Cast a vote, get vaccinated, nonprofit urges

Record numbers of early voters are lining up across America, and one nonprofit hopes health is on at least some of their minds. The non-partisan program Vote & Vax is teaming up with local health agencies to provide flu vaccinations at 250 polling locations around the country. full story

Oral Conditions - Dental Health

The two most common oral diseases — tooth decay and periodontal disease —originate in plaque, the sticky bacteria-laden film that collects on your teeth between brushings. Although both of these problems can ultimately lead to tooth loss, there are important differences.... Read more

Resources - Dental Health Center

This organization of general dentists provides patient education materials on a range of dentistry and oral health topics. It also offers a directory of member dentists, organized by location, on the Web site and by phone at (877-292-9327; toll free).... Read more

The Secrets to a Healthy Smile - 11 Ways to Put Dental Problems to Bed - Photo Gallery

When it comes to dental health, consistency counts. Establishing simple routines and practicing them faithfully day and night are the best ways to keep your mouth... Read more

Do I Need Antibiotics Before I See the Dentist?

I have bilateral total hip replacements and have always taken antibiotics before dental procedures. . Now my primary care doctor says I no longer need this. What would you suggest?... Read more

Dental Implants: Bringing the Carefree Back Into Your Smile

Video Transcript for Dental Implants: Bringing the Carefree Back Into Your Smile - Video.... Read more

Is There a Treatment Plan for Halitosis?

My daughter has good dental hygiene and brushes her teeth two to three times a day but has always had a problem with halitosis. Should I consider talking to other specialists besides dental?... Read more

8 Root Canals Root Canals Gone Wrong? - Specialist QA - You & Your Dentist

I took my daughter to a dental practice in 2003. She had a lot of work done, including five root canals. Recently, when I took her to another dentist, he told me the root canals were done incorrectly and the teeth needed to be removed. What can I do?... Read more

Not Healing After Dental Work

Three months ago, I had root canals done on three teeth and six caps put on, none of which are healing properly. Some of the specialists I have talked to say I have osteoporosis of the jaw. Where do I go from here?... Read more

Could Dental Work Cause Migraines?

I had a wisdom tooth cut out one week ago. I am experiencing migraine pain every day, all day long, but the area where the tooth was extracted does not hurt. What is this from?... Read more

101 - Dental Health

It's no surprise that a bright, white smile makes you appear younger and more attractive. But the mouth is also the gateway to the body, which means the state of your teeth and gums affects your overall health. Follow these seven steps to a better smile.... Read more

Dental Health and Overall Health

Do you know the link between your dental health and overall health? What your teeth are saying may surprise you.... Read more

Dental Health at Any Age

The dental health issues you are likely to faced by a child are different than those... Read more

Dental Enamel Defects and Celiac Disease - Celiac Disease Center

Dental Enamel Defects and Celiac Disease - celiac disease manifestations can extend beyond the classic gastrointestinal problems, affecting any organ or body system.... Read more

Can Dental Work Cause Vertigo? - Specialist QA - 101 - Dental Health

I recently had all my teeth scaled at the periodontist to remove the plaque and tartar from above and below my gum line. This involved a lot of injections. Do you think the vertigo I'm now experiencing could be related to all this dental work?... Read more

A Healthy Mouth

Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums with resultant recession of gum tissue and damage to teeth, is a common condition of middle-age. Often it necessitates painful, costly surgical treatment. If your dental hygiene habits aren't the best, keep in mind that a little effort can go a long way. Maintaining a healthy diet, not smoking, and practicing good oral hygiene can prevent most gum disease. Read More...

Is Your Dentist Drilling for Dollars?

Millions of dollars worth of unnecessary dental treatments are being performed each year.

One dentist told a patient she had a fractured jaw, although it was not fractured at all. The dentist performed surgery anyway, and inserted hundreds of tiny beads instead of a bone graft. The beads became infected and required multiple surgeries for removal. The same dentists has reportedly performed unnecessary root canals and other unneeded dental work.

In addition to unnecessary procedures, there have been cases of “phantom billing” by dentists, in which dentists simply bill insurers for services they never performed.

James Quiggle, of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, says there has been a disturbing spike in dental fraud by crooked dentists. An ABC News investigation uncovered dental fraud cases across the country, causing harm to patients and bilking insurance companies out of millions of dollars.

Sources:
ABC News January 21, 2008

The CDC Vastly Underestimates the Autism Epidemic

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that 1 in every 150 children has an autism spectrum disorder. But a report from the Vaccine Autoimmune Project puts the autism prevalence at 1 in every 67 children, based on Department of Education statistics.

Even that report only includes children who qualify for special education services through the autism eligibility category, and therefore potentially excludes thousands of children.

A recent report from the military also confirmed this number; there are more than 22,000 people service wide with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, almost all of them children of active duty or retired active duty dependents.

The numbers come to about 1 in 88 children of active duty personnel, and 1 in 47 retired active duty dependents, with a combined average of, once again, 1 in 67 military dependent children with autism.
Sources:
Vaccine Autoimmune Project July 10, 2008

Repair Receding Gums