For all the parents that have teenagers this one is for you. A special time for parents as we see our child/children grow-up. When parents are willing to give their teens some freedom, but at the same time parents keep a watchful eye, below you’ll read about how teenagers may be damaging their teeth.

According to an article at cbsnews.com, “explain the most common ways teens may be harming their teeth.”

“When looking back on your teenage years, you might think of your physical appearance – as in acne, braces, and sweating. But have you ever thought of cavities or tooth decay?

There are plenty of seemingly harmless or discreet activities teens do that affect their oral health and may lead to infections, painful toothaches or even life-threatening complications.

Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, keep clicking as Dr. Doyle Williams, associate professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and chief dental officer at DentaQuest, explains 7 ways teens are destroying their teeth…”

1.  Bulimia
2.  Drinking bottled water
3.  Drinking citrus juice and sports drinks
4.  Wearing mouth jewelry
5.  Chewing Tobacco
6.  Chewing ice
7.  Bleachorexia

Click here to read the entire article:

If you have any questions or a teen that needs dental help, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno, dental health is my #1 priority.

It’s very clear that a smoker is at an increased risk for periodontal disease. What about secondhand smoke, do you think they have the same increased risk for gum disease? Well according to this article research may just prove that.

According to an article at www.colgate.com, “ secondhand smoke may increase your risk for gum disease.”

“Researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, using data from another study that included 2,379 nonsmokers ages 53-74, have concluded that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke for a few hours each day can double a person’s risk of gum disease. People exposed to secondhand smoke less than 25 hours each week had a 29 percent increased chance and for those exposed more than 26 hours, the odds were twice as high. The study appears in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

In 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that the scientific evidence was sufficient to infer a casual relationship between tobacco and gum disease. In 2006, the Surgeon General stated there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

The American Dental Association recommends regular checkups and periodontal exams. In addition to smoking, risk factors include tobacco chewing; systemic diseases such as diabetes; various medications such as steroids, cancer therapy drugs and oral contraceptives; bridges that no longer fit properly; crooked teeth; fillings that have become defective; and pregnancy, according to the ADA.

The ADA says warning signs include gums that bleed easily; red, swollen or tender gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; persistent bad breath or bad taste; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite; or any change in the fit of partial dentures.”

Click here to view the article from www.colgate.com:

For more information on periodontal disease, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno.

Looking into a more affordable way to cover dental cost? Are you shopping around for better dental insurance? Here are some great tips that will make the process much easier and hassle free.

According to an article at EzineArticles.com, “list tips that you should focus on when you’re comparing dental insurance.”

“Learning how to compare dental plans is crucial in helping you deal with the lofty costs of dental care. A plan will not only provide you with preventive care such as regular cleanings and checkups to detect problems before they become serious, but also make the cost of common dental procedures more affordable. Here are some of the things to focus on when you’re comparing various plans:

1. Premiums vs. Benefits. Of course, you want to find the most affordable dental plan to fit your budget. But you also have to consider what benefits you are getting for your money. How much is the yearly maximum coverage you’ll be getting, and will unused benefits roll over to the following year if you renew your policy? Most plans will not roll over benefits.

2. When you compare dental plans it is also important to consider if you can continue to see your current dentist under the policy or if you will have to use a dentist who is a member of the plan’s network. If you are required to see an in-network dentist, ask for a list of participating dentists in your area to see if there is one you feel comfortable using.

3. How long is the waiting period before you are able to avail of benefits? Many plans make you wait a certain period after buying the plan before you are covered for certain procedures.

4. How does the plan provider classify particular procedures and how much will they charge for them? Generally, providers divide procedures into preventive, restorative and major and set fees based on their own schedules that may be lower than what a dentist normally charges for them, requiring you to make up the difference out-of-pocket. When you compare dental plans, ask to see their usual, customary and reasonable fee schedule so you can compare it against your dentist’s fees.”

