable oral health record by promoting the value of preventive dental care. The proposed change threatens to undermine that work.
"Continuous registration may be politically expedient - it will create an illusion of growing numbers of patients accessing dentistry - but it doesn't genuinely improve patient care. We urge the Scottish Government to think again on this plan. Massaging figures isn't the way to improve the oral health of Scotland; ensuring there are adequate numbers of dentists, encouraging patients to visit them regularly and working with the profession is."
The BDA has communicated the results of the survey, and reiterated its concerns about continuous registration, in a letter to the Scottish Government.
Under the current arrangements, patients who attend at the interval agreed with their dentist maintain their registered status, effectively enjoying open-ended registration anyway.
Source
British Dental Association
In a survey of general dental practitioners from across Scotland, 87 per cent of respondents said they were opposed to the introduction of continuous registration. Concerns articulated by respondents include it undermining the importance of regular check-ups, failing to promote a strong dentist-patient relationship, and increasing the chances of serious conditions such as mouth cancer going undetected.
Concerns were also expressed about the strain on NHS services that would be caused by patients who chose to attend less regularly. Irregular attendance often results in more complex and time-consuming treatment being required. Catering for a greater number of emergency appointments would also increase waiting times for patients attending regular appointments.
Colin Crawford, Chair of the BDA's Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said:
"This survey is an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the proposed change to continuous registration. The profession has worked hard to improve Scotland's unenviable oral health record by promoting the value of preventive dental care. The proposed change threatens to undermine that work.
"Continuous registration may be politically expedient - it will create an illusion of growing numbers of patients accessing dentistry - but it doesn't genuinely improve patient care. We urge the Scottish Government to think again on this plan. Massaging figures isn't the way to improve the oral health of Scotland; ensuring there are adequate numbers of dentists, encouraging patients to visit them regularly and working with the profession is."
The BDA has communicated the results of the survey, and reiterated its concerns about continuous registration, in a letter to the Scottish Government.
Under the current arrangements, patients who attend at the interval agreed with their dentist maintain their registered status, effectively enjoying open-ended registration anyway.
Source
British Dental Association
вторник, 28 июня 2011 г.
Dentists, Pediatricians Urge Mouthguard Use as Kids Head Back to School
Each year, more than three and a half million children, aged 14 and under are injured while playing sports or participating in recreational activities (USA).
As part of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) annual back-to-school health promotion, when some 6 million high school students plan their participation in team sports, both health organizations remind parents that the use of mouthguards can help protect children from mouth injuries.
Mouthguards help cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. They also may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions. If a child wears braces or another fixed dental appliance on their lower jaw, the dentist may suggest a mouth protector for those teeth as well.
Facial injuries and protective equipment
Kids suffer thousands of injuries each year on the playing field, the basketball court or while skateboarding, biking or during other activities.
"Injuries to the face from participating in a sport or other recreational activity can harm your child's teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue, but a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your child's smile," says Edmond Hewlett, D.D.S., an ADA consumer advisor and associate professor at UCLA's School of Dentistry.
"In addition to mouthguards, be sure your child wears all the appropriate protective equipment made for their sport, such as shin pads, wrist guards, eye protection, and helmet, adds AAP President Carol Berkowitz, M.D., FAAP. Always consult your pediatrician on the sport that is right for your child's age and abilities."
"In the past few years, since high schools and colleges began to require mouthguards and facemasks for football, about 200,000 injuries to the mouth and face have been prevented each year," says Dr. Hewlett.
Completion of health, dental exams and immunizations
ADA and AAP also encourage parents to make dental exams a regular part of their children's back-to-school routine, including completion of all health examinations and necessary immunizations in time for the new school year.
About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 152,000 members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at ada.
About the American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information about the AAP, visit aap
American Dental Association (ADA)
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
ada
As part of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) annual back-to-school health promotion, when some 6 million high school students plan their participation in team sports, both health organizations remind parents that the use of mouthguards can help protect children from mouth injuries.
Mouthguards help cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. They also may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions. If a child wears braces or another fixed dental appliance on their lower jaw, the dentist may suggest a mouth protector for those teeth as well.
Facial injuries and protective equipment
Kids suffer thousands of injuries each year on the playing field, the basketball court or while skateboarding, biking or during other activities.
"Injuries to the face from participating in a sport or other recreational activity can harm your child's teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue, but a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your child's smile," says Edmond Hewlett, D.D.S., an ADA consumer advisor and associate professor at UCLA's School of Dentistry.
"In addition to mouthguards, be sure your child wears all the appropriate protective equipment made for their sport, such as shin pads, wrist guards, eye protection, and helmet, adds AAP President Carol Berkowitz, M.D., FAAP. Always consult your pediatrician on the sport that is right for your child's age and abilities."
"In the past few years, since high schools and colleges began to require mouthguards and facemasks for football, about 200,000 injuries to the mouth and face have been prevented each year," says Dr. Hewlett.
Completion of health, dental exams and immunizations
ADA and AAP also encourage parents to make dental exams a regular part of their children's back-to-school routine, including completion of all health examinations and necessary immunizations in time for the new school year.
About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 152,000 members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at ada.
About the American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information about the AAP, visit aap
American Dental Association (ADA)
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
ada
понедельник, 27 июня 2011 г.
IDF Guideline On Oral Health For People With Diabetes Supported By AAP
New clinical guidelines released by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) emphasize the importance of periodontal health for people with diabetes. Diabetes affects approximately 246 million people worldwide, and this number is only expected to increase. The IDF is an organization of 200 national diabetes associations from 160 countries.
The new IDF oral health clinical guideline supports what research has already suggested: that management of periodontal disease - which affects the gums and other supporting tissues around the teeth - can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes; and can also help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Studies have suggested there is a two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, and the IDF guideline outlines helpful guidance for health professionals who treat people living with and at risk for diabetes.
The IDF guideline contains clinical recommendations on periodontal care, written in collaboration with the World Dental Federation (FDI), that encourage health professionals to conduct annual inquiries for symptoms of periodontal disease such as swollen or red gums, or bleeding during tooth brushing; and to educate their patients with diabetes about the implications of the condition on oral health, and especially periodontal health.
"Everyone should maintain healthy teeth and gums to avoid periodontal disease, but people with diabetes should pay extra attention," said Samuel Low, DDS, MS, Associate Dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). "Periodontal disease triggers the body's inflammatory response which can affect insulin sensitivity and ultimately lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels. Establishing routine periodontal care is one way to help keep diabetes under control."
In recognition of American Diabetes Month, the American Academy of Periodontology commends the International Diabetes Foundation on the release of the Guideline on Oral Health for People with Diabetes, and supports its encouragement of continued collaboration and communication between diabetes and oral healthcare professionals.
In addition to helping increase awareness about the importance of oral care for people with diabetes, Dr. Low believes the guideline presents more opportunities for medicine and dentistry to work together. "I know that these clinical recommendations will be helpful for those professionals who work with and treat people with diabetes. I also encourage the medical and dental communities to work together to provide the best possible care for our patients."
The new IDF oral health clinical guideline supports what research has already suggested: that management of periodontal disease - which affects the gums and other supporting tissues around the teeth - can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes; and can also help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Studies have suggested there is a two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, and the IDF guideline outlines helpful guidance for health professionals who treat people living with and at risk for diabetes.
The IDF guideline contains clinical recommendations on periodontal care, written in collaboration with the World Dental Federation (FDI), that encourage health professionals to conduct annual inquiries for symptoms of periodontal disease such as swollen or red gums, or bleeding during tooth brushing; and to educate their patients with diabetes about the implications of the condition on oral health, and especially periodontal health.
"Everyone should maintain healthy teeth and gums to avoid periodontal disease, but people with diabetes should pay extra attention," said Samuel Low, DDS, MS, Associate Dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). "Periodontal disease triggers the body's inflammatory response which can affect insulin sensitivity and ultimately lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels. Establishing routine periodontal care is one way to help keep diabetes under control."
In recognition of American Diabetes Month, the American Academy of Periodontology commends the International Diabetes Foundation on the release of the Guideline on Oral Health for People with Diabetes, and supports its encouragement of continued collaboration and communication between diabetes and oral healthcare professionals.
In addition to helping increase awareness about the importance of oral care for people with diabetes, Dr. Low believes the guideline presents more opportunities for medicine and dentistry to work together. "I know that these clinical recommendations will be helpful for those professionals who work with and treat people with diabetes. I also encourage the medical and dental communities to work together to provide the best possible care for our patients."
воскресенье, 26 июня 2011 г.
Discovery Of New Proteins May Lead To More Effective Treatment Of Endocarditis And Infections Associated With Implants
A research team at the Faculty of Odontology at Malmo University in Sweden has discovered two new proteins that are of importance to the survival of bacteria and their colonization of the human body. Besides enhancing our knowledge of the ability of bacteria to spread, the findings may also lead to more effective treatment of endocarditis and infections associated with implants.
Each year some 500 people in Sweden develop endocarditis, inflammation of the heart valves. The condition can be life-threatening, and one of the bacteria that cause the disease is Streptococcus gordonii, a bacterium that exists in the mouth.
"It's part of the natural flora of bacteria there, but sometimes it gets into the bloodstream, and then it can lead to infective endocarditis. The bacteria have also been found in infections surrounding various kinds of implants," says Associate Professor Julia Davies, who directed the research team at the Faculty of Odontology.
To survive in the oral cavity the bacteria must be able to attach to a surface, such as the mucous membrane. This is done with the help of proteins. In the mid 1990s one of these proteins from the bacterium S. gordonii was identified by a research team in England.
Julia Davies and her colleagues have now discovered two more. These scientists have thereby taken a step toward an understanding of how these bacteria get a grip on a surface, on heart valves, for instance. The two new proteins, SGO 0707 and SGO 1487, are found in the cell wall of the bacterium S. gordonii. The proteins are produced by the bacterium, and without them the bacterium cannot fasten to a surface, which is a precondition for it to be able to survive.
If bacteria wind up in the bloodstream, they can bind to the heart valves, where they produce a so-called biofilm and encapsulate themselves. Once the bacteria are encapsulated, it is extremely difficult to get rid of them. But with enhanced knowledge of how bacteria fasten to surfaces, it will be easier to find effective new strategies to treat biofilms-induced diseases.
"If we can block this binding with the help of drugs, treatment will be more effective," says Julia Davies.
It was previously known that bacteria that grow in so-called biofilms alter their properties when they settle on a surface. For example, they become more resistant to antibiotics and antibacterial compounds.
These researchers are now moving on to find out how this resistance arises.
"We want to understand in what ways bacteria alter their properties when they settle on a surface," says Julia Davies.
Each year some 500 people in Sweden develop endocarditis, inflammation of the heart valves. The condition can be life-threatening, and one of the bacteria that cause the disease is Streptococcus gordonii, a bacterium that exists in the mouth.
"It's part of the natural flora of bacteria there, but sometimes it gets into the bloodstream, and then it can lead to infective endocarditis. The bacteria have also been found in infections surrounding various kinds of implants," says Associate Professor Julia Davies, who directed the research team at the Faculty of Odontology.
To survive in the oral cavity the bacteria must be able to attach to a surface, such as the mucous membrane. This is done with the help of proteins. In the mid 1990s one of these proteins from the bacterium S. gordonii was identified by a research team in England.
Julia Davies and her colleagues have now discovered two more. These scientists have thereby taken a step toward an understanding of how these bacteria get a grip on a surface, on heart valves, for instance. The two new proteins, SGO 0707 and SGO 1487, are found in the cell wall of the bacterium S. gordonii. The proteins are produced by the bacterium, and without them the bacterium cannot fasten to a surface, which is a precondition for it to be able to survive.
If bacteria wind up in the bloodstream, they can bind to the heart valves, where they produce a so-called biofilm and encapsulate themselves. Once the bacteria are encapsulated, it is extremely difficult to get rid of them. But with enhanced knowledge of how bacteria fasten to surfaces, it will be easier to find effective new strategies to treat biofilms-induced diseases.
"If we can block this binding with the help of drugs, treatment will be more effective," says Julia Davies.
It was previously known that bacteria that grow in so-called biofilms alter their properties when they settle on a surface. For example, they become more resistant to antibiotics and antibacterial compounds.
These researchers are now moving on to find out how this resistance arises.
"We want to understand in what ways bacteria alter their properties when they settle on a surface," says Julia Davies.
суббота, 25 июня 2011 г.
Periodontal Disease: How To Protect Your Teeth And Gums
Millions of people
have periodontal (gum) disease and many don't even know they have it. Are
you one of them?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your
teeth. It is caused by the plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. While
brushing and flossing removes most plaque, it is impossible to remove all
of it. The remaining plaque hardens into tartar. When this tartar forms
under the gumline, it can irritate and infect the gums, leading to gum
disease.
The good news is that periodontal disease is easily preventable. The
Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) reminds the public about the
importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The
first stage, gingivitis, is the early stage of periodontal disease, where
the bacteria get in between the tooth and gum, causing inflammation. During
this early stage, daily brushing and flossing can likely reverse
periodontal disease.
If left untreated, periodontitis, the more advanced stage of
periodontal disease, can develop, causing irreversible damage to the gums,
teeth and surrounding bones. Periodontitis is more serious because the
tissue that holds the teeth to the bone is destroyed, causing tooth roots
to be exposed and increasing decay, inflammation and receding gums,
resulting in possible tooth loss.
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing
periodontal disease, including the use of tobacco; certain systematic
diseases, such as diabetes; some types of medication, including steroids
and various anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel
blockers and oral contraceptives; bridges that no longer fit properly;
crooked teeth; fillings that have become defective and pregnancy.
"Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice
as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease," said Dr. David Shemo, a
PDA member and general dentist from Wilkes-Barre. "Their theory is that
oral bacteria can affect the heart when it enters the blood stream,
attaching to fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels and contributing to
clot formation."
PDA offers the following tips to maintain optimal dental health and
prevent periodontal disease:
-- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Brushing and flossing
helps to remove the plaque and food particles from the surface of the
teeth and between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Replace
your toothbrush every few months or when the bristles become frayed or
worn. Using a fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial mouthrinse is
another way to help keep tooth decay at bay.
-- Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Choose a variety of nutritious
foods from the five main food groups: grain, dairy, fruits, vegetables
and meat/poultry.
-- Visit the dentist at least every six months for oral health checkups and
professional cleaning.
-- Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any symptoms of
periodontal disease, as early detection is key. Symptoms of periodontal
disease include red, swollen or tender gums or gums that bleed easily or
are pulling away from the teeth; chronic bad breath or bad taste in the
mouth; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; pus appearing
between the teeth and gums when gums are pressed; changes in teeth
alignment when you bite and changes in the fit of partial dentures.
For more information on other oral health topics, visit PDA's website
at padental.
