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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBreaking News on Dental Health - What more do America's leaders need to hear?
Last edited Fri Aug 16, 2013, 10:31 PM - Edit history (4)
Those who've lacked the money to take care of their teeth, and had to worry what others thought of them for having bad or missing teeth (or lost out on jobs) already know what having bad teeth can do to your quality of life.
That's not even including the pain stemming from poor dental health, but now, multiple studies are linking bad teeth and oral health problems to even more diseases beyond heart disease.
There must be a bigger push within our gov't to get more money from the trillions of dollars in the budget to help stop preventable deaths, because as it stands, it seems in regards to adults, the Affordable Care Act has no teeth.
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Aug. 16, 2013 The 2-Minute Habit That May Prevent Alzheimer's
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/2-minute-habit-may-prevent-alzheimers
Taking great care of your teethwith daily brushing and flossingmay dramatically cut risk for Alzheimers disease, according to surprising new research.
British scientists report finding signs of gum-disease bacteria in the brains of Alzheimers patients. The new study adds to a rapidly growing body of evidence strongly linking periodontal (gum) disease to greatly increased risk for the memory-robbing disorder.
Aug. 14, 2013 Colon cancer and oral bacteria linked in Case Western Reserve University Research
http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2013/08/case_western_reserve_researche.html
A research group at Case Western Reserve Universitys School of Dental Medicine has found a link between colon cancer and gingivitis-causing bacteria that, until recently, were thought to only be found in the mouth.
Yiping Han, a professor of periodontics, and her lab have been studying the health effects of the bacterium, called Fusobacterium nucleatum, for about a decade, and have already connected it to preterm birth, stillbirth, and post-birth sepsis.
Their newest research, published online today in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, explains how the bacterium may turn on tumor growth in the colon, and also identifies a way to prevent its action. The researchers also hope their work will lead to a diagnostic tool that will help identify those at risk of colon cancer earlier in the diseases progression.
Aug. 9, 2013 Oral health (Gingivitis) linked to diseases
http://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/health-family/article/Oral-health-linked-to-diseases-4721220.php
Turns out gum disease is associated with a greater risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and even pregnancy complications. And a study released recently found evidence that bacteria linked to gingivitis traveled to brains afflicted by Alzheimer's disease, hinting at a role in dementia.
As the latest research deepens scientists' understanding of the link between dental health and disease, the potential implications are coming into focus. Something as simple as treating gum disease, a neglected, often painless condition, could limit damage from some of the world's most widespread and costly illnesses.
http://www.zazzle.com/elizabeth_warren_for_president_of_the_usa_bumper_sticker-128665143471542797?rf=238107662556833486
Link Speed
(650 posts)We are a group of local Vietnam vets - old guys, 60+ years of age. Having shunned VA Dental (for damned good reasons) all those decades ago, we were collectively surprised to realize that dental is our biggest single health fear/issue.
Recently, my dentist told me he could solve all of my dental issues for $70K.
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)PCIntern
(25,576 posts)About 12-14 implants and fixed bridgework on top and bottom plus a sinus lift or two.
Divine Discontent
(21,056 posts)Last edited Fri Aug 16, 2013, 10:32 PM - Edit history (1)
I am so sorry to hear this about all of you, and that figure needed to fix your oral issues. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. One of my most beloved friends is a Vietnam war Vet, and he has lots of issues with his body. I try to bring him as much joy as possible (he loves singing old 60's songs with me even though I'm younger), because of his service and he's a great guy.
I sure hope you can get some help, and for now, do your best to use mouthwash and brush what you can. Reading this newest news from today about Alzheimer's hits home with me (dad), so brush brush brush...
God bless
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)Divine Discontent
(21,056 posts)JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)It should be here. It is extremely important.
Divine Discontent
(21,056 posts)Gosh, I wish I was in one of those Scandinavian countries. For many reasons...
http://www.zazzle.com/elizabeth_warren_for_president_of_the_usa_bumper_sticker-128665143471542797?rf=238107662556833486
Spider Jerusalem
(21,786 posts)dental treatment is covered by the NHS in the UK (if you can find an NHS dentist who's accepting patients, that is). It's not free but the costs are significantly lower (out of pocket expenditures are generally MUCH lower than in the USA; if you need multiple fillings, for instance, and they're done at once or within a certain time frame, it's considered part of the same course of treatment and you only pay the one fee of £48; same thing with crowns or root canals, etc).
1776Forever
(6,985 posts)Just went to the Dentist with my husband and they told him he has to wait until next year to complete his Dental care because his VA Dental Insurance will only pay $1,500 per year. He will have to have surgery and then go without teeth for 6 months, but he does have insurance thank goodness. It would have cost us $6,000 just for his 5 lower teeth removed and a lower denture since he has to have his lower jaw cut back.
Great post!
Jamastiene
(38,187 posts)scarletlib
(3,418 posts)Dental health is so important. I mean how can any sensible health care system leave out coverage for any part of one's body?
PCIntern
(25,576 posts)the nature of dental coverage in this country is inhumane. It's really the presence of annual maximums which makes dental insurance ineffective for those in bad shape, relatively speaking. The ADA sold its soul years ago for a nice weekend in Gerald Ford's hometown. No BS.
My costs of handling the nonsense are extreme, and I would gladly pass the savings directly to the patient, and it would be substantial.
I could go on and on for hours...maybe days.
Divine Discontent
(21,056 posts)it's a matter that needs faced immediately. there's no reason for this to be going on other than greed.
PCIntern
(25,576 posts)that it is like a Gordian Knot. I cannot begin to either dissect it here - it would require a book - nor can I empathize ENOUGH with the patients. Terrible...
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Wow!
Divine Discontent
(21,056 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Marrah_G
(28,581 posts)I have awful teeth, but with no way to pay for treatment I just try to not to worry about it. Maybe someday things will change. On Mass health, the only ones that have dental are the ones with an income so low that they don't pay in. When you have tier 2 or 3 insurance that you pay into it doesn't cover dental. I looked at dental insurance and the deductibles were not something I'd be able to afford even if I had the insurance.
Bleh...hate this topic
I just learned to smile without opening my mouth.
duffyduff
(3,251 posts)I take virtually every kind of medical "study" with a huge grain of salt because there is always another one or several that directly contradict it.
Of course dental care is important, and REAL dental insurance is even more important. Employer plans are total junk and don't begin to cover the cost of real dental care. It should be a part of medical insurance, and the same is true with vision, but you know the reason they aren't included--it's because people are far more likely to need and use them.