ADA, Dental Industry Addressing Opioid Prescribing Habits

NPR reports many dentists are working to prescribe fewer opioids, “with state dental boards and associations issuing new guidelines for patients and practitioners.” The article notes that Dr. Paul Moore “studies the usefulness of ibuprofen and other” non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in pain management; Dr. Moore “worked on a recent update of the American Dental Association’s prescribing guidelines for opioids.” The guideline recommends dentists consider over-the-counter pain relievers as the “first-line therapy for acute pain management.” At the state level, Pennsylvania now “requires new dentists and those renewing their clinical license to get training in the best practices of opioid prescribing.” The article mentions that Pennsylvania dentist Dr. Joel Funari, who specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, participated in a working group in 2014 “to develop prescribing guidelines for dentists” in Pennsylvania. Dr. Funari and his colleagues found NSAIDS are “very effective” for treating dental pain. Their findings are published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

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.”

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.

Oral Cancer Claims Rise 61 Percent Since 2011

A release on PRNewswire states that data from FAIR Health shows “privately billed insurance claim lines related to oral cancer diagnoses rose 61 percent from 2011 to 2015.” The data also shows that men were “nearly three times as likely to be diagnosed as women,” and “tongue and throat cancers in particular were more likely to occur in men than women.” Men and women had “similar chances of developing gum cancer,” the release adds.

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

Consumers Encouraged To Consider Several Items When Selecting Dental Coverage

On its website and in a broadcast, WATE-TV Knoxville, TN discussed dental coverage, recommending consumers consider several factors when selecting a plan, such as the annual price of premiums, the policy limit and coverage, and the care needed. In addition, the article emphasized the importance of preventive dental care to help reduce costs.

        MouthHealthy.org provides resources for patients on finding and paying for dental care.

Antibiotics: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Antimicrobials, antibiotics among them, are unique among medications in the way they intersect personal and public health. Successful treatment of patients for bacterial infections will result in decreased spread of infections in the community. Not long after the discovery of these miracle drugs, however, patients’ use of antibiotics also created resistant bacteria, which is a serious public health concern. It is estimated that more than 70% of illness-causing bacteria are resistant to at least 1 antibiotic. Numbers may lie, but with an estimated 50,000 deaths due to antibiotic resistance in 2015 in the United States and Europe alone—and a projected death toll of 10 million worldwide every year by 2050—the continued benefits from antibiotics may be dwindling rapidly. In the United States alone, every year 23,000 deaths and more than 2 million infections are attributed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The primary reason for the increase in antibiotic resistance is its excessive use.

     

ADA Joins Surgeon General Campaign To Increase Opioid Abuse Awareness

The ADA News reports the Association is asking dentists “to take an online pledge to help curb the widespread abuse of opioid pain medications.” The clinician pledge is in support of US Surgeon Gen. Vivek H. Murthy’s national Turn the Tide campaign “to increase professional awareness about opioids abuse and mobilize health care professionals to improve their prescribing practices.” ADA President Carol Gomez Summerhays wrote in an Aug. 25 email to members, “Today, the ADA is asking dentists everywhere to take that pledge, regardless of whether you prescribe opioid pain medications or not.” Dr. Summerhays added, “The Turn the Tide pledge is another small way to show how we, as a profession, are committed stemming the tide of opioid abuse that has been devastating our families and communities.”