4 Million New Kids Eligible for Dental Care Under SCHIP

The President this week signed new legislation that will cover an additional 4 million kids under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), bringing to a total of 11 million the number of uninsured children eligible for coverage.The measure includes a requirement that states cover dental care under SCHIP, and allows states to provide dental coverage as a supplement to private insurance.This is a huge step in the right direction for the millions of low-income children who experience a disproportionate share of tooth decay and dental disease in America.

February JADA looks at restorations in children

The cover story in the February issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association concludes that there is no difference among the survival rate of esthetic materials used in Class I and Class II beveled preparations in primary molars, but finds that such restorations fare better in Class I preparations.
The authors, led by pediatric dentist Márcia Pereira Alves dos Santos, a doctoral student at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro School of Dentistry, conducted a randomized controlled trial in 48 healthy children between the ages of 3 and 9 years to evaluate the survival rate of esthetic restorations in Class I and Class II beveled preparations in primary molars 24 months after placement.
Each child received at least two of three types of restorative materials: resin-modified glass ionomer cement, polyacid-modified glass ionomer cement and resin-based composite. The study consisted of 141 total restorations, with 70 placed in first primary molars and 71 in second primary molars. Ninety-nine were Class I cavity preparations and 42 were Class II.
The researchers found that 101 restorations were considered clinically successful and 23 restorations failed because of loss of marginal integrity, anatomical form discrepancies and secondary caries. For Class I and Class II restorations, the cumulative survival rates were higher than 80 percent and 55 percent, respectively.

“When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough”

Dr. Xavier Azar is proud to present his new release, “When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough” (published by AuthorHouse), a highly educational book for parents that teaches all the importance of daily dental care beginning after birth and continuing on through one’s adult life.
“When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough” explores many basic oral dental care preventive therapies as well as informing the masses about several common misconceptions relating to pediatric oral health. One common misconception parents tend to believe is that since they will end up falling out, baby teeth do not require much care or attention. Truth is, cavities and infections in baby teeth can directly affect children’s permanent dentition resulting in prolonged and expensive treatments.
Driven by a consistent call by parents in his daily practice to have a universal tool that could educate them about their children’s proper oral care, Dr. Azar found it highly engaging to be able to share his passion for pediatric dental care. “Parents may not realize the impact of improper oral care and its consequences. Parents cannot and should not leave children’s dentition in the hands of a fairy tale character. Children’s teeth need professional care. The sooner the better,” says Azar.
Here are a few eye-opening facts about pediatric oral care Dr. Azar shares with his readers in “When the Tooth Fairy Is Not Enough”:
Cavities are easily passed from mother to child by sharing food and utensils.
Dental visits for the first twelve months of life are very important!
Never allow babies and toddlers to finish a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices, sports drinks, or other sweetened drinks while napping or sleeping at night. This includes “on-demand” breast feeding.