Pennsylvania Dental Association
padental
have periodontal (gum) disease and many don't even know they have it. Are
you one of them?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your
teeth. It is caused by the plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. While
brushing and flossing removes most plaque, it is impossible to remove all
of it. The remaining plaque hardens into tartar. When this tartar forms
under the gumline, it can irritate and infect the gums, leading to gum
disease.
The good news is that periodontal disease is easily preventable. The
Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) reminds the public about the
importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The
first stage, gingivitis, is the early stage of periodontal disease, where
the bacteria get in between the tooth and gum, causing inflammation. During
this early stage, daily brushing and flossing can likely reverse
periodontal disease.
If left untreated, periodontitis, the more advanced stage of
periodontal disease, can develop, causing irreversible damage to the gums,
teeth and surrounding bones. Periodontitis is more serious because the
tissue that holds the teeth to the bone is destroyed, causing tooth roots
to be exposed and increasing decay, inflammation and receding gums,
resulting in possible tooth loss.
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing
periodontal disease, including the use of tobacco; certain systematic
diseases, such as diabetes; some types of medication, including steroids
and various anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel
blockers and oral contraceptives; bridges that no longer fit properly;
crooked teeth; fillings that have become defective and pregnancy.
"Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice
as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease," said Dr. David Shemo, a
PDA member and general dentist from Wilkes-Barre. "Their theory is that
oral bacteria can affect the heart when it enters the blood stream,
attaching to fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels and contributing to
clot formation."
PDA offers the following tips to maintain optimal dental health and
prevent periodontal disease:
-- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Brushing and flossing
helps to remove the plaque and food particles from the surface of the
teeth and between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Replace
your toothbrush every few months or when the bristles become frayed or
worn. Using a fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial mouthrinse is
another way to help keep tooth decay at bay.
-- Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Choose a variety of nutritious
foods from the five main food groups: grain, dairy, fruits, vegetables
and meat/poultry.
-- Visit the dentist at least every six months for oral health checkups and
professional cleaning.
-- Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any symptoms of
periodontal disease, as early detection is key. Symptoms of periodontal
disease include red, swollen or tender gums or gums that bleed easily or
are pulling away from the teeth; chronic bad breath or bad taste in the
mouth; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; pus appearing
between the teeth and gums when gums are pressed; changes in teeth
alignment when you bite and changes in the fit of partial dentures.
For more information on other oral health topics, visit PDA's website
at padental.
Pennsylvania Dental Association
padental
пятница, 24 июня 2011 г.
Whiplash May Produce Delayed Jaw Pain
One in three people exposed to whiplash trauma is at risk of developing delayed TMJ symptoms that may require treatment, according to research published in the August issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.
Researchers at Ume?? University, Sweden, studied short- and long-term temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction in 60 patients in hospital emergency rooms directly after they were involved in a rear-end car collision and evaluated them again one year later.
According to the study, the incidence of new symptoms of TMJ pain, dysfunction or both between the initial examination and follow-up was five times higher in subjects than in uninjured control subjects. In the year between the two examinations, 7 percent of control subjects developed symptoms in the TMJ versus 34 percent of study subjects.
According to the American Dental Association, the TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and translocational (gliding) action, used when chewing and speaking. Any problem that prevents this system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.
When the patients reported having symptoms in the TMJ either before or after their accidents or both, the authors evaluated symptoms, including clicking, locking and TMJ pain. They also asked patients to rate their pain intensity and report the degree to which symptoms interfered with their daily lives, including sleep disturbances, use of pain relievers and the need to take sick leave.
"One in three people who are exposed to whiplash trauma, which induces neck symptoms, is at risk of developing delayed TMJ pain and dysfunction during the year after the accident," the researchers concluded.
This study was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the American Dental Association.
About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at ada.
American Dental Association (ADA)
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
ada
Researchers at Ume?? University, Sweden, studied short- and long-term temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction in 60 patients in hospital emergency rooms directly after they were involved in a rear-end car collision and evaluated them again one year later.
According to the study, the incidence of new symptoms of TMJ pain, dysfunction or both between the initial examination and follow-up was five times higher in subjects than in uninjured control subjects. In the year between the two examinations, 7 percent of control subjects developed symptoms in the TMJ versus 34 percent of study subjects.
According to the American Dental Association, the TM joint is one of the most complex joints in the body. Located on each side of the head, these joints work together and can make many different movements, including a combination of rotating and translocational (gliding) action, used when chewing and speaking. Any problem that prevents this system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.
When the patients reported having symptoms in the TMJ either before or after their accidents or both, the authors evaluated symptoms, including clicking, locking and TMJ pain. They also asked patients to rate their pain intensity and report the degree to which symptoms interfered with their daily lives, including sleep disturbances, use of pain relievers and the need to take sick leave.
"One in three people who are exposed to whiplash trauma, which induces neck symptoms, is at risk of developing delayed TMJ pain and dysfunction during the year after the accident," the researchers concluded.
This study was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the American Dental Association.
About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at ada.
American Dental Association (ADA)
211 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
ada
четверг, 23 июня 2011 г.
Dentists And Dental Care Professionals "Must Act To Protect Children And Vulnerable Adults", Says GDC, UK
Dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs) are well placed to identify possible abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults - and have a responsibility to raise their concerns if they do, says the GDC.
All registrants should know who - a local health trust or board, for example - to contact for advice if they have concerns about potential abuse or neglect, says the GDC in a new statement on child protection.
The GDC points out that dentists and DCPs are well positioned to observe and identify facial and other injuries. Bruising, burns, bite marks and eye injuries could suggest that a concern should be raised.
"It is the responsibility of all members of the dental team to know what to do if they are concerned about the possible abuse or neglect of children and vulnerable adults," says GDC President Hew Mathewson.
"If you make a professional judgement and decide not to share your concern with the appropriate authority, you must be able to justify how you came to this decision.
"If you are unsure of the local procedures in your area, you have a duty to find out what they are, whether you work for the NHS or in private practice."
The GDC considers the term 'vulnerable adults' to mean "a person above the age of 18 years who is or may be in need of community care services [including healthcare] by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation" [1].
The statement on child protection is available now on the GDC website.
The web-based resource Child Protection and the Dental Team was specifically developed as an educational resource for the dental team in 2006. This resource can assist in identifying a concern regarding child abuse or neglect. Please visit cpdt.uk for further information.
General Dental Council
All registrants should know who - a local health trust or board, for example - to contact for advice if they have concerns about potential abuse or neglect, says the GDC in a new statement on child protection.
The GDC points out that dentists and DCPs are well positioned to observe and identify facial and other injuries. Bruising, burns, bite marks and eye injuries could suggest that a concern should be raised.
"It is the responsibility of all members of the dental team to know what to do if they are concerned about the possible abuse or neglect of children and vulnerable adults," says GDC President Hew Mathewson.
"If you make a professional judgement and decide not to share your concern with the appropriate authority, you must be able to justify how you came to this decision.
"If you are unsure of the local procedures in your area, you have a duty to find out what they are, whether you work for the NHS or in private practice."
The GDC considers the term 'vulnerable adults' to mean "a person above the age of 18 years who is or may be in need of community care services [including healthcare] by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation" [1].
The statement on child protection is available now on the GDC website.
The web-based resource Child Protection and the Dental Team was specifically developed as an educational resource for the dental team in 2006. This resource can assist in identifying a concern regarding child abuse or neglect. Please visit cpdt.uk for further information.
General Dental Council
среда, 22 июня 2011 г.
Domestic Violence Victims Receive Free Dental Services From NSU
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is offering free dental services to victims of domestic violence, who otherwise may not have access to such services.
Battered women can have significant dental needs that often go untreated. In some cases, a battered woman's dental problems are the direct result of abuse, and her abuser has kept her from receiving dental care for years, or even decades.
Using a 3-year, $850,000-grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), NSU's College of Dental Medicine is ready to help by providing examinations, preventive services, restorations, and some dentures to victims of domestic violence.
The free oral services are being provided on-site at several nonprofits that help victims get back on their feet: The Lodge in Miami, and Women in Distress and the Broward Addiction Recovery Center in Ft. Lauderdale. The dental services are also offered to the children of victims. So far, more than 107 women and their children have used the services provided by NSU dental residents and students. The grant is expected to provide dental treatment to nearly 200 women before it expires in June 2011.
"This grant enables NSU to provide a critical service that is needed by a vulnerable segment of society," said project director Stephen Abel, DDS, MSD, who is NSU's College of Dental Medicine's assistant dean of extramural programs. "Among the many challenges faced by victims of domestic violence is finding quality dental care delivered by compassionate, non-judgmental providers. We at Nova Southeastern University want to do our part to help."
NSU's College of Dental Medicine, which runs Florida's largest dental clinic in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, is helping meet the women's dental needs by using portable dental equipment to treat them directly at the shelters. This mobile equipment allows NSU dentists to provide comprehensive check-ups that fully evaluate each woman's needs. Dental residents and students are trained to handled the sensitivity of the woman's needs to ensure they feel safe and comfortable throughout the course of treatment
"This grant program has been an incredible resource," said Mary Riedel, president and CEO of Women in Distress. "The dental services have been beneficial on many levels. It provides our clients with an invaluable service; trains NSU dental students to care for domestic violence victims; provides our staff with another resource; and raises awareness of domestic violence."
Battered women can have significant dental needs that often go untreated. In some cases, a battered woman's dental problems are the direct result of abuse, and her abuser has kept her from receiving dental care for years, or even decades.
Using a 3-year, $850,000-grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), NSU's College of Dental Medicine is ready to help by providing examinations, preventive services, restorations, and some dentures to victims of domestic violence.
The free oral services are being provided on-site at several nonprofits that help victims get back on their feet: The Lodge in Miami, and Women in Distress and the Broward Addiction Recovery Center in Ft. Lauderdale. The dental services are also offered to the children of victims. So far, more than 107 women and their children have used the services provided by NSU dental residents and students. The grant is expected to provide dental treatment to nearly 200 women before it expires in June 2011.
"This grant enables NSU to provide a critical service that is needed by a vulnerable segment of society," said project director Stephen Abel, DDS, MSD, who is NSU's College of Dental Medicine's assistant dean of extramural programs. "Among the many challenges faced by victims of domestic violence is finding quality dental care delivered by compassionate, non-judgmental providers. We at Nova Southeastern University want to do our part to help."
NSU's College of Dental Medicine, which runs Florida's largest dental clinic in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, is helping meet the women's dental needs by using portable dental equipment to treat them directly at the shelters. This mobile equipment allows NSU dentists to provide comprehensive check-ups that fully evaluate each woman's needs. Dental residents and students are trained to handled the sensitivity of the woman's needs to ensure they feel safe and comfortable throughout the course of treatment
"This grant program has been an incredible resource," said Mary Riedel, president and CEO of Women in Distress. "The dental services have been beneficial on many levels. It provides our clients with an invaluable service; trains NSU dental students to care for domestic violence victims; provides our staff with another resource; and raises awareness of domestic violence."
вторник, 21 июня 2011 г.
American Dental Association And The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Issue Joint Statement On Litigation Settlement
The
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and the American Dental
Association (ADA) issued the following statement today:
"We are pleased to announce that the Alaska Native Tribal Health
Consortium (ANTHC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have agreed to
settle our legal dispute. With this chapter behind us, we pledge to
cooperatively advance our best efforts toward improving the oral health of
Alaska Natives.
"This settlement is a starting point for a new era of cooperation
between the dental profession and the ANTHC and its affiliated Tribal
health organizations in exploring ways to improve access to dental care in
rural Alaska. The issue that has divided us -- our difference of opinion
concerning the scope of practice of dental health aide therapists -- will
not deter our efforts to advocate for increased resources for dental care
in rural Alaska.
Our cooperative efforts will include:
-- Developing dental residency programs to create a "pipeline" of dentists
who could help alleviate the backlog of care in remote areas;
-- refining existing dental workforce models and developing new ones,
including the ADA- developed community dental health coordinator
(CDHC), to expand the availability of oral health education, prevention and treatment throughout the Alaska Native community;
-- coordinating the placement of volunteer dentists in Tribal communities;
-- and conducting an impartial, longitudinal study to determine the
effectiveness of various workforce models, including the DHAT and CDHC,
in improving access to oral health and oral health care in Tribal
areas.
"In addition, both the ANTHC and the ADA pledge to continue our
vigorous advocacy in Washington to ensure that Congress funds the Indian
Health Service sufficiently to fill the excessive number of vacant dental
positions in its dental programs.
"Finally, the ADA will contribute to the ANTHC Foundation to support
efforts to promote preventive oral health in remote Alaska. ADA and ANTHC
agree that prevention is the key to long-term success in improving oral
health for Alaska Natives."
About the ADA
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association,
representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral
health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and
promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's
state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and
materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient
experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a
valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about
the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at ada.
About the ANTHC
The nation's largest tribally managed health services provider, ANTHC
assumed management of statewide health services from the Indian Health
Service in 1997. It operates programs in medical care, water and sanitation
systems, health facilities, information technology, community health
services, and professional recruiting. To provide quality services in the
unique climate and vast distances of Alaska, ANTHC has developed innovative
initiatives and technology that are international models. All Alaska
Natives are both customers and owners of ANTHC through their tribes and
tribal health organizations, which comprise the ANTHC board of directors.
For more information, visit the Consortium's website at
anthc.
American Dental Association
ada
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and the American Dental
Association (ADA) issued the following statement today:
"We are pleased to announce that the Alaska Native Tribal Health
Consortium (ANTHC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have agreed to
settle our legal dispute. With this chapter behind us, we pledge to
cooperatively advance our best efforts toward improving the oral health of
Alaska Natives.
"This settlement is a starting point for a new era of cooperation
between the dental profession and the ANTHC and its affiliated Tribal
health organizations in exploring ways to improve access to dental care in
rural Alaska. The issue that has divided us -- our difference of opinion
concerning the scope of practice of dental health aide therapists -- will
not deter our efforts to advocate for increased resources for dental care
in rural Alaska.
Our cooperative efforts will include:
-- Developing dental residency programs to create a "pipeline" of dentists
who could help alleviate the backlog of care in remote areas;
-- refining existing dental workforce models and developing new ones,
including the ADA- developed community dental health coordinator
(CDHC), to expand the availability of oral health education, prevention and treatment throughout the Alaska Native community;
-- coordinating the placement of volunteer dentists in Tribal communities;
-- and conducting an impartial, longitudinal study to determine the
effectiveness of various workforce models, including the DHAT and CDHC,
in improving access to oral health and oral health care in Tribal
areas.
"In addition, both the ANTHC and the ADA pledge to continue our
vigorous advocacy in Washington to ensure that Congress funds the Indian
Health Service sufficiently to fill the excessive number of vacant dental
positions in its dental programs.
"Finally, the ADA will contribute to the ANTHC Foundation to support
efforts to promote preventive oral health in remote Alaska. ADA and ANTHC
agree that prevention is the key to long-term success in improving oral
health for Alaska Natives."
