Dental Plaque Can Pose Cancer Risks

As it goes in the dental industry, most of our focus is on the importance of caring for your oral health. When most people consider the consequences for the absence of brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist for routine exams and cleanings, the “C” word does not come to mind. If the prospects of cancer increased due to lack of oral care, more people would probably practice better dental care.

Unfortunately, and not just as a scare tactic, cancer is a risk for those who fail to keep plaque build-up at a minimum. Truth be told, plaque is a killer, and it has been linked through research and studies to tooth decay, loss of teeth and oral issues, chronic illness and heart disease. Plaque has the power to cause systemic issues that travel well beyond the boundaries of the mouth.

New research suggests that people who have more plaque on their teeth and gums are more likely to suffer and even die prematurely from cancer, based on this international study, recently published.

The findings, which appear in the edition of BMJ Open, show only an association between plaque, and a “raised risk of early cancer death, and not a cause-and-effect relationship.”

The study was conducted on 1,400 Swedish adults over a period of 24 years. Throughout the duration, of the 58 subjects who died, 35 cases did so from cancer.

Conclusive Results

Those with high amounts of dental plaque were 79 percent more likely to die prematurely, the study showed. However, the absolute risk of any person with dental plaque dying early of cancer was low.

On average, female participants were 61 years old when they died and men were 60. Women would have been expected to live around 13 years longer, and the men an additional 8.5 years, the study authors wrote, so their deaths could be considered premature.

Inflammation Plays a Role

Although the study only showed an association between plaque and cancer deaths, the underlying problem was inflammation, which could be considered the common denominator.

"Bacteria in the gums may trigger local inflammation, and these bacteria and inflammatory markers don't just stay where they are," said Dr. Joel Epstein, director of oral medicine at the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. "They are measurable in the blood, so it becomes systemic and widely distributed."

These findings made sense to Saul Presser, a dentist in private practice in New York City.

"There have been reports recently of a connection between certain cancers and oral plaque accumulation," he said. "When one has a lot of dental plaque, this means that more microorganisms are present than if there was minimal plaque in the mouth. It has been shown that certain cancers can be related to some viruses and other microorganisms."

The Take Away

It is too early to say that this plaque directly causes cancer, he said, but "it would be wise for patients to minimise their oral plaque through good oral hygiene and regular dental exams and professional cleanings."

Epstein said the findings demonstrate the interconnectedness of the human body.

"This is interesting and impactful data that broadens the whole view of not being able to separate the mouth from other body parts," he said.

More information

Learn more about healthy teeth and gums at the American Dental Association.

Is It Worth It To Cross Borders For Dentistry?

Traveling to another country has become quite popular over the last few years for patients who want to have elective cosmetic surgery procedures and who need more extensive dental work done, especially for folks without insurance. This is all in the name of saving money. Let’s take a closer review, however. 

How much money can one actually save by crossing the border to have dental work, and what are the cost savings? In some cases, it is true, prospective patients can save 10%-40% (on average) for certain dental procedures, if Mexico was the destination of choice, for example. When we look at it in more detail, and particularly when we factor in associated risks, it is better to find an alternative close to home. Here are the risks of traveling outside of the US for dental healthcare:

Quality of care (customer service, language barriers)
Facilities/standards of treatment and sanitation (there is a difference)
Qualifications of healthcare provider (educational requirements , training, experience, etc)
Distance (average $120 for driving one way)
Patient rights (what are your rights)?
Recompense for unsatisfactory or poor work (how do you get reimbursed under different regulations)?
Improper diagnosis or care (this happens more than you think)
In Case of Emergency (what if, you have to return or schedule an appointment locally, at full-charge)
Gas Prices (average $3.80 per gallon of gas)
Safety (travel and location, is it safe)?
Travel Expenses (flight, hotel, dining)
Return Visits (follow up visits)
Logistics (work/family arrangements, getting from here to there and back)

Let’s break down the monetary ideals that typically draw patients away from their home state to have procedures in a foreign place. Most people look at the savings, like: “I am going to save thousands for crowns, implants, dentures, braces, and other cosmetic work.” 

We mention ideal, because there can be savings if all goes according to plan, but that is not always the case, which is why the subject of tourism has been a hot-topic for the last few years with associations and governing agencies. The truth is our teeth are part a greater anatomical network, regarding our healthcare. It PAYS to consider the quality of care and potential risks and set-backs, first.

Another word of caution would be whether an American dentist feels comfortable, or would be willing, to provide follow up treatment on dental services that were performed from locations that do not follow the "Standards of Dental Care" as outlined from the Arizona Board of Dental Examiners.

