Dentists could soon be referring patients with gum disease to see their physicians. Why? According a study conducted by a group of experts from New York University (NYU), more than 90% of people with gum disease are also at risk for developing diabetes.
The study compared the data from 2,923 adult participants in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had not been diagnosed with diabetes. Dr. Strauss determined that 93 percent of subjects who had periodontal disease, compared to 63 percent of those without the disease, were considered to be at high risk for diabetes and should be screened for diabetes.

Speaking of her findings, Dr. Shiela Strauss, Associate Professor of Nursing and Co-Director of the Statistics and Data Management Core for NYU's Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing revealed in this press release "In light of these findings, the dental visit could be a useful opportunity to conduct an initial diabetes screening -- an important first step in identifying those patients who need follow-up testing to diagnose the disease."
Undiagnosed cases of diabetes is frightfully high, says Strauss, "It's been estimated that 5.7 million Americans with diabetes were undiagnosed in 2007," adding, "with the number expected to increase dramatically in coming years. The issue of undiagnosed diabetes is especially critical because early treatment and secondary prevention efforts may help to prevent or delay the long-term complications of diabetes that are responsible for reduced quality of life and increased levels of mortality among these patients. Thus, there is a critical need to increase opportunities for diabetes screening and early diabetes detection."

Published in the online edition of the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, this study continues the overwhelming reaffirmation that the health of your teeth and gums, specifically gum disease, could have a direct and very real connection to your overall health and wellness.
This particular study hits close to home for me. My husband has always meticulously cared for his teeth and gums, but over the last few years he has noticed a significant decline in the health of his teeth. One year ago, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Could the unexplained deterioration of his teeth have been a warning sign of his diagnosis? In this case, we will likely never know, but I do urge all of you to trust your instincts. If you are experiencing anything abnormal concerning any aspect of your health, please consult with your physician. The same can be said for your mouth- if you are concerned with the state of your teeth and gums, even though you follow a regular dental hygiene routine that includes regular dental visits, please don't hesitate to see your dentist.

I have often wondered when teeth whitening products would be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recent influx of over-the-counter teeth whitening products really does boggle the mind. I have encountered a plethora of advertisements for teeth whitening products, that all claim to be the best money can buy.
"Your dentist has been lying to you," these annoying ad's claim. "The secret to teeth whitening has been revealed," Really? The secret is out? Well I guess the dental industry is in trouble now aren't we?

I take my position as the Guide to Dentistry very seriously. I feel almost as if I am doing you, my devoted reader, a disservice by not addressing the issue surrounding the many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available over the Internet. I'm here to tell you how to care for your teeth and gums, and help you make an informed decision about your dental needs. That is why I feel it is necessary to tell you that no- your dentist is not lying to you about teeth whitening, and guess what? Most of these products are not worth your time and hard earned money. Yes, there are effective over-the-counter teeth whitening products available on the market, but unfortunately many people have complained that after agreeing to try one of these "breakthrough" products, their vulnerable credit card have received hidden charges and international transaction fee's; only to name a few of the many unexpected consequences one may expect.

Teeth whitening should not simply be a cosmetic luxury that one should be able to do on a whim. In all reality, you are applying a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide on your teeth and gums- a concentration so high, if not properly done or supervised, can burn the delicate gum tissue that will cause pain and may result in an infection; not really a hot look for your smile. I am also concerned when I see these teeth whitening booth's set up in a shopping mall or beauty salon. I put in a great deal of time and effort into become a Registered Dental Assistant, which gave me the proper skills and licencing to preform professional in-office teeth whitening procedures. Would you trust a unlicensed stranger to provide you with medical treatment in a hair salon? I don't think so.
I strongly believe that regardless of the type of teeth whitening product you want to use, you really should consider consulting with your dentist before you choose to whiten your teeth. There are several factors that may produce undesired results when using a whitening gel, factors that only your dentist can diagnose. If you would prefer to use a over-the-counter whitening product over a professional take-home whitening kit or even professional in-office teeth whitening methods, your dentist will be more than happy to recommend a reputable brand for you to consider using. Remember, your dentist only has your best interest in mind, and like myself, would feel partially to blame if you fall victim to a bogus over-the-counter teeth whitening product.