About the ADA
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association,
representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral
health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and
promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's
state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and
materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient
experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a
valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about
the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at ada.
About the ANTHC
The nation's largest tribally managed health services provider, ANTHC
assumed management of statewide health services from the Indian Health
Service in 1997. It operates programs in medical care, water and sanitation
systems, health facilities, information technology, community health
services, and professional recruiting. To provide quality services in the
unique climate and vast distances of Alaska, ANTHC has developed innovative
initiatives and technology that are international models. All Alaska
Natives are both customers and owners of ANTHC through their tribes and
tribal health organizations, which comprise the ANTHC board of directors.
For more information, visit the Consortium's website at
anthc.
American Dental Association
ada
понедельник, 20 июня 2011 г.
Introducing A Unique, Patented Dental Implant
Astra Tech launches an anatomically designed implant for sloped ridges called OsseoSpeed™ TX Profile. This uniquely shaped implant eliminates the common compromise between marginal bone levels and esthetics in sloped alveolar ridge situations.
The implant design meets a clinical need: it facilitates implant placement when there is a sloped ridge and optimizes implant position to maintain marginal bone support and esthetics. "The sloped design lets the implant adapt to the anatomy rather than letting the anatomy adapt to the implant design; this works particularly well for placement in the esthetic zone," says Professor Dr. Dr. Wilfried Wagner, of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Germany.
As with all Astra Tech dental implants, OsseoSpeed™ TX Profile has all the key features of the well-documented Astra Tech BioManagement Complex™, inimitable and unique to the Astra Tech Implant System™.
Due to the sloped neck of this dental implant, Astra Tech recommends that dental professionals who use this product have extensive implant treatment knowledge.
The implant design meets a clinical need: it facilitates implant placement when there is a sloped ridge and optimizes implant position to maintain marginal bone support and esthetics. "The sloped design lets the implant adapt to the anatomy rather than letting the anatomy adapt to the implant design; this works particularly well for placement in the esthetic zone," says Professor Dr. Dr. Wilfried Wagner, of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Germany.
As with all Astra Tech dental implants, OsseoSpeed™ TX Profile has all the key features of the well-documented Astra Tech BioManagement Complex™, inimitable and unique to the Astra Tech Implant System™.
Due to the sloped neck of this dental implant, Astra Tech recommends that dental professionals who use this product have extensive implant treatment knowledge.
воскресенье, 19 июня 2011 г.
Texas Judge Approves Settlement To Boost Medicaid Payments To Physicians, Dentists Who Treat Children
U.S. District Judge William Wayne Justice on Monday approved a court settlement intended to improve access to health care for Texas children covered by Medicaid, the Houston Chronicle reports (Fikac, Houston Chronicle, 7/10). The settlement involves a class-action lawsuit filed in 1993 on behalf of Texas families who alleged that the state had violated Medicaid rules and is intended to encourage more providers to accept new Medicaid beneficiaries as part of an effort to ensure children are receiving regular medical and dental checkups.
Under the agreement, which affects 1.8 million children covered by Medicaid, the state will bring more providers to underserved areas and improve a toll-free hot line that answers parents' questions about obtaining coverage for their children. The state also agreed to hire additional case workers to help parents navigate the state health care system. In addition, the state agreed to determine whether children are receiving incomplete checkups and whether corrective action should be taken when managed care companies do not provide comprehensive checkups (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 4/11). The plan also will ensure that necessary prescriptions for children are not delayed if the medications are not on the state's preferred drug list.
Lawmakers budgeted nearly $1.8 billion over two years to implement the terms of the settlement, with $706.7 million coming from state general revenue and the rest from federal matching funds (Houston Chronicle, 7/10). Total spending on Medicaid will increase by 14%, according to plaintiff's attorney Susan Zinn.
Under the agreement, which affects 1.8 million children covered by Medicaid, the state will bring more providers to underserved areas and improve a toll-free hot line that answers parents' questions about obtaining coverage for their children. The state also agreed to hire additional case workers to help parents navigate the state health care system. In addition, the state agreed to determine whether children are receiving incomplete checkups and whether corrective action should be taken when managed care companies do not provide comprehensive checkups (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 4/11). The plan also will ensure that necessary prescriptions for children are not delayed if the medications are not on the state's preferred drug list.
Lawmakers budgeted nearly $1.8 billion over two years to implement the terms of the settlement, with $706.7 million coming from state general revenue and the rest from federal matching funds (Houston Chronicle, 7/10). Total spending on Medicaid will increase by 14%, according to plaintiff's attorney Susan Zinn.
Increased Reimbursements
Three-fourths of the new funds will be used to increase physicians' and dentists' participation in the Medicaid program (Garrett, Dallas Morning News, 7/10). The state will increase Medicaid reimbursement rates by 25% for physicians and by 50% for dentists. However, rather than across-the-board increases, funds will be used to increase rates for key services (Houston Chronicle, 7/10).
For dentists, $662 million of the new funds will go toward doubling reimbursement rates for the 35 most common procedures; other services will receive lesser increases. Physicians will receive $637 million of the funds, with higher reimbursement increases for office visits and immunizations, according to John Hellerstedt, medical director of the state Medicaid-SCHIP division. Physicians will receive a 60% increase in reimbursements for administering shots, and checkups will be reimbursed at levels similar to federal reimbursements for Medicare, Hellerstedt said. In addition, reimbursements for anesthesia, medical evaluations and certain mental health-related services will be increased by more than 25%, according to Hellerstedt (Dallas Morning News, 7/10).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
суббота, 18 июня 2011 г.
A Visit To Your Dentist May Save Your Life
A dental exam is much more than a cavity-spotting expedition. In addition to decay, dentists look for potentially life-threatening conditions including oral cancer.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 35,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral cancer, while 8,000 Americans each year die from it. Without early detection, survival rates significantly worsen.
Having regular dental exams is the most important step, but knowing what to look for between check-ups is also critical. Test your knowledge with a short multiple-choice online quiz. Then, go a step further and listen to a three-minute podcast with Dr. Cary Sun, a dental director at CIGNA Dental, on itstimetofeelbetter's audio page. Finally, ask your dentist for an oral cancer exam at your next regular checkup.
"Since oral cancer is not in the news as often as other types of cancer, education is extremely important," Dr. Sun said. "If people learn about the disease and its symptoms, oral cancer can be detected sooner."
As part of CIGNA's effort to help people improve their health, wellness and sense of security through health education, the quiz and podcast teach people about the signs of oral cancer:
- unusual spots
- unexplained tender areas in the mouth
- a feeling like something is stuck in one's throat
- thickening of the tissue in the mouth or neck
"Screenings for oral cancer are usually quick and painless," Dr. Sun said. "People need to make sure they get their regular dental exams, not just for teeth cleanings and cavity treatment, but to guard against more serious ailments like oral cancer."
Source
CIGNA
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 35,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral cancer, while 8,000 Americans each year die from it. Without early detection, survival rates significantly worsen.
Having regular dental exams is the most important step, but knowing what to look for between check-ups is also critical. Test your knowledge with a short multiple-choice online quiz. Then, go a step further and listen to a three-minute podcast with Dr. Cary Sun, a dental director at CIGNA Dental, on itstimetofeelbetter's audio page. Finally, ask your dentist for an oral cancer exam at your next regular checkup.
"Since oral cancer is not in the news as often as other types of cancer, education is extremely important," Dr. Sun said. "If people learn about the disease and its symptoms, oral cancer can be detected sooner."
As part of CIGNA's effort to help people improve their health, wellness and sense of security through health education, the quiz and podcast teach people about the signs of oral cancer:
- unusual spots
- unexplained tender areas in the mouth
- a feeling like something is stuck in one's throat
- thickening of the tissue in the mouth or neck
"Screenings for oral cancer are usually quick and painless," Dr. Sun said. "People need to make sure they get their regular dental exams, not just for teeth cleanings and cavity treatment, but to guard against more serious ailments like oral cancer."
Source
CIGNA
пятница, 17 июня 2011 г.
Dentists' Warnings About Destabilising Impact Of The New Contract Were Right, Says British Dental Association
Dentists' warnings about the destabilising impact of the new contract were proved correct, delegates heard today at a large gathering of dentists in Birmingham.
Speaking at the annual Local Dental Committees' conference, the Chair of the British Dental Association's General Dental Practice Committee, Dr Lester Ellman said:
"We were right to be concerned about the problems caused by a target-driven contract - but when the result is the destabilisation and demoralisation of so much of the profession, being proved right gives little satisfaction."
In his review of developments since the contract was implemented in April 2006, Dr Ellman told delegates that it had been a tough year for both dentists and patients and warned that the uncertainty would continue.
To safeguard the dental budget at local level, he called on the government to pay the full budget to primary care trusts to avoid the shortfalls, in some cases running into millions that were seen at the end of the contract year.
Dr Ellman also said the focus on the units of dental activity - as the only measure used to assess dentists' output - must be shifted and instead a range of indicators used to monitor the contracts.
He said: "The feedback from the BDA's survey of dentists showed that 93% didn't believe that the new contract encouraged a more preventive approach to care, 95% were less confident about the future of the NHS than two years earlier, and 97% said they were still on a treadmill."
-- The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 20,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces.
-- The Local Dental Committees' annual conference was held at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel, National Exhibition Centre on 8th of June 2007.
-- Dr Lester Ellman's Report to the LDC Conference on which this press release is based is available in full here (PDF Format).
bda
Speaking at the annual Local Dental Committees' conference, the Chair of the British Dental Association's General Dental Practice Committee, Dr Lester Ellman said:
"We were right to be concerned about the problems caused by a target-driven contract - but when the result is the destabilisation and demoralisation of so much of the profession, being proved right gives little satisfaction."
In his review of developments since the contract was implemented in April 2006, Dr Ellman told delegates that it had been a tough year for both dentists and patients and warned that the uncertainty would continue.
To safeguard the dental budget at local level, he called on the government to pay the full budget to primary care trusts to avoid the shortfalls, in some cases running into millions that were seen at the end of the contract year.
Dr Ellman also said the focus on the units of dental activity - as the only measure used to assess dentists' output - must be shifted and instead a range of indicators used to monitor the contracts.
He said: "The feedback from the BDA's survey of dentists showed that 93% didn't believe that the new contract encouraged a more preventive approach to care, 95% were less confident about the future of the NHS than two years earlier, and 97% said they were still on a treadmill."
-- The British Dental Association (BDA) is the professional association for dentists in the UK. It represents over 20,000 dentists working in general practice, in community and hospital settings, in academia and research, and in the armed forces.
-- The Local Dental Committees' annual conference was held at the Birmingham Metropole Hotel, National Exhibition Centre on 8th of June 2007.
-- Dr Lester Ellman's Report to the LDC Conference on which this press release is based is available in full here (PDF Format).
bda
четверг, 16 июня 2011 г.
Michigan Dentist Becomes Dental Association President
Raymond F. Gist, D.D.S., a Flint, Mich., general dentist is the 2010-2011 president of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Gist's induction took place during the ADA's 151st Annual Session in Orlando, Fla.
Dr. Gist is the first African-American president of the 157,000 dentist member organization, the nation's oldest and largest dental association in the United States.
"Becoming the first African-American president of the ADA is very rewarding for me, because it has allowed me to demonstrate that the opportunity is here for every dentist that aspires to make a significant contribution to this fine profession," Dr. Gist said. "It also highlights the accomplishments of the African-American dentists that preceded me and created this pathway for me to follow. While too many of my fellow professionals endured the hardships of being denied membership for far too many years, I represent the welcoming change in both attitude and spirit."
Before he was chosen president-elect by the 2009 House of Delegates in Honolulu, Dr. Gist had completed a four-year term on the ADA Board of Trustees as the trustee from the 9th District, which represents Wisconsin and Michigan. He had also served as a delegate and on the Reference Committee on Dental Benefits, Practice and Health as well as chair of the Diversity Committee. In addition to being past president of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) and the Genesee District Dental Society, he also is a past president of the Mid-State Dental Study Group, of which he is a founder. He served on the MDA Board of Trustees and as MDA secretary from 1994-1997. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and enjoys memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry and the National Dental Association. He is a delegate to the FDI World Dental congress and served as trustee liaison to the ADPAC (American Dental Political Action Committee) Board of Directors.
His numerous awards and honors include a State of Michigan Legislative Tribute, the Michigan Dental Association Public Relations Award, and a United Negro College Fund Outstanding Participation Award.
During his one-year term, Dr. Gist plans to focus on membership outreach and advocacy efforts that will have special appeal to young dentists. "Programs oriented to students and new graduates are a priority for me," Dr. Gist said. "That's why I am so passionate about addressing debt issues, among other concerns, such as licensure, for students and new graduates-and I would like to see our new graduates become passionate about organized dentistry. I want them all to have a full understanding of how much organized dentistry has to offer, and I'd like to get them to a point where they feel that membership in organized dentistry is just as necessary as having a license to practice dentistry."
Dr. Gist received his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and was a captain in the U.S. Air Force before entering private dental practice.
He and his wife, Jill, reside in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and have one daughter, Holly, and two grandchildren.
Dr. Gist is the first African-American president of the 157,000 dentist member organization, the nation's oldest and largest dental association in the United States.
"Becoming the first African-American president of the ADA is very rewarding for me, because it has allowed me to demonstrate that the opportunity is here for every dentist that aspires to make a significant contribution to this fine profession," Dr. Gist said. "It also highlights the accomplishments of the African-American dentists that preceded me and created this pathway for me to follow. While too many of my fellow professionals endured the hardships of being denied membership for far too many years, I represent the welcoming change in both attitude and spirit."
Before he was chosen president-elect by the 2009 House of Delegates in Honolulu, Dr. Gist had completed a four-year term on the ADA Board of Trustees as the trustee from the 9th District, which represents Wisconsin and Michigan. He had also served as a delegate and on the Reference Committee on Dental Benefits, Practice and Health as well as chair of the Diversity Committee. In addition to being past president of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) and the Genesee District Dental Society, he also is a past president of the Mid-State Dental Study Group, of which he is a founder. He served on the MDA Board of Trustees and as MDA secretary from 1994-1997. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and enjoys memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry and the National Dental Association. He is a delegate to the FDI World Dental congress and served as trustee liaison to the ADPAC (American Dental Political Action Committee) Board of Directors.
His numerous awards and honors include a State of Michigan Legislative Tribute, the Michigan Dental Association Public Relations Award, and a United Negro College Fund Outstanding Participation Award.
During his one-year term, Dr. Gist plans to focus on membership outreach and advocacy efforts that will have special appeal to young dentists. "Programs oriented to students and new graduates are a priority for me," Dr. Gist said. "That's why I am so passionate about addressing debt issues, among other concerns, such as licensure, for students and new graduates-and I would like to see our new graduates become passionate about organized dentistry. I want them all to have a full understanding of how much organized dentistry has to offer, and I'd like to get them to a point where they feel that membership in organized dentistry is just as necessary as having a license to practice dentistry."