At American Dental Plan, we can save members and patients an average of more than 30% on all procedures, and lower their risks, because our providers offer top-quality care, right here in Arizona. 

Upon consideration of dental tourism, the costs and risks can be greater than you think.

Don’t Brush Your Teeth …

I’ve heard it said many times, “You don’t need to brush and floss all your teeth; just the one’s you want to keep.”

So, I am not going to suggest you take any extra efforts to brush or floss after meals. Instead, I have listed the dental issues that will occur should you decide to follow the title of this article.

There is no guarantee circumstances will follow the order listed below. But chances are good you’ll experience all or some of the issues. Just determine how much money you want to pay and allow enough time to take place for the situation to occur.

Tooth brush and paste: Cost $5.50

Floss: Cost $1.90

Simple prophy cleaning from the dentist: Regular Cost $90 /ADP price $39

Full mouth debridement from the dentist: Cost $149.00/ADP price $98.00

Two surface filling, molar: Cost $230 /ADP price $102

Periodontal scaling/root planning: Regular Cost $275 per quadrant/ADP price $99 per quad (total of 4 quadrants)

Molar Root Canal: Cost $925/ADP price $589.

Porcelain crown: Cost $900 /ADP price $648

And, should you allow enough time to pass, and the periodontal disease is too advanced to save your teeth, just have all your teeth pulled (provided some haven’t already fallen out) and dentures made - here are the associated costs:

Extractions: $155+ per tooth/ADP price $86+ per tooth. (total of 32 teeth).

Dentures: $1300 per arch/ADP price $749 per arch.

Aside from the financial impact to your wallet, you will contend with constant bad breath, never ending toothaches, occasional infections with bleeding gums, and losing a tooth or two while attempting to eat a meal. (Just think how your new smile will look in the family photos)!

Eventually you will not be able to chew food, so that would be an advantage if you are trying to lose weight.

Should you decide to wait and have your teeth pulled and dentures made, you’ll actually help stimulate the economy. It will allow the dentist to pay for private school for his or her children, or maybe help pay for a summer home in the cool mountains of northern Arizona.

The silver lining in this story is by being a member of American Dental Plan, you’ll be able to save substantially on all your dental needs.

The choice is yours! (Suddenly the idea of brushing and flossing doesn’t seem like an inconvenience anymore). If you were to ask my advice, you have probably already guessed it would be in favor of brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and check ups.

Charles Jackson

American Dental Plan

Note: The above story is not designed to insult or offend anyone who may currently be wearing dentures or has experienced tooth loss. It is intended to help the general population understand the importance of dental hygiene and regular visits to their dentist. Be aware that the cost of dental implants is dramatically more expensive.

Dental Health: Online is the Best Place to Find Best Practices

In my recent search for topics relating to “best practices for better dental health” I ran across another blog, which sparked this one.

In her post, blogger, Lora Dodge, lamented about the lack of books educating people about oral health, and the correlations between dental hygiene and overall health. In recent years, it has become crystal clear to the medical and dental communities just how important oral health is to your body, shouldn’t there be many books to help others learn and understand how to properly care for their dental health, too?

In her post, she stated: “On a recent trip to my local library in search of books on healthy living, I discovered, to my surprise and dismay, that there were absolutely no books on proper dental care or any dental topic whatsoever. How could that be? Certainly these days' people understand the direct relation their teeth have to their total well-being right? And isn't everyone on the healthy lifestyle bandwagon now? Isn't that the trend?”

Apparently the answer is no. The notion is that people should be following healthier dietary and hygiene trends, but the truth is, reported cases of obesity, diabetes, oral cancer, gum disease, and dental decay are much higher than they should be, which means people have a lot to learn, and practice.

It always starts with healthy eating habits, and brushing and flossing, daily. This check list should be a constant.

She pointed out another interesting fact: there are plenty of books on beauty, fashion, skin care, headaches, mental disorders and other health-related topics, but not dental health care.
I am not surprised that there are many books on fashion, beauty and diets, because we are obsessed with how things look on the exterior. But it is the simple, daily routines that make a difference, like eating right and maintaining our health, from the inside - out.

The Internet is a great resource to learn information about anything, including proper dental health care and best practices for healthy living. Once you find it, learn it and live it for healthier outcomes.

During Kids' Dental Care Month: Get Their Check –Ups and Read Toothpaste Ingredients

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so if your kids are due for a check-up, make an appointment. Keeping up with their dental health needs is very important, to avoid bigger issues down the road, and larger health issues that stem from poor hygiene and decay.

