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Dentist Mesa | Implant Dentist in Mesa AZ | Sossaman Dental Health and Dental Implant Center | Justin Kirch DDS DMD

Access To Fluoridated Water Helps Prevent Dental Decay, Study Reaffirms.

A new study published in the Journal of Dental Research has found U.S. children and adolescents with greater access to fluoridated drinking water are less likely to experience dental cavities. For the study, researchers from Maryland, North Carolina, and the US Census Bureau examined information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Water Fluoridation Reporting System and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999-2004 and 2011-2014.

 EurekAlert states the researchers found that counties in which over 75% of the population had access to community water fluoridation saw a 30% reduction in dental cavities experienced in baby teeth, and a 12% reduction in dental cavities experienced in the permanent teeth. The release states that “the findings are consistent with evidence from the last half-century showing that community water fluoridation continues to provide a substantial dental health benefit for U.S. children and adolescents.”

Here in Arizona we consume a large amount of bottled or distilled water. While some bottled water does contain fluoride, most does not. It is important to see if the water your drinking contains fluoride and if your water lacks fluoride it becomes crucial to use fluoridated toothpaste and also receive topical fluoride application during your dental cleanings in order to gain the cavity fighting power that fluoride gives your teeth. At Sossaman Dental Health and Implant Center we encourage everyone to consider adding fluoride treatment to their regular dental cleanings to take advantage of all the low cost advantages that fluoride has to offer for our teeth!

NYTimes: Maintaining Oral Health An Important Part Of Aging.

The New York Times (6/4, Parker-Pope, Subscription Publication) Well blog provides tips for a “midlife tuneup,” stating that “our health needs change with every passing decade, but the good news is that it’s never too late to start taking better care of yourself.” In a broad list of suggestions to stay healthy, the article includes oral health tips, observing that losing teeth and getting dentures is no longer an inevitable part of aging thanks to better hygiene and fluoridation. As people age, the rules for proper dental care remain the same, brush and floss regularly and avoid sweets and sodas, hard candies and caramels to keep your teeth healthy. Still, aging can bring unique oral health challenges, including dry mouth as a side effect of medications, which makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities. In addition, bone loss can make teeth less stable and receding gums expose roots to cavities. However, the biggest challenge to maintaining oral health with aging is cost, the article says, noting Medicare typically doesn’t cover dental procedures, and only about 10 percent of retirees have dental benefits from their former employer. Given this, “prevention is key”, the article says.

At Sossaman Dental Health and Implant Center we encourage our patients to regularly see a dentist at least every 6 months for those without any sort of periodontal disease and every 3 months for those with a history of periodontal disease. These preventive visits can not only maintain your oral health but can catch any cavities or infection early enough to save your teeth. And for those without any sort of dental coverage we offer an in office dental insurance and financing options to accommodate our patients so that all treatment no matter how big or small is available to everyone!

Fluoride

Images Of Decaying Teeth May Deter Sugary Drink Sales, Survey Finds.

The Guardian (UK) (5/24, Boseley) reported that a new study has found graphic health warnings like those on cigarette packets, showing rows of rotten teeth on cans of cola and other sugary drinks, could deter some young adults from buying them. Prof. Anna Peeters from Australia’s Deakin University and colleagues surveyed nearly 1,000 people aged 18 and 35 to determine the feasibility of introducing health warnings about the links between sugary drinks and obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. The researchers tried out four different kinds of warnings – from plain text about the disease risk, number of teaspoons of sugar, to a picture of rotten teeth, finding all the warnings reduced the inclination of the subjects to buy the drinks, although there was a 20% drop in the selection of sugary drinks showing a picture of rotten teeth.

The Independent (UK) (5/24, Matthews-King) reported the study suggests images of rotted teeth and health warnings on the side of sugary drinks may encourage young people to select healthier options. The study was presented at the European Congress on Obesity.

At Sossaman Dental Health and Implant Center we encourage a healthy balanced diet for all patients. While an occasional sugared beverage is a nice treat, heavy consumption of such sugar beverages can result in widespread cavities and tooth loss. Substituting energy drinks, sodas, fruit juices and sports drinks for healthy alternatives such as milk, water or plain iced teas can not only ensure the long term health of your teeth, but helps to prevent systemic health conditions such as diabetes and obesity!

Poor Oral Health Associated With Higher Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease, Study Finds.