Dr. Gist received his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and was a captain in the U.S. Air Force before entering private dental practice.
He and his wife, Jill, reside in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and have one daughter, Holly, and two grandchildren.
среда, 15 июня 2011 г.
British Government Urged To Put Money Where The Mouth Is To Curb Mouth Cancer
Britain's leading oral health charity has called on the Government to act on research detailing how simple cost-effective screenings can provide the early detection so important in saving the lives of mouth cancer patients.
The British Dental Health Foundation, organisers of the UK's annual Mouth Cancer Action Week, has urged the government to fund an NHS-led oral screening programme.
The charity's call follows a February 12th report published in the World Health Organisation (WHO) bulletin, which found visual oral screening an effective low- cost measure in preventing mouth cancer, which kills one person every five hours in the UK.
The research, led by RTI International, showed how early detection of mouth cancer was near-doubled by routine visual screenings.
Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter BDS LDS (RCS) said: "This report confirms our message that prevention and early detection are key to curbing the effects of oral cancer.
"Early detection leads to survival 9 in 10 mouth cancer patients. With nearly 5,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK, investment in NHS screening would be a real lifesaver."
The new research studied 160,000 people in Southern India. Researchers found that targeting high-risk groups of alcohol and tobacco users during a nine-year screening programme cost as little as $6 per person.
Early detection was achieved in 42% of cases where routine screening took place, almost twice the 24% ratio in cases not taking part in screening programmes.
Sujha Subramanian of RTI said: "Our results show that screening for oral cancers is comparable or less expensive than the more widely accepted practice of screening for cervical cancers."
Four in five mouth cancer cases in the UK are linked to tobacco and smoking, creating a obvious group for targeting high-risk patients.
Smoking and chewing tobacco and the likes of paan and guthka place people at considerable risk. At last year's Mouth Cancer Action Week launch, WHO oral cancer expert Dr Saman Warnakulasuriya called for dentists to be given greater powers to prescribe smoking cessation treatments.
The Foundation's Annual campaign runs each November, under the tagline 'if in doubt, get checked out'. The campaign advises regular dental visits plus self- examination. Early mouth cancer warning signs include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and lumps or swellings in the mouth or neck, are also important.
The RTI International research can be found at mouthcancer.
Facts and Figures
In the UK over 4,750 are diagnosed each year.
Around 1,700 people die of mouth cancer every year.
Mouth cancer is more common in men than women, but the gap is closing Mouth cancer is more likely to affect people over 40 years of age, though an increasing number of young people are developing the condition.
Tobacco and alcohol are thought to contribute to 80 per cent of mouth cancer cases.
Smoking is the number one cause for mouth cancer. Cigarette smoke converts saliva into a deadly cell-damaging cocktail.
Switching to low-tar cigarettes will not help, as smokers of 'lights' tend to inhale more smoke than smokers of 'regular' cigarettes.
Although some people believe that chewing tobacco is safer than smoking, the reality is that it is even more dangerous. Chewing tobacco, paan, areca nut and gutkha are habits favoured by some ethnic groups.
Alcohol aids absorption of smoke into the mouth - people who smoke and drink alcohol to excess are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases. Evidence shows an increase in fruit and vegetables lowers the risk, as can fish and eggs.
It is recommended that people enjoy a healthy, balanced diet, including food from each of the major food groups and including fruit and vegetables of all different colours as each colour contains different vitamins
Research now suggests the human papilloma virus (HPV) - transmitted by oral sex
- could soon rival smoking and drinking as a main cause of mouth cancer.
Early detection and treatment considerably increase survival chances, allow for simpler treatment and result in a better quality of life for sufferers.
The Charity
The British Dental Health Foundation is the UK's leading oral health charity, with a 30-year track record of providing public information and influencing government policy. It maintains a free consumer advice service, an impartial and objective product accreditation scheme, publishes and distributes a wide range of literature for the profession and consumers.
National Smile Month runs each May, to promote greater awareness of the benefits of better oral health, with Mouth Cancer Action Week each November.
British Dental Health Foundation
The British Dental Health Foundation, organisers of the UK's annual Mouth Cancer Action Week, has urged the government to fund an NHS-led oral screening programme.
The charity's call follows a February 12th report published in the World Health Organisation (WHO) bulletin, which found visual oral screening an effective low- cost measure in preventing mouth cancer, which kills one person every five hours in the UK.
The research, led by RTI International, showed how early detection of mouth cancer was near-doubled by routine visual screenings.
Foundation chief executive Dr Nigel Carter BDS LDS (RCS) said: "This report confirms our message that prevention and early detection are key to curbing the effects of oral cancer.
"Early detection leads to survival 9 in 10 mouth cancer patients. With nearly 5,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK, investment in NHS screening would be a real lifesaver."
The new research studied 160,000 people in Southern India. Researchers found that targeting high-risk groups of alcohol and tobacco users during a nine-year screening programme cost as little as $6 per person.
Early detection was achieved in 42% of cases where routine screening took place, almost twice the 24% ratio in cases not taking part in screening programmes.
Sujha Subramanian of RTI said: "Our results show that screening for oral cancers is comparable or less expensive than the more widely accepted practice of screening for cervical cancers."
Four in five mouth cancer cases in the UK are linked to tobacco and smoking, creating a obvious group for targeting high-risk patients.
Smoking and chewing tobacco and the likes of paan and guthka place people at considerable risk. At last year's Mouth Cancer Action Week launch, WHO oral cancer expert Dr Saman Warnakulasuriya called for dentists to be given greater powers to prescribe smoking cessation treatments.
The Foundation's Annual campaign runs each November, under the tagline 'if in doubt, get checked out'. The campaign advises regular dental visits plus self- examination. Early mouth cancer warning signs include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and lumps or swellings in the mouth or neck, are also important.
The RTI International research can be found at mouthcancer.
Facts and Figures
In the UK over 4,750 are diagnosed each year.
Around 1,700 people die of mouth cancer every year.
Mouth cancer is more common in men than women, but the gap is closing Mouth cancer is more likely to affect people over 40 years of age, though an increasing number of young people are developing the condition.
Tobacco and alcohol are thought to contribute to 80 per cent of mouth cancer cases.
Smoking is the number one cause for mouth cancer. Cigarette smoke converts saliva into a deadly cell-damaging cocktail.
Switching to low-tar cigarettes will not help, as smokers of 'lights' tend to inhale more smoke than smokers of 'regular' cigarettes.
Although some people believe that chewing tobacco is safer than smoking, the reality is that it is even more dangerous. Chewing tobacco, paan, areca nut and gutkha are habits favoured by some ethnic groups.
Alcohol aids absorption of smoke into the mouth - people who smoke and drink alcohol to excess are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases. Evidence shows an increase in fruit and vegetables lowers the risk, as can fish and eggs.
It is recommended that people enjoy a healthy, balanced diet, including food from each of the major food groups and including fruit and vegetables of all different colours as each colour contains different vitamins
Research now suggests the human papilloma virus (HPV) - transmitted by oral sex
- could soon rival smoking and drinking as a main cause of mouth cancer.
Early detection and treatment considerably increase survival chances, allow for simpler treatment and result in a better quality of life for sufferers.
The Charity
The British Dental Health Foundation is the UK's leading oral health charity, with a 30-year track record of providing public information and influencing government policy. It maintains a free consumer advice service, an impartial and objective product accreditation scheme, publishes and distributes a wide range of literature for the profession and consumers.
National Smile Month runs each May, to promote greater awareness of the benefits of better oral health, with Mouth Cancer Action Week each November.
British Dental Health Foundation
вторник, 14 июня 2011 г.
Howard County, Md., Health Program Expands Coverage To Include Dental Services
A Howard County, Md., health program that seeks to increase access to care starting Oct. 1 will expand its coverage to include discounted dental services, county health officials announced on Monday, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Under the Healthy Howard program, beneficiaries will receive a 35% to 50% discount on services from 75 participating dentists and orthodontists who are part of the Aetna dental program, Mike Bucci, marketing vice president for Aetna, said. For example, a typical semiannual dental exam and cleaning, which costs about $80, would be discounted to $50, and more expensive dental work would be eligible for greater discounts, Bucci said. The dental benefit will cost individuals an additional $1.65 monthly and families $3.30.
The program will cost the county $750,000 in private funds for the first year. Aetna has already committed to providing $56,000, and Horizon Foundation is expected to announce a larger donation on Friday.
County Executive Ken Ulman said the state House and state Senate in the past few days approved legislation that would create a place for the Healthy Howard program in state law. Separately, County Health Officer Peter Beilenson announced that the county on Monday mailed letters to families with annual incomes less than $60,000 informing them that they might be eligible to enroll in SCHIP (Carson, Baltimore Sun, 3/25).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
Under the Healthy Howard program, beneficiaries will receive a 35% to 50% discount on services from 75 participating dentists and orthodontists who are part of the Aetna dental program, Mike Bucci, marketing vice president for Aetna, said. For example, a typical semiannual dental exam and cleaning, which costs about $80, would be discounted to $50, and more expensive dental work would be eligible for greater discounts, Bucci said. The dental benefit will cost individuals an additional $1.65 monthly and families $3.30.
The program will cost the county $750,000 in private funds for the first year. Aetna has already committed to providing $56,000, and Horizon Foundation is expected to announce a larger donation on Friday.
County Executive Ken Ulman said the state House and state Senate in the past few days approved legislation that would create a place for the Healthy Howard program in state law. Separately, County Health Officer Peter Beilenson announced that the county on Monday mailed letters to families with annual incomes less than $60,000 informing them that they might be eligible to enroll in SCHIP (Carson, Baltimore Sun, 3/25).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
понедельник, 13 июня 2011 г.
Examining The Link Between Treating Osteoporosis With Bisphosphonates And Incidence Of Bone Necrosis
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects some 25 million Americans annually, 80 percent of them women. Because the disease causes a thinning of the bone, it can lead to hip fractures, spinal fractures and a whole host of debilitating and sometimes deadly complications.
Bisphosphonates (BFs), such as popularly prescribed Fosamax® (alendronate sodium), are a class of drugs that act to prevent bone fractures in patients with osteoporosis as well as prevent bone metastases and related skeletal problems in patients with cancer, including multiple myeloma, metastatic breast and prostate cancers.
In 2003, the first reports emerged of a "new" disease, called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), found in patients who were using BFs. ONJ is characterized by bone necrosis and prolonged exposure of the jaw bone to the oral cavity. It has frequently occurred in older people who have had an oral surgical procedure or trauma to the jaw bones.
The incidence of ONJ is the subject of recent research by John T. Grbic, DDS, MMSc, of Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine. Since the identification of ONJ as a disease, Dr. Grbic has made a continuous effort to identify the incidence, risk factors, and pathogenesis of this "new" disease entity.
On Feb. 16 in Hynes Convention Center, Dr. Grbic was part of an American Academy for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) press conference that focuses on the pharmacology of BFs, with data supporting the use of BFs therapy in both oncology and non-oncology patients. He also gave an overview of the potential pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of ONJ and later discussed these findings at an AAAS scientific symposia session.
Earlier reports of ONJ have had a significant effect on the use of BFs to treat patients with osteoporosis and cancer. Dr. Grbic and his team have found in a study of more than 7,000 patients, that the use of BFs to treat osteoporosis has little or no effect on the incidence of osteonecrosis. However, when the disease presents itself in any patient it poses a significant treatment challenge for clinicians. Dr. Grbic discussed these concerns at Saturday's press conference.
About Dr. John Grbic: Dr. Grbic is professor and director of the Division of Oral Biology and the Center for Clinical Research in Dentistry. Dr. Grbic received his dental degree from the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry and obtained his residency training in periodontology from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Grbic also holds a Master of Medical Science degree in Oral Biology from Harvard University. Dr. Grbic's special expertise includes periodontics (surgical and non-surgical), and implantology. Dr. Grbic's paper "Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly Pivotal Fracture Trial," was the January 2008 cover story of the Journal of the American Dental Association.
The College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, founded in 1917, is located in northern Manhattan. In addition to providing education programs for pre- and post-doctoral candidates, CDM conducts research in state-of-the-art facilities and oversees an extensive community-based service program for residents in the surrounding community - a federally designated medical and dental manpower shortage area. Outreach into the community includes dental programs in seven area public schools, a dental van, and three off-site community-based dental clinics, providing state-of-the-art care to an underserved population as well as a rich learning environment for students at CDM. dental.columbia/
Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership in pre-clinical and clinical research, in medical and health sciences education, and in patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, nurses, dentists, and public health professionals at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Mailman School of Public Health, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. cumc.columbia/
Bisphosphonates (BFs), such as popularly prescribed Fosamax® (alendronate sodium), are a class of drugs that act to prevent bone fractures in patients with osteoporosis as well as prevent bone metastases and related skeletal problems in patients with cancer, including multiple myeloma, metastatic breast and prostate cancers.
In 2003, the first reports emerged of a "new" disease, called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), found in patients who were using BFs. ONJ is characterized by bone necrosis and prolonged exposure of the jaw bone to the oral cavity. It has frequently occurred in older people who have had an oral surgical procedure or trauma to the jaw bones.
The incidence of ONJ is the subject of recent research by John T. Grbic, DDS, MMSc, of Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine. Since the identification of ONJ as a disease, Dr. Grbic has made a continuous effort to identify the incidence, risk factors, and pathogenesis of this "new" disease entity.
On Feb. 16 in Hynes Convention Center, Dr. Grbic was part of an American Academy for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) press conference that focuses on the pharmacology of BFs, with data supporting the use of BFs therapy in both oncology and non-oncology patients. He also gave an overview of the potential pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of ONJ and later discussed these findings at an AAAS scientific symposia session.
Earlier reports of ONJ have had a significant effect on the use of BFs to treat patients with osteoporosis and cancer. Dr. Grbic and his team have found in a study of more than 7,000 patients, that the use of BFs to treat osteoporosis has little or no effect on the incidence of osteonecrosis. However, when the disease presents itself in any patient it poses a significant treatment challenge for clinicians. Dr. Grbic discussed these concerns at Saturday's press conference.
About Dr. John Grbic: Dr. Grbic is professor and director of the Division of Oral Biology and the Center for Clinical Research in Dentistry. Dr. Grbic received his dental degree from the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry and obtained his residency training in periodontology from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Grbic also holds a Master of Medical Science degree in Oral Biology from Harvard University. Dr. Grbic's special expertise includes periodontics (surgical and non-surgical), and implantology. Dr. Grbic's paper "Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly Pivotal Fracture Trial," was the January 2008 cover story of the Journal of the American Dental Association.
