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This week, we discover that coffee might not be
bad for your teeth, learn that parents believe healthy smiles impacts kids
success in school and discuss why millions of children are not getting
preventive care. Join in the conversation on Twitter using #FridayDentalDL.
1. New Colgate
Survey Finds Nearly 70 Percent Of Parents Believe A Healthy Smile Can Impact
Success In School: According to the
recent Colgate study, a majority of parents believe a healthy smile can
contribute to academic success – 83 percent recognize that maintaining good
oral health can keep a child from missing school, while 43 percent report that
a dental related illness has kept their child home from school. Several studies
have demonstrated a connection between poor dental health and low grade point
averages and in some cases, children with poor oral health are nearly three
times more likely to miss days at school than their peers. This study shows
importance of improving access to care for children, which is why we supported
the inclusion of a pediatric benefit under the Affordable Care Act and have
prioritized incorporating oral health into school-based health.
2. Press Pass: Gov. McAuliffe unveils health care plan: Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced this week a new
10-point health care plan, “A healthy Virginia.” Part of this plan offers
dental coverage for pregnant women. McAuliffe plans to authorize an emergency
regulation adding dental coverage to the benefits offered to pregnant women
enrolled in Medicaid or FAMIS Moms. Pregnant women with periodontal (gum)
disease can be up to eight times more likely to go into premature labor,
according to the state. For more information on healthy moms and healthy children
click here.
3. CDA
Presents: How will ACA affect dental insurance, dentists, patients?: The Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have far-reaching impact on
dental insurance, dentists, and patients, according to a presentation at the
California Dental Association's “CDA Presents” conference. More low-income
children and adults will be covered, and insurers will scrutinize claims to see
if dentists are following established protocols for improved outcomes. One of the law's main benefits allows
consumers, for the first time, to compare the prices and coverage among
insurance companies.
4. Millions of
children not getting recommended preventive care: Millions of infants, children and adolescents in the
United States did not receive key clinical preventive services, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). These services prevent and detect conditions and diseases
in their earlier, more treatable stages, significantly reducing the risk of
illness, disability, early death, and expensive medical care. The Affordable
Care Act expands insurance coverage, access and consumer protections for the
U.S. population and places a greater emphasis on prevention. Read more about
preventive care here.
5. Tall,
grande, denti: Boston University researchers find coffee can benefit oral
health: Researchers at Boston
University's Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine have recently found
that there are oral health benefits to drinking coffee. Researchers found that
coffee, which contains antioxidants, can help fight gum disease. The study also
found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a small but
significant reduction in number of teeth with periodontal bone loss.