If you notice white patches on your tongue or inner cheeks, it’s essential to address it quickly. A common cause of these patches is Oral thrush. Due to an overgrowth of the candida fungus, also known as yeast, in the mouth, oral thrush can occur. Oral thrush can be a sign of a weakened immune system, as it typically affects individuals with an immune system not functioning correctly.

Several underlying medical conditions can lead to a weakened immune system, including cancer, HIV, and diabetes. Moreover, certain medications can weaken the immune system, leading to increased vulnerability to infections such as oral thrush.

If left untreated, oral thrush can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe complications. Typical symptoms of oral thrush include white, creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth, and sometimes redness or soreness in the affected area.

If you suspect you have oral thrush, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and prescribe antifungal medication to treat the underlying infection. To prevent oral thrush, maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Remember, if you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s always best to seek medical advice to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Periodontitis is a common dental disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the accumulation of bacteria, plaque, and tartar on the teeth. Over time, this can lead to severe damage to the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. 

Periodontitis can cause tooth loss if left untreated, as the infection gradually destroys the tooth’s supporting structures. The symptoms of periodontitis include swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums.

Periodontitis is classified into several types, depending on the severity of the disease. The mildest form is gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

Periodontitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, but other factors such as smoking, genetics, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to the development of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly to prevent the onset of periodontitis.

In summary, periodontitis is a severe dental disease that can cause long-term damage if left untreated. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices and seeking professional dental care can help prevent the onset of this disease and ensure good oral health.

A more established link between poor dental hygiene and overall health care is heart disease. The University of Bristol in the UK and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, found that people with bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could be increasing their risk of heart disease.

The researchers found that heart disease risk increased because, in people who have bleeding gums, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and stick to platelets, which can then form blood clots, interrupting the flow of blood to the heart and triggering a heart attack.

New evidence shows that fluoride also impacts the adhesion force of bacteria that stick to the teeth and produce the acid that causes cavities. The experiments — performed on artificial teeth (hydroxyapatite pellets) to enable high-precision analysis techniques — revealed that fluoride reduces the ability of decay-causing bacteria to stick, so that also on teeth, it is easier to wash away the bacteria by saliva, brushing, and other activity.

Flossing is a simple yet effective dental hygiene practice often overlooked or ignored. However, it is essential to your daily dental care routine as it helps remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone cannot reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums and can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed. Flossing is the only way to clean between teeth and remove plaque from these hard-to-reach areas.

Education about flossing is crucial. Understanding the benefits of regular dental flossing alongside dentist visits and brushing twice a day is essential. The message of proper cleaning techniques should be taught and practiced. Cleaning between teeth is a critical part of good oral hygiene as it helps prevent gum disease by helping remove plaque from these areas. Flossing is a vital part of your daily dental care habits, enabling you to maintain oral health care.

Moreover, studies show that gum disease has been linked with general health conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular disease, poor pregnancy outcomes, and even dementia. Gum disease occurs when the gums become inflamed and infected due to the buildup of plaque and tartar. The bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially cause damage to other parts of the body.

When choosing dental floss, it is helpful to know the various materials, such as nylon or PTFE, and different types, like waxed or unwaxed. Choosing the right kind of floss for your teeth and gums is essential. If you have tight spaces between your teeth, you may prefer waxed floss, which is less likely to shred or break. If you have wider gaps between your teeth, you may prefer unwaxed floss, which can clean between the teeth more easily.

To Floss Properly:

1. Take about 18 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers. Leave about an inch of floss between them.
2. Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss between your teeth and gently move it up and down. Make sure to curve it around the base of each tooth.
3. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. Don’t snap the floss, which can damage your gums.

In conclusion, regular flossing is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. Removing plaque and bacteria between your teeth can prevent gum disease and potentially increase overall health care. So, include flossing, brushing twice daily, and regularly visiting your dentist.

Question: My son is one, and I do not have dental insurance yet. I would like to know how often a baby must visit the dentist yearly. I see the dentist once a year for my dental check-up and cleaning. Would that be the same for my son? 

Answer:  Taking care of your child’s teeth is as important as taking care of your own. It is recommended that parents take their children to the dentist for the first time when they turn one or when their first tooth appears. Seeing the dentist ensures that potential dental problems are promptly caught and treated. 

As for the frequency of dental visits, it is generally recommended that children see a dentist twice a year. During these visits, the dentist will thoroughly examine the child’s teeth and gums and provide a cleaning to remove any plaque buildup. They will also check for any signs of tooth decay or other potential issues.

Some children may need to see the dentist more often than twice a year, depending on their dental health and any issues that may arise. For example, if a child has a history of cavities or other dental problems, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits to monitor their dental health. 

Additional Dental Healthcare for Children.

Besides regular dental visits, there are several things parents can do to help keep their children’s teeth healthy. Dental care includes encouraging good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and regularly flossing. Limiting sugary foods and drinks is also important, as these can contribute to tooth decay.

Several options are available if you don’t currently have dental insurance for your child. Many employers offer dental insurance plans as part of their benefits package, so check with your employer to see if this is an option. If not, many low-cost dental insurance plans, such as HMOs, can help cover basic dental needs.

There are also government-funded programs that provide dental care for children. For example, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide dental coverage for eligible children. These programs can help ensure your child receives the dental care they need, regardless of your financial situation.

In summary, it is recommended that children see a dentist twice a year unless advised otherwise by the dentist. Parents can promote good oral hygiene habits and limit sugary foods and drinks. If you don’t have dental insurance for your child, several options, including low-cost insurance plans and government-funded programs, are available. By taking these steps, you can help ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong for years.

When subscribers enroll in Medi-Cal, they may be required to pay a Share of Cost (SOC). Providers can determine if a subscriber needs to spend a SOC by accessing the Medi-Cal eligibility verification system. This system provides the SOC dollar amount that a subscriber must pay. Providers can access the eligibility verification system through the Automated Eligibility Verification System (AEVS), state-approved vendor software, or the Medi-Cal provider website at www.medi-cal.ca.gov.

Question: What is a medical expense related to Medi-Cal’s share of the cost?

Reply: A medical expense can also include the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments, lodging, and meals during medical treatment if those expenses are deemed medically necessary. It’s important to note that not all medical costs are covered by Medi-Cal, and some services may require prior authorization. 

If you need clarification on whether a particular expense is covered, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or Medi-Cal representative. Additionally, keeping track of all medical expenses and receipts is essential, as they may be tax deductible.

Keeping track of medical expenses and receipts can be daunting, but it’s important for tax purposes and to ensure you’re being charged correctly by your healthcare provider. Here are some tips to help you stay organized:

1. Keep all of your medical bills and receipts in one place. You can use a folder, envelope, or digital file on your computer or smartphone.

2. Note the date of service, provider name, and reason for the visit on each receipt or bill. This will make it easier to categorize your expenses later on.

3. Consider using a healthcare expense tracking app or software. These tools can help you keep track of expenses, categorize them, and even generate reports for tax purposes.

4. If you have health insurance, make sure to keep track of any co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses you incur. Your insurance provider may also provide you with a summary of your expenses for the year.

5. Finally, carefully review your medical bills and receipts to ensure you’re being charged correctly. If you notice any errors or discrepancies, contact your healthcare provider or insurance company to have them corrected.