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 Boston Public Health Commission
Office of Oral Health Newsletter
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| What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment Brochures | |
We are excited to bring you 3 new brochures that are intented to serve as a guide for parents, adults, and elders on how to get ready for a dental visit, what general procedures/ interventions are to be expected, and suggestions on what to ask the dental provider! Available in both English and Spanish!
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Oral Health Resource Brochure | |
Check out our Oral Health Resource Brochure, now available in the following languages: English
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January/ February 2012
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 9th edition of the BPHC Office of Oral Health newsletter!
As we begin this new year, make it your resolution to help yourself and others in the Boston area obtain better oral health! February is American Heart Month, National Cancer Prevention Month and National Children's Dental Month and this January/February newsletter issue is focused around good oral hygiene for a healthy heart , how to prevent oral cancer, and good oral health for your children.
If your program or organization has any updates or event information you would like to share, please email our office at oralhealth@bphc.org. |
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Outreach Updates | |
Boston Public Schools-Parent University
On October 29, 2011, the Office of Oral Health outreached to parents with children in Boston Public Schools at the annual Parent University event, which took place at the Northeastern University campus. The Office of Oral Health provided pamphlets educating parents on what to expect at their child's next dental appointment, and also distributed toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to over 200 parents. Parents also had the opportunity to play the Oral Health Roulette Game which features fun trivia questions about oral health. The Parent University sessions focused on child development, what children are learning in school, advocacy, leadership, and parenting skills.
 Parents and children playing the Oral Health Roulette Game
Spring Street Housing Development Senior Dental and Eye Screening
On November 17, 2011, the Senior Oral Health Project provided free dental screenings, dental hygiene education, dental appointment referrals, and blood pressure screenings to low-income seniors residing at the Spring Street Housing Development in West Roxbury, MA. Free eye examinations, eye care, and glasses were also provided for the seniors. Approximately 15 seniors were screened and made referrals for further dental treatment. Thank you to Spring Street Housing Development, and Fenway Community Health Center for helping to make this event so successful!
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Dental professionals from Fenway Community Health Center provided dental screenings and referrals, and Mount Ida dental hygiene students provided dental hygiene education to the seniors. |
Roslindale Barbershop Men's Health Day
On November 19, 2011, as part of the Boston Public Health Commission's Barbershop Initiative, the Office of Oral Health joined the BPHC Outreach Program to set up health resource tables at three barbershops in Roslindale, MA: Mr. D & A, Castro's, and D'Cachet. At each barbershop, the Office of Oral Health provided oral health educational materials and supplies. Poster boards with oral health information targeting the African American and Latino male population were displayed and staff answered questions on oral health topics from the barbers and clients. BPHC Outreach brought educational materials on prostate cancer, heart-health, diabetes, flu clinics, and also offered blood pressure screenings at one of the barbershops. Thank you to all of the barbershop owners for welcoming us into your barbershops!
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BPHC Outreach and Oral Health team, and barbershop owners learning about oral health! |
Mattapan's Finest Barbershop Outreach
On December 10, 2011, the Office of Oral Health accompanied Sheede Khalil, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine fourth-year student, to Mattapan's Finest Barbershop where she spoke to barbers and clients about the link between oral health and diabetes, and distributed educational materials, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to over 30 Mattapan, MA, residents.
Sheede Khalil, DMD '12, conversing with a barbershop client!
BPHC Oral Health Facebook "Pet-Tooth brushing" Competition Update
The Office of Oral Health is holding a Facebook competition where people can send in pictures of them brushing their pet's teeth for a prize, to help reinforce the idea that oral health in the family (including our pets!) is important for overall health. The competition has been extended until the end of January. Here are our top contenders so far!
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This is Ginger from Saugus, MA! Ginger practices good oral health habits by brushing her teeth often! As a treat she gets to play with the toothbrush afterwards for a few seconds! |
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This is Okie!!! He is a gorilla at the Franklin Park Zoo!! |
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This is Hayley! She is a five-year-old Boxer from Hingham, MA. |
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This is Dusty!! He is a seven-year-old Boston Terrier! |
Keep uploading your pictures to the Office of Oral Health's Facebook Page!!
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Community Spotlight | | |
 What Does My Mouth Have To Do With Heart Disease?
