Question: I have a two year old that will need to start going to the dentist for dental check ups. I do not get dental insurance though my job only medical. Can I get dental insurance just for my son as I do not really need it.
Answer: There are some dental insurance that will write a policy for a minor where as others do not it dose depend on the plan. I suggest looking into dental insurance for a couple (you and your son) because even you should see a dentist at least twice a year. If you have any questions about the available dental insurance plans we have to offer please call our member service line at 310-534-3444 as they be happy to go over the plans with you.
Researchers find target to protect hearing during chemotherapy treatment. Scientists have found a new way to explain the hearing loss caused by cisplatin, a powerful drug used to treat many forms of cancer. Using a highly sensitive technique to measure and map cisplatin in mouse and human inner ear tissues, researchers found that forms of cisplatin build up in the inner ear. They also found a region in the inner ear that could be targeted for efforts to prevent hearing loss from cisplatin. The study is published in Nature Communications(link is external), and was supported by the National Institute on Deafness and other Communications Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health.
Using fruit flies, NIH researchers provide molecular basis for theory of aging. A shorter life may be the price an organism pays for coping with the natural assaults of daily living, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health and their colleagues in Japan. The scientists used fruit flies to examine the relationship between lifespan and signaling proteins that defend the body against environmental stressors, such as bacterial infections and cold temperatures. Since flies and mammals share some of the same molecular pathways, the work may demonstrate how the environment affects longevity in humans.
Early and accurate diagnoses of these brain disorders is essential for developing treatments and identifying patients eligible for clinical trials. National Institutes of Health scientists developing a rapid, practical test for the early diagnosis of prion diseases have modified the assay to offer the possibility of improving early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The group, led by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), tested 60 cerebral spinal fluid samples, including 12 from people with Parkinson’s disease, 17 from people with dementia with Lewy bodies, and 31 controls, including 16 of whom had Alzheimer’s disease. The test correctly excluded all the 31 controls and diagnosed both Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies with 93 percent accuracy.
Many people suffer with bad breath and although food can be a direct reason why some may have bad breath for the day what about chronic bad breath. Some reasons for chronic bad breath are:
Dry Mouth
Smoking
Routine illnesses: such as colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections
Poor Dental Hygiene
Gum Disease
Tooth Decay
Chronic Diseases or Conditions
Medications
If you feel your bad breath is more then just the foods you eat then talk to your doctor and dentist for help in control bad breath odor.
Generally speaking the cost to have a root canal and a crown can run as high $2000. In most cases the dentist is going to want his money at the time of service are render. So what are some options if you do not have that kind of money for dental care? You may want to look into visiting local university that has a school of dentistry. Many dental schools offer reduced-cost services to patients in need, based on income. There is still a cost to restorative dental work but it can help reduce costs significantly.
A new ingredient in toothpaste, developed by dentists, called Novamin, can dramatically reduce teeth sensitivity. Teeth become sensitive when gum tissue recedes,or tooth enamel wear down exposing a tooth’s roots. Roots contain small holes or tubules that lead to nerves. Novamin plugs up the holes cutting off contact with nerves and eliminating pain.
Warning signs that you may have gum disease would be bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or bad breath. Both of these conditions are indicators of gum disease and should be check by your dentist. Studies show that gum disease can provoke heart disease, stroke, diabetes and may worsen osteoporosis. Do not ignore the warning signs and see a dentist because there is more to lose then just your teeth.
In the US more then 1 million adults are affected by burning mouth syndrome. BMS effects mostly women in their postmenopausal years, BMW is poorly understood and difficult to diagnose condition. Burning Mouth Syndrome is a chronic disorder that is characterized by pain and burning sensation in the lips, palate and tongue. BMS is sometimes accompanied by dry mouth, thirst, altered taste perception, and changes in eating habits.
One of the more common postoperative complication for a tooth extraction is dry Socket. Dry socket can delay the normal healing process and results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost. This blood clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop over a two-month healing process. Dry socket can be very painful and you should see a dentist right away if you feel you may have dry socket after a tooth extraction
According to a report in the May/June 2004 issue of General Dentistry, dentist may be able to spots the early signs of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones. Osteoporosis affects around 10 million people. In addition, more than one-third of females over age 65 display signs and symptoms of the disease. Some of these early signs and symptoms of this disease are tooth loss and gum disease which a dentist would be able to check for.
For women their oral health depends on their different stages of life. Studies show that for many women life stages such as, puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause can effect oral health. In order to avoid dental problems, your dentist may request to see you more frequently during stages of your life when hormone levels are changing.
According to recent studies men go to the dentist less often then their women counterparts. There are many factors for this. Many men do not see a reason to go to the dentist unless they are having larger dental issues that need to be address. Other men feel they do not have the time for regular dental visits. Cost is also associated with lack of dental care. With dental health having a direct effect on overall health care it is important to see the dentist regardless of the excuses not to.
According to an online poll of 289 general dentist and consumers confirms that men are less likely to visit the dentist then women. That nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men do not see a need to go to the dentist. About 30 percent polled reported that men may be afraid or embarrassed to go to the dentist. Around 18 percent revealed that men just do not have the time for a dental visit, and about 5 percent felt that men don’t even have a regular dentist.
1) Carbohydrates: Chips, bread, pasta, or crackers can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.
2) Sticky, chewy foods: Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult to wash the sugar away
3) Sugary snacks: Cookies, cakes or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
4) Gum and candy: When chewing gum and eating candy, the sugar coats teeth, which can lead to cavities.
5) Carbonated soft drinks: Regular and diet sodas contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on teeth.
6) Fruit or vegetable juices: These beverages tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.
With moderation and proper dental care you reduce the harmful effects this types of foods can have on your teeth
By now many studies are showing that poor oral health care can effect your over all health. However studies are showing that poor nutrition and affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for gum disease (periodontal disease). Additionally, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Food and drinks such as soft drink, fruit juices, fresh fruit and yogurt as well as pickles and lemons can lead to irreversible dental erosion if not consumed in moderation. According to the Academy of General Dentistry’s dental erosion is the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the effect of acid on the teeth. Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth’s structure and shape while protecting it from decay.