Dental Health Information Hermosa Beach CA
Over the last 15 years, research has proven the relationship between oral health and systemic health. As baby boomers age, there is a greater number of "older adults" who have many various systemic diseases and are taking numerous medications. Examples of diseases are arthritis, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, mental health problems, osteoporosis, stroke and Parkinson disease. Both the disease process itself and the medications taken to control these diseases may have many oral manifestations, like dry mouth, increased caries, delayed healing, and inability to properly maintain oral health. The need for proper education and maintenance is crucial to management of oral health in these cases.
In 2000, it was determined that dental caries was the most common chronic disease of childhood, with a rate five times greater than that seen for the next most prevalent disease of childhood: asthma. (1) Today by educating parents regarding oral hygiene, habits, diet and preventive care, dental caries could be minimized and prevented. On February 28, 2007, the Washington Post reported that a 12-year old Maryland boy died from untreated tooth decay. This news received national attention. It is unfortunate that a preventable and treatable disease would cause loss of life.
Periodontal disease and dental caries remain the most common diseases known to man. There is an estimated 53% of the adult population whom is affected by periodontal disease. In advanced periodontal disease, there is bone loss, tooth loss and possible deformities affecting oral function and appearance. Also there are numerous studies showing links between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes and preterm low-weight births. Proper oral care, at home and in office, is key in prevention and maintenance of oral health.
Oral cancer in American men and women is more common than leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, brain, stomach, or ovarian cancer. Yet the 5-year survival rate has remained at approximately 50% over the past 30 years. Early screening which leads to early detection and treatment has the potential for improving patient outcomes. Tobacco use is a primary cause of oral cancer. Other risk factors are alcohol use and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV). Yearly or by annual exam will lead to early detection and treatment.
Preventive care is always the most effective and the least costly treatment. Routine exams and proper education of patients are essential in maintenance of oral health. Today, fear of pain and cost of dental treatment remain the main reasons why patients delay their treatments. With the use of topical anesthetics, oral and local sedation the fear of pain should no longer be a factor is seeking help. Also, most insurance companies and credit card companies are willing to work with patients to aid them in payments for their treatments.
