February Puts Children’s Dental Health First
Main Street Dental cares about the families in the Lake’s Region. To raise awareness about the importance of oral health, we have provided free materials from the American Dental Association to download so families and teachers can make learning about dental health fun children and provide them with valuable interaction.
Discussing Fluoride Changes With Dr. John Messinger DDS
January ushered in a lot of government issued change pertaining to fluoride. The primary activity which occurred was the Department of Health and Human Services decreasing its recommended optimal community water fluoridation levels. While many critics would prefer fluoride use to be eradicated all together, there continues to be a lot of question and apprehension regarding the use of fluoride. To get a better perspective on fluoride we sat down with Main Street Dental’s Dr. John Messinger who is not only a well respected general dentist but also holds a PhD in BioChemistry.
Q: Hello Dr. Messinger! Thanks for sitting down with us. A lot of people are pretty passionate and opposed to fluoride. Why is there so much controversy surrounding this topic?
A: The controversy is actually to be expected. Anytime there is a matter of public health policy people react strongly, often with emotion and suspicion. There is a tremendous amount of pressure and responsibility placed on those who research and make health policy.
FDA Approves New Labeling Standards for Fluoridated Water
2011 Ushers In New Recommendations on Fluoride
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has changed its recommendation for optimal community water fluoridation level one part per million to 0.7 parts per million. This adjustment will provide an effective level of fluoride to reduce the incidence of tooth decay while minimizing the rate of fluorosis in the general population.
Like most matters of public health policy, community water fluoridation is a topic of passionate debate. American Dental Association President, Dr. Raymond Gist DDS stated on record the following: “Dentistry has succeeded in detecting and preventing disease better than any other area of health care. Water fluoridation is one of our most potent weapons in disease prevention, and we want as many people as possible to have the benefits of this simple, safe, inexpensive and proven health care measure.”
Enjoying Healthy Teeth and Gums For A Lifetime
As a large group of babyboomers edge towards retirement and our loved ones head into fixed incomes, we wanted to take a moment to reach out to the soon to retire and the children of those who have parents already well within their retirement years to encourage good dental upkeep.
Research shows that the first stages of bone loss may show up in your teeth. The systemic loss of bone density (osteoporosis), including bone in the jaw, may create a condition where the bone supporting your teeth is more susceptible to infectious destruction. Your dentist may be able to spot this on a routine clinical examination or with dental X-rays. If bone loss worsens, your dentist can suggest that you discuss the issue with your other health care providers.
If you didn't already have enough reasons to take good care of your mouth, teeth and gums, the relationship between your oral health and your overall health provides even more. Resolve to practice good oral hygiene every day. You're making an investment in your overall health, not just for now, but for the future, too.
