How Massachusetts can be more than just average when it comes to dental care policies

When it comes to meeting dental health standards, Massachusetts has a C average, according to The Pew Center on the States’ survey, a government organization which strives to improve public policy and inform the public of state issues. Meeting 4 out of 8 of the PEW national dental policy approaches puts Massachusetts in the precarious position of nearly failing to meet these standards. So, what can Massachusetts learn from their score and how can it be improved?

1. Mass needs to seal the deal!

2 of the 4 policy approaches where Massachusetts fall short concern sealant programs. Dental hygienists are prohibited from placing sealants in a child’s mouth without a prior exam from a dentist. However, the national policy approach entrusts the hygienist with that decision.

Massachusetts dentists could possibly begin training hygienists to make their own judgment call for sealant placement for efficiency and in order to ensure that children are getting sealants when they truly need them. Other good news, for 2010 dental health care, there is a primary focus on implementing sealant programs in schools!

2. Falling short on fluoride. 

Only 59% of Massachusetts residents receive water supply containing fluoride, while the national average is much higher at 75%. Fluoride in water supply is important because it reduces tooth decay and protects against enamel demineralization.  

The health board of Massachusetts is in charge of any changes to this policy approach, but could make a beneficial and cost-effective difference by encouraging a mandatory water fluoridation policy. More motivation? Experts determined a savings of $24 per child in Medicaid expenditures because of averted cavities from drinking fluoridated water.

3. Providing providers.

The state of Massachusetts did not authorize new primary dental care providers in 2009, while the national policy approach allowed new providers.

Providing new dental professionals is vital to rural and low-income communities where there is less access to and a high demand for dental care. Massachusetts could strive towards hiring dental providers who are merely there for basic care, and could refer more complex cases to more qualified professionals. The state of North Carolina utilized this approach for toddler care which resulted in a 40% cavity reduction in children.

4. Following their own example.

The state is above the national average of children who are enrolled in dental care programs who receive Medicaid by about 7% which is commendable because it shows how dental care through Medicaid is accessible. Additionally, dental fees reimbursed by Medicaid are approximately 11% higher than the national average!

So, moving towards the future, it’s important to focus on the positives as a way to improve the shortcomings of Massachusetts dental standards.  The standards may reflect state policy, but changes can begin from the people of Mass themselves to take it from a C to A standard.

Below is the full Massachusetts report:

 011_10_DENT Cost of Delay Factsheets_Massachusetts

Beware of these beverages!

Everyone knows that candy and sweets are hard on your teeth, but the most dangerous culprits are actually what you drink! Studies have shown that beverages have higher acidity and in some cases higher amounts of concentrated sugars. So which drinks are most dangerous to your dental health?

Soda contains phosphoric and citric acids which are harsh on enamel. Also, dark sodas  can easily stain teeth, especially the longer the soda sits on teeth without being brushed  away.

Coffee is most famous for changing the hue of teeth over time. It is capable of wearing  down enamel, due to the high amount of caffeine, which makes it easier to stain teeth.

Sports drinks are one of the newest additions to harmful beverages. They are said to  contain up to three times the amount of sugar found in soda!

Carbonated water is also surprisingly damaging to the mouth because it contains  deceiving amounts of sugar.

Juices such as orange, apple, or lemonade, all seem healthier, but contain high amounts  of sugar, and natural acidity from the fruit. The combination can have the same effect as  soda.

Alcohol is the most important beverage to avoid because the acids and sugars are much  stronger and can easily lead to periodontal disease. Also, if alcohol is abused, it can lead  to oral cancer.

Are you thinking you can’t give up your Diet Coke or coffee in the morning? Don’t worry! There are many solutions that can allow you to enjoy your favorite drinks without sacrificing your daily fixes.

1.     Water! Drinking water after consuming any of these beverages can help rinse out the sticky sugars and acids that latch themselves onto your teeth. Also, water will have the  same effect as saliva, where moisture makes it easier to wash away bacteria. Or you can switch to drinking more water altogether in place of a soda or juice.

2.     Bring a toothbrush. If you can’t go without any or all of these beverages, bring a toothbrush with you. Dentists say to wait 20-30 minutes after consumption to allow the enamel, which has softened from the acids and sugars, to harden again, and cause less damage to the teeth.

