What will you do if you have to shell out thousands of dollars every year on dental procedures, check ups, treatment, and consultation for yourself and your family? Yes you surely want to…right? Well there is never a case when people do not want to save money especially in these recession times. But first, you should know the overall scenario and the actual benefits a plan offers.
In October 2008, The University of South Carolina released a study related to the dental problems, ailments, and natural obstacles faced by American children. The study also covered all the aspects of the current level of dental treatment provided to these children. The results were astonishing as 25 percent of children in US were estimated to not receive dental care last year. Imagine, sucha plight in a developed country like USA. The study also showed that African-American and Hispanic children were the worst losers with regards to dental coverage which is an alarming statistic in itself.
“Children are the first sacrificial lambs to neglect due to the high cost of dental procedures. It is a tragedy that such a high number of children go without dental insurance or any other dental coverage.”
The reality is that there are standard types of dental plans available for consumers to choose from and save on dental health. But many people are unaware of such plans and do not know if they can save on their dental expenses or not. Many people make the mistake of thinking that getting their teeth fixed is easy. Many resort to the traditional medium of dental insurance to solve their problems. They think that one just has to go and see an insurance agent, offline or online, and buy dental insurance. But, just like any other type of insurance, dental insurance does not cover any pre-existing condition and that is really bad.
It has been seen repeatedly that dental insurance plans have limitations on the number of dental visits, radiographs (X-rays) and treatments that are covered, and other services like cosmetic dental procedures may be excluded.
The percentage of Americans with untreated cavities began rising this decade, reversing a half-century trend of improvement in dental health.
In 2006, a study revealed that Arkansas children have the worst teeth in the USA, closely followed by California. According to the new study, over 70% of third graders in California suffer or have suffered from tooth decay. Hispanics and children from poorer families have the highest levels of tooth decay.
The study carried out by The Dental Health Foundation and officials said the problem is very closely linked to low income and ethnicity. They said that even though tooth decay was lower among children from higher income families, even there it was much higher than expected.
Tooth decay has been cited by both the reports as the single most common chronic childhood malady. Hence it is important for various agencies to support the cause and stress on the need for children to have good dental coverage during this developmental period in their lives. Due to negligence many children had to suffer from several oral health infections. Lack of dental services and treatment can also lead children to lack of self-esteem, depression, and constant interference with their routine activities.
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National Smile Month runs simultaneously in both the UK and USA from 17th May to 16th June 2009. In the UK it is promoted by the British Dental Health Foundation while in the USA Oral Health America is co-ordinating the thirty day event. This is the first time that National smile Month will take place across the UK and the USA.
National Smile Month takes a very holistic approach to dental health. In fact, one of the main thrusts of the month’s event is to explain to the general public in simple terms the links that exist between good oral health and overall body health. Most of the population of the UK and the USA would be very surprised indeed to learn that there are strong links that exist between gum disease and the following health conditions:
• heart disease
• strokes
• diabetes
• premature and low birth weight babies
National Smile Month is encouraging Brits and Americans on both sides of the pond to make the connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Recently conducted medical research has shown that bacteria or infections in the mouth impact overall health. The research has also shown that systemic diseases affect the gums and teeth.
The disease that causes cavities or tooth decay is actually known as Caries. This disease is a transmissible infection but the good news is that it can be managed through proper oral hygiene. Management of Caries includes:
• brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing
• access to appropriate levels of fluoride in drinking water
• a carbohydrate-regulated diet that cuts down on sugary foods and drinks
• proper salivary function
• regular visits to your dentist
Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums that affects more than 30% of the adult population. Periodontal disease is often under diagnosed and undertreated, despite mounting evidence of its relationship to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and pre-term, low-birth weight babies. A key theme of National Smile Month is to urge people to ask their dentists, dental hygienists, and health care providers about periodontal disease and how it can affect overall health.
Another publicised technique is the use of dental sealants which are a thin plastic coating placed over the chewing surfaces of molar teeth. These sealants are effective in preventing and even reversing tooth decay. Dental sealants are most commonly used on children, especially at the ages when new permanent teeth erupt.
Oral Health America has released the staggering statistic that each year in the USA over 51 million school hours are lost as a result of problems related to tooth decay. Oral Health America has taken the issue directly to schools and is active in leading proper oral hygiene demonstrations for school children.
The state of Kansas has realised that oral health problems in children are a precursor for more serious health problems as children reach adulthood. Kansas has been a leader in making oral health a priority. In a multi faceted campaign that has been in place since 2004 the southern state has improved its overall ratings from a “D+” to a “B”. Kansas’ strategies to improve oral health care included:
• Expansion of oral disease prevention measures, especially school-linked oral health programs, use of fluoride varnish and dental sealants, and community water fluoridation
• Education of those in a position to stop the cycle of oral disease, including pregnant women, parents of young children, and caregivers of vulnerable populations
• Promotion of healthy childhood nutrition, especially pre-school and school nutrition programs
• Reduction of tobacco use
The British Dental Health Foundation is a registered charity in the UK and has been established for over 38 years. The Foundation’s key messages have been at the heart of its charity work for many years and the 3 decades since the inception of National Smile Week. It’s Chief Executive, Dr Nigel Carter stated:
“it is vital that we use National Smile Month to educate the public on the often underestimated importance of good oral healthcare.”
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