The Role of the Dentist in Social Equity: Making Dental Care Accessible for All

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Social Equity - Dental Care

As we continue to strive towards a more equal and just society, it is important to recognize the role that healthcare professionals, including dentists, play in promoting social equity. While access to quality dental care may seem like a basic right for many of us, it is unfortunately not a reality for everyone.

Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked and ignored in conversations about healthcare. This is especially true for marginalized communities who face systemic barriers that prevent them from receiving proper dental care.

In this blog post, we will explore the important role of dentists in promoting social equity and making dental care accessible for all.

What is Social Equity?

So what exactly is social equity? Simply put, it is the principle of fairness and justice in society. It recognizes that not everyone starts from the same place and therefore, requires different opportunities to reach their full potential.

In terms of healthcare, social equity means ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality care regardless of their income, race, gender, or any other factor. This includes access to dental care.

The Barriers to Dental Care Access

Unfortunately, there are numerous barriers that prevent individuals from accessing dental care. One of the main barriers is cost. Many people simply cannot afford the high costs associated with dental procedures and treatments.

Another significant barrier is lack of insurance coverage for dental services. Unlike medical insurance, many plans do not cover dental care or only cover a small portion of the costs. This leaves many individuals without access to necessary dental treatments.

In addition, systemic barriers such as geographical location, transportation issues, and language barriers can also make it difficult for people to access dental care. These barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities, leading to significant disparities in oral health.

We understand that equity in dentistry goes beyond providing treatments; it’s about addressing the root causes of disparities, engaging with our diverse community, and advocating for policies that support accessible and affordable dental care for everyone.

At Illume Dental of McKinney, we are committed to upholding the principles of equity by offering comprehensive dental services, promoting cultural competence, actively engaging with the community, and advocating for policies that expand access to care. We aim to ensure that oral health equity becomes a reality for all community members.

The Dentist’s Contribution to Society

Dentists are pivotal in society, extending far beyond filling cavities and conducting regular check-ups. Their contribution to the community encompasses several aspects:

  • Oral Health Advocates: Dentists advocate for oral health, educating patients and the community about maintaining good oral hygiene. They promote preventative measures to reduce the risk of dental issues.
  • Diagnosing and Treating: Dentists diagnose dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancers. They provide treatment options and perform procedures to restore and maintain oral health.
  • Emergency Care: Dentists are often available to provide emergency dental care, offering relief and assistance during painful dental emergencies, such as severe toothaches or injuries.
  • Oral Health Education: Dentists offer guidance on proper dental care practices, including brushing, flossing, and diet choices. This education empowers patients to take control of their oral health.

The Role of a Dentist in Promoting Social Equity 

Dentists play a vital role in promoting social equity and making dental care accessible for all. As oral health professionals, they have the power to bridge the gap between those who have access to quality care and those who do not.

In promoting social equity, dentists play several key roles:

  • Ensuring Accessibility: Dentists should strive to make dental care accessible to all community members, regardless of their financial situation. This can involve participating in programs like Medicaid, offering sliding scale fees, or providing pro bono services to underserved populations.
  • Cultural Competence: Dentists must be culturally competent, understanding diverse patient populations’ unique needs and perspectives. This helps create a more inclusive and welcoming dental care environment.
  • Community Engagement: Dentists can actively engage with their communities to identify oral health disparities and develop strategies to address them. This might involve partnering with local organizations or participating in community health initiatives.
  • Advocacy: Dentists have a voice that can influence public policy related to oral health. They can advocate for policies that expand lessen oral health inequities and provide dental access for vulnerable groups.

Responsibilities of a Dentist in the Community

Aside from providing dental treatments, dentists also have responsibilities towards their local communities. This includes educating the public on proper oral hygiene and preventive care, as these can greatly improve overall oral health.

Other responsibilities of a dentist in the community include:

  • Provide Affordable Options: Dentists should offer affordable dental care options, such as discounted fees for low-income patients, payment plans, or sliding scale fees based on income.
  • Participate in Outreach: Dentists can engage in outreach programs, including dental clinics in underserved areas, school-based dental education, and mobile dental units to reach communities with limited access to dental care.
  • Mentorship: Dentists can mentor future dental professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to increase diversity in the dental workforce and address disparities.
  • Advocate for Policy Changes: Dentists can advocate for policies that improve access to dental care, such as advocating for the inclusion of dental care in comprehensive healthcare plans.

