This
week we learned that kids from lower income families are getting
preventive dental care but less treatment, we discussed the importance of South
Carolina’s decision to expand its Medicaid adult dental plan, and found out
that 100 percent fruit juice does not promote cavities in infant teeth. Don’t forget to check out our new blog
series, Why it Matters to Me. Join the
conversation on Twitter using #FridayDentalDL.
1. HHS report:
Poor kids getting more preventive dental care, less treatment: According to a new
report by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), poor children
received more preventive dental care but less overall treatment in 2013. All
children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP (about 45 million children in 2013) have
coverage for dental and oral health services. Despite considerable progress in
pediatric oral healthcare in recent years, tooth decay remains one of the most
common chronic diseases among children. The rate for preventive dental services
increased from 45 percent to 48 percent, compared with 2011, but the rate for
dental treatment services decreased slightly from 24 percent to 23 percent in
the same period.
2. New study:
Pure fruit juice does not promote caries in infant teeth: It is widely
believed that unrestricted consumption of acidic beverages, such as juices and
soft drinks, can cause dental caries (tooth decay). However, a new study
conducted by dental researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, has
suggested that consumption of 100 percent fruit juice is not associated with
early childhood caries in preschool-age children.
3. APHA 2014:
Educating parents about dental care improved kids’ toothbrushing rates:
Preventing
tooth decay requires more than just regular dental care – it requires active
management at home. Researchers from the
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Louisiana State
University Shreveport studied the effectiveness of in-depth parental dental
education and its influence on their knowledge and dental health practices of
their children. The study found that educating parents about oral hygiene does
have a positive effect on their children's oral hygiene practices.
4. Matthews:
Medicaid’s new dental plan will improve overall health: DentaQuest South Carolina’s dental director, Rebekah
Mathews wrote an editorial that was featured in The State. This week South Carolina began its expanded Medicaid adult
dental plan. Mathews explains, “South Carolina’s Medicaid adult dental program
now emphasizes prevention. That’s important because dental problems — cavities
and gum disease — are largely preventable if caught early. Eligible adults can
receive up to $750 per fiscal year in dental services to get the restorative
care they need and the prevention services they previously lacked. Having
dental benefits is a key factor in an individual’s ability to live a healthy,
successful life.”