Scientists Unveil Self-Repairing Bioactive Glass Fillings

The Daily Mail reported in continuing coverage that scientists at the Queen Mary University of London have developed a new compound for tooth fillings, known as bioactive glass, that “not only blocks cavities but repairs bacterial damage.” According to the article, “The filling is made from bioactive glass composites that release fluoride as well as calcium and phosphate needed to form tooth mineral.” Professor Robert Hill, who helped develop the technology, said the new compound “fills in the gaps with tooth mineral thus preventing the oral bacteria which cause tooth decay from establishing themselves.” Professor Hill adds, “Research suggests this will potentially prolong the life of fillings and slow secondary tooth decay because the depth of bacterial penetration with bioactive glass fillings was significantly smaller than for inert fillings.”

Study Finds Association Between Poor Oral Health And Heart Disease

Men’s Health reported that a new study from Finland suggests poor oral health may affect heart health. Researchers examined “the teeth and the arteries of more than 500 people,” finding that those needing a root canal were “nearly 3 times more likely to have acute coronary syndrome” than “patients with healthy teeth.” Study author Dr. John Liljestrand suggests the bacteria from the tooth infection may spread to other parts of the body, including the heart. Dr. Liljestrand recommends brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental visits to help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

        In an article in the Omaha (NE) World-Herald (9/24), Dr. Robert Schwab, a physician specializing in internal medicine at Boys Town National Research Hospital, also stated that research suggests poor oral hygiene may impact overall health, including heart health. With this in mind, Dr. Schwab provides tips to promote heart and oral health.

Many Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Dental Care

In the Motley Fool “Industry Focus: Healthcare” podcast, analyst Kristine Harjes and contributor Todd Campbell discuss Medicare to help retirees “understand the ins and outs of this critical program.” Harjes and Campbell explain that unlike traditional Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for dental, vision, and hearing.

Benefits Of Community Water Fluoridation Discussed

USA Today carried a Kaiser Health News article discussing fluoridation, noting the CDC considers fluoridation to be “one of the 10 top public health achievements of the 20th century,” reducing tooth decay by about 25 percent in children and adults. “A big thing about community water fluoridation is that it’s a passive intervention, you don’t really have to do anything other than drink tap water,” said Katherine Weno, oral health director at the CDC. The article noted the American Dental Association and the World Health Organization also support fluoridation.

        Meanwhile, the Daily Caller reported that scientists at Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council analyzed “60 years of research and 3,000 scientific studies,” finding “fluoride in drinking water is safe.” According to the article, “Researchers found that fluoride in water has no adverse health effects at the levels used in Australia, and that the substance is not linked to low IQ, cancer, or cognitive problems.” The researchers found the “only result” of fluoridation was “reduction of the effects of tooth decay by 26 to 44 percent in children.” The article notes that the ADA supports fluoridation, estimating that “every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs.”

Taking Preventive Steps To Manage Inflammation Advised

Harvard University (MA) stated that although “inflammation plays a central role in healing,” if “left to run wild, this process can lead to arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.” To help keep chronic inflammation under control, Dr. Andrew Luster, of the Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, recommends people manage their diet and lifestyle and take several other preventive steps, including fighting gum disease. The article stated that “if your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you most likely have inflammation,” recommending people improve oral hygiene and visit the dentist.

Swiss Oral Health Company Curaprox Introduces Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

Drug Store News reports Swiss oral health company Curaprox has introduced a new product called the Black Is White Collection that features “a natural and gentle toothpaste powered by activated charcoal.” The activated charcoal reportedly “removes stains without abrading the enamel or using chemical bleaching agents” by absorbing stain particles and eliminating them. Additionally, the activated charcoal “balances the PH of the mouth while protecting against the growth of pathogens and cavities.” The piece suggests the growing trend of companies incorporating activated charcoal into their products “seems like it’s here to stay.”

Increasing Number Of People Choosing Medicare Advantage Plans

In an article in the Houston Chronicle , Holly Steinbrecher, CEO, Unitedhealthcare Medicare & Retirement In Texas, discusses Medicare Advantage plans, stating an increasing number of people eligible for Medicare are choosing Medicare Advantage, both in Houston and across the country. Steinbrecher says several characteristics of Medicare Advantage plans may be fueling the shift, including “predictable costs, additional benefits and care coordination.” For example, “some plans cover hearing aids and preventive dental care,” notes Steinbrecher.