Maryland Improving Affordable Dental Care for Children by Susan Braden

Maryland is working to make affordable dental care available to its citizens -- especially its children. According to a 2010 report by the Pew Center on the States, nearly 17 million children nationwide live without proper dentistry each year. Maryland is one of the few states attempting to right this situation. Only 6 states in the report received a grade of "A" for sufficient care, and Maryland was one of those states.

Maryland entered the national spotlight in 2007 when a 12-year-old resident died of an infection from an abscessed tooth, which fatally spread to his brain. After the incident, Maryland residents appeared to realize that the quality and availability of care for children in their state had to change. In 2008, Maryland took quick action to improve the quality of its Medicaid by adding more providers, and investing $7 million in reimbursement rates.

The Pew Center report notes that "Unlike so many of America's other health care problems, the challenge of ensuring disadvantaged children's dental health and access to care is one that can be overcome." Though Maryland is attempting to overcome this situation, unfortunately, there are not very many other states that are actively pursuing obtaining oral care for more of their young citizens.

The main problem in other states is simply a lack of available Medicaid dentists -- the reimbursement rate for Medicaid does not make them as much money as insurance coverage does. When children are not able to have regular checkups, both their oral health and overall health can be at risk. According to the report, twice as many people do not have oral health coverage as those who do not have health insurance.

Lack of low cost care is a serious problem that requires an immediate remedy. The Pew Center on the states report had this to say about finding affordable dental care: "There are a variety of solutions [that] can be achieved at relatively little cost, and the return on investment for children and taxpayers will be significant."

Feline Gum Disease by Robin Owl

Cats have dental disease too. According to Dr. Arnold Plotnick of Manhattan, feline periodontal disease affect cats that are 5 years and older. It leads to tooth loss, heart failure and sinus infections. It is also known as the inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. This kind of disease weakens the teeth of the cat and it may lead to other more serious medical conditions.

There are signs and symptoms that may affect the cat's health. These include the appearance of the teeth and gums. There are yellow or brown spots on the teeth, reddened edges of the gum lines or receding gum lines. It also includes mouth pain, difficulty in chewing food and blood-tinged drool, loss of appetite, pawing of the mouth area, facial swelling, and rubbing the face against floors, walls or furniture. This condition occurs in more than 80% of cats starting at the age of 3. The signs may be detected and it is done in a timely manner and it can be prevented.

There are two main causes of the disease. First are the over-crowded teeth. Secondly is based on the genes of the cat. It may also be due to poor oral hygiene, tartar and plaque buildup. When the teeth are crooked, this may lead to gum disease. Some cats may be able to fight against gum disease while others experience it at the early age. Cats that are pure breed are more prone to develop the disease. Some pure breeds like Persians, Siamese and Himalayans suffer from this disease.

There are also types of gum disease. It can take in different forms. Gingivitis is the mildest. In this condition, the gum tissue is swollen and infected. It occurs when there are deposits of tartar near the gum line. Harmful bacteria may attack the gum tissue causing inflammation. It will lead to periodontal disease that will attack the alveolar bone and the ligaments and may cause the loss of teeth. It may also be in the form of plasmactic lymphocytic stomatitis. It occurs when the cat is allergic to the plaque deposits. It will have inflamed gums.

To prevent your cat from the gum disease, you must take good care of it by giving it a regular dental care and maintenance. There is special formulated toothpaste that is suited for your cat's teeth. You may ask your veterinarian about it. You can take it to the veterinarian to take dental exams to prevent any upcoming problems in dental area. The doctor may recommend oral radiographies or x-rays to identify the disease if it is severe or not. Often, that cat will be anesthetized. The tooth debris with any infection will be removed.