The College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, founded in 1917, is located in northern Manhattan. In addition to providing education programs for pre- and post-doctoral candidates, CDM conducts research in state-of-the-art facilities and oversees an extensive community-based service program for residents in the surrounding community - a federally designated medical and dental manpower shortage area. Outreach into the community includes dental programs in seven area public schools, a dental van, and three off-site community-based dental clinics, providing state-of-the-art care to an underserved population as well as a rich learning environment for students at CDM. dental.columbia/
Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership in pre-clinical and clinical research, in medical and health sciences education, and in patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, nurses, dentists, and public health professionals at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Mailman School of Public Health, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. cumc.columbia/
воскресенье, 12 июня 2011 г.
Bisphosphonates May Put Patients At Risk For Deterioration Of The Jaw, American Association Of Endodontists
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) at its 2006 Annual Session today issued a position statement on an important issue related to the care of patients taking a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. Each year, more than 30 million Americans take bisphosphonates, which are used to treat cancer, and debilitating bone diseases such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease.
However, these patients may be at risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a potential side effect of taking bisphosphonates. ONJ is a painful, disfiguring condition, which leads to the breakdown of the jawbone. Symptoms include burning, tingling or localized pain in the jaw, which could lead to serious infections and ultimately jawbone degeneration. While bisphosphonates support the buildup of bone in areas weakened by disease, as a side effect of treatment, patients may experience the opposite in their lower and upper jawbones.
Who may be at risk?
----- People taking one in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, including:
- Alendronate (Fosamax®)
- Clodronate (Bonefos®, Ostac®)
- Etidronate (Didronel®)
- Ibandronate (Boniva®)
- Pamidronate (Aredia®)
- Risedronate (Actonel®)
- Tiludronate (Skelid®)
- Zoledronate (Zometa®)
What are the symptoms of ONJ?
- Irregular sore with exposed bone in the mandible or maxilla
- Pain or swelling in the infected jaw
- Infection, possibly with pus
- Altered sensation (e.g., numbness or heavy sensation)
"The AAE is at the forefront of this emerging complication because endodontists have special expertise in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose," said AAE President Marc Balson, D.D.S. "With this position statement, we hope to ensure the highest quality care and safety for patients taking bisphosphonates."
"Until further information becomes available, the AAE recommends that all patients taking bisphosphonates be considered at some risk for ONJ, recognizing that the magnitude of the risk varies by patient," he added. "The AAE also encourages patients taking bisphosphonates to inform their dental care providers and consult with specialists as needed."
The position statement was based on the findings of a special committee of leading endodontic educators and researchers assembled by the AAE. The group reviewed scientific data on the relationship between bisphosphonates and ONJ, including information published in the October and November 2005 issues of the Journal of Endodontics, the association's scientific journal. Case reports suggest that problems in patients using bisphosphonates may be triggered by tooth extractions and other dental surgical events, or even occur spontaneously.
The committee recommends that those taking bisphosphonates receive counsel before undergoing any elective dental surgical procedures, and that any non-elective dental work - especially extractions - be completed before starting bisphosphonate therapy. When dental work is required after starting bisphosphonate therapy, it is essential that patients and general dentists consult with medical and dental specialists who can provide information on appropriate treatments. Endodontists are especially important participants in treatment planning, since nonsurgical root canal treatment has been shown to be safer for patients taking bisphosphonates.
According to the AAE's position statement, risk factors associated with the development of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ include:
- History of taking bisphosphonates, especially I.V. formulations. The concurrent use of steroids appears to contribute to this risk.
- Previous history of cancer (e.g., multiple myeloma or metastatic disease to bone), osteoporosis, Paget's disease or other indications for bisphosphonate treatment.
- A history of a traumatic dental procedure. Most complications occur after a tooth extraction, although other traumatic dental procedures may be associated with the occurrence of ONJ. One case report describes bisphosphonate-associated ONJ occurring six months after placement of five dental implants, with the subsequent loss of all implants.
Several reports indicate the spontaneous development of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ without a prior traumatic dental procedure.
What to do if you think you have ONJ
Patients who think they may be experiencing ONJ symptoms should contact their general physicians and oncologists, and inform their dentists, endodontists and other dental professionals that they are undergoing treatment with bisphophonates. When dental work is required after starting bisphosphonate therapy, patients, physicians and general dentists should consult with appropriate dental specialists, including endodontists, because nonsurgical root canal treatment may be a safer alternative to extraction.
American Association of Endodontists
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 6,600 members worldwide, including approximately 95 percent of all eligible endodontists in the United States. The Association, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information, visit the AAE Web site at aae
However, these patients may be at risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a potential side effect of taking bisphosphonates. ONJ is a painful, disfiguring condition, which leads to the breakdown of the jawbone. Symptoms include burning, tingling or localized pain in the jaw, which could lead to serious infections and ultimately jawbone degeneration. While bisphosphonates support the buildup of bone in areas weakened by disease, as a side effect of treatment, patients may experience the opposite in their lower and upper jawbones.
Who may be at risk?
----- People taking one in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, including:
- Alendronate (Fosamax®)
- Clodronate (Bonefos®, Ostac®)
- Etidronate (Didronel®)
- Ibandronate (Boniva®)
- Pamidronate (Aredia®)
- Risedronate (Actonel®)
- Tiludronate (Skelid®)
- Zoledronate (Zometa®)
What are the symptoms of ONJ?
- Irregular sore with exposed bone in the mandible or maxilla
- Pain or swelling in the infected jaw
- Infection, possibly with pus
- Altered sensation (e.g., numbness or heavy sensation)
"The AAE is at the forefront of this emerging complication because endodontists have special expertise in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose," said AAE President Marc Balson, D.D.S. "With this position statement, we hope to ensure the highest quality care and safety for patients taking bisphosphonates."
"Until further information becomes available, the AAE recommends that all patients taking bisphosphonates be considered at some risk for ONJ, recognizing that the magnitude of the risk varies by patient," he added. "The AAE also encourages patients taking bisphosphonates to inform their dental care providers and consult with specialists as needed."
The position statement was based on the findings of a special committee of leading endodontic educators and researchers assembled by the AAE. The group reviewed scientific data on the relationship between bisphosphonates and ONJ, including information published in the October and November 2005 issues of the Journal of Endodontics, the association's scientific journal. Case reports suggest that problems in patients using bisphosphonates may be triggered by tooth extractions and other dental surgical events, or even occur spontaneously.
The committee recommends that those taking bisphosphonates receive counsel before undergoing any elective dental surgical procedures, and that any non-elective dental work - especially extractions - be completed before starting bisphosphonate therapy. When dental work is required after starting bisphosphonate therapy, it is essential that patients and general dentists consult with medical and dental specialists who can provide information on appropriate treatments. Endodontists are especially important participants in treatment planning, since nonsurgical root canal treatment has been shown to be safer for patients taking bisphosphonates.
According to the AAE's position statement, risk factors associated with the development of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ include:
- History of taking bisphosphonates, especially I.V. formulations. The concurrent use of steroids appears to contribute to this risk.
- Previous history of cancer (e.g., multiple myeloma or metastatic disease to bone), osteoporosis, Paget's disease or other indications for bisphosphonate treatment.
- A history of a traumatic dental procedure. Most complications occur after a tooth extraction, although other traumatic dental procedures may be associated with the occurrence of ONJ. One case report describes bisphosphonate-associated ONJ occurring six months after placement of five dental implants, with the subsequent loss of all implants.
Several reports indicate the spontaneous development of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ without a prior traumatic dental procedure.
What to do if you think you have ONJ
Patients who think they may be experiencing ONJ symptoms should contact their general physicians and oncologists, and inform their dentists, endodontists and other dental professionals that they are undergoing treatment with bisphophonates. When dental work is required after starting bisphosphonate therapy, patients, physicians and general dentists should consult with appropriate dental specialists, including endodontists, because nonsurgical root canal treatment may be a safer alternative to extraction.
American Association of Endodontists
The American Association of Endodontists, headquartered in Chicago, represents more than 6,600 members worldwide, including approximately 95 percent of all eligible endodontists in the United States. The Association, founded in 1943, is dedicated to excellence in the art and science of endodontics and to the highest standard of patient care. The Association inspires its members to pursue professional advancement and personal fulfillment through education, research, advocacy, leadership, communication and service. For more information, visit the AAE Web site at aae
суббота, 11 июня 2011 г.
California Dental Hygienists Urge Greater Awareness Of "Meth Mouth" As An Early Indicator Of Abuse
With methamphetamine addiction continuing to skyrocket, the California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) today called on the public to understand that decaying teeth can be one of the first warning signs that a family member or loved one is abusing the drug.
"The role of the dental professional is vital in early intervention because one of the first signs of meth use appears in the mouth," said Noel Kelsch, CDHA president and a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice (RDHAP) who is an expert in the impact of methamphetamines and oral health. "This is an evil drug that is enormously addictive and eventually rots the teeth down to the gum line."
CDHA is using November - which is National Methamphetamine Awareness Month - to help educate the public about the link between oral health and identifying methamphetamine abuse. The crisis impacts all age and economic levels of our society, including adult professionals, teenagers and children.
"As the drug becomes more pervasive throughout our society, we feel it is important to offer a number of tips for parents, family members and friends so they can be alert for possible warning signs in loved ones," she said.
CDHA estimates 12 million Americans are hooked on meth and is offering the following tips to help the public identify early warning signs and symptoms exhibited by people using meth:
- Obvious deterioration of teeth
- Malnourished and disheveled appearance
- Abnormal vital signs
- Grinding of teeth
- Pale complexion and red eyes
- Aging in appearance
- Irritability or euphoria
- Nervousness; sweaty and clammy skin
"Hygienists are educated and trained to identify the signs and symptoms of use," said Kelsch. "We play a role in early intervention by connecting patients to the resources they need for drug rehabilitation, treatment and recovery."
Kelsch says that one of the biggest challenges in fighting meth abuse is that most people don't believe someone they know could be using it.
"Most people don't realize that this drug is available and abused by people at all levels of our society regardless of income or ethnic background," she said. "One of the biggest mistakes that medical professionals, teachers, employers and parents make is to not be educated in this area because they think this will not occur in the population they are seeing, working with or living with."
With greater awareness, the odds for early intervention and positive outcomes increase.
"I know in my own practice, I have had the opportunity to provide information to meth users," said Kelsch. "In one case, the patient came back to tell me I had saved his life. Not only is this extremely gratifying, but it serves as a good example of how dental hygienists are playing a critical role in helping address this public health epidemic."
The California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) is the authoritative voice of the state's dental hygiene profession. The organization was established 20 years ago when two regional associations merged to form a unified professional group. CDHA represents thousands of dental hygienists throughout the state and is dedicated to expanding opportunities for the profession and access to care for all Californians.
California Dental Hygienists' Association
"The role of the dental professional is vital in early intervention because one of the first signs of meth use appears in the mouth," said Noel Kelsch, CDHA president and a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice (RDHAP) who is an expert in the impact of methamphetamines and oral health. "This is an evil drug that is enormously addictive and eventually rots the teeth down to the gum line."
CDHA is using November - which is National Methamphetamine Awareness Month - to help educate the public about the link between oral health and identifying methamphetamine abuse. The crisis impacts all age and economic levels of our society, including adult professionals, teenagers and children.
"As the drug becomes more pervasive throughout our society, we feel it is important to offer a number of tips for parents, family members and friends so they can be alert for possible warning signs in loved ones," she said.
CDHA estimates 12 million Americans are hooked on meth and is offering the following tips to help the public identify early warning signs and symptoms exhibited by people using meth:
- Obvious deterioration of teeth
- Malnourished and disheveled appearance
- Abnormal vital signs
- Grinding of teeth
- Pale complexion and red eyes
- Aging in appearance
- Irritability or euphoria
- Nervousness; sweaty and clammy skin
"Hygienists are educated and trained to identify the signs and symptoms of use," said Kelsch. "We play a role in early intervention by connecting patients to the resources they need for drug rehabilitation, treatment and recovery."
Kelsch says that one of the biggest challenges in fighting meth abuse is that most people don't believe someone they know could be using it.
"Most people don't realize that this drug is available and abused by people at all levels of our society regardless of income or ethnic background," she said. "One of the biggest mistakes that medical professionals, teachers, employers and parents make is to not be educated in this area because they think this will not occur in the population they are seeing, working with or living with."
With greater awareness, the odds for early intervention and positive outcomes increase.
"I know in my own practice, I have had the opportunity to provide information to meth users," said Kelsch. "In one case, the patient came back to tell me I had saved his life. Not only is this extremely gratifying, but it serves as a good example of how dental hygienists are playing a critical role in helping address this public health epidemic."
The California Dental Hygienists' Association (CDHA) is the authoritative voice of the state's dental hygiene profession. The organization was established 20 years ago when two regional associations merged to form a unified professional group. CDHA represents thousands of dental hygienists throughout the state and is dedicated to expanding opportunities for the profession and access to care for all Californians.
California Dental Hygienists' Association
пятница, 10 июня 2011 г.
Gene therapy promising for growing tooth-supporting bone
A University of Michigan research team has found that introducing a growth factor protein into a mouth wound using gene
therapy helped generate bone around dental implants, according to a new paper in the February issue of the journal Molecular
Therapy.
In a patient with a sizeable mouth wound, replacing a tooth takes more than simply implanting a new one---the patient also
needs the bone structure to anchor the new tooth in place. Such reconstructive surgery today involves either taking a bone
graft from the patient's chin or jaw, which leaves a second wound needing to heal, or using donated bone from a tissue bank,
which yields unpredictable results.
William Giannobile, professor of periodontics, prevention and geriatrics, led a team at the U-M School of Dentistry that
delivered the gene encoding for bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) to large bone defects in rats in an attempt to turn on
the body's own bone growth mechanisms. The study showed that animals that got the BMP-7 treatment produced nearly 50 percent
more supporting bone around dental implants than those receiving the conventional treatment.
"This study represents a proof-of-concept investigation. We are encouraged about the promise of this treatment," said
Giannobile, also an associate professor of biomedical engineering and director of the Michigan Center for Oral Health
Research.
More work will need to be done before the approach can be tested in humans, Giannobile added. He said he optimistically would
like to see initial trials begin in humans in four to seven years.
BMP-7 is part of a family of proteins that regulates cartilage and bone formation. Recent studies have shown that BMPs are
present in tooth development and periodontal repair.
This study mixed BMP-7 genes with an inactivated virus in a gel-like carrier and injected it into wounds. Giannobile said
using a virus, with the harmful effects turned off, harnesses the virus' ability to enter into cells and use their genetic
machinery.
Once inside the cell, the viruses help BMP-7 genes get where they need to be in the host's cells to boost bone production.
Gene expression producing BMP-7 proteins peaked after a week. Giannobile said that was ideal because the team did not want to
make any permanent genetic changes. The gene acted quickly to get bone growth started, then disappeared within about 28 days.
Giannobile said a next step in this process could include looking for non-viral approaches to delivering gene therapy to the
defect site. Alternatively, scientists could conduct the gene therapy outside the body using a tissue biopsy and then
transplant the genetically-modified cells back into the patient, but this would require two surgical procedures instead of
one.