The role of the dentist in social equity is multifaceted. Dentists not only diagnose and treat oral health issues but also advocate for accessibility and work to reduce disparities in dental care. By fulfilling their responsibilities in the community, dentists can contribute significantly to ensuring that dental care is available to all socioeconomic classes, ultimately promoting social equity in oral health.

Schedule an Appointment With Our McKinney Dentists! 

At Illume Dental of McKinney, we’re dedicated to promoting oral health equity and making dental care accessible to everyone in our community. Our commitment extends beyond the clinic walls as we actively engage with the diverse McKinney community, providing affordable and comprehensive dental care.

If you have any questions, need dental services, or wish to join us in advancing social equity in dentistry, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your well-being and access to quality dental care are our top priorities. We can ensure a healthier, brighter, and more equitable future for all. Reach out to us today for more information!

You Need to Know About Oral Thrush: Here’s Why | McKinney, TX Dentist

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Even a healthy mouth is lined with bacteria. Normally, your daily oral hygiene routine helps prevent oral health complications. However, it is possible to develop an excess of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to additional problems. Here’s what you should know about oral thrush and what you can do to prevent it. 

What is it? 

Oral thrush is caused by a collection of the fungus Candida in your mouth. Bacteria and fungi occur naturally in your mouth, but it is important that they are not permitted to build up. Thrush can appear as white, thick scrapes on your tongue or inner cheek. It may also look like patchy, white sores.  

Who does it affect? 

Young children, infants, and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. If you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, it is even more important that you stay active to keep your mouth healthy and prevent issues like oral thrush. Smokers also tend to develop oral thrush more than other patients.  

What can it do? 

Oral thrush can lead to trouble swallowing and tasting. As it develops, it can become painful. Oral thrush can make affected areas feel like they are burning, and slight bleeding can occur if you are scraping your tongue or cheeks. Some describe the feeling as having cotton in their mouth. 

Thrush can spread. If you have a weakened immune system, it is possible that thrush moves into your lungs, digestive tract, and even your heart. 

How can I prevent It? 

Our best recommendation for preventing oral thrush is a vigilant daily oral hygiene routine that includes a thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth, and includes your tongue. We sometimes recommend a patient use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Just like brushing your teeth, your tongue depends on daily cleaning to stay healthy and free of germs and bacteria.  

The American Dental Association recommends that for some patients it might be helpful to consider an antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash. Check with our doctor to see which solutions might be best for you. 

We cannot overstate the importance of regularly scheduled dental exams. If you are a diabetic, it is even more important that you schedule regular visits to our office. By having your mouth checked by our staff, we can work with you to prevent oral health issues like thrush.  

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. 

What to Know About E-Cigarettes and Your Oral Health | McKinney TX Dentist

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The hazards surrounding vaping are not entirely clear. More research is needed in this area, but a recent study indicates that e-cigarette vapors could be damaging to your mouth. Here’s what you need to know.  

The Vapor Ingredients 

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way tobacco cigarettes are, meaning that their contents can be inaccurately labeled without any oversight. Contents that e-juice usually contains include nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, and propylene glycol. Some of these substances are safe in food, such as chemical flavors, but the effects of inhaling them is not well researched. Heating these chemicals can form dangerous carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E-cigarettes might also include tiny metals and particles that you inhale while smoking. 

What This Means for Your Oral Health 

A recent study from UCLA found that vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity, or the area of your mouth beyond your teeth and gums. The study placed oral cells in an environment where electronic cigarette smoke was produced for 24 hours, in a machine simulating how a person would smoke. During the test, 85% of the cells died. According to the lead author of the study, they plan to move forward to test the impacts in humans. 

These cells are your mouth’s defense by helping to release antioxidants. As the cells die off or become less effective, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to oral diseases. 

Another study by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded e-cigarettes are just as bad for your gums as tobacco cigarettes are. Nicotine, which both types of cigarettes contain, is a known factor in contributing to gum disease.  

Steps You Can Take 

Since the e-juice industry is largely unregulated, it is best to avoid smoking electronic cigarettes. The carcinogenic contents pose serious risks to your health, especially to your mouth. Your mouth relies on the functions of these important cells to defend itself against dangerous bacteria and other substances. Without your mouth’s natural defense system, you open yourself up to oral disease. 

Make sure you are regularly visiting our office, especially if you are a smoker of either tobacco cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes. Our experienced McKinney dentist will perform a complete oral examination during your visit to check for signs of oral disease. Being proactive is your best defense against combating oral disease. 

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact Illume Dental.