3.     Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum will actually help to pull the sugars and acids off of your teeth, and produces more saliva for a natural mouthwash.

4.     Use a straw. It sounds silly, but placing a straw towards the back of your mouth can keep the beverage away from your teeth and prevent direct contact with your front teeth (to avoid staining)!

So if you’re not willing to give up any of your favorite beverages, try these simple solutions so you don’t have to! And, of course, so you can still keep your smile healthy.

A bit about bites

Have you ever really thought about the effect of the alignment of your teeth or your bite has on your health? Probably not, but numerous studies have shown that early habits such as thumb-sucking affect your teeth and health long term.

Prognathism is the official term for irregularities and/or misalignment in the jaw, and the two particular types of this condition are referred to as maxillary prognathism (overbite) and progenism (underbite).

So what are the complications of having an overbite or underbite?

Overbites are determined when the upper row of teeth extend far over the bottom row,  when in a normal set of teeth, they rest perfectly on top of one another.

·     An overbite can permanently change the interior and exterior appearance of your mouth  because the misalignment of your teeth alters the shape of your face.

·     Also, because the teeth protrude further than they should, it puts more pressure on the gums and weakens them, which makes it harder to eat and bite into certain foods.

·     And last, the protrusion also increases the risk for oral injury.

Underbites are categorized when the actual whole lower part of the mouth, including the  jaw protrude further out than the top row of teeth, making the top row sit behind the  lower one.

·     Similar to an overbite, an underbite severely affects your general appearance. The protrusion of the jaw causes the entire face shape to dramatically change.

·     Pressure, in this case, is now on the lower teeth causing them to grow outward and also be more sensitive in terms of biting and chewing.

·     Perhaps most seriously, an underbite can cause speech problems. The way your mouth is formed entirely affects the way you speak; therefore jaw misalignment may cause a lisp or other general speech difficulties.

If you never truly considered the effects your bite may have on your dental and overall health, it is important to take notice and take a few steps towards a solution. If you have a child forming early thumb-sucking habits, do your best to wean them off of it. Or if you currently have an overbite or underbite yourself, consider routine orthodontic treatments which 8 out of 10 people currently have.   

3 things you may not have known about bad breath

Whether you’re walking into a room for a job interview or meeting someone for a first date, a bright smile and fresh breath can go a long way. However, bad breath can be a huge strike against you.

According to a Massachusetts Dental Society Article, 25% of Americans suffer from chronic halitosis (aka bad breath) and nearly $10 billion is spent on this condition each year. There are many culprits out there for bad breath (i.e. garlic, spicy foods, tobacco products, etc.) and so many products on the market—mints, mouthwashes, etc.—only mask your bad breath, never getting to the root of the problem.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of 3 things you may not have know about bad breath. Our list gives you some straight facts on bad breath along with helpful tips to keep it at bay.

1. 80-90% of bad breath comes from the oral cavity, specifically bacteria growing there: This bacteria develops in the crevices between teeth, the pockets of your gums and on your tongue. These are all very fertile breeding grounds for bacteria to set up camp and multiply. If the bacteria causes infections, it produces byproducts called Volatile Sulfur Compounds. Volatile Sulfur Compounds not only smell awful, they put you at higher risk for systemic health problems such as heart attacks and stroke.
2. Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth: Dry mouth (or xerostomina) is one of the lesser known culprits of bad breath. Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva to the mouth decreases leaving less of it to naturally cleanse the mouth of odor-causing bacteria. If you suffer from dry mouth, you may want to consider using a sugarless candy, upping your fluid intake or your dentist may prescribe you an artificial saliva product.
3. Bad breath could be the sign of a more serious medical condition: Bad breath can be one of the first signs of conditions such as chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances and liver or kidney ailments. That’s why if you suffer from bad breath and your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, he or she may refer you to a family doctor or specialist to determine the cause of your problem.

To keep bad breath away, it’s vital that you maintain good oral health. You should keep a consistent oral health care routine that includes the following:

• Brush at least 2 times per-day with a fluoride toothpaste to clean away debris and plaque (make sure to brush your tongue too).
• Floss (or use an interdental cleaner) at least once per-day to remove debris between teeth.
• If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.