I can happily report that the American Dental Association (ADA) recently petitioned the FDA to to establish appropriate classifications for tooth-whitening chemicals. According to their press release, the ADA has become concerned with the safety of concern about the safety of whitening products that are often administered without the benefit of professional consultation or examination by a dentist, the Association said that the application of chemically based tooth whitening or bleaching agents can harm teeth, gums and other tissues in the mouth. "The tremendous expansion of products available directly to consumers and application of products in venues such as shopping malls, cruise ships, and salons is troubling since consumers have little or no assurance regarding the safety of product ingredients, doses or the professional qualifications of individuals employed in these non-dental settings," said ADA President Dr. Ron Tankersley and Executive Director Dr. Kathleen O'Loughlin, in a letter to the agency. "Application of whitening/bleaching materials is not risk-free and may not be appropriate for all dark or discolored teeth," they wrote.

Now that this issue remains in the hands of the FDA, please really think about your whitening choices before you take the plunge into whitening your teeth on your own.

Vanessa Wright, 30, was arrested for child abuse on November 9, 2009 for repeatedly failing to follow through with having her young son's tooth decay treated. The arrest occurred after her son developed an infection so severe, he required hospital care. Wright took her son to the Hernando County Health Department in October 2008, but failed to follow through with their recommended treatment plan for her son, who is reportedly five or six years old. The Hernando County Health Department accepts Medicaid for patients 3 to 21 years old, and offers a sliding fee scale based on income for patients 3 and up that do not have a dental insurance plan of any kind. Now fast forward to February 2009, when Wright took her son in for dental treatment, but this time to Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics in Spring Hill, a private dental practice that, again, accepts Medicaide. According to the Sheriff's report a treatment plan was proposed for her son, but it was not followed through with.

If you follow my blog, you might remember the story of Tamika S. White, another mother from Florida that was charged with neglect for refusing to have her daughter's severe tooth decay treated. After White's daughter was referred to see a specialist that did not accept her Medicaid coverage, she apparently refused to ask for child support from the child's father, or locate a dentist that did accept Medicaid. White entered a plea of not guilty on May 9, 2009.

My heart breaks when I imagine how much pain these vulnerable little children are in. I do fully sympathize with both women for obviously having some sort of financial strain that is preventing them from allegedly refusing to have their children treated by a dentist, but if your child requires treatment for an infection that is bad enough for a visit to the hospital, would you not do everything in your power to ensure your child received treatment? There is no excuse for any caregiver to allow a child to suffer from tooth decay or dental infection; period.

How many more Deamonte Driver's will it take before our law makers decide to take dental care more seriously? Dental care is ineptly neglected as a critically essential form of healthcare; and it's time for a change.
I encourage all of you to write to your State Representative, and express whole-heatedly to them that you want to see affordable AND accessible dental care made available for every American man, woman, and child that desperately requires dental care, without any room for excuses, loopholes, or otherwise.

The opportunity to express thanks for the things we often take for granted, like good health, will take place in a matter of days. Isn't it hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us?
I was pondering what I'm thankful for the other day, when I received an email from a gentleman looking for some advice on whether or not he should have a crown placed on a recently root canalled tooth. His instincts were correct, when he identifying that a crown is the most ideal restoration for a tooth that has a root canal. I wrote back supporting his decision to have the crown done. I was truly honored, to think that my advice was considered an important aspect of someone's decision to improve their oral health.

When I consider what I'm thankful for this time of year, one of the things that come to mind is how privileged I am for having the opportunity to educate you on why caring for your teeth and gums is so important, in order to live a healthy life. I want to express how thankful I am for your support. I consider being your Guide to Dentistry a true honor.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! And don't forget to brush and floss after eating all that pie.