Month: July 2019

Natural Ways of Preventing Tooth Decay

Plastic toy dentures image: pexels.com
Plastic toy dentures image: pexels.com

Award-winning endodontist Dr. Dave Steuer is a partner in a construction company, a landscaping business, and an oral surgery office in Maine. In addition, Dr. Dave Steuer maintains a professional interest in natural medicine.

Tooth decay, a common problem that results from plaque, can be prevented with basic oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. However, several natural remedies may be capable of protecting against tooth decay and reversing some minor damage.

Protecting the teeth from decay starts with the diet. A healthy diet includes foods rich in calcium, such as dairy and kale. These foods strengthen teeth and bones.

At the same time, people must reduce their sugar intake and drink fewer carbonated beverages. Both carbonation and sugar have been linked to the build-up of plaque on teeth.

Vitamin B, magnesium, iron, and vitamin D increase the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays an integral role in removing bacteria from the teeth. These vitamins and minerals can be obtained from supplements or whole grains and seafood.

The consumption of black tea has been linked with lower rates of tooth decay in animals. This was seen even when the animals were fed a diet that promoted the development of cavities. Also, cranberries inhibit the production of acid that erodes teeth and prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth.

American Dental Association Highlights Medicaid Funding Shortfall

Dr. Dave Steuer pic
Dr. Dave Steuer

With over two decades of experience dentistry, Dr. Dave Steuer is a dental professional who specializes in endodontics. Throughout his career, Dr. Dave Steuer belongs to several advisory organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA).

Founded over 160 years ago, the American Dental Association has over 16,000 members across the country. The ADA has highlighted various issues that affect both providers and patients, including the potential Medicaid funding shortfall that affects United States territories such as Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and others. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which funds Medicaid, was expanded to these territories in 2017 but is closely approaching expiration on September 30, 2019.

According to ADA, the current funding doesn’t meet the needs of patients across the U.S. territories. For instance, Puerto Rico’s funding has a cap of $380 million, which is only a fifth of the amount needed for the upcoming fiscal year.

The ADA joins 14 other organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, to urge the Congress to address both the short- and long-term financial issues of Medicaid.