Unaffordable Dental Expenses for the Elderly - An Editorial

With our volatile economy, things are bad enough, but it is so much worse for those on limited and fixed incomes, and the real travesty is that there is very little help available for those in need of serious dental care. Medical care can be much easier to obtain.
Dental treatment is fast becoming one of the most costly of all areas in the medical industry. Basic restorative treatment is becoming a thing of the past, with dentists and dental specialists opting for the higher end products and procedures. Root canals, crowns and implants are exorbitantly high priced, as are dentures and prosthetic devices. Having worked in the dental industry as long as I have, I'm well aware of the cost of materials vs. the mark-up.  It's ridiculous, and there is no regulatory agency that can help to even out the cost to make it more affordable. In fact, dental specialists are among the highest priced professionals in the country.  The elderly are probably the most affected by this. They are literally forced to spend money they don't have and are finding that there are limited resources to help with the funding of  treatments and procedures, as government based organizations generally will not cover anything other than extractions for adults.
A good Dental Plan can go a long way toward reducing costs for the elderly, but the fact is, sometimes it just isn't enough. Consequently, many elderly dental patients will go outside of the country to places such as Mexico, or will simply go without the care they need, thereby affecting their overall health. 
No doubt we all know of an elderly family member or friend that has had this problem.

So, the question? How long can this continue?  When insurance is of little or no help and money is limited, there must be an alternative somewhere.  Any ideas anyone? 

Why You should Never Self-Medicate with Antibiotics

 Usually, when you have an infected tooth, your dentist gives you antibiotics before any procedure, right?

Antibiotics are widely used to prevent infections as well as treat them.  However in recent years, it has been determined that they may be overprescribed. Research from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio has found that antibiotics can kill "good" bacteria, which helps keep the infection and inflammation at bay and can do more harm than good.

Doctors maintain that antibiotics are still much needed in the case of infection but caution that overuse can lead to reduction of effectiveness in some people.  

Trust your doctor to determine whether antibiotics are necessary.  Self medicating is never recommended.

 Keep smiling!

Fruit Puree's and Fruit Snacks Can Cause Tooth Decay In Children

Kids love 'em!  Adults do too...I am one of them.  However, there may be long term effects on kid's teeth if proper hygiene isn't practiced.   There are things you can do to prevent problems while still  letting your kids enjoy these fruity snacks.

We all know that squeezable fruit and veggie puree pouches are a convenient, easy, and portable snack for kids that do not require refrigeration.

These puree pouches provide the perfect amount of nutrients, vitamins,  minerals and are perfect for parents with hectic lives. However, they could be causing damage to your children's teeth. Fruit gummies such as gummy bears or strips can be especially sticky and can stick to the teeth.  The longer it's allowed to linger there, the more damage it can do over time.

When you eat or drink foods that contain sugar, the bacteria in plaque produce acid and the acid eats away at the tooth enamel. Eventually, this will create cavities and because of the consistency of the puree pouches, it may be particularly tough on the teeth if its allowed to sit there for long periods of time. 

Paul Casamassimo, the oral health research and policy director at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says "the constant exposure of sugar on the teeth is detrimental". 

So, if you allow your children to eat these pouches please make sure to have them drink water or rinse their mouths after eating them, and brush their teeth regularly!

Dentistry IS Science. It is also an Art. But does this justify the high cost?

So often we will have someone call our office and they are absolutely shell shocked at the cost of a dental procedure or a treatment plan.  Let me start by saying that dentistry is rarely simple anymore. It is a science, yes, but it is also a fine art, and in many cases you get what you pay for. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, is among the most costly. If you've ever seen a full mouth reconstruction done, you'll have great respect for the dentist/artist.  This is a craft that requires at least 8 years of schooling, constant continuing education and even further instruction and practice to be able to perfect these restorations and perform oral miracles.  Not to mention the high cost of the technical machines and tools needed.  If you understand that, you understand why the cost is so high.  But, if you are one of those people who visits the dentist every 10 or 20 years, there is no avoiding the shell shock factor, which is why I've linked this blog to an informative page.
I recently found a site that gives the average consumer an idea of what restorative dentistry costs.  It is broken down by procedure and it's probably the most informative, simple breakdown I have seen to date.  If you are considering cosmetic restoration or have many dental issues and are in need of a full-mouth makeover, look HERE  first.  I think you'll be glad you did.
The moral of the story here is to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings (for prevention, if nothing else) and stay informed. Don't become a shell shock victim!

Keep Smiling!