Friday, July 11, 2014

Friday Dental Download: July 11, 2014


This week, we learn about the importance of dental check-ups to overall health, discuss why energy drinks cause major dental problems for young adults, and discover why dentist offices in Manhattan serve wine to patients. Join the conversation Twitter using #FridayDentalDL.

After discovering oral cancer in one of her patients Dr. Jasmin Henville, a dentist at the Aspen Dental office in Auburn, MA, explains that the mouth is the gateway to the whole body. Dentists play a crucial role in keeping people healthy all around, however fifty-three areas in Massachusetts have been designated as dental professional shortage areas (HPSAs).

The report describes three nonprofit settings where midlevel providers (MLPs) work as part of larger dental teams. The American Dental Association (ADA) has opposed allowing MLPs to carry out certain procedures but as part of a larger Action of Dental Health initiative, the ADA promoted its own alternative model, a community dental health coordinator.

Dental disease is the most widespread disease in the world, but also one of the most preventable and the energy drinks that athletes drink during sports is one of the culprits. Read here about how you can minimize your risk of dental disease.

Scientists say the health of your teeth depends on a combination of genetics and dental hygiene. There are some who floss regularly, yet still get tooth decay. About 60 percent of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors. There are five areas where genes play a role in tooth decay: sweet preference, tooth enamel, taste ability, saliva strength, and microbiome.  Even so, bad genes are not an excuse. You still have to brush and floss every day!!

A root canal or cavity filling can be painful so some dentists offices across Manhattan are serving complimentary glasses of wine to patients to take the edge off. Wine is available to patients in the waiting room prior to their appointments. Patients are saying that it’s something that helps “take the edge off.”  Make that red wine because white win is more acidic and contains sugars, making it more harmful for your teeth in the long run.