dental health

Rheumatoid arthritis linked to dental disorders

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An interesting article titled “Increased dental visits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a secondary cohort analysis of population based claims data,” appears in BMC Oral Health written by Ching-Ya Juan, Chia-Wen Hsu, and Ming-Chi Lu (published December 15, 2022). The article sought to eplore the use of dental care in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore the incidence of dental disorders in patients with and without RA. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that characterized by persistent joint infammation. RA can affect not only the joints, but it can also involve other organ systems, such as the lung and lead to systemic comorbidities. In the article the authors selected 1,337 patients newly diagnosed with RA between January 2000 and December 2012 and 13,370 patients without RA. The authors found that patients with RA had a higher prevalence (70.3% vs. … Read more

Does Medicare Cover Dental Services in 2023?

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In the U.S. when Americans turn 65 they are eligible for medical services and health insurance under the program called Medicare. Unfortunately Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care such as procedures and supplies like tooth extractions, cleanings, fillings, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. Recent surveys have shown that most people are in favor of expanding Medicare to include services like dental an vision. Many are also in favor of lowering the age of eligibity to less than 65. As of 2023. As of January 1, 2023, Medicare has now been expande to cover medically necessary conditions requiring dental services. According to the ADA the following dental services are now covered under Medicare: Such care can be performed in both an inpatient and an outpatient setting. Further, coverage applies to X-rays, anesthesia, or the use of an operating room … Read more

NIH awards grant to study responsible antibiotic use

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio a four-year, $2.4 million grant to work with the American Dental Association Science & Research Institute (ADASRI) to perform a clinical trial study for the responsible use of antibiotics to treat periodontal disease also known as gum disease. The study will allow for the generatation of real-world data on periodontal disease treatments that are supplemented by antibiotics. The study will be lead by principle investigator Georgios Kotsakis, DDS, MS who is an associate professor of periodontics at the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. More than 30 clinicians who belong to the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) will collect data for the study. The trial is expected to start in Spring 2023 and the periodontal patients will be treated and … Read more

FDA warns about dental problems from buprenorphine

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety concern regarding the medication buprenorphine which is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, acute pain, and chronic pain. Buprenorphine is often used to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and the desire to use opioids, without causing the cycle of highs and lows associated with abusing opioid. The FDA warning issued on January 12, 2022, states that dental problems have occured when patients take medicines containing buprenorphine that are dissolved in the mouth. In the warning, the FDA said that the dental problems can include those of tooth decay, cavities, loss of teeth, and oral infections, and can occur in those without prior dental issues. As a result of this warning, the risk of dental problems occuring will be added to the prescribing information and the patient Medication Guide … Read more

5 Ways to Prepare for a Dental Check-Up

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Even though you do your best to take good care of your teeth by brushing twice per day and flossing daily, visiting your dentist is also an essential part of any effective oral care routine. Typically a recommendation is to schedule visits with a dentist every six months to maintain optimal oral health. While there’s not much you have to do to prepare for this office visit, there are a few things you can do to have a more effective and more pleasant experience. Verify Your Appointment It has probably taken you time to choose a dental care facility from among numerous options in your area such as the dentists in Westerville Ohio, so you will want to maintain a good relationship with your dentist. You can achieve a good relationship by making sure you make your appointments for treatment … Read more