What’s up with wisdom teeth?

If wisdom teeth are just going to be pulled out, why do we even get them in the first place? There are exceptions where wisdom teeth never develop, while others never have to be removed because they actually benefit a smile. However, the vast majority of people have to have their wisdom teeth extracted because they are detrimental to the alignment and growth of current teeth. So, what else is going on with these troublesome teeth? Here is a list of facts to provide some real wisdom about these four mysterious molars.

• How to know if you even have wisdom teeth! – The only way to know if you have wisdom teeth (in early adolescence) is to have a dentist give you an x-ray. An x-ray will show the tooth growth below the gums’ surface. The dentist will most likely refer you to an oral surgeon to determine whether or not and when they have to be removed.

 

• There are different types of wisdom teeth – There are a few different types of wisdom teeth whose names relate to how much they show above the gums’ surface. A fully erupted wisdom tooth is completely grown in and above the surface. Partially erupted is only partially above the surface. Impacted are wisdom teeth that have not yet broken the gums’ surface and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

 

• Why wisdom teeth have to be removed in most cases – Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars in the very back of the mouth which usually develop during adolescence. They tend to grow in crooked and push other teeth, damage nerves, and cause risky nooks for bacteria to buildup. In other cases, wisdom teeth remain fully impacted and cause major damage below the surface which leads to serious jaw pain and misalignment of teeth.

 

• When wisdom teeth are removed – The roots of wisdom teeth are not grown in until they are fully developed. Therefore, most oral surgeons recommend an early extraction (before any issues have developed) in order to ensure a less painful and simpler extraction.

 

• How wisdom teeth are removed – The extraction requires an anesthetic to numb the removal site, and typically a mild sedative is suggested to reduce anxiety. The oral surgeon then removes the wisdom teeth either in a relatively normal extraction (if fully or partially erupted), or surgically (if impacted). The entire process, with the inclusion of an anesthetic, is rather painless.

 

• The recovery – Post-surgery, there will be some discomfort. Light bleeding will occur for approximately 45 minutes to a few hours after the surgery is over, and should be controlled by moistened gauze or cloth. Swelling of the cheeks will typically occur, and maybe even light bruising, which should be treated by putting ice on and off the face for 10-minute intervals. Eating will be tricky because the removal site will be sore and still open until they are fully healed. Therefore, a liquid diet is recommended. And of course, medication provided by your surgeon should be taken to control any pain post-surgery.

 

• Healing – The time it takes for your wisdom teeth to heal after the surgery depends completely on the details of the surgery, as well as the person. However, some measures that can be taken to speed up the healing process are gargling salt water, continuing to gently brush your teeth to remove bacteria, and making sure to watch for signs of a dry socket (pain in the removal site 3-4 days after the surgery).

Wisdom teeth are very spontaneous teeth that are different in each and every person’s mouth. So, use your new wisdom about these pesky molars and schedule an appointment with your dentist to find out what’s up with your wisdom teeth.

Have you had your wisdom teeth removed?  Leave a comment and tell us about your experience!

4 ways to improve—or maintain—your oral health in 2010 and beyond

There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than with a bright healthy smile. That’s because your oral health affects so many aspects of your life.  Not to mention you’ll have a lot of people to impress at those New Year’s parties.

Good oral health enhances your overall health and well being. Also, having a clean mouth and fresh breath can help you smile with confidence and make great first impressions.