The Molecular Therapy paper is titled "BMP Gene Delivery for Alveolar Bone Engineering at Dental Implant Defects," and the
work was supported by the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Giannobile is part of a cross-campus program called Tissue Engineering at Michigan, funded in part by the National Institute
for Dental and Craniofacial Research. TEAM aims to provide an interdisciplinary, research-intensive environment for those
pursuing careers in the oral sciences, with a focus in the area of restoration of oral-craniofacial tissues.
Co-authors on the paper include Courtney A. Dunn, adjunct clinical lecturer in orthodontics; Qiming Jin, research associate
in periodontics, prevention and geriatrics; Mario Taba Jr., research fellow in periodontics, prevention and geriatrics; Renny
T. Franceschi, associate dean for research and professor of periodontics, prevention and geriatrics, all at the U-M School of
Dentistry. Francesci also is a professor of biological chemistry. R. Bruce Rutherford, a former U-M Dentistry professor who
now serves as chief scientific officer of private tissue engineering firm Ivoclar Vivadent-Dentigenix, was a co-author, as
well.
For her work on this project, Dunn was recently selected to receive the 2005 Milo Hellman Research Essay Award from the
American Association of Orthodontists. This award is given for the most outstanding resident and / or doctorate research done
in orthodontics. Dunn performed her research with mentorship from Giannobile.
More about Giannobile:
Tissue Engineering at Michigan:
The journal Molecular
Therapy:
Contact: Colleen Newvine, (734) 647-4411, cnewvineumich
Producers: U-M has professional TV studios and uplink capabilities.
Colleen Newvine - cnewvineumich
University of Michigan
therapy helped generate bone around dental implants, according to a new paper in the February issue of the journal Molecular
Therapy.
In a patient with a sizeable mouth wound, replacing a tooth takes more than simply implanting a new one---the patient also
needs the bone structure to anchor the new tooth in place. Such reconstructive surgery today involves either taking a bone
graft from the patient's chin or jaw, which leaves a second wound needing to heal, or using donated bone from a tissue bank,
which yields unpredictable results.
William Giannobile, professor of periodontics, prevention and geriatrics, led a team at the U-M School of Dentistry that
delivered the gene encoding for bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) to large bone defects in rats in an attempt to turn on
the body's own bone growth mechanisms. The study showed that animals that got the BMP-7 treatment produced nearly 50 percent
more supporting bone around dental implants than those receiving the conventional treatment.
"This study represents a proof-of-concept investigation. We are encouraged about the promise of this treatment," said
Giannobile, also an associate professor of biomedical engineering and director of the Michigan Center for Oral Health
Research.
More work will need to be done before the approach can be tested in humans, Giannobile added. He said he optimistically would
like to see initial trials begin in humans in four to seven years.
BMP-7 is part of a family of proteins that regulates cartilage and bone formation. Recent studies have shown that BMPs are
present in tooth development and periodontal repair.
This study mixed BMP-7 genes with an inactivated virus in a gel-like carrier and injected it into wounds. Giannobile said
using a virus, with the harmful effects turned off, harnesses the virus' ability to enter into cells and use their genetic
machinery.
Once inside the cell, the viruses help BMP-7 genes get where they need to be in the host's cells to boost bone production.
Gene expression producing BMP-7 proteins peaked after a week. Giannobile said that was ideal because the team did not want to
make any permanent genetic changes. The gene acted quickly to get bone growth started, then disappeared within about 28 days.
Giannobile said a next step in this process could include looking for non-viral approaches to delivering gene therapy to the
defect site. Alternatively, scientists could conduct the gene therapy outside the body using a tissue biopsy and then
transplant the genetically-modified cells back into the patient, but this would require two surgical procedures instead of
one.
The Molecular Therapy paper is titled "BMP Gene Delivery for Alveolar Bone Engineering at Dental Implant Defects," and the
work was supported by the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Giannobile is part of a cross-campus program called Tissue Engineering at Michigan, funded in part by the National Institute
for Dental and Craniofacial Research. TEAM aims to provide an interdisciplinary, research-intensive environment for those
pursuing careers in the oral sciences, with a focus in the area of restoration of oral-craniofacial tissues.
Co-authors on the paper include Courtney A. Dunn, adjunct clinical lecturer in orthodontics; Qiming Jin, research associate
in periodontics, prevention and geriatrics; Mario Taba Jr., research fellow in periodontics, prevention and geriatrics; Renny
T. Franceschi, associate dean for research and professor of periodontics, prevention and geriatrics, all at the U-M School of
Dentistry. Francesci also is a professor of biological chemistry. R. Bruce Rutherford, a former U-M Dentistry professor who
now serves as chief scientific officer of private tissue engineering firm Ivoclar Vivadent-Dentigenix, was a co-author, as
well.
For her work on this project, Dunn was recently selected to receive the 2005 Milo Hellman Research Essay Award from the
American Association of Orthodontists. This award is given for the most outstanding resident and / or doctorate research done
in orthodontics. Dunn performed her research with mentorship from Giannobile.
More about Giannobile:
Tissue Engineering at Michigan:
The journal Molecular
Therapy:
Contact: Colleen Newvine, (734) 647-4411, cnewvineumich
Producers: U-M has professional TV studios and uplink capabilities.
Colleen Newvine - cnewvineumich
University of Michigan
четверг, 9 июня 2011 г.
House Members Introduce Legislation To Expand Access To Dental Care For Children
Reps. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) on Thursday introduced a bill (HR 2371) that would expand access to dental care for children in community health centers, CQ HealthBeat reports. In addition, the legislation would establish a program to improve training in pediatric dentistry.
The lawmakers introduced the bill in response to a May 2 House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing that "identified major failures in access to dental services for children on Medicaid," Cummings said. The bill, called "Deamonte's Law," is named after Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Maryland boy who died after a tooth infection spread to his brain because he lacked access to dental care. Cummings said that the case highlights "a silent epidemic of dental disease ... plaguing our children" (CQ HealthBeat, 5/18).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
The lawmakers introduced the bill in response to a May 2 House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing that "identified major failures in access to dental services for children on Medicaid," Cummings said. The bill, called "Deamonte's Law," is named after Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Maryland boy who died after a tooth infection spread to his brain because he lacked access to dental care. Cummings said that the case highlights "a silent epidemic of dental disease ... plaguing our children" (CQ HealthBeat, 5/18).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
среда, 8 июня 2011 г.
Combining Surgery For Removal Of Tissue And Reconstruction Benefits Patients
Restoring people's health and returning them to their daily lives as soon as possible is the goal following any surgery. When a person's ability to eat and speak is affected, as with cancer in the mouth, surgery is particularly disruptive, creating a greater challenge. A one-step surgery can remove cancerous tissue and reconstruct bone and teeth functionality immediately, positively impacting the patient's quality of life.
A case study in the June issue of the Journal of Oral Implantology describes a one-step surgery performed on a 65-year-old woman with squamous cell carcinoma. A two-year follow-up of this patient showed the one-step procedure to be successful.
Typically, ablative surgery is first performed to remove cancerous bone and tissue. The surgery is followed by radiotherapy, and often tooth loss. Reconstructing the jaw and placing a dental implant at this point are taxing due to the side effects of radiotherapy and poor patient tolerance.
The procedure outlined in this article permitted an impression to be taken immediately after the jaw reconstruction and implant installation during the initial surgery. A rigid prosthesis was fabricated and screw-secured to the implants 48 hours later. Complementary radiotherapy began six weeks following the surgery and implant. The prosthesis was modified as necessary six months after completion of the radiotherapy.
The advantages of single surgery include a reduced risk of osteonecrosis-disease in the jawbone-which can occur with postradiation surgery. A single surgery also can decrease the need for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The authors emphasize that this one-step surgery is possible because it respects the concepts of basal implantology. "Absolute primary implant stability and fabrication of a highly rigid prosthesis are essential from the outset," they conclude.
Full text of the article, "Immediate Functional Loading of an Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis at the Time of Ablative Surgery and Mandibular Reconstruction for Squamous Cell Carcinoma," Journal of Oral Implantology, Volume 36, Issue 1, 2010, is available here.
About Journal of Oral Implantology
The Journal of Oral Implantology is the official publication of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. It is dedicated to providing valuable information to general dentists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, scientists, clinicians, laboratory owners and technicians, manufacturers, and educators. The JOI distinguishes itself as the first and oldest journal in the world devoted exclusively to implant dentistry.
Source
Allen Press Publishing Services
A case study in the June issue of the Journal of Oral Implantology describes a one-step surgery performed on a 65-year-old woman with squamous cell carcinoma. A two-year follow-up of this patient showed the one-step procedure to be successful.
Typically, ablative surgery is first performed to remove cancerous bone and tissue. The surgery is followed by radiotherapy, and often tooth loss. Reconstructing the jaw and placing a dental implant at this point are taxing due to the side effects of radiotherapy and poor patient tolerance.
The procedure outlined in this article permitted an impression to be taken immediately after the jaw reconstruction and implant installation during the initial surgery. A rigid prosthesis was fabricated and screw-secured to the implants 48 hours later. Complementary radiotherapy began six weeks following the surgery and implant. The prosthesis was modified as necessary six months after completion of the radiotherapy.
The advantages of single surgery include a reduced risk of osteonecrosis-disease in the jawbone-which can occur with postradiation surgery. A single surgery also can decrease the need for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The authors emphasize that this one-step surgery is possible because it respects the concepts of basal implantology. "Absolute primary implant stability and fabrication of a highly rigid prosthesis are essential from the outset," they conclude.
Full text of the article, "Immediate Functional Loading of an Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis at the Time of Ablative Surgery and Mandibular Reconstruction for Squamous Cell Carcinoma," Journal of Oral Implantology, Volume 36, Issue 1, 2010, is available here.
About Journal of Oral Implantology
The Journal of Oral Implantology is the official publication of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. It is dedicated to providing valuable information to general dentists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, periodontists, scientists, clinicians, laboratory owners and technicians, manufacturers, and educators. The JOI distinguishes itself as the first and oldest journal in the world devoted exclusively to implant dentistry.
Source
Allen Press Publishing Services
вторник, 7 июня 2011 г.
Substantial Consumption Of Fluoride Increases Chance Of Mild Fluorosis Researchers Continue To Recommend Benefits Of Fluoride To Prevent Tooth Decay
Young children who consume substantial amounts of fluoride through infant formula and other beverages mixed with fluoridated water or by swallowing fluoride toothpaste have an increased chance of developing mild enamel fluorosis, according to research published in the October issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association and supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Children can continue using fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste because fluoride has been proven to prevent tooth decay, and mild fluorosis does not negatively affect dental health or quality of life.
"Nearly all of the fluorosis in our study participants was mild. A recent review of the effects of mild dental fluorosis on oral health related quality of life concluded that the effect of mild fluorosis was not adverse and could even be favorable," according to the study. "This suggests that concerns about mild dental fluorosis may be exaggerated. Therefore, no general recommendations to avoid use of fluoridated water in reconstituting infant formula are warranted. "
According to the American Dental Association, mild enamel fluorosis appears as barely noticeable faint white lines or streaks on tooth enamel that may occur when children ingest excess fluoride while their teeth are developing.
Researchers concluded that substantial fluoride consumption from beverages with fluoridated water, including infant formula, by children between the ages of 3 to 9 months, elevates a child's prospect of developing mild enamel fluorosis. Substantial fluoride consumption from beverages with fluoridated water and from fluoride toothpaste by children between the ages of 16 to 36 months also elevates a child's probability of developing mild enamel fluorosis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for infants. If parents are concerned about reducing the chances of their infants developing mild fluorosis through consuming substantial amounts of infant formula mixed with fluoridated water, the researchers suggest that they consult with their family dentist or physician. The researchers also encourage parents to follow recommendations to use small (smear or pea-sized) amounts of fluoridated toothpaste and ensure proper supervision of the child's tooth brushing.
Researchers recruited mothers of newborn infants from eight Iowa hospital postpartum wards between 1992 and 1995 for their children's participation in what would become known as the Iowa Fluoride Study, an investigation of dietary and non-dietary fluoride exposures, dental fluorosis and dental cavities. Researchers sent questionnaires to the parents at regular intervals and 630 children underwent visual dental examinations using standardized techniques and portable equipment. The leader of the research team was Steven M. Levy, D.D.S., M.P.H., the Wright-Bush-Shreves Endowed Professor of Research in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry and Professor of Epidemiology at the College of Public Health.
Although this study appears in The Journal of the American Dental Association, it does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the American Dental Association.
"Nearly all of the fluorosis in our study participants was mild. A recent review of the effects of mild dental fluorosis on oral health related quality of life concluded that the effect of mild fluorosis was not adverse and could even be favorable," according to the study. "This suggests that concerns about mild dental fluorosis may be exaggerated. Therefore, no general recommendations to avoid use of fluoridated water in reconstituting infant formula are warranted. "
According to the American Dental Association, mild enamel fluorosis appears as barely noticeable faint white lines or streaks on tooth enamel that may occur when children ingest excess fluoride while their teeth are developing.
Researchers concluded that substantial fluoride consumption from beverages with fluoridated water, including infant formula, by children between the ages of 3 to 9 months, elevates a child's prospect of developing mild enamel fluorosis. Substantial fluoride consumption from beverages with fluoridated water and from fluoride toothpaste by children between the ages of 16 to 36 months also elevates a child's probability of developing mild enamel fluorosis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for infants. If parents are concerned about reducing the chances of their infants developing mild fluorosis through consuming substantial amounts of infant formula mixed with fluoridated water, the researchers suggest that they consult with their family dentist or physician. The researchers also encourage parents to follow recommendations to use small (smear or pea-sized) amounts of fluoridated toothpaste and ensure proper supervision of the child's tooth brushing.
Researchers recruited mothers of newborn infants from eight Iowa hospital postpartum wards between 1992 and 1995 for their children's participation in what would become known as the Iowa Fluoride Study, an investigation of dietary and non-dietary fluoride exposures, dental fluorosis and dental cavities. Researchers sent questionnaires to the parents at regular intervals and 630 children underwent visual dental examinations using standardized techniques and portable equipment. The leader of the research team was Steven M. Levy, D.D.S., M.P.H., the Wright-Bush-Shreves Endowed Professor of Research in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry and Professor of Epidemiology at the College of Public Health.
Although this study appears in The Journal of the American Dental Association, it does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the American Dental Association.
понедельник, 6 июня 2011 г.
Top Dentist Says To Brush Your Teeth--The Right Way
Everyone brushes their teeth, but few do so properly. Dr. Jan Linhart, regarded as one of America's top dentists, claims that by focusing on key brushing techniques, everyone can improve their oral health.
Dr. Linhart states, "Brushing too harshly and too quickly are two of the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth." He says to choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles and to maintain gentle contact with the teeth and gums while brushing. The brush should also be comfortable to hold and have a head small enough to easily reach every tooth.
