Harry Chambers Blog

Five steps people should take in order to improve and maintain their oral health. “According to a list of prices posted by the American Dental Association, fillings average more than $100 while crowns top $1,000,” although dentists “say those expensive trips could be avoided if only we would do a better job caring for our teeth. The steps recommended include brushing for two minutes twice a day, using a soft-bristle brush, using correct brushing technique, and flossing at least once per day “to prevent an ugly, painful, time-consuming, and likely expensive alternative.”

The magazine Dental Asia  reports that “maintaining healthy teeth and gums essentially comes down to prevention, regular dental check-ups, and knowing what to watch for.” Dental Asia also goes on to report that proper oral hygiene includes brushing twice per day for at least two minutes, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet low in sugar, and avoiding tobacco use.

TIME (5/13, Sifferlin) reports that a new study from the NIH and CDC found that 91 percent of US adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had dental caries in permanent teeth as of 2011-2012, and among 65-year-olds, 96 percent have tooth decay. TIME adds that more than a quarter of adults ages 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay, while “Hispanic and black adults had more untreated cavities compared with white and Asian adults ages 20 to 64,” with black adults at a rate of 42 percent. The study also found that “American adults ages 20 to 39 were twice as likely to have all their teeth, compared with adults ages 40 to 64.”

So give us a call at 503 665 9737 so we can exame your teeth.

Harry D Chambers DDS

Vastly Improved” Dental Technology Driving Adults To Seek Orthodontic Work.

Seattle Magazine (5/14, Brassaw) reports that “Vastly improved dental technology, from nearly invisible tooth-straightening options to drill-free laser fillings and 3-D scanning, is driving adults to the dentist and orthodontist—voluntarily—in droves.” In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists says that more than one million US adults are currently undergoing orthodontic work. The article reports that patients’ options “are light years beyond the tinsel teeth or headgear of yesteryear,” however, adult orthodontic work will likely still take longer than pediatric.

Citing ADA spokesperson Dr. Matt Messina extensively, TIME (5/21) reports on why people suffer from tooth sensitivity. Citing Dr. Messina, TIME reports that short-lived cold-induced pain may not be cause for alarm, “but if the pain is persistent and confined to a specific tooth or area of your mouth,” it may be an indicator of a micro-crack, a degraded filling, or a cavity, all of which require a dentist’s attention. If a person has sensitivities to cold, hot and biting pressure “we could also be talking about some sort of infection in the tooth,” Dr. Messina said. Sensitivity may be the result of issues with the gums, as “brushing too forcefully, chewing tobacco or allowing the buildup of plaque can all cause your gums to “run away” from your teeth, resulting in temperature sensitivity, Messina says.” Dr. Messina also said, “The solutions are often simple, but only if we address the problem early.”

Citing ADA spokesperson Dr. Matt Messina extensively, TIME (5/21) reports on why people suffer from tooth sensitivity. Citing Dr. Messina, TIME reports that short-lived cold-induced pain may not be cause for alarm, “but if the pain is persistent and confined to a specific tooth or area of your mouth,” it may be an indicator of a micro-crack, a degraded filling, or a cavity, all of which require a dentist’s attention. If a person has sensitivities to cold, hot and biting pressure “we could also be talking about some sort of infection in the tooth,” Dr. Messina said. Sensitivity may be the result of issues with the gums, as “brushing too forcefully, chewing tobacco or allowing the buildup of plaque can all cause your gums to “run away” from your teeth, resulting in temperature sensitivity, Messina says.” Dr. Messina also said, “The solutions are often simple, but only if we address the problem early.”

In a broader piece reporting that infection with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV) might be causing “more than half of all cases of oropharyngeal cancer,” HealthNewsDigest (7/7) reports that dentists can play a key role in early detection of oral cancers. Kerstin Stenson, MD, a head and neck cancer surgeon and a professor of otolaryngology at Rush University, stresses that in addition to receiving the HPV vaccine, people can benefit from regularly visiting the dentist. Stenson said, “Dentists play a key role in detecting oral cancer,” adding, “Having regular dental visits can help catch cancers early to help ensure the best outcome.” According to the article, “The American Dental Association states that 60 percent of the U.S. population sees a dentist every year.”

In an article for the Dallas Morning News (7/11) “Health Blog,” Dr. Jane Sadler, a family physician in Garland, Texas, discussed the importance of regular brushing and flossing, saying that “poor health hygiene can result in loss of gum health and structural bone support.” Sadler also stated that “one study found that people who brushed their teeth less often had a 70 percent increased risk of heart disease compared to those with strict oral hygiene habits.”

Many Retirees Unaware Medicare Does Not Cover Routine Dental Care.

I  recommend those nearing retirement visit the dentist before they no longer have dental coverage. Many individuals are unaware that Medicare does not cover routine dental care. The National Association of Dental Plans says that 40 percent of those over 65 have some form of dental coverage, although the article reports that most seniors need to pay out of pocket for dental care. According to the article, many health policy experts would like Medicare to include basic dental coverage, and consumer advocates are working to have Medicare cover dental care that is required as the result of other procedures covered by the program

Certain foods and drinks can cause oral health problems. Some examples of these are balsamic vinegar, berries, citrus fruit, coffee, soft drinks, and dried fruit. Foods that are high in acid or sugar or contain dark colors may also harm teeth by wearing away the enamel.

It is very important to clean your teeth after consuming these items.

As reported on FOX news

The New York Times reports (3/31/2015) that an Irish study has found that community water fluoridation, which has long ago proved to protect children from cavities, also helps adults over 50 retain their natural teeth. The study  involving 5,000 adults older than 50 showed that those who had lived in areas with fluoridated water were more likely to have all their teeth.