A recent article in the Lawrence Journal World outlined recent administrative budget cuts for a state program that provided dental care to low income pregnant women in Kansas:
A program that was meant to provide dental care for low-income pregnant women in Kansas has never gotten off the ground because of a lack of funding to administer it, officials say.
Lawmakers had appropriated $500,000 to pay for the dental care, but have slashed administrative expenses at the Kansas Health Policy Authority to the extent that the agency hasn’t been able to implement the initiative, according to KHPA officials.
Click here to read the full article.
As discussed in my previous post regarding the new American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Guidelines, dental care during preganancy is crucial for the health of the child and the mom. More quotes from the release:
[The new guidelines] call for all pregnant women to receive counseling and oral healthcare during pregnancy, and also that infants receive an oral health risk assessment and oral care by their first birthday. These steps will contribute to optimal oral health for both mom and baby.
“There is evidence associating periodontal disease and increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight,” said AAPD’s Immediate Past-President Dr. Beverly Largent. A recently published study found significant differences between women treated for periodontal disease and those who were not treated. The findings suggest that incorporating periodontal care may result in improved pregnancy outcomes.
More to come on this issue . . .
Kelli Henderson, DDS, a Pediatric Dentist in Lawrence, KS
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
AAPD Releases New Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) announced new oral health guidelines for expectant mothers and infants following its 62nd Annual Session in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Some highlights that you and your little one may find helpful:
- Recent studies suggest that incorporating periodontal care during pregnancy may result in improved pregnancy outcomes. This finding suggests that taking care of your dental needs while you are pregnant can help prevent preterm and low birth-weight babies.
Proggie, http://www.flickr.com/photos/tym/191534942
- Mothers with poor oral health may be at greater risk of infecting their children with the bacteria that causes cavities, increasing their children’s caries risk at an early age. What this means for moms and moms-to-be: visit your dentist both while you are pregnant and after the baby is born to have a complete professional examination and cleaning.
The updated guidelines also address proper oral care for infants and toddlers, the age group most susceptible to early childhood caries (ECC), which is an infectious but preventable disease that causes tooth decay and potentially more serious health issues. When left untreated, ECC can affect speech and communication, eating and dietary nutrition, sleeping, learning, playing, and quality of life – even into adulthood. The guidelines outline how simple changes in a mother’s oral hygiene, diet, use of topical fluoride and sharing of eating utensils can significantly reduce a child’s risk for ECC.
Click here to link to the full release.
Monday, June 15, 2009
3 Great Big Surprises Are Coming!
Hey Guys!
Sorry for the extremely long delay between postings. It has been very busy. But I promise to update this blog more often.
Just wanted to let everyone know that there are 3 BIG SURPRISES in the works!
I'll let you in on the first one: Growing Smiles is getting a new website!
The website will be totally redesigned with new features and some great information on kids and oral health. Ultimately, it will be a significant resource to help you and your little one. Look for it to be up by mid-summer.
For existing patients, it will allow you to login and:
1. See your account statement.
2. Determine when your next appointment is. This feature will also allow you to sign up to receive text messages and email reminders for your next appointment.
3. Make a payment online.
We are very excited and hope that it will allow our patients to easily interact with Growing Smiles and myself.
About the other 2 SURPRISES . . . you will have to check back soon! I can give you two hints: one involves me and the other involves a great partnership that Growing Smiles has entered into.
Have a great week!
Sorry for the extremely long delay between postings. It has been very busy. But I promise to update this blog more often.
Just wanted to let everyone know that there are 3 BIG SURPRISES in the works!
I'll let you in on the first one: Growing Smiles is getting a new website!
The website will be totally redesigned with new features and some great information on kids and oral health. Ultimately, it will be a significant resource to help you and your little one. Look for it to be up by mid-summer.
For existing patients, it will allow you to login and:
1. See your account statement.
2. Determine when your next appointment is. This feature will also allow you to sign up to receive text messages and email reminders for your next appointment.
3. Make a payment online.
We are very excited and hope that it will allow our patients to easily interact with Growing Smiles and myself.
About the other 2 SURPRISES . . . you will have to check back soon! I can give you two hints: one involves me and the other involves a great partnership that Growing Smiles has entered into.
Have a great week!
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