Oral Cancer Rates In United Kingdom Increase 68 Percent

The Independent (UK) reports that new data from Cancer Research UK finds oral cancer rates in the United Kingdom have increased “68 per cent over the past 20 years.”

        In a release on Science Daily, Cancer Research UK stated about “nine in 10 cases are linked to lifestyle and other risk factors.” The release stated, “Smoking is the biggest avoidable risk factor, linked to an estimated 65 per cent of cases,” and “other risk factors include alcohol, diets low in fruit and vegetables, and infections with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).”

        MouthHealthy.org and the Oral Health Topics on ADA.org provide information on oral and oropharyngeal cancer for patients and for dental professionals.

Medicare Advantage Plans Often Include Dental Coverage

MarketWatch encouraged people to understand the differences between Medicare and Medicare Advantage, noting that “unlike traditional Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans also offer extended benefits, such as vision and dental care.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides information on paying for dental care after retirement.

Archaeologists Find Earliest Dental Prosthesis In Medieval Tomb

International Business Times (UK) reported that archaeologists have discovered “the earliest dental prosthesis in Tuscany” during excavations “inside the S. Francesco Monastery at the town of Lucca.” The dental prosthesis, which may date back to the 14th century, is made of “five human teeth linked together by a golden band” to “replace the anterior arch of the jaw.”

        The archaeologists said in their paper published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, “This dental prosthesis provides a unique finding of technologically advanced dentistry in this period.”

Archaeologists Unearth “Ancient Set Of Dentures”

The Telegraph (UK) reports in continuing coverage that archaeologists have discovered an “ancient set of dentures” made from human teeth in Tuscany. Found at the monastery of S. Francesco at Lucca, the prosthetic teeth “include three central incisors and two lateral canines, repurposed from their original owners and strung together with a golden band.” Simona Minozzi, a paleopathologist at Pisa University, said, “This is the first archaeological evidence of a dental prosthesis using gold band technology for the replacement of missing teeth.” The archaeologists describe the dental prosthesis in their paper published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research.

The Motley Fool: Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan

The Motley Fool encourages people to consider Medicare Advantage plans since they may offer “greater coverage at a lower price than original Medicare.” The article noted that “a Medicare Advantage plan must offer at least as much coverage as original Medicare (i.e., Part A and Part B),” and “it will often provide more than that,” such as dental care.

        In a second piece, the Motley Fool stated that “many people sign up for Medicare without realizing the limitations of the program: what you do get and what you don’t.” For example, original Medicare does not cover “dentures or most dental care,” the article stated.

Archaeologists Discover Earliest Dental Prosthesis In Italy

International Business Times (UK) reported that “archaeologists have found the earliest dental prosthesis in Tuscany, in the collective tomb of an aristocratic family from the late Middle Ages.” The dental prosthesis, which may date back to the 14th century, is made of “five human teeth linked together by a golden band” to “replace the anterior arch of the jaw.”

        

The Daily Mail reported that the archaeologists said in their paper published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, “This dental prosthesis provides a unique finding of technologically advanced dentistry in this period.”

Study Suggests E-Cigarettes May Be Just As Damaging To Teeth And Gums

CBS News reported on its website in continuing coverage that “electronic cigarettes could be as harmful to gums and teeth as regular cigarettes are,” a new study published in Oncotarget suggests. “We showed that when the vapors from an e-cigarette are burned, it causes cells to release inflammatory proteins,” said study leader Irfan Rahman. These, in turn, “aggravate stress within cells, resulting in damage that could lead to various oral diseases.”

Dentists, Health Organizations Warn Parents About Tooth Decay In Children

Opposing Views reported that dentists and health organizations are warning parents about the “increase in tooth decay among young children – particularly resulting from soft drinks.” About “42 percent of children aged 2 to 11 have had cavities in their baby teeth, and 21 percent of those aged 6 to 11 in their permanent teeth,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The article notes that consumption of sugars and acids, especially from sodas, contribute to tooth decay. In addition, some parents may be unaware that children need assistance with brushing their teeth until they are able to brush their teeth properly on their own. Dr. Edward Moody, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, said, “It’s not that they don’t want to do a good job, they’re just not physically capable yet.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides information on nutrition and dental health, including nutrition tips for babies and children, and information on how to Care for a child’s teeth.

Dentists Can Play A Role In Helping Patients Quit Smoking

Noting that the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is Nov. 17, the ADA News (11/14, Manchir) reports that “dentists can talk with their patients about tobacco abuse, which is the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Dentists and dental hygienists have a unique opportunity to address tobacco use with their patients, according to Dr. Scott Tomar, professor and interim chair of the department of community dentistry and behavioral science at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. “Dentists can ask their patients for permission to discuss their tobacco use and ask their patients how tobacco fits into their lives,” Dr. Tomar said. “Our goal is to have patients articulate why they want to quit, and then work with them to move them toward taking action.”

