Osteoporosis and your Dentist (part 1)

Osteoporosis (reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein) affects more than 10 million Americans over the age of 50, and more than 34 million are at risk for the disease. One out of every two women will sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. Each year, osteoporisis causes 1.5 million new fractures. Of these fractures, 250,000 are hip fractures resulting in mortality rates exceeding 20 percent in women and 30 percent in men, recurrent hospitalizations, increased office visits and often the need for care at extended treatment facilities. In indiviuals who have hip fractures, less than 25 percent of them regain full function. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be at risk for osteoporosis and ask about the benefits of oral bisphosphonates (like fosamax, actonel, and boniva).

Fluoride and Children

You only give water to your child that you know is safe, right? Usually this means it is bottled and not from the tap. However, this "designer" water may not have any fluoride at all, which can lead to tooth decay. Too little fluoride can cause teeth to be more susceptible to cavities. Dr. McCargar says he sees a lot of cavities in children and parents don't understand how this can happen when the child takes great care of his or her teeth and gums. But, it can happen and it does happen frequently. Most tap water is fluorinated and most bottled water is not. Double check which water your child is drinking. It may just make your child's next dental visit much more enjoyable.

Who has the better Girl-Next-Door/ Celebrity Smile?

Leave your comments for who has the best girl-next-door/ celebrity smile! Who will win... Aniston or Diaz? Vote for your favorite today! Dr. McCargar will critique the winner's smile!

Pregnancy

New York's Bellevue Hospital Center conducted a study that found women who have a lot of bleeding from their gums also have the highest levels of glucose in their blood. Because of this conclusion, scientists decided to try another study. The New York University Dental Researchers confirms the results of the first study... discovering that pregnant women with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes - even if they don't smoke or drink.