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Happy
National Dental Hygiene Month! This week, we discover the 6 biggest dental
problems for people over age 50, learn that good dental hygiene does more than
take care of teeth, and discuss California’s launch of Medicaid-funded
teledentistry. Join the conversation on Twitter using #FridayDentalDL.
1. California
To Launch Medicaid-Funded Teledentistry: California Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a
bill that will require Medi-Cal, the state’s health insurance program for low-income
and disabled residents, to pay for dental services delivered by teams of
hygienists and dentists connected through the Internet. California is among the
first states to launch teledentistry services, which are intended to increase options
for patients in remote and underserved areas. This bill will also expand the
types of procedures hygienists and certain assistants can perform without
onsite supervision by a dentist.
2. More
education needed on HIV-oral health link: Knowledge surrounding HIV/AIDS has increased in recent
years but more than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are infected with HIV. What
many people don’t realize is the important role oral health plays when it comes
to HIV and AIDS. In fact, the mouth may be the first part of the body to
display signs of an HIV infection. Oral infections can be an indicator of
immune system dysfunction. DentaQuest is acutely aware of Tennessee’s affected
and at-risk populations, specifically medically underserved residents and young
adults. DentaQuest works with community organizations and holds screenings and
educational events across the state to engage all in conversations about good
oral health.
3. Good dental
hygiene does more than take care of your teeth: Regular visits to
the dentist not only ensure healthy teeth and gums but also may help protect
your brain. A recent study found a strong connection between dental health and
risk for stroke, a major cause of brain damage and cognitive decline. The research
adds to the growing research that shows a correlation between careful care of
teeth and gums and lowered the risk for cardiovascular disease. Good dental
hygiene is an important part of ensuring good health. For adult oral health
tips click here.
4. ADA supports
agreement to cut soft drink calories: Last week, the three biggest U.S. soft drink
companies, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, pledged to cut
the number of beverage calories that Americans consume by one-fifth by 2025.
Not only do the high calories in soft drinks contribute to the obesity epidemic,
but the high sugar content contributes to poor oral health.
5. The 6
Biggest Dental Problems for People Over Age 50: Older Americans are keeping their teeth longer than
before. The most common problems for older Americans are, tooth decay, dry
mouth, gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth crowding. For preventive tips, click
here.
6. Community
Foundation’s Mission of Mercy Fund receives $10,000 from DentaQuest for 2015
free dental clinic: The Community
Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Mission of Mercy Fund received $10,000 from
DentaQuest to support the operational needs of the Eastern Shore’s second
Mission of Mercy dental clinic scheduled to be held April 17-18, 2015 at the
Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, MD. “Mission of Mercy” (MOM)
projects are conducted across the country to bring quality dental care to
underserved populations. DentaQuest teams are supporting MOMs in Henderson, CO, San Antonio, TX and
Rio Rancho, New Mexico this month.