HealthDay (4/19) provided continuing coverage of a recent clinical study that found people who lost two or more teeth” during midlife had a 23% increased risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of other risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Some reasons for the increased risk may include inflammation, modifying dietary intakes or changing bacterial compositions in the mouth or gastrointestinal systems.

Separately, Medical Xpress (4/20) carried a release from the European Society of Cardiology that stated research presented Friday at Frontiers in CardioVascular Biology 2018 suggests good oral hygiene may help recovery after acute cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and aortic dissection. The release stated the study in mice found that the bacteria that cause gum disease (periodontitis) also impair the healing of blood vessels.

At Sossaman Dental Health and Implant Center we recognize the importance of regulars dental cleanings and routine oral hygiene (2x a day brushing and 1x a day flossing) in protecting your overall health. Make sure to see a dentist regularly. It will not only help you to preserve your teeth but also protect you from systemic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease!

Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen More Effective For Dental Pain Than Opioids, Study Finds.

The Cleveland Patch (4/18, Mosby) reports a new study from Case Western Reserve University found that opioids are not the most effective way to manage dental pain. Instead, a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen provides more effective pain relief for adults, according to the findings published in The Journal of the American Dental Association. What we know is that prescribing narcotics should be a last resort, said Dr. Anita Aminoshariae, an associate professor in the dental school’s Department of Endodontics and one of the study’s authors.

 Separately, the Peoria (IL) Journal Star (4/18, Renken) notes that the American Dental Association announced in March a new interim policy on opioids that supports mandatory continuing education for dentists, prescription limits, and utilization of prescription drug monitoring programs.

At Sossaman Dental Health and Implant Center we believe that alleviating pain and providing comfortable and caring post operative care is one of the most important aspects of a dental practice. While opioids are great for helping to alleviate pain they often interfere with a patient’s ability to drive, work or carry out routine daily activities as well as have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Having non-narcotic alternatives allows your dentist to provide an appropriate and tailored pain management plan for any dental pain you may experience.

Oral Cancer Survivors Share How Dental Visits Saved Their Lives.

In an article for Dentistry IQ (4/18), Amber Young writes that at age 35 “my dentist saved my life,” explaining how having her dental team offer a panoramic x-ray and an oral cancer screening led to being diagnosed with clear cell odontogenic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. “I would not be here today to write this article or be a crusader against oral cancer had it not been for the thorough and wonderful dental team and dentist who took the time to offer an oral cancer screening” and “educate the patient on what is in their best interest (and why),” she writes.

 WBTV-TV Charlotte, NC (4/17, Tedesco) shares how a dental visit saved the life of Kirsten Price. After Kirsten noticed “a lump inside of her cheek,” her mom brought her to their family dentist, who advised she see an oral surgeon. Kirsten was diagnosed with oral cancer at age 12. She underwent surgery and is now fully recovered. The article stresses the importance of early detection, listing signs and symptoms of oral cancer not to ignore.

 ADA’s resources related to oral cancers for clinicians and patients are available at ADA.org/oralcancer.

At Sossaman Dental Health and Implant Center we take oral cancer detection very seriously. Regular visits to the dentist allow your dentist to not only monitor the health of your teeth but also all the tissue surrounding your teeth that make up your whole mouth. The doctor exams that are included in your routine cleaning appointments ensures the early detection and intervention of any oral diseases including oral cancer.

Poll Shows Rising Anxiety Among US Adults.

USA Today (5/8, Molina) reports that a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association finds Americans’ anxiety is up from a year ago, and we’re most anxious about paying our bills. USA Today adds, “Overall, the poll measured Americans anxiety score at 51, up five points from last year.” In a statement, Anita Everett, MD, president of the APA, said, “That increased stress and anxiety can significantly impact many aspects of people’s lives.”

 TIME (5/8, Ducharme) reports the poll indicated that nearly 40% of Americans are more anxious than they were at this time last year.

 Meanwhile, WTNH-TV Hartford, CT (5/7, Miller) discussed how anxiety and stress may lead to bruxism, which can damage teeth, cause headaches and jaw pain, and more.

Here at Sossaman Dental Health and Implant Center we know that seeing the dentist can be an anxious event. In order to make sure your visit is a enjoyable and stress free we offer a comfort menu to pamper our patients so they enjoy their visit as much as we do! In addition we also provide a wide variety of financing options including our own dental insurance to make sure that receiving dental care is not one of the aspects of your life that makes you anxious!