Plaque: Your Teeth’s Number One Enemy | McKinney TX Dentist

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When buying a toothbrush, toothpaste, or coming into our office, you often hear the word “plaque” associated with the health of your teeth. Plaque is one of the main reasons why it is so important to keep up with a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing two times each day for at least two minutes, and flossing regularly as well. Here’s what you need to know about plaque and what it can do to your smile.

What is Plaque?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup on your teeth. This is plaque, a bacteria layer that grips onto your teeth. There isn’t anything you can do to stop plaque from forming, but brushing and flossing as well as keeping up with regular dental visits are your best defenses for cleaning plaque off your teeth.

What Plaque Does to Your Teeth & Mouth

Without regular brushing and cleaning, plaque builds up and multiplies. As plaque is left untreated, it hardens to form tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque also leads to decay, as it produces an acid that damages your teeth. When you come into our office for a dental examination, we thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure that any buildup is taken care of. Tartar can cause staining on your teeth if left untreated. Plaque is the leading cause of gingivitis, causing your gums to swell and become red or bloody.

What You Can Do

The most important steps of keeping plaque in check is to stick to a daily brushing routine. This means brushing twice each day, for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once daily. Plaque occurs naturally, and when you come into our office for a complete examination, we work with you to clean off any buildup. Maintaining regular visits to our office is one way to ensure tartar buildup is minimized and managed. It is particularly important that you are brushing your teeth all the way to the gum, because the gum line is an area that is prone to plaque buildup. Brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only do more damage than good, especially to your gums.

Sticking to your daily brushing and flossing routine will help keep your teeth free of plaque buildup. Make sure you are brushing in the morning and before bed. If you don’t brush before bed, bacteria and plaque will build up throughout the night. Schedule a visit to our McKinney dentist so our experienced, professional dental team can clean your teeth, giving you a smile you can be proud of.

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact Illume Dental.

Tooth Decay – Something You Need to Know About | McKinney TX Dentist

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Painful, infected teeth are not a pleasant experience, but they are common symptoms of tooth decay. The good news however is that tooth decay is preventable. Your best defense against decay is a daily oral hygiene routine, as well as regular visits to our office. It can be helpful to know more about tooth decay and what causes it so that you are better equipped with the knowledge to prevent it. 

More Than Just Sugar 

Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. Sugar build-up and deposits on your teeth lead to the erosion of the tooth. While it is important to be mindful of the sugary products you are consuming, sugar is not the only culprit in causing tooth decay. Acids can also damage your teeth. Foods that are high in acidic content can speed up the process of decay. Our dentist suggests you avoid drinks and candies with high sugar or acid content. If you find yourself consuming such things, make sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine. 

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends avoiding snacks between meals, limiting sugary drinks and fruit juices, and not eating or drinking before bedtime after brushing.  

You Can’t Always Tell 

Decay doesn’t always have noticeable signs. When discomfort is felt, it could be a sign the decay has spread beyond one tooth. In other words, by the time you do feel it decay is far along. This can be prevented by regular visits to our office. Our doctor can help identify potential issues early and you will receive the best possible treatments for your teeth. 

Teeth with Fillings Still Need to Be Cared for Properly 

Previous fillings do not mean that your teeth are free of decay forever. It is essential you maintain proper daily care of your teeth. It is possible to develop decay around existing fillings, so be sure you are taking extra care especially around fillings. If you feel your existing fillings are giving you trouble, schedule an appointment to see us. 

Tooth Decay Not Just a Kids Thing 

All age groups are equally at risk of developing tooth decay.  Parents should keep an eye on their children’s sugary snacks and treats, but this advice holds true for everyone. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable because of certain medications can damage their teeth. It is essential that all age groups are receiving twice-yearly dental examinations. 

Tooth decay is a common dental issue. However, with the right knowledge you can prevent damage to your teeth. Watch your diet and make sure you limit sugary candies and snacks. Remember, you won’t always be able to see or feel decay, so contact our McKinney dentist to schedule a regular visit. 

For more helpful tips on preventing decay, or to schedule an appointment, contact Illume Dental. 

What to Expect from Dental Bridges | Best Dentist McKinney TX

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If you are missing one or more teeth, our dentist may recommend a dental bridge. To help you understand what to expect, we’ve assembled a short guide to bridges. 

The Purpose of a Bridge 

Tooth loss can occur due to periodontal disease, injury, extraction, and other causes. When a space is left, your remaining teeth can begin to shift, leading to changes in your bite. This may also leave your gums more susceptible to damage and disease. A dental bridge may be recommended to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. This device may be removable or fixed, and includes one or more replacement teeth, which are anchored to neighboring teeth for stability. A dental bridge can help keep your teeth and gums healthy, covered, and functioning properly. 