Angle is also important. "Start with the brush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums," advises Dr. Linhart. "Maintain this angle while gently brushing the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth two or three at a time." Compared to brushing straight on, this technique is significantly more effective at removing plaque and bacteria. He recommends brushing with a tight, vibrating circular motion.
The inner surfaces of front teeth need to be approached differently. Dr. Linhart's advice is to "tilt the brush behind the teeth and use short vertical strokes." In effect, only the front half of the brush will be used at this stage. The chewing surfaces of teeth, unlike the inner and outer, should be approached straight on, with the brush bristles flush to the teeth. Here a back and forth motion like gentle scrubbing is recommended.
"After finishing all your teeth, always brush your tongue," says Dr. Linhart. A gentle scrub from back to front along the top surface of the tongue will help fight bad breath and contribute positively to overall dental health.
The average brusher also spends far less time at the task than is recommended. "You should always brush for a minimum of two minutes," says Dr. Linhart. "Many people find this difficult at first, but by focusing on two or three teeth at a time it is quite doable." He recommends using a systematic approach, such as brushing your teeth in the same order every time. For some, timing themselves is advised. "Once you get used to how long it should take with the help of a timer, you'll be better able to brush for that long on your own."
When asked if he had any final advice, Dr. Linhart said, "Yes. Brushing alone is not enough--don't forget to floss."
Dr. Jan Linhart, DDS, a Manhattan based cosmetic dentist attracts patients from around the world. Come by our Park Avenue office to inquire about our cosmetic dentistry procedures and other state-of-the-art dental services that we offer, including dental implants, PearlinBrite laser tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, and more.
Dr. Jan Linhart
Dr. Linhart states, "Brushing too harshly and too quickly are two of the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth." He says to choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles and to maintain gentle contact with the teeth and gums while brushing. The brush should also be comfortable to hold and have a head small enough to easily reach every tooth.
Angle is also important. "Start with the brush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums," advises Dr. Linhart. "Maintain this angle while gently brushing the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth two or three at a time." Compared to brushing straight on, this technique is significantly more effective at removing plaque and bacteria. He recommends brushing with a tight, vibrating circular motion.
The inner surfaces of front teeth need to be approached differently. Dr. Linhart's advice is to "tilt the brush behind the teeth and use short vertical strokes." In effect, only the front half of the brush will be used at this stage. The chewing surfaces of teeth, unlike the inner and outer, should be approached straight on, with the brush bristles flush to the teeth. Here a back and forth motion like gentle scrubbing is recommended.
"After finishing all your teeth, always brush your tongue," says Dr. Linhart. A gentle scrub from back to front along the top surface of the tongue will help fight bad breath and contribute positively to overall dental health.
The average brusher also spends far less time at the task than is recommended. "You should always brush for a minimum of two minutes," says Dr. Linhart. "Many people find this difficult at first, but by focusing on two or three teeth at a time it is quite doable." He recommends using a systematic approach, such as brushing your teeth in the same order every time. For some, timing themselves is advised. "Once you get used to how long it should take with the help of a timer, you'll be better able to brush for that long on your own."
When asked if he had any final advice, Dr. Linhart said, "Yes. Brushing alone is not enough--don't forget to floss."
Dr. Jan Linhart, DDS, a Manhattan based cosmetic dentist attracts patients from around the world. Come by our Park Avenue office to inquire about our cosmetic dentistry procedures and other state-of-the-art dental services that we offer, including dental implants, PearlinBrite laser tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, and more.
Dr. Jan Linhart
воскресенье, 5 июня 2011 г.
American Dental Association Stresses Good Oral Health During Pregnancy
With Mother's Day around the
corner, the American Dental Association (ADA) wants to remind mothers-to-be
that maintaining good oral health is an important part of overall health,
especially during pregnancy.
Research suggests there may be an association between maternal gum
disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight babies. In addition, a
recent study says that pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely
to develop gestational diabetes.
"Good oral health habits are an important part of a healthy lifestyle,"
says Sally Cram, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and periodontist in
Washington, D.C. "If you are planning a pregnancy, schedule a dental
checkup for a cleaning. If you are pregnant, continue your regular dental
visits. Be sure to inform your dentist if you are pregnant or suspect you
might be pregnant."
In addition to regular dental visits, the ADA recommends eating a
well-balanced diet, maintaining daily oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice
a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth at least once a
day with floss or an interdental cleaner. The ADA recommends that consumers
look for oral healthcare products that have earned the ADA Seal of
Acceptance. The ADA Seal of Acceptance is designed to help consumers make
informed decisions about the safety and effectiveness of dental products.
"Pregnancy often causes food cravings, and constant snacking on sugary
food and beverages can lead to a buildup of dental plaque," explains Ada
Cooper, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and a general dentist in New York. "In
addition, the rising hormone levels that accompany pregnancy can irritate
gums already battling plaque buildup. Some dentists might recommend more
frequent cleanings during the second or early third trimester to control
gingivitis."
Good oral health habits are not only valuable during pregnancy, but
after pregnancy as well because cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from
mother to child through contact such as sharing utensils or kissing.
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association,
representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral
health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and
promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's
state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and
materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient
experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a
valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. JADA, a
monthly journal, is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read
scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit
the Association's Web site at ada
American Dental Association
ada
corner, the American Dental Association (ADA) wants to remind mothers-to-be
that maintaining good oral health is an important part of overall health,
especially during pregnancy.
Research suggests there may be an association between maternal gum
disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight babies. In addition, a
recent study says that pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely
to develop gestational diabetes.
"Good oral health habits are an important part of a healthy lifestyle,"
says Sally Cram, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and periodontist in
Washington, D.C. "If you are planning a pregnancy, schedule a dental
checkup for a cleaning. If you are pregnant, continue your regular dental
visits. Be sure to inform your dentist if you are pregnant or suspect you
might be pregnant."
In addition to regular dental visits, the ADA recommends eating a
well-balanced diet, maintaining daily oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice
a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth at least once a
day with floss or an interdental cleaner. The ADA recommends that consumers
look for oral healthcare products that have earned the ADA Seal of
Acceptance. The ADA Seal of Acceptance is designed to help consumers make
informed decisions about the safety and effectiveness of dental products.
"Pregnancy often causes food cravings, and constant snacking on sugary
food and beverages can lead to a buildup of dental plaque," explains Ada
Cooper, D.D.S., ADA consumer advisor and a general dentist in New York. "In
addition, the rising hormone levels that accompany pregnancy can irritate
gums already battling plaque buildup. Some dentists might recommend more
frequent cleanings during the second or early third trimester to control
gingivitis."
Good oral health habits are not only valuable during pregnancy, but
after pregnancy as well because cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from
mother to child through contact such as sharing utensils or kissing.
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association,
representing more than 155,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral
health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and
promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's
state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and
materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient
experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a
valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. JADA, a
monthly journal, is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read
scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit
the Association's Web site at ada
American Dental Association
ada
суббота, 4 июня 2011 г.
US FDA approves Ultra Suction (R) Denture Stabilizer Device
A New Zealand based company, Biomedics NZ Limited reports that it has obtained FDA approval for its Ultra Suction(R), complete denture stabilizer system.
Biomedics NZ reports that Ultra Suction(R) system comprises a tiny unidirectional device that is imbedded into a denture plate. As the denture wearer bites firmly, the air trapped between the gum and the denture is expelled through the device, via two air passages. The lower pressure obtained beneath the denture tends to exert a pull and helps secure the denture against the gum. Properly fitted dentures can increase wearing comfort, the ability to chew and therefore impact on the overall health of the patient.
Complete dentures are the most common prescription offered to the millions of edentulous patients worldwide. One of the main problems with complete dentures arises in securing them to the gum, often resulting in ill-fitting dentures, which in turn can affect eating and the overall health of the patient. The problem is much more common with lower dentures.
"Ultra Suction (R) devices are easily imbedded into both new and existing dentures by a dentist or a dental technician", says Mony Paz, MD of Biomedics NZ and the developer of Ultra Suction(R) system.
ultrasuction
Biomedics NZ reports that Ultra Suction(R) system comprises a tiny unidirectional device that is imbedded into a denture plate. As the denture wearer bites firmly, the air trapped between the gum and the denture is expelled through the device, via two air passages. The lower pressure obtained beneath the denture tends to exert a pull and helps secure the denture against the gum. Properly fitted dentures can increase wearing comfort, the ability to chew and therefore impact on the overall health of the patient.
Complete dentures are the most common prescription offered to the millions of edentulous patients worldwide. One of the main problems with complete dentures arises in securing them to the gum, often resulting in ill-fitting dentures, which in turn can affect eating and the overall health of the patient. The problem is much more common with lower dentures.
"Ultra Suction (R) devices are easily imbedded into both new and existing dentures by a dentist or a dental technician", says Mony Paz, MD of Biomedics NZ and the developer of Ultra Suction(R) system.
ultrasuction
пятница, 3 июня 2011 г.
Ameritas Group Helps Fund Dental College Oral Cancer Research
Ameritas Group, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., has made a $250,000 gift commitment to the University of Nebraska Foundation to establish a permanent endowment in support of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry. The fund will provide annual support for research focused on preventing, detecting and treating oral cancer.
In December 2010, Ken VanCleave, president of Ameritas Group, presented the first installment of the endowment.
"This gift is another outstanding example of Ameritas' strong commitment to improving education at the College of Dentistry and improving the health of people in Nebraska and beyond," said Dr. John Reinhardt, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. "We're delighted to accept this generous support, which will significantly strengthen our developing oral cancer research and educational activities."
This endowment augments nearly 10 years of charitable support from Ameritas for the UNMC College of Dentistry. Past gifts from Ameritas have provided significant resources to help underwrite the college's annual Dental Day for children, rural externships for dental students across Nebraska, pre-clinic lab renovations, faculty and student research, and the dental hygiene department's Sealant Program.
"This is a natural partnership," said VanCleave. "We completely support the college's research, and have no doubt that our investment in this program will lead to improvements in oral cancer prevention and treatment."
The gift from Ameritas Group also supports the university's current fundraising initiative, the Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, and one of the College of Dentistry's goals to strengthen its oral cancer programs.
In December 2010, Ken VanCleave, president of Ameritas Group, presented the first installment of the endowment.
"This gift is another outstanding example of Ameritas' strong commitment to improving education at the College of Dentistry and improving the health of people in Nebraska and beyond," said Dr. John Reinhardt, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. "We're delighted to accept this generous support, which will significantly strengthen our developing oral cancer research and educational activities."
This endowment augments nearly 10 years of charitable support from Ameritas for the UNMC College of Dentistry. Past gifts from Ameritas have provided significant resources to help underwrite the college's annual Dental Day for children, rural externships for dental students across Nebraska, pre-clinic lab renovations, faculty and student research, and the dental hygiene department's Sealant Program.
"This is a natural partnership," said VanCleave. "We completely support the college's research, and have no doubt that our investment in this program will lead to improvements in oral cancer prevention and treatment."
The gift from Ameritas Group also supports the university's current fundraising initiative, the Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities, and one of the College of Dentistry's goals to strengthen its oral cancer programs.
четверг, 2 июня 2011 г.
Dentists Are Often The First To Diagnose And Treat Oral Reactions
Dentists are often the first to diagnose and treat oral reactions, especially since many reactions occur with medications used in excess or in combinations with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, according to a report in the March-April 2006 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal.
The mouth can react differently to drugs and those reactions can vary in significance, according to Scott S. DeRossi, DMD, lead author of the study.
"An adverse reaction depends on the medications you use. Too much bismuth subsalicylate, for example, can turn your tongue black, but the reaction is temporary and harmless," says Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD, MA, AGD spokesperson. "Also, too much antibiotic usage can do the same thing and give you a black, hairy-looking tongue. And any acidic type of medication can cause canker sores, including chewable vitamin C."
Other types of reactions are possible, as well. Some reactions can be prevented, but the dentist must be aware of what drugs, vitamins, and herbs the patient is taking.
"Most of these reactions, however, cannot be prevented, but early recognition, appropriate treatments, and changing drug regimens can eliminate them," explains Dr. DeRossi. He notes that, as the population ages and more drugs become available, patients can expect to encounter additional oral side effects from medications.
"A dentist can help, both in diagnosing drug interactions and in writing prescriptions that would be good to take in order to avoid side effects. Some side effects are not dangerous and others are, depending on the extent of the drug administered and the kind of drug that is used. Don't forget that vitamins in excess become drugs and can cause serious damage and injury," says Dr. Shapira.
How to avoid and treat an oral reaction to medication:
# Let your dentist know what drugs, vitamins, and herbs you regularly take.
# Tell your physician and dentist when you suspect that a reaction is occurring to medication you are taking.
# Use vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medications only as directed by your physician.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at agd/consumer
Contact: Jaclyn Finneke
Jaclyn.finnekeagd
Academy of General Dentistry
The mouth can react differently to drugs and those reactions can vary in significance, according to Scott S. DeRossi, DMD, lead author of the study.
"An adverse reaction depends on the medications you use. Too much bismuth subsalicylate, for example, can turn your tongue black, but the reaction is temporary and harmless," says Eric Shapira, DDS, MAGD, MA, AGD spokesperson. "Also, too much antibiotic usage can do the same thing and give you a black, hairy-looking tongue. And any acidic type of medication can cause canker sores, including chewable vitamin C."
Other types of reactions are possible, as well. Some reactions can be prevented, but the dentist must be aware of what drugs, vitamins, and herbs the patient is taking.
"Most of these reactions, however, cannot be prevented, but early recognition, appropriate treatments, and changing drug regimens can eliminate them," explains Dr. DeRossi. He notes that, as the population ages and more drugs become available, patients can expect to encounter additional oral side effects from medications.
"A dentist can help, both in diagnosing drug interactions and in writing prescriptions that would be good to take in order to avoid side effects. Some side effects are not dangerous and others are, depending on the extent of the drug administered and the kind of drug that is used. Don't forget that vitamins in excess become drugs and can cause serious damage and injury," says Dr. Shapira.
How to avoid and treat an oral reaction to medication:
# Let your dentist know what drugs, vitamins, and herbs you regularly take.
# Tell your physician and dentist when you suspect that a reaction is occurring to medication you are taking.
# Use vitamins, herbs, and over-the-counter medications only as directed by your physician.
The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 35,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at agd/consumer
Contact: Jaclyn Finneke
Jaclyn.finnekeagd
Academy of General Dentistry
среда, 1 июня 2011 г.
American Dental Education Association Releases Statement On Professionalism In Dental Education
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has released a Statement on Professionalism in Dental Education for the academic dental community. Aligned with existing codes of ethics and conduct within the dental education and dental practice communities, the Statement helps to define expectations for professional behavior in dental education institutions. It includes the values and behaviors that should guide students as they enter the dental and allied dental professions and faculty and administrators as they continuously improve their educational programs.
