People who have Diabetes are at a Higher Risk for Developing Gum Disease

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is a joint program of the CDC and the NIH (National Institutes of Health). The CDC regularly collaborates with a workgroup within NDEP called PPOD (Pharmacy, Podiatry, Optometry, and Dental Professionals). PPOD develops and promotes materials to educate patients and fellow dental professionals on the disease and how to prevent a major complication that often results from having diabetes—periodontal disease.

Findings from scientific studies clearly show that school dental sealant programs work to stop tooth decay.

The Task Force on Community Preventive Services recommends school sealant programs and issued a strong endorsement* in 2001. In 2003, the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors published a Best Practice Approach Report.* This report reviews the scientific evidence that school sealant programs work and presents specific examples of practices in state programs.

Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This is where most tooth decay in children and teens occurs. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from decay by keeping germs and pieces of food out.

Question: Where do you get dental wax?

Reply: Most orthodontic dental office will supply you with the dental wax free of charge. If you do not get it just ask for it before you leave.

Question: I just got my retainer about a month ago. while cleaning it I put them in very hot water to kill germs. I did not think they would melt so easily. I called my Orthodontic office and told them what I did and that the retainer now does not fit right. They said I can have a new one but it would take at least three weeks for it to come in. She stated my teeth may shift a little. Is there anyway i can fix my old retainer until the new one comes in? I want to keep my teeth from shifting.

Swallowing Your Gum.

Compared with their parents, many Americans now enjoy markedly better oral health. However, certain segments of the population (e.g., those who have low incomes, are members of racial or ethnic minority groups, or are older) have severe dental decay, much of which remains untreated. Healthy People 2010 objectives seek to eliminate these disparities, so that all Americans receive the benefits of good oral health. Community-based programs, such as community water fluoridation and school-based dental sealant programs, are cost-effective ways to achieve this goal. For example, if half of the children at high risk for tooth decay participated in school sealant programs, half of the caries that these children otherwise would develop would be prevented.

Community-Based Strategies to Prevent Tooth Decay Save Money

Effective Strategies

This is hard for me to write about but would like some advise on what to do. To start with I am 32 and my teeth are so bad that they hurt I can only eat soft foods because I am afraid to eat anything to hard for fear of braking my teeth. I know I have no one to blame but myself for he problem that I am now facing. When I was younger I just did not take good care of my teeth like I should have. My mom was poor so we did not have much and going to the dentist was always costly for her. She told me and my brother that we needed to brush extra well and to floss every day because she could not afford to fix our teeth.

Irreversible treatments that have not been proven to be effective – and may make the problem worse – include orthodontics to change the bite; crown and bridge work to balance the bite; grinding down teeth to bring the bite into balance, called “occlusal adjustment”; and repositioning splints, also called orthotics, which permanently alter the bite.

Because more studies are needed on the safety and effectiveness of most treatments for jaw joint and muscle disorders, experts strongly recommend using the most conservative, reversible treatments possible. Conservative treatments do not invade the tissues of the face, jaw, or joint, or involve surgery. Reversible treatments do not cause permanent changes in the structure or position of the jaw or teeth. Even when TMJ disorders have become persistent, most patients still do not need aggressive types of treatment.

Treatment should be tailored to your individual needs. Depending on the cause of your BMS symptoms, possible treatments may include:

A review of your medical history, a thorough oral examination, and a general medical examination may help identify the source of your burning mouth. Tests may include:

There are a number of possible causes of burning mouth syndrome, including:

• damage to nerves that control pain and taste
• hormonal changes
• dry mouth, which can be caused by many medicines and disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome or diabetes
• nutritional deficiencies
• oral candidiasis, a fungal infection in the mouth
• acid reflux
• poorly-fitting dentures or allergies to denture materials
• anxiety and depression.
  

Burning Mouth SyndromeBurning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful, frustrating condition often described as a scalding sensation in the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth. Although BMS can affect anyone, it occurs most commonly in middle-aged or older women. BMS often occurs with a range of medical and dental conditions, from nutritional deficiencies and menopause to dry mouth and allergies. But their connection is unclear, and the exact cause of burning mouth syndrome cannot always be identified with certainty.

With more and more studies showing links to poor oral health and over all health care issue it is important to maintain your oral and dental care health. Seniors may need to see their dentist more then just twice a year if advised by their dentist in order to properly maintain their dental healthcare needs. However with the rising cost of dental care many seniors tend to put off their dental care needs. One why to address the cost factor is by having dental insurance. There are many different types of dental insurance plans that can address different needs. One this website we offer Affordable low cost dental insurance plans such as HMO and or dental discount plans. Both of these plan types will make dental care much more affordable at a low month cost. For people that wish to stay with or choose their own dental provider we also offer dental PPO plans such as Dental Dental, and StandardLife Dental to name a few. Take a moment to review our dental insurance and plan options and see which may be the best fit for your dental needs and your budget.

Question: Why does my jaw keep cracking?

Reply: You may have TMJ issue or perhaps you are clenching/grinding your teeth at night when you are asleep. You may want to speak to the dentist you are seeing and explain all of what is going on. They should be able to advise you and to help treat your dental care issues

You should brush your teeth after every meal when ever possible. There are many brands of toothpaste with whiting that you can use that may help whiten your teeth. You should also avoid staining your teeth (ie with coffee soda and smoking to name a few) You should brush your teeth for two to three minutes.