What to Expect 

Bridges usually require two visits. During your first visit, we will prepare the surrounding teeth and take an impression that will be used to accurately fabricate the dental bridge to fit your mouth. We may provide a temporary bridge to protect your teeth and gums from damage during the fabrication process. 

During your second visit, we will fit your custom-made bridge into place. At this time, we will make any needed adjustments to ensure a proper fit and full comfort. We will also discuss a plan for future visits to ensure your bridge continues to fit properly. 

Caring for Your Bridge 

Keep your bridge clean and in good repair by brushing twice each day and flossing daily. If you remove your bridge for sleep, keep it in water or use a denture cleaning solution. For more information on proper bridge care, ask our team. 

Bridges restore your mouth and your teeth to their normal function. If you are missing teeth, schedule an appointment with us. We will provide an examination and determine if you are a candidate for a dental bridge. 

To schedule an appointment with our dentist, click here to contact us.

Say Cheese! | Best Dentist McKinney TX

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It has long been known that dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, which is important for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. However, not all dairy works in the same ways. Did you know that a recent study has found that cheese can actually help protect teeth against cavities?

How does cheese prevent cavities?
Eating cheese helps stimulate the production of saliva in your child’s mouth, which washes away sugars, acids, and bacteria on their teeth. Additionally, cheese is a great source of both calcium and phosphorous, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. What’s more, the scientists who performed the study found that some of the other compounds found in cheese seem to adhere to tooth enamel, further protecting the teeth from acids in the mouth. 

Are all cheeses the same?
No, some cheeses are healthier for your family than others. To get the greatest benefit from your child’s cheese intake, stick with real cheese varieties, rather than processed cheeses. American cheese, cheese dips, and pre-packaged cheese products, such as those found in jars or spray cans, have added sugars to enhance their flavor. These sugars can be harmful to teeth, rather than protecting them. In addition, these types of cheese products contain a significantly reduced amount of actual cheese content. These processed cheeses can even wear down tooth enamel, increasing risk of decay.

What kinds of cheese should I give my child?
There are hundreds of types of real cheese available, which are packed with calcium and great for tooth protection. If your child enjoys aged cheeses, Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey jack are all tasty options. If he or she prefers softer cheeses, Mozzarella, Brie, or Camembert may be a great way to make your child smile. Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and other similar cheeses have much to offer for a child with a more expansive palate. 

What if we’re on a low-fat diet?
Good news! The fat content of your cheese choices do not affect its ability to protect your child’s teeth. The low-fat or non-fat versions of your child’s favorite varieties of cheese contain just as much calcium, phosphorous, and other tooth-protecting compounds as the full-fat varieties. 

With so many great options to choose from, consider offering your child cheese instead of sugary or starchy options for a snack or end of meal treat. Cheese tastes great and is healthy for your child and their teeth. For more ideas for healthy snacking, contact our pediatric dental office.

Resource: https://www.sciencedaily.com

Help! 5 Tips to Know When You Can’t Brush | McKinney TX Best Dentist

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Occasionally you might find yourself in a situation where you won’t be able to brush your teeth, perhaps through a lack of time or your location. Though it is vital to brush twice each day, here are a few steps you can take if you find yourself in a bind.

Drink Water
When you are in a spot where you won’t be able to brush your teeth for a while, water can be your friend. Drink water to help wash away sugars and acids that are in your mouth and on your teeth. Much of the public water supply is also fluorinated, meaning it contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to build strong teeth. Water also helps your mouth produce more saliva, which works to keep enamel strong. Our doctor suggests drinking water regularly, not just when you can’t brush your teeth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Try chewing some gum to help keep your teeth clean. The American Dental Association (ADA) approves certain chewing gum brands with their seal on the package. ADA approved gums are sugar-free and do not contain other decay causing sweeteners. Like drinking water, chewing gum is good for saliva production, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel.

Floss Your Teeth
We suggest always carrying dental floss; it’s usually small enough to fit almost anywhere. Flossing is not a replacement for brushing, just as brushing does not replace the need for flossing, however in a pinch it is essential that you remove any plaque and build up that you can. The ADA suggests flossing once a day. Flossing will help improve your gum health too.

Use a Disposable Toothbrush
If you know you might be out of the house for a while, perhaps because of a long day at work or an overnight stay, we recommend you consider a disposable toothbrush. Disposable brushes usually come with toothpaste already applied and are easy to store and carry. They are an excellent alternative that allow you to still thoroughly clean your teeth.