        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers resources for dentists to help patients quit smoking, including videos, fact sheets, and handouts. Dentists can also refer their patients to the ADA’s consumer-friendly website, MouthHealthy.org, for information about oral health and tobacco. 

Patients Advised To Consult With A Dentist Prior To Any Tooth Whitening Regimen

Consumer Reports discussed home tooth whitening treatments, which may help remove surface stains, according to a dental adviser to Consumer Reports. “You will see a noticeable difference, but final results can vary depending on individual teeth and the depth of staining or discoloration,” says Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a professor of dentistry at the University of California Los Angeles and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Home tooth whitening kits can’t address all discoloration, however, says Dr. Hewlett, and checking with a dentist first before beginning a tooth whitening treatment is advised. The article noted that “good dental hygiene is key,” and Dr. Hewlett says, “Keep your teeth clean with regular brushing and flossing.”

Millions Of People In The United Kingdom Suffer From Bruxism

The Daily Mail reports that about six million people in the United Kingdom suffer from bruxism, which can damage teeth and put pressure on the jaw muscles. According to the article, bruxism cases are “soaring, particularly among women.” With stress contributing to bruxism, the article speculates that middle-aged women may suffer from bruxism due to the demands of work and childcare.

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on bruxism and TMJ.

Rising Use Of Charcoal In Personal Care Products, Home Remedies Lead To Warnings From Health Officials

The Baltimore Sun reports on the growing popularity of personal care products containing charcoal, which is being “promoted by some for regular use, with applications that include whitening teeth and zapping acne away,” as well alleviating digestive issues. However, medical professionals and health experts “warn against taking [charcoal] regularly, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved it as a drug only for limited use as an over-the-counter poison treatment.” FDA spokesperson Andrea Fischer said, “Consumers should be mindful of products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure diseases or other health conditions, but are not proven safe and effective for those uses. ... Relying on unproven products or treatments can be dangerous, and may cause harmful delays in getting the proper diagnosis and appropriate treatments.”

In its November newsletter, the National Institutes Of Health (11/1) states that although news stories have questioned the benefits of dental flossing due to lacking research, dentists have “seen the teeth and gums of people who floss regularly and those who haven’t,” and “the differences can be striking.” The article notes that “red or swollen gums that bleed easily” can indicate “flossing and better dental habits are needed.” A dental health expert at NIH says, “Cleaning all sides of your teeth, including between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach, is a good thing.” While strong evidence showing the benefits of flossing “may be somewhat lacking,” the article observes that “there’s little evidence for any harm or side effects from flossing, and it’s low cost.” The article encourages people to talk to their dentist to address any questions or concerns about their teeth or gums and to learn the proper flossing technique.

Many Seniors Need Dental Care But Lack Coverage

The Boston Herald carries KHN contributing columnist Michelle Andrews’ piece stating many seniors need dental care, but paying for it can be “a serious concern” since traditional Medicare does not cover dental care. According to an analysis by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, over a third of low-income seniors “had untreated tooth decay between 2011 and 2014.” Some have proposed adding dental coverage to Medicare Part B to increase seniors’ access to dental care, while others advocate for seniors buying private dental coverage. Marko Vujicic, the vice president of the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, said that private dental coverage often lacks value for seniors, because the premiums and copays exceed the benefits.

        MouthHealthy.org provides a guide to finding and paying for dental care, listing factors to consider when determining if purchasing a dental benefit plan will save money on dental care costs.

November Is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Twenty-nine million people in the United States have diabetes, and another 1.7 million cases are diagnosed each year. With 1 in 5 cases of total tooth loss linked to diabetes, it’s especially important for people with diabetes to take good care of their oral and overall health. However, you may be treating patients who aren’t even aware they have it, as 8.1 million people are currently living with the disease but undiagnosed. Use National Diabetes Awareness Month as an opportunity to educate your patients on the link between diabetes and dental health with these helpful resources: What diabetes does to your smile Five diabetes-related mouth symptoms (and how to manage them) "For the Patient" information from the Journal of the American Dental Association

Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan

The Motley Fool encourages older Americans to maximize the Medicare benefits that are available to them to help offset the rising healthcare costs many experience during retirement. Among the tips provided to help get the most out of Medicare, the article encourages retirees to look into Medicare Advantage. At a minimum, Medicare Advantage plans “match the coverage of Medicare Parts A and B,” and many offer additional benefits, such as dental care coverage. The article also recommends retirees sign up for Medicare on time, review prescription medication needs, and receive any free preventive care services offered through Medicare.