Click here to read the article:

Remember as your comparing dental insurance plans make sure that your favorite dentist accepts your provider. Contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno if you have any problems his staff will provide you with which insurance providers they accept.

Happy Smiles!!!

I know you hear tooth scaling and may not be so willing at first. So let’s look at it this way what if tooth scaling decreased your risk of a heart attack or a stroke, would you be more willing then?

According to an article at medicalnewstoday.com,” the link between heart disease and gum disease and why tooth scaling may be the key.”

“Two new studies give further insights into the links between mouth hygiene, gum disease and cardiovascular events. Researchers in Taiwan find that dental patients who had their teeth cleaned and scaled professionally had reduced risks of heart attack and stroke, while researchers in Sweden find that the type of periodontal or gum disease may predict degree of risks for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

Both studies are presented this week at the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Scientific Sessions 2011, which are running from 12-16 November, in Orlando, Florida. Abstracts of their reports are available to view online in the AHA journal Circulation.

In their nationwide, population-based study, Dr. Emily (Zu-Yin) Chen and Hsin-Bang Leu from the Cardiology department at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, examined data on over 51,000 adults who had received at least one full or partial tooth scaling from a dentist or dental hygienist, and a similar number of matched controls who had never had their teeth professionally cleaned.

None of the participants had a history of stroke or heart attack. The data came from Taiwan National Health insurance records, and the researchers ran statistical tests to compare the cardiovascular event rates between the two groups for an average follow- up of seven years.

They found that participants who had their teeth professionally scaled frequently or occasionally had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and a 13% lower risk of stroke compared to those who did not. The researchers considered tooth scaling frequent if it occurred at least twice or more in two years, and considered it occasional if it happened once or less in two years.

Chen, a cardiology fellow at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, told the press:

“Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year.”

She suggested that professional tooth scaling removes inflammation-causing bacteria that in turn can lead to heart disease and stroke."

Click here to read the entire article at medicalnewstoday.com:

If you have any questions on tooth scaling and the benefits please contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno.

Have you ever experienced continuous burning sensation in your mouth, tongue and lips? Well you may be experiencing a condition called Burning mouth syndrome (BMS). If you have any of these symptoms you may want to speak to your dentist.

According to an article at emedicine.medscape.com, “give a complete overview of the condition”

“Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an idiopathic condition characterized by a continuous burning sensation of the mucosa of the mouth, typically involving the tongue, with or without extension to the lips and oral mucosa. Classically, burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is accompanied by gustatory disturbances (dysgeusia, parageusia) and subjective xerostomia. By definition, no macroscopic alterations in oral mucosa are apparent. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) occurs most frequently, but not exclusively, in peri-menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a clinical diagnosis made via the exclusion of all other causes. No universally accepted diagnostic criteria, laboratory tests, imaging studies or other modalities definitively diagnose or exclude burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Various attempts to classify burning mouth syndrome (BMS) based on etiology and symptoms have been made. In a classification by etiology or cause, idiopathic burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is considered “primary BMS” (or “true BMS”), whereas “secondary BMS” has an identifiable cause. For the purposes of this article, we will use these terms.

Another classification of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is based on symptoms, stratifying cases into 3 types, as follows:

• Type 1 burning mouth syndrome (BMS): Patients have no symptoms upon waking, with progression throughout the day. Nighttime symptoms are variable. Nutritional deficiency and diabetes may produce a similar pattern.

• Type 2 burning mouth syndrome (BMS): Patients have continuous symptoms throughout the day and are frequently asymptomatic at night. This type is associated with chronic anxiety.

• Type 3 burning mouth syndrome (BMS): Patients have intermittent symptoms throughout the day and symptom-free days. Food allergy is suggested as a potential mechanism.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is likely more than one disease process, and the etiology may be multifactorial. The ambiguous definition of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) makes evaluation of prognosis and treatment difficult.”

Click here to read the entire article from emedicine.medscape.com:

If you have any of these symptoms and would like to speak to a professional about burning mouth syndrome (BMS) click here to contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno.