New research shows that in a study of more the 4000 elderly adult in Japan, those who had few teeth and who did not use dentures or see a dentist regularly had a significantly higher risk for dementia onset than the participants who practiced better dental health practices.  The study was published in the April issue of Psychosomatic Medicine.

Students put down their text books and were carrying toothbrushes as the Health Unit was on hand to promote dental health awareness.   How high school students care for their teeth can affect their health later on in life.

Dental disease is nearly 100 percent preventable yet fewer then 30 percent of people follow their dentist’s advice to brush and floss twice a day.  People are dropping the ball with their at home dental care habits.  In some state nearly 40 percent of people with dental  insurance still do not regularly see their dentist.   Early education about oral health care habits are important, and should be reinforced by parents, teachers and the community.

CCBC Dental Hygiene Program and Maryland Dental Hygienists’ Association hosted a free event called “Sealant Saturday”.  The event took place February 4th as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month

The event was part of a community outreach program sponsored by the Maryland Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA) and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) providing free dental examinations and sealants on permanent molars to children ages 6 to 18 years old.

A mobile dentistry unit is promising to help put Healthy Smile in Motion for hundreds of Washington County children. The 39 foot vehicle will serve children at county’s public schools and Head Start sites.

The number of preschoolers with serious dental tooth decay is on the rise, across all income levels. Some young children have six to ten cavities. Some of the reasons for the increased rise in tooth decay among young children, is mainly snacking and juices or other sweet drinks t bedtime.  But other reasons includes children drinking bottled water instead of fluoridated tap water.  As well as parents who have simply grown lax about making their kids have proper dental care habits such as brushing and flossing daily.

The Lieutenant Governor spoke out about expanding access to oral healthcare at an event to recognize National Children’s Dental Health month.   He use the event to remember Deamonte Driver a 12 year old boy from Prince George’s county who died five years ago after bacteria that caused a toothache infected his brain.

Several programs have been launched in Maryland since Deamonte’s death to help improve access to dental health for children, but the Lt. Governor wants more done to improve services and oral health awareness.

Too many American, particularly kids are showing up in emergency rooms with rotten teeth issues.   According to surveys done by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 10 state within the past three years, the percentage of third graders with untreated tooth decay running as high as 40 percent in Arizona, to just under 15 percent in Washington State.

A study by the Pew Center for the States found that preventable dental conditions were the primary reason for more than 830,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. in 2009, up 16 percent from just three years before.

Although I chew/dip 2-4 a week I been keeping my teeth white by bushing them like I should. However, I worried that my teeth will start to stain and I want to know if I start whiting them how many times should I white my teeth to keep them white while I chew.

I am looking for a good oral health insurance plan.  I have bad teeth and feel that my teeth may also be affecting my overall health as well.  I do not have any dental benefits right now and the cost for dental care is too high for me to afford. Need some help please advise.

To help prevent tooth decay in babies, avoid overnight feeding. By letting your baby nurse at will can make milk pool in baby’s mouth which will cause acid to form contagiously throughout the night which can lead to tooth decay. The same goes for baby bottles so avoid letting your child walk around with a baby bottle. Whether you are breast feed or bottle feeding you baby, make sure to wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean damp washcloth after feeding.

It has been suggested that breast-feeding over bottle-feeding is better for overall health of your baby. However with regards to early childhood cavities breast feeding is no better or worse then bottle feeding.  Both can cause dental decay in baby teeth if proper dental care is not provided.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or BBTD is caused by frequent and prolonged exposure to any liquids such as formula, milk, fruit juices or any liquids containing sugars.  If these liquids pool around baby’s teeth and fum for a long period of time they will lead to cavities that first develop in the upper and lower front teeth.  This will normally happen when one leaves a baby with a baby bottle to sleep with or as a means of pacifying a baby from crying.

You should never let your baby fall asleep with a baby bottled filled with anything other the plain water.  See if your dentist has a pacifier that they would recommend for you to use. If you are breast feeding try to avoid letting your child nurse continuously.  Also remember to wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean damp washcloth after feedings.   BBTD  is preventable with proper dental health care habits.  Ask you dentist of any  more dental care tips for your child and make sure they have regular dental check ups.

Having good dental and oral health care start right from the beginning of  your child’s life. There are factors that may affect your child teeth appearance, such as tetracycline and antibiotic that can cause tooth discoloration.  This is something to beware of and should not be used by nursing mother or expectant mothers in the last half of pregnancy.

the standard brushing and flossing health care procedures are not required for infants.  Though infants do have special oral health care need that need to be met.  Parents should know about how to guard against baby bottle tooth decay.  Parents also need to take their child to see a dentist when the cut their first tooth or no later then one year of age.  Prevention is the key so the sooner you start with proper dental care the better.