Dental Care in Bellevue

Here's a portion of an article ,from the Seattle Times, that reflects the facts about affordable dentistry and family dental care.

 "Many kids here still aren't getting the dental care they need, despite state Medicaid spending of $121 million a year on dental care for poor kids, a network of "safety net" dental services, increased use of dental sealants and fluoride, and a 15-year education effort.

There are clues in statistics gleaned from the state's 2005 "smile survey:"

• Nearly half of Washington children under 5 never visited a dentist in 2003.

• The majority of kids under age 6 with Medicaid or other state-funded dental insurance weren't getting dental care — more than 38,000 in King County alone.

• About 20 percent of the state's second- and third-graders had untreated decay.

• Overall, 60 percent of elementary schoolers had tooth decay — 20 percent in seven or more teeth.

Public-health experts say dental care is the greatest unmet health need of children. Tooth decay, called the "silent epidemic" by the Centers for Disease Control, is five times more common than asthma."

By Carol M. Ostrom

Seattle Times health reporter 8/19/2010

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS OF POOR DENTAL CARE?

• The most common signs of poor dental care is Plaque, a layer of colourless deposit on your teeth which encourages the growth of micro-organisms (bacteria). The bacteria gradually wear out the tooth enamel causing cavities, bad breath, gum diseases and oral infections. Plaque can be removed through brushing, flossing or professional dental cleanings.

• Tooth decays or cavities, is a condition where the enamel wears out exposing the nerves of the tooth and causing sensitivity and tooth-ache. In the initial stages tooth decays can be coated with regular brushing with fluoride toothpastes, whereas in severe cases medical interventions is required.

• Gingivitis or swelling of gums is usually caused by bacteria harbouring in the plaque. Gingivitis can lead to premature falling of teeth and also be extremely painful.

• Periodontitis is a gum-infection caused by bacteria, and if left untreated can cause damage to the gum tissues and the tooth-bones. Treatment involves administering antibiotics under medical prescription.

• Tooth abscess is pus formed over a germ-struck tooth (decayed) usually caused due to gum infections, which can cause excruciating pain. And if not treated promptly can escalate to other layers of your mouth-region or your body.

• As already discussed, healthy lifestyle and sound dental care practices can keep the dental-problem symptoms at bay, before it exposes into a disease.

• Daily habits may include the angle of brushing your teeth to keeping your breath fresh by using oral fluoride mouthwash for gargling or rinsing your mouth before your good-night sleep.

That much desired starry-sparkly smile starts with healthy teeth.

Did you know that optimal general health starts with optimal oral health?

Failure to adequately care for your teeth, gums and your bite can result in the development of medical conditions far more serious than tooth loss or gum disease.

In most cases, your dentist, family dentist or pediatic dentist have informed you of the connection between medical conditions, diseases and oral health.

There is a general lack of consumer awareness when it comes to the impact of oral hygiene on day-to-day life.

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Dental care starts with the right way of brushing to flossing methods.

Choosing the right toothpaste, tooth brush, teeth whitening, teeth cleaning, etc.

Also, foods or drinks that can cause harm and healthy food and drinks to fortify your teeth, oral hygiene and fighting bad breath.There have been numerous studies that reveal the significance of dental care and the routine you can set up (diet and health-wise) to ensure that you maintain good healthy teeth.

Poor lifestyle habits and lack of awareness about dental care leading to common dental problems will be discussed in the following section along with a preventive and a remedial plan of action.