Avoid Sugary Foods
A helpful step you can take if you find yourself in a situation where brushing isn’t possible is to avoid eating or drinking sugary or acidic things. Acids and sugars are what contribute to decay, as they weaken your teeth’s enamel. If you cannot brush your teeth, then don’t eat foods that lead to decay. Avoid sugary soft drinks, juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks as these drinks will leave behind sugars and acids that sit on your teeth.

Keep a Routine
Your oral health depends on your ability to brush your teeth twice-daily. Sometimes however, you might find yourself in a situation where that’s not an option. We suggest following these steps to minimize the damage to your teeth.

For more helpful tips on keeping your smile healthy, contact our office.

7 Ways to Combat Bad Breath | Best Dentist McKinney

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Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is commonly associated with certain foods. Garlic, onion, and cabbage can all cause a foul odor and taste for several hours after you’ve eaten them. This type of temporary halitosis is easily solved by avoiding the foods that cause it. However, in some cases bad breath is a chronic problem that simply changing your diet won’t solve. 

Long-term bad breath is caused by the presence of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria are most often found on the back of the tongue and thrive when your mouth is dry. There are a variety of ways you can help reduce or eliminate chronic bad breath. Some of these include:

Practice good oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth after you eat as often as possible and at least twice daily. Clean between your teeth using dental floss or another interdental (between teeth) cleaner at least once each day. Food particles between teeth will break down slowly and cause unpleasant odors and tastes.

Brush your tongue.
Even if you brush and floss your teeth as recommended, the bacteria causing your bad breath may remain on your tongue. Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to gently scrape away any particles of food or bacteria every time you brush. For best results, place the scraper or brush as far back as you can manage without gagging. This will generally become easier over time.

Keep well-hydrated.
Dry mouths allow bacteria to thrive. By drinking plenty of water, you can help prevent the bacteria growth and reduce or stop bad breath.

Avoid bad breath triggers.
Onions, garlic, cabbage, coffee, and tobacco products are all known to cause bad breath.

Chew sugarless gum.
By chewing sugarless gum, you increase saliva production and keep your mouth moist. This helps slow or prevent bacteria growth, minimizing chances of bad breath. 

Improve your diet.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and foods rich in vitamins C and D all work to prevent the growth of bacteria, keep your mouth cleaner, and increase saliva flow.

See your dentist.
Follow your regular schedule of dental hygiene appointments and exams. If you have tried the tips above without improvement, make an appointment for an exam to see if there may be an underlying condition that requires treatment. Treat any oral illnesses, such as decayed teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, or infection.

For more information about the potential causes and treatments for halitosis, contact our office.

Are Your Drinks Attacking Your Teeth?  | Best Dentist McKinney

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If carbonated soft drinks are part of your normal daily routine, you may be causing serious damage to your teeth. Recent studies have found soft drinks to be among the most potent dietary causes of tooth decay. Soft drinks have also been implicated in increases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Before you shop for beverages this week, consider a few things you should know about soft drinks. 

Most soft drinks contain substantial amounts of sugars, which interact with the bacteria in your mouth. This interaction produces a form of acid that can damage your teeth for about 20 minutes. Each time you take a drink, you reset that time window. If you consume throughout the day, you are essentially bathing your teeth in that beverage for hours. 

Most soft drinks contain acids, as well. Even sugar-free varieties contain acids that can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Colas and citrus-flavored soft drinks tend to have the highest levels of acid. Over time, this weakening of tooth enamel has a cumulative effect. This can lead to decay and even tooth loss if not addressed in early stages. 

Obviously, the best solution is to stop consuming carbonated soft drinks. However, it can be a difficult habit to break. Here are some tips to help reduce your risks of tooth damage from these beverages: 

  • Drink in moderation. Too much sugar and acid will eventually cause damage. 
  • Try sparkling water. This provides the fizzy sensation without all the sugar and acid. 
  • Drink more water. You will crave soft drinks less when you are fully hydrated. 
  • Don’t sip. The longer you spend drinking, the more time sugars and acids are reacting with your teeth. 
  • Use a straw. This can help keep the sugars and acids away from your teeth. 
  • Rinse with water after drinking to dilute acids and sugars. 
  • Don’t brush immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes for acids to be neutralized by saliva before brushing. 
  • Practice good dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings and exams. 

Carbonated soft drinks can be harmful to your oral and overall health. Be mindful of how often you consume them and consider reducing or stopping your use of these dangerous beverages. 

For more oral health tips or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.