The Pew Center recently released a report on dental sealants across the country, grading each state (and D.C.) on its performance in providing sealants. The grades failed to impress: only 5 states (Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Wisconsin) received the top grade of an “A,” and 20 states received either a “D” or an “F.”

The center awarded its highest grades to states which provided dental sealants in over 75% of high-risk schools with minimal restrictions. Forty states, as well as Washington, D.C., were unable to confirm that 50% of children had received sealants – a minimum standard set by the federally sponsored Healthy People program. 

Massachusetts received a “B” under the metric. Although over 50% of high-risk schools in the state now have sealant programs, the state has not yet reached the 75% standard, and some unnecessary restrictions still remain in place.

This is an important reminder that we have a way to go before we can declare victory on dental disease. We have solutions to prevent this disease; yet more than one in four MA children enters school with a history of dental decay. By approaching this issue with community and state-wide solutions – providing access to screenings, fluoride, and of course sealants (which can reduce tooth decay more than 70 percent (PDF))– we can eliminate dental disease and give our children the healthy childhood that they deserve.

The local media has covered my acceptance into the Massachusetts Dental Society Leadership Institute quite extensively. 

• The local Hopkinton newspaper has an article titled, "Local Worcester Dentist Accepted into Training Program". It goes on to report that the two-year program provides Dr. Meena Yegneswaran the tools and training to become civic leaders on local, state or national levels. When the training is complete, participants take part in a year long ad hoc committee focused on issues affecting dentistry.  

• The Worcester Telegram and Gazette has a similar article on my acceptance into the Leadership Institute. 
  
   

Just completed a wonderful 2-day seminar of Full Arch Reconstruction in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am posing with Dr. James Downs who is an outstanding instructor. 

Here are some 'Before' and Áfter' pictures of a patient on whom Dr. Downs performed the Full Arch Reconstruction in the seminar at Utah. As the pictures show, today's modern dentistry can work wonders for the esthetics which in turn boosts the patient's confidence. Unbelievable transformation!

A great article on the nationwide Medicaid cuts in dental coverage for adults in the New York Times. One piece of good news - starting in January, Massachusetts Medicaid will pay for fillings — but only for those in the front of the mouth.  "The dental benefits issue came to the forefront recently here in Massachusetts, a state known for generous Medicaid benefits. Under budgetary pressures, the state stopped paying private Medicaid providers for fillings, root canals, crowns and dentures in July 2010. But it recently decided to restore part of that coverage. Starting in January, Massachusetts Medicaid will pay for fillings — but only for those in the front of the mouth. The reasoning was that healthy front teeth were more important for getting and keeping jobs."

Another sobering piece of statistics: "Pew Center estimated that preventable dental problems were the primary diagnosis in 830,590 emergency room visits in 2009 — up 16 percent from 2006.“It’s penny-wise and pound-foolish,” said Shelly Gehshan, the director of the Pew Children’s Dental Campaign. “Rather than an $80 extraction or a $300 filling, states are spending much more on emergency room visits that can’t fix the problem.”

In the final analysis, I concur with Dr. Michael Wasserman, the president-elect of the Massachusetts Dental Society, who said that he was disappointed Massachusetts did not restore full coverage but that even a partial restoration was extraordinary in these fiscal times.

My husband recently suffered from pericoronitis. Pericoronitis is a dental disorder in which the gum tissue around the molar teeth becomes swollen and infected. This disorder usually occurs as a result of wisdom teeth.

What Causes Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis usually develops when the wisdom teeth only partially erupt (break through the gum). This allows an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. In cases of pericoronitis, food or plaque (a bacterial film that remains on teeth after eating) may get caught underneath a flap of gum around the tooth. If it remains there, it can irritate the gum and lead to pericoronitis. If the pericoronitis is severe, the swelling and infection may extend beyond the jaw to the cheeks and neck.

What Are the Symptoms of Pericoronitis?

Symptoms of pericoronitis include:

• Pain
• Infection
• Swelling in the gum tissue (caused by an accumulation of fluid)
• A "bad taste" in the mouth (caused by pus leaking from the gums)
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
• Difficulty opening the mouth

How Is Pericoronitis Treated?

If the pericoronitis is limited to the tooth (for example, if the pain and swelling has not spread), treat it by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. You should also make sure that the gum flap has no food trapped under it.

If your tooth, jaw, and cheek are swollen and painful, see your dentist right away. He or she can treat the infection with antibiotics (usually penicillin, unless you are allergic). You can also take pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. The dentist may also prescribe a pain medication.

If the pain and inflammation are severe, or if the pericoronitis recurs, oral surgery to have the gum flap or wisdom tooth removed may be necessary. Your dentist can make the appropriate referral to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A low-level laser can be used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with pericoronitis.