Pet Dental Health Awareness Need to be Raised

Written by Dentistry TodayWednesday, 06 February 2013 16:25



Most people don’t realize they are neglecting an important aspect of their pet’s health. But more needs to be done to make sure a pet receives the dental care it requires.

That’s why veterinarians and animal dentists are trying to spread the importance of this in February, which is Pet Dental Health month. Some animal dentists may even offer discounted pet checkups this month.

The American Animal Hospital Association states that about 85 percent of cats and dogs age 3 and older suffer from some kind of gum disease. Animals, like humans, need to visit the dentist on somewhat of a regular basis, at the very least. Neglecting dental visits may lead to gingivitis, tooth pain, infection or even tooth loss.

The problem for these pets is that most pet owners are unaware their pet is at risk for these problems.

Some studies indicate that only 1 percent of pet owners brush their animal’s teeth and provide them with the chance to use chews and special toys to maintain solid oral health.

If more people become aware of the importance of a pet’s oral health, fewer pets will encounter dental issues.

Being Overweight May Have Connection to Gum Disease Risk

Written by Dentistry TodayThursday, 07 February 2013 12:26



Obesity may have some unforeseen effects.

An article that appears in the January/February issue of General Dentistryindicates that obesity may be a risk factor for gum disease.

The correlation stems from the fact that obese people produce a higher level of cytokines, which are proteins with inflammatory properties. These cytokines then injure the gum tissues or lower blood flow to the gum tissues, making way for gum disease.

Half of all Americans 30 and older are impacted by gum disease. Gum disease also produces a high level of cytokines, resulting in a larger amount of inflammatory proteins in the bloodstream. Gum disease eventually initiates other inflammatory diseases throughout the body.

Visiting the dentist a regular basis is the best way to detect gum disease or to determine whether or not a person is at a higher risk for gum disease. Removing plaque and brushing regularly will also aid in this process.

More research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between obesity and gum disease.

Minnesota Bill May Increase Dental Reimbursement Rates

Written by Dentistry TodayMonday, 11 February 2013 16:31



Minnesota may enact sweeping changes to dental reimbursement rates.

The Minnesota Dental Association is in favor of new legislation that would update the Minnesota Medical Assistance base reimbursement rate to 75 percent of the 2011 median dental fee schedule.

If this update were to occur, it would be the first time the reimbursement rate would be updated in almost 15 years.

“The proposed legislation would bring dental fee reimbursement rates in line with current dental fee schedules,” Michael Flynn, president of the MDA, said in a press release. “The current rate of reimbursement for MA providers is based on the 1989 fee schedule, which is woefully inadequate for providers striving to meet the needs of Minnesota’s public program patients.”

This legislation was created to fix the current system in place because many new medical assistance patients are going to enter the system based on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

There’s no timetable on when the new legislation would come into effect.