If your child has not seen the dentist due to income or money, then you may check with your child’s school to see if your child/children qualify for local dental programs. In addition, American Dental Plan and discount network programs, like ours, make dentistry affordable for parents.

Since this is the month to focus on kids and their oral health, this is an interesting piece of news you may find useful. Dentist and national oral health care expert Harold Katz is warning parents to take a look closer look at the ingredients in some commercial toothpaste brands.

Since toothpaste is a product we use frequently, there is a probability of ingesting it twice a day (if we are brushing twice a day), then take a look at the contents and here are some ingredients to avoid, according to Katz:

FD&C blue dye No. 2: This commonly used toothpaste dye is one of several on the list of additives to avoid, maintained by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. It's said to be linked to allergic and behavioral reactions and headaches.

Sodium lauryl sulfate: The American College of Toxicology reports this ingredient in cosmetics and industrial cleaning agents can cause skin corrosion and irritation.

Triclosan: An anti-microbial ingredient, the federal Environmental Protection Agency lists triclosan as a pesticide and regulates its use in over-the-counter toothpastes and hand soaps.

It may be beneficial to look for more natural ingredients, such as: aloe vera juice, which cleans and soothes teeth and gums and helps fight cavities and kill disease-causing bacteria in the mouth, Katz advised.

How To Make New Year's Resolutions Stick - Keep Them Simple

Now that 2012 is the New Year, many of you probably have a list of New Year's Resolutions in mind or written down. The psychology of resolutions are interesting, because it seems ritualistic to formulate a plan at the beginning of every year, only to find a month or two down the road that they have only been partially implemented or that they have been fully implemented, but by March or April, abandoned.

The best approach to resolutions is just to keep them simple, then abide by them all year-round, because your body is a long-term investment and by approaching it that way, you will get the best results. The only way to really modify behavior and habits is to one-by-one, replace old, unhealthy habits with new, healthier habits. It is simple.

As we know, the body comes as a whole package, so why not treat it holistically.

Here are the best four things we can do to make a difference, every day. Mind you, I am in the dental industry, so I am going to mention oral health and hygiene, but it really does matter. So here it goes:

1. Eat Healthy: Cut down on sugars and starches, high-fructose corn syrup, soft drinks and foods that are generally unhealthy and YOU WILL SEE A BIG DIFFERENCE. This alone can help obesity, weight issues, diabetes and your teeth.
   
2. Hydrate: Drink a lot of water, daily, and your body will be happier. Your joints, tissues and organs will perform much better and this also helps dry mouth conditions that cause oral health issues.
   
3. Activity: Do what you enjoy, walk, hike, jog, bike, play tennis, go to the gym, lift weights, stretch - whatever you can do, but be active at least three times a week for 20 minutes. A lot of times it helps to do this with a partner or friend. The added support makes it easier and more social.
4. Mind Your Mouth: Your mouth is the gateway to your body, so think about what you put in it and how you treat it. Brush, floss, rinse and repeat. And of course, visit your dentist and hygienist twice a year.

There, that wasn't so hard was it? All of these items are vitally important to your health. If you just do these four things on a routine basis, you may not need resolutions at all.

On that note, Happy New Year from American Dental Plan. We wish you success with your resolutions and your life, all-year-round. Enjoy.

Use Caution During the Holidays and Festivities

Recently, Dr. Oz discussed the number of heart attacks and emergencies during the holidays due to rich foods, excess, unhealthy eating habits and stress. All of these things can contribute to unfortunate outcomes during festivities with family and friends. Many people disregard symptoms and their first instinct is to wait to address their ailments, until after the holidays. This is not recommended, especially if you are in significant pain. Pain is the body's response to alert you that there is a problem. For example, many people who think they have indigestion may actually be experiencing heart problems that need to be addressed, immediately. Do not take your pain too lightly.

The same applies to oral pain. The holidays are a time to indulge. It is hard to turn down the home-baked goods, sweets, candy, fudge, cookies, fruit cakes and beverages that contain a lot of sugar. Most likely, your teeth will be under attack more than usual during the season, because of the foods we eat. So, make sure to brush, floss and drink a lot of water to neutralize the acids that are going to war on your teeth and gums.

If you should develop a serious tooth ache or experience some other painful oral issue, then call your dentist office to be seen. Do not wait, because more than likely, it will only get worse.

Even during the holidays, your dental office should have a dentist on call to listen to your symptoms, prescribe something if necessary, and help expedite your oral emergency.

Have a happy and safe holiday season and treat your teeth with tender-loving care for best outcomes.