I remember seeing a commercial for a cholesterol medication in which the person playing the doctor says, “I wish my patients could see what I see.” I think there are two ways to look at that statement.

The commercial showed an image of animated artery walls clogging with particles of plaque, clinging to one another, making the opening of the artery smaller and smaller. This is a visual that is easy to understand.

The second, and more subtle way to take this statement, is the doctor wishing that patients could see what happens to people over time, with and without compliance to taking medication or changing their diet. If patients could only understand and use… (Read More)

Dental decay is a bacterial disease that disintegrates tooth structure. Although there is a genetic component, and decay rates can change over an individual’s lifetime, I believe that decay is almost 100% preventable. Other factors in one’s decay rate are diet, home care, medications, xerostomia (dry mouth), and some other medical conditions. The product described below is an effective way to combat dental decay for anyone.

 

What is xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that helps prevents cavities. You may recognize other sugar alcohols used in sugarless products, such as mannitol and sorbitol. Xylitol is the sugar alcohol that shows the greatest promise for cavity prevention. It is equal in sweetness and volume to… (Read More)

Most people take saliva for granted, but saliva is necessary for proper digestion of food. Saliva also helps protect the mouth from dental decay, gum diseases and bad breath, because it has the natural ability to stop bacterial growth. Having a dry mouth can lead to a metallic taste in the mouth, and the ability to taste food properly decreases. Saliva acts as a major defense mechanism that our bodies need to maintain good oral and systemic health.

Many people don’t realize they have dry mouth, otherwise known as xerostomia, and others find it debilitating. Regardless of whether you feel the effects or not, dry mouth can be very dangerous to your dental health. The… (Read More)

Many of us are guilty of stretching the truth when we’re talking to the dentist about things regarding our oral hygiene and health. Even if you think you’ve gotten away with it, the truth is that your dentist isn’t so easily fooled. In fact, they can often tell when you are lying by the state of your mouth and other clues that give it away. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about which lies they can always tell that patients are telling during their regular cleanings.

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If you missed any of this series, they can be found at www.thetowncommon.com.

Is there a solution to the dental insurance problem we have in this country? Solo dental practitioners may look at it one way, large dental chains see it from a different angle, consumers have varied opinions, and many insurance companies see it in their own very different perspective.

Ask someone how they feel about their medical insurance, and they might say that premiums are too high, deductibles are too high, they can’t go to who they want, it’s tough to get appointments sometimes (especially with specialists), etc. Employers looking to cut costs obviously tend to choose lower cost plans. That usually… (Read More)

If you missed any of this series, they can be found at www.thetowncommon.com.

The dental insurance industry is getting more and more competitive. Insurance companies are looking to increase profits, and those purchasing dental insurance (usually employers) are mindful of the cost of plans. To increase profits, insurance companies either have to continue to increase the cost of their premiums, or decrease their expenditures. Employers certainly do not want to see an increase in premiums. So, most insurance companies are trying to remain competitive by keeping their premiums lower but paying out less in benefits.

This is happening at a rapid rate, and under the radar of those who are supposed to benefit most… (Read More)