Some Consider Tooth Polishing Unnecessary, Although Not Detrimental?

In response to a reader’s question about polishing teeth, The New York Times (12/4, Saint Louis) “Ask Well” blog stated “the procedure isn’t necessary.” Marcia Lorentzen, the dean of the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, said that although the procedure does not pose “a significant risk” to enamel, scaling should be used to remove dental stains. However, the article said that “not using a soft toothbrush or brushing too hard daily can damage the softer structures of the teeth, including the cementum, the surface layer of the tooth root.” Blogger's note In my years of practice following the same patient I have not seen  any loss of tooth structure from polishing of teeth with a rubber cup and prophy paste. DKMacLeod

Study Finds Americans Skipping Dental Visits Due To Cost.

Study Finds Americans Skipping Dental Visits Due To Cost.

In its morning broadcast, ABC News (10/7) reported that a new study shows that 23% of Americans have no plans to see the dentist in the next 12 months, citing the American Dental Association as its source. ABC News adds that “almost half of them that say cost is the number one reason why.” Health savings adviser Jason Szczuka provided advice for saving on dental care. He recommended that people compare prices, negotiate discounts, pay cash, or consider receiving services at a dental school.

My comments: in this age with a search on google one can find dentist who for under $100 will do a cleaning , exam and x-rays??

ADA Spokesperson Says Acids In Wines Can Dissolve Enamel.

In an article examining how wine consumption affects dental health, the New York Magazine (9/11, Rinkunas) reports that Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, said that “red is more directly staining,” although pink and white wine varieties can still discolor teeth through secondary staining due to wine’s acidity, which can dissolve enamel. When drinking wine, “the best-case scenario is to have wine with a meal (versus sipping it throughout the night), drink water to moisten your mouth and wash away what’s on the surface of your teeth, wait 30 minutes for saliva to do its thing, and then brush,” the article reports, adding that Dr. Messina recommends using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen teeth.

Parents Advised To Provide Early Care For Children’s Baby Teeth.

The Urbana/Champaign (IL) News-Gazette (8/19) recommends children start receiving dental care very early, stating that many parents may not realize how important it is to care for baby teeth. According to the article, dentists recommend children visit the dentist when their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday, adding that one Illinois dentist said this helps establish a positive relationship between the child and the dentist. Caring for baby teeth is important because the teeth not only help children chew, but also help form a path for permanent teeth to follow, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In addition, the article reports that the American Dental Association advises parents to schedule a morning visit for their child and avoid using dental visits as a reward or punishment.

Tennessee Department Of Health: Fluoridated Community Water Is Improving Dental Health.

In a statement carried by Clarksville (TN) Online (8/4), the Tennessee Department of Health discusses how Tennesseans have benefited from fluoridated community water, saying, “Comparisons of dental health before and after fluoridation in Tennessee showed a 75 percent decline in decay of children’s permanent teeth from the early 1950s to the late 1980s.” According to the statement, community water fluoridation costs “approximately 50 cents per person, per year,” a fraction of what it costs to repair one cavity.

Employers Encouraged To Evaluate Dental Coverage Options.

With more people seeking benefits packages that include dental coverage,BenefitsPro (8/4) discusses items employers should know and evaluate concerning dental coverage, such as being aware that some medical plans on the ACA exchange may include dental benefits for children, although the medical plans do not all cover children’s benefits equally, while standalone dental carriers can provide adult dental coverage. According to the article, “Dental coverage encourages regular preventive dental check-ups, which not only helps protect dental health but also can detect as many as 120 different diseases in their earliest stages, when they are most effectively treated.”

Dental Treatment With Local Anesthetics Is Safe For Pregnant Women.

HealthNewsDigest (8/4) reports that a new study published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that dental treatment with local anesthetics is not harmful for pregnant women. Study author Dr. Aharon Hagai said, “Our study identified no evidence to show that dental treatment with anesthetics is harmful during pregnancy, and yet so many pregnant women avoid going to the dentist.” Dr. Hagai added, “Dentists and physicians should encourage pregnant women to maintain their oral health by continuing to receive routine dental care and seeking treatment when problems arise.”