Antibodies Present Mean Healthier Teeth and Gums

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Antibodies present in people with good oral health could become the first tool for dental professionals to assess a patient’s probable response to periodontal disease treatments. The antibody is to a protein called HtpG, the bug that makes it is Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important pathogen in periodontal disease. The antibody also has potential as a vaccine candidate, according to Charles Shelburne, assistant research scientist at the U-M School of Dentistry. Researchers discovered that the HtpG antibodies were present in much lower amounts in people with periodontal disease, and in much higher concentrations in those with healthier teeth and gums. Typically, antibodies are elevated in people with disease, because they help fight the disease. “What has been seen in periodontal disease over the last 30-40 years is that patients with periodontal disease have higher levels of antibodies to the bacteria associated … Read more

Ending the Beijing Summer Olympics

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The end of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics is soon coming to a close. So far the United States and Chinese have both been exceling in the olympics. It seems as if the United States will most likely win the most medals amongst gold, silver, and bronze for the games. They already have over 100 total medals. The Chinese will most likely win the most medals for gold. For olympic fans there is some disapointment for the conclusion of the games. The United States men’s volleyball team will compete for Gold on Saturday (8/23/08) at 11:00 P.M. Central Time, 12:00 A.M. (Sunday) Eastern Time, and 9:00 P.M. Pacific Time. This event will be followed by the United States men’s basketball team featuring Kobe and James competing for Gold on Sunday (8/24/08) at 1:30 A.M. Central Time, 2:30 A.M. Eastern Time, … Read more

CrunchGear Birthday

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So if you have missed out, CrunchGear has been offering prizes for the past 9 days in celebration of their birthday. Today is the last day to win prizes and they have some great offerings. You can win a Palm Treo Pro, a VC 42-inch LCD TV, and a Lenovo Y510 Ideapad. In order to do so you have to play a little game and find the code for each prize. Once you find it you email CrunchGear to let them know. Head over to CrunchGear for a chance at these great prizes.

Healthcare Consumer Empowerment

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Consumer empowerment, a growing method of healthcare management for employers and healthcare organizations, involves empowering yourselves by learning how to become wiser healthcare consumers. The following are 10 ways to achieve healthcare consumer empowerment. 1. Establish a relationship with a primary physician — before you need one. Discuss your health and family with your doctor. If you don’t have a primary physician find one. 2. Ask questions. In fact, I think it is a great idea to bring questions with you on a piece of paper, so you do not forget to ask them. 3. Learn about your illness. Research and ask your physician questions. There is a lot of information available to you. 4. Learn how to practice self-care. In times of emergency or injury remember to follow RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) 5. Review bills carefully. Sometimes errors … Read more

National Health Service (NHS) Dentistry Shakeup

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A new report suggests that the National Health Service (NHS) in Britain is having it’s fair share of problems. Dentists are simply removing teeth rather than taking on complicated treatments because they have become uneconomical to provide. The number of tooth extractions has increased. In the two years following the introduction of a new contract to NHS dentists in April 2006, 900,000 fewer people saw an NHS dentist than in the last two years of the previous system. This could also be an understatement. Why the sudden decline? It seems as if now dentists in the National Health Service are no longer paid on a per patient basis based on the procedure or treatment done. Instead they receive a fee for the year while agreeing to perform a certain number of services. To read the entire article go here.