So let’s remind you of these 4 steps to help you greet the new decade with a healthy smile:

1. Brush right—Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2-3 minutes, making a conscious effort to brush every tooth in your mouth as well as your tongue. To strengthen your teeth and help prevent decay, consider using a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse.
2. Floss right—Dentists suggest that you floss at least once per-day. It’s best to floss at night because it removes all of the bacteria that may have built up on your tooth surfaces throughout the day. 
3. Eat right—We’ve all probably heard our dentist say “don’t eat sugar”, but proper dietary habits for keeping your teeth healthy and intact go beyond that.  You should also limit the number of between meal snacks you have, especially if they consist of sugary and starchy foods. If you do eat between meal snacks, you should consider nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, fruit, plain yogurt or cheese.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Also, you should try and avoid foods that are sticky or take a long time to chew like caramel, peanut butter or honey.  Foods you should definitely keep in your diet are those high in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C. Calcium and Vitamin D help strengthen your teeth against decay and loss while Vitamin C helps protect your gums from infection.
4. Get regular dental checkups—To supplement your at-home oral care regimen and healthy diet, you should also visit your dentist twice per-year. Your dentist can help you find places in your mouth you may have missed from brushing or flossing (prime targets for cavities) and use fluoride treatments to prevent the need for the dreaded drilling and fillings. Your dentist can also help you identify potentially devastating—not to mention costly—dental problems long before they become an emergency.

So kick off 2010 right by making an effort to take care of yourself.  Just remember “being healthy” starts in the mouth, and all you have to do is follow these 4 simple steps to achieve a glowing smile.

Happy New Year from all of us at Universal Dental Plan!

All I want for Christmas are some new white teeth

What is the single biggest complaint people have about their smiles? They just aren’t white enough. Over the counter teeth whitening products are only temporary cures for the natural hue change of teeth over time, but will never permanently whiten them. So, if you want white teeth for Christmas, look into some of the benefits of professionally making your smile as white as fresh, winter snow.

1. Cosmetic whitening allows for darkened teeth to become superficially renewed without any invasive procedures.

     2.    Teeth-whitening causes teeth to be whitened up to 6-8 shades, compared to 1-2 shades consistent with just brushing and flossing.

     3.   Whitening your teeth can remove years of color damage done by tobacco, soda, or coffee in under an hour.

     4.   Most people are embarrassed by the color of their teeth, so a bright smile will evoke happiness and healthiness, and provide more self-  confidence.

     5.   Many celebrities utilize teeth-whitening systems which makes it easier to see the results of specific systems, and make your choice easier.

     6.   Professional whitening systems are now available for public purchase, which allows anyone to whiten their teeth to their greatest potential from their own home (For example: Crest Whitestrips).

     7.   After teeth are whitened, all it takes are consistent and responsible brushing habits to keep your new bright smile for years!

 Santa can’t put beautiful white teeth under the Christmas tree, but he can bring a professional home whitening kit or maybe even call the dentist office for you from the North Pole and make an appointment. 

Most traditional dental insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic work.  But, with Universal Dental Plan, you can save 20% off on any cosmetic dental procedure!  Check out www.universaldentalplan.com to view the fee schedule and dentists in your area.

 To learn more about professional teeth whitening, read about the top-rated options here: http://www.teethwhiteningreviews.com/artman/publish/which-teeth-whitening-system-is-best.php

Happy Holidays everyone, from all of us at Universal Dental Plan!  Have a healthy and enjoyable season!

Naturally improve your dental health by Going Green

 

Many studies have recently shown that harmful ingredients are put in some dental health care products. Harsh alcohol in mouthwash and toothpaste are said to cause more harm than good. So, what is the best alternative? Au natural according to dental professionals. Here are 9 reasons why you should Go Green for dental products:

     1. Ingredients in natural dental products tend to be biodegradable—healthier for your body, as well as the earth.

     2.  Natural products acknowledge every normal dental concern, but control them with natural resources for a healthier alternative.

     3. Green tea is a major ingredient in only natural toothpastes and mouthwashes, and is said to be a natural cavity fighter.

     4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a common ingredient in toothpastes that causes canker sores, but natural toothpastes are free of all artificial    ingredients.

     5. Natural toothpastes integrate Xylitol, a natural cleanser and sweetener.

     6. Natural mouthwashes do not include any alcohol or bleach which can cause tooth erosion and sensitivity.

     7. Natural floss utilizes special trees to create strands that are less likely to snap, fray, or irritate your gums.

     8. Natural gum is also an option which will reduce the risk of cavities and sugar intake.

     9. Lastly, most green products are sold without a cardboard container to reduce unnecessary paper use!

So now, what’s put in your mouth doesn’t only affect your body it also affects the earth.  The choice is simple…Go green!