"The ADEA Statement on Professionalism in Dental Education reflects ADEA's commitment to promoting ethical behavior throughout the dental education community," said ADEA President Ronald J. Hunt, D.D.S. "The guidelines will help institutions develop and enhance their own codes, based upon a shared understanding of professionalism and academic integrity."
Promoting ethical behavior throughout education and practice is among the most important challenges facing dental education today. In March 2008, the ADEA House of Delegates created an ADEA Task Force on Professionalism in Dental Education and charged it with the development of an ADEA Statement on Professionalism in Dental Education. The Task Force, comprised of members of all seven ADEA Councils, worked to identify and clarify those personal and institutional values and behaviors that support academic integrity and professionalism in dental education and are aligned with the existing values and codes of the dental, allied dental, and higher education professions. Those values are competence, fairness, integrity, responsibility, respect, and service-mindedness. It was also recommended that "real-life applications" of these values be developed so the concept of professionalism is more easily understood and applied by individuals and institutions.
ADEA hopes that the Statement stimulates broad discussions about professional behavior in dental education, provides guidance for individual and institutional behavior within dental education, and in doing so supports professionalism across the continuum of dental education and practice.
Source
American Dental Education Association
"The ADEA Statement on Professionalism in Dental Education reflects ADEA's commitment to promoting ethical behavior throughout the dental education community," said ADEA President Ronald J. Hunt, D.D.S. "The guidelines will help institutions develop and enhance their own codes, based upon a shared understanding of professionalism and academic integrity."
Promoting ethical behavior throughout education and practice is among the most important challenges facing dental education today. In March 2008, the ADEA House of Delegates created an ADEA Task Force on Professionalism in Dental Education and charged it with the development of an ADEA Statement on Professionalism in Dental Education. The Task Force, comprised of members of all seven ADEA Councils, worked to identify and clarify those personal and institutional values and behaviors that support academic integrity and professionalism in dental education and are aligned with the existing values and codes of the dental, allied dental, and higher education professions. Those values are competence, fairness, integrity, responsibility, respect, and service-mindedness. It was also recommended that "real-life applications" of these values be developed so the concept of professionalism is more easily understood and applied by individuals and institutions.
ADEA hopes that the Statement stimulates broad discussions about professional behavior in dental education, provides guidance for individual and institutional behavior within dental education, and in doing so supports professionalism across the continuum of dental education and practice.
Source
American Dental Education Association
вторник, 31 мая 2011 г.
Children More Likely To Visit The Dentist If Their Parents Do Too
Whether or not children receive regular dental care is strongly associated with their parents' history of seeking dental care. A new report to appear in the journal Pediatrics, which has been released online, is the first to analyze the relationship between parents' and childrens' dental visits in a nationally representative sample.
"When parents don't see the dentist, their children are much less likely to see the dentist," says Inyang Isong, MD, MPH, of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy, the study's lead author. "We also found that the children of parents who have put off their own dental care for financial reasons are more likely to have their care deferred due to cost as well. It looks like strategies to promote oral health should focus on the whole family."
The study's authors note that dental caries - tooth decay - is of one of the most prevalent childhood diseases and is particularly common among minority and low-income children. Previous studies have associated factors including insurance coverage, parents' income and education, and the availability of dental care in the local community with the likelihood that children will have regular dental visits.
Earlier investigations of the impact of parents' accessing dental care focused on particular demographic groups. In order to see whether associations from those studies applied more broadly, the current investigation analyzed data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey and its Child Health Supplement, which are designed to collect basic health and demographic information, along with answers to questions on health topics of current interest, from a cross section of the U.S. population.
Survey responses including data regarding dental visits for both a child and parent in the same household was available for around 6,100 matched pairs. Among parents who reported seeing a dentist during the preceding year, 86 percent of children had also seen a dentist; but only 64 percent of the children of parents with no recent dental visit had seen a dentist during the previous 12 months. In addition, among parents who put off their own dental care because of financial considerations, 27 percent of their children also had dental care deferred. In contrast, only 3 percent of children whose parents had not put off their own care care had their dental care deferred.
"Even when children are covered by medical insurance, it appears that financial barriers are influencing parents' decisions about accessing dental care for their children," says Isong, a clincal fellow at MGHfC. "We're now in the process of looking at the impact of dental insurance - something not addressed by the NHIS - and other enabling resources on the relationship between parents' and children's receipt of dental care."
James Perrin, MD, of the MGHfC Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy is senior author of the Pediatrics paper. Additional co-authors are Karen Kuhlthau, PhD, and Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, MGHfC; Katharine Zuckerman, MD, MPH, Oregon Health and Science University; and Sowmya Rao, PhD, MGH Biostatistics Center.
"When parents don't see the dentist, their children are much less likely to see the dentist," says Inyang Isong, MD, MPH, of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy, the study's lead author. "We also found that the children of parents who have put off their own dental care for financial reasons are more likely to have their care deferred due to cost as well. It looks like strategies to promote oral health should focus on the whole family."
The study's authors note that dental caries - tooth decay - is of one of the most prevalent childhood diseases and is particularly common among minority and low-income children. Previous studies have associated factors including insurance coverage, parents' income and education, and the availability of dental care in the local community with the likelihood that children will have regular dental visits.
Earlier investigations of the impact of parents' accessing dental care focused on particular demographic groups. In order to see whether associations from those studies applied more broadly, the current investigation analyzed data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey and its Child Health Supplement, which are designed to collect basic health and demographic information, along with answers to questions on health topics of current interest, from a cross section of the U.S. population.
Survey responses including data regarding dental visits for both a child and parent in the same household was available for around 6,100 matched pairs. Among parents who reported seeing a dentist during the preceding year, 86 percent of children had also seen a dentist; but only 64 percent of the children of parents with no recent dental visit had seen a dentist during the previous 12 months. In addition, among parents who put off their own dental care because of financial considerations, 27 percent of their children also had dental care deferred. In contrast, only 3 percent of children whose parents had not put off their own care care had their dental care deferred.
"Even when children are covered by medical insurance, it appears that financial barriers are influencing parents' decisions about accessing dental care for their children," says Isong, a clincal fellow at MGHfC. "We're now in the process of looking at the impact of dental insurance - something not addressed by the NHIS - and other enabling resources on the relationship between parents' and children's receipt of dental care."
James Perrin, MD, of the MGHfC Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy is senior author of the Pediatrics paper. Additional co-authors are Karen Kuhlthau, PhD, and Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, MGHfC; Katharine Zuckerman, MD, MPH, Oregon Health and Science University; and Sowmya Rao, PhD, MGH Biostatistics Center.
понедельник, 30 мая 2011 г.
Caution Advised Over Use Of New 'Dissolvable Tobacco' Products
The first study to analyze the complex ingredients in the new genre of dissolvable tobacco products has concluded that these pop-into-the-mouth replacements for cigarettes in places where smoking is banned have the potential to cause mouth diseases and other problems. The report appears in ACS's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
John V. Goodpaster and colleagues point out that the first dissolvable tobacco products went on sale in 2009 in test markets in Indianapolis, Ind., Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Ore. The products contain finely-ground tobacco and other ingredients processed into pellet, stick, and strip forms that are advertised as smoke and spit-free. Health officials are concerned about whether the products, which dissolve inside the mouth near the lips and gums, are in fact a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. Goodpaster and colleagues note the possibility that children may be accidentally poisoned by the nicotine in these products. "The packaging and design of the dissolvables may also appeal to children, and some dissolvables, such as Orbs, may be mistaken for candy," the report states.
The researchers' analysis found that the products contain mainly nicotine and a variety of flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and binders. They note abundant scientific evidence about the potential adverse health effects of nicotine, including those involving the teeth and gums. Other ingredients in dissolvables have the potential to increase the risk of tooth decay and one, coumarin, has been banned as a flavoring agent in food because of its link to a risk of liver damage.
"The results presented here are the first to reveal the complexity of dissolvable tobacco products and may be used to assess potential health effects," said Goodpaster, noting that it is "therefore important to understand some of the potential toxicological effects of some of the ingredients of these products." Nicotine in particular, he noted, is a toxic substance linked to the development of oral cancers and gum disease.
ARTICLE: "Chemical Characterization of Dissolvable Tobacco Products Promoted To Reduce Harm"
John V. Goodpaster and colleagues point out that the first dissolvable tobacco products went on sale in 2009 in test markets in Indianapolis, Ind., Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Ore. The products contain finely-ground tobacco and other ingredients processed into pellet, stick, and strip forms that are advertised as smoke and spit-free. Health officials are concerned about whether the products, which dissolve inside the mouth near the lips and gums, are in fact a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. Goodpaster and colleagues note the possibility that children may be accidentally poisoned by the nicotine in these products. "The packaging and design of the dissolvables may also appeal to children, and some dissolvables, such as Orbs, may be mistaken for candy," the report states.
The researchers' analysis found that the products contain mainly nicotine and a variety of flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and binders. They note abundant scientific evidence about the potential adverse health effects of nicotine, including those involving the teeth and gums. Other ingredients in dissolvables have the potential to increase the risk of tooth decay and one, coumarin, has been banned as a flavoring agent in food because of its link to a risk of liver damage.
"The results presented here are the first to reveal the complexity of dissolvable tobacco products and may be used to assess potential health effects," said Goodpaster, noting that it is "therefore important to understand some of the potential toxicological effects of some of the ingredients of these products." Nicotine in particular, he noted, is a toxic substance linked to the development of oral cancers and gum disease.
ARTICLE: "Chemical Characterization of Dissolvable Tobacco Products Promoted To Reduce Harm"
воскресенье, 29 мая 2011 г.
Preventative Dental Care, Daily Toothbrushing Are Keys To Healthy Pet
When it comes to pet dental care, two Kansas State University veterinarians hope that owners remember an important message: Prevention is always better and often cheaper than treatment.
"Although prevention may be more effort for the owners, it has the best end result for their pets and often their pocketbook," said Marjory Artzer, a clinical assistant professor at the K-State Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital.
By the age of 3, about 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats already have established periodontal disease, said Jennifer Akers, a clinical assistant professor at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital. Akers said preventative measures are key to identifying and stopping disease before it gets too bad.
Dogs often have more straightforward periodontal disease, ranging from mild cases of gingivitis that can be reversed with cleaning, to more advanced cases where dogs can lose teeth, Akers said. Cats more commonly suffer from issues with tooth resorption and inflammatory disease in their mouth.
Both conditions can be very painful for pets, but animals don't have to act as if they are pained for disease to exist in the mouth, according to the K-State veterinarians. Often pain comes on slowly, so the animal has time to adjust.
"A lot of times we only know it has been problematic for them after we've instituted therapy and they go back to feeling good and have a change in behavior for the better," Artzer said.
Some signs of dental problems include bad breath, bleeding from the gingiva, changes in eating behavior or pawing and rubbing faces.
Most dental pathology is best identified by a veterinarian, Artzer said, and to help identify any dental problems, owners should make sure their animals get an oral exam every year with their annual checkup.
To help prevent periodontal disease, owners should brush pets' teeth daily with a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste, Akers said, as it can be toxic to animals. Water-additives, dental chews and dental diets can also help prevent periodontal disease.
"For cats, vigilance in observing and trying to intercede as early in the disease process as possible helps to keep them more comfortable longer," Akers said. "Daily oral health care is important for preventing periodontal disease and also keeps the owners looking in the mouth on a routine basis for signs of problems."
Owners should not give dogs bones or other hard toys, as they are a common cause of tooth-breaking.
"With the best intention of providing something that owners may think is OK, it can have a very negative outcome," Artzer said. "If we provide pets with appropriate toys to chew, that is a better scenario."
Both veterinarians said owners should start dental care when pets are babies and easily trainable so that they become accustomed to daily toothbrushing. It is especially important for small breed dogs because they are most at risk for periodontal disease.
"Unfortunately, what we see is middle age older pets with really horrible disease in their mouths, and the owners, only in hindsight, wished that they had been doing something about it at a young age," Akers said.
But with preventative measures, owners can improve their animal's quality of life and prevent severe complications of periodontal disease, such as complicating factors for heart conditions, kidney problems or other dental diseases.
"Dental care can help pets live a long, happy pain-free life; but no dental care can often lead to very detrimental consequences that can be very painful for our pets and very detrimental for their long term survival," Akers said.
"Although prevention may be more effort for the owners, it has the best end result for their pets and often their pocketbook," said Marjory Artzer, a clinical assistant professor at the K-State Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital.
By the age of 3, about 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats already have established periodontal disease, said Jennifer Akers, a clinical assistant professor at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital. Akers said preventative measures are key to identifying and stopping disease before it gets too bad.
Dogs often have more straightforward periodontal disease, ranging from mild cases of gingivitis that can be reversed with cleaning, to more advanced cases where dogs can lose teeth, Akers said. Cats more commonly suffer from issues with tooth resorption and inflammatory disease in their mouth.
Both conditions can be very painful for pets, but animals don't have to act as if they are pained for disease to exist in the mouth, according to the K-State veterinarians. Often pain comes on slowly, so the animal has time to adjust.
"A lot of times we only know it has been problematic for them after we've instituted therapy and they go back to feeling good and have a change in behavior for the better," Artzer said.
Some signs of dental problems include bad breath, bleeding from the gingiva, changes in eating behavior or pawing and rubbing faces.
Most dental pathology is best identified by a veterinarian, Artzer said, and to help identify any dental problems, owners should make sure their animals get an oral exam every year with their annual checkup.
To help prevent periodontal disease, owners should brush pets' teeth daily with a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste, Akers said, as it can be toxic to animals. Water-additives, dental chews and dental diets can also help prevent periodontal disease.
"For cats, vigilance in observing and trying to intercede as early in the disease process as possible helps to keep them more comfortable longer," Akers said. "Daily oral health care is important for preventing periodontal disease and also keeps the owners looking in the mouth on a routine basis for signs of problems."
Owners should not give dogs bones or other hard toys, as they are a common cause of tooth-breaking.
"With the best intention of providing something that owners may think is OK, it can have a very negative outcome," Artzer said. "If we provide pets with appropriate toys to chew, that is a better scenario."
Both veterinarians said owners should start dental care when pets are babies and easily trainable so that they become accustomed to daily toothbrushing. It is especially important for small breed dogs because they are most at risk for periodontal disease.
"Unfortunately, what we see is middle age older pets with really horrible disease in their mouths, and the owners, only in hindsight, wished that they had been doing something about it at a young age," Akers said.
But with preventative measures, owners can improve their animal's quality of life and prevent severe complications of periodontal disease, such as complicating factors for heart conditions, kidney problems or other dental diseases.
"Dental care can help pets live a long, happy pain-free life; but no dental care can often lead to very detrimental consequences that can be very painful for our pets and very detrimental for their long term survival," Akers said.
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