Written by:
Doyle Williams, DDS
Chief Dental Officer
Delta Dental of Massachusetts
The bacteria in our mouths that contribute to bleeding gums and tooth loss have been found in our arteries. Some researchers have noted that the presence of gum disease causing bacteria in the arteries may contribute to our chances of heart disease. It is thought that the inflammation in our gums causes swelling of our arteries which constricts them and may make cholesterol blockage easier. It is also thought that the gum disease bacteria actually stick to cholesterols and fats in our arteries making the blockage more likely as they accumulate. Whatever the cause and effect, it is known that people with gum disease are twice as likely to also have heart disease, and in fact, the bleeding gums may be the earliest indicator of heart disease before any other signs can be detected. The American Dental Association notes that the plaque on our teeth and the plaque found in arterial blockage are both sticky white substances. Animal studies have shown that gum disease can lead to hardening of the arteries, but the human connection is not yet as clear. So along with eating healthier, exercising and avoiding stress, the next best tool for fighting heart disease might just be our toothbrush.
 Restore Essential Dental
Written by:
Courtney Chelo
Oral Health Advocacy Taskforce Coordinator
Health Care For All
Just before the holidays, the legislature's Joint Committee on Public Health gave its approval to S. 1079, legislation filed by Senator Harriette Chandler to restore full dental benefits to adults on MassHealth. Some 700,000 adults, including low income seniors, disabled adults, and people with serious chronic disease lost full dental benefits over a year ago. Currently, their coverage only includes a basic cleaning and exam, and extractions.
The bill moving is great news, but with the state's budget season upon us, there is still much advocacy to be done. The Oral Health Advocacy Task Force (OHAT) will be working hard to restore dental benefits during this year's budget debate. OHAT will be arguing that oral health is critical to overall health, and that cutting dental benefits results in worse (and more expensive) health outcomes, far beyond the teeth and mouth.
On December 13th the Oral Health Advocacy Taskforce (OHAT) brought activists and providers together to lay the groundwork for FY13 budget advocacy in support of MassHealth adult dental benefit restoration. Speakers included Senator Harriette Chandler of Worcester and Lew Finfer, a leader among community organizers in the Commonwealth. Here are some simple steps you can take to make a huge impact:
- Sign up for the OHAT mailing list and become an organizational or individual member of the Taskforce - contact cchelo@hcfama.org for more information.
- If you don't know your legislators already, visit http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php to find out!
- Grab your phone and;
- Call Governor Patrick's Constituent services office at 888.870.7770 and tell them why you believe MassHealth dental benefits should be restored right away.
- Call your local Representative and Senator, tell them why this issue is important to you, and ask if they will commit to making restoration a priority when they meet with Ways and Means about the budget.
- Call Courtney Chelo at 617.275.2935 and let her know how these conversations went! This is an important step and will help OHAT focus its advocacy.
- Finally, share this message with FIVE friends and colleagues and ask them to take a few minutes to get involved!
As you know, oral health is inextricable from whole body health. Lack of access to dental services causes needless pain and suffering to thousands of adults, and causes the state to waste millions in extensive and costly services in emergency and inpatient hospital settings. The time is now to make sure that your voice is a part of the conversation!
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Did You Know? | | |
Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death
- February is American Heart Month. Approximately every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event and approximately one American every minute will die
 from one. - Periodontal disease has been linked to causing cardiovascular disorders such as:
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Arteriosclerosis
- Infective Endocarditis
- Valvular Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Myocardial Infarction
- One way you can help prevent heart disease is to practice good oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, and flossing daily) and getting a dental check-up every six months to help prevent periodontal disease.
National Children's Dental Health Month!
- February is National Children's Dental Health Month and that means a great opportunity for parents and
 caregivers to teach their children good oral hygiene habits! - Educate your children by teaching them to brush their teeth twice a day, and to floss daily.
- Encourage them to eat healthy foods and to drink beverages that are not high in sugar.
- Make sure your child is visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a check-up.
- Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants for your children's teeth to help prevent dental cavities.
What is HPV?
- February is National Cancer Prevention Month and the Office of Oral Health is focusing on preventing oral cancer! Preventing oral cancer can be helped if you know the facts! Did you know that HPV is currently the #1 cause of oral cancer?
- Human papilloma virus also known as HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
- Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV.
- HPV is responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
- 1/2 of people (50%) are at risk of an HPV infection.
- These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat.
- HPV (types 16 and 18) have been linked to a dangerous form of oral cancer especially cancer affecting the back of the throat, the tonsils, and base of the tongue.
- HPV is now the #1 cause of oral cancer, more than tobacco and alcohol.
- Oral cancer kills one American every hour of every day.
How can people prevent HPV?
- Vaccines can protect males and females against some of the most common types of HPV that can
 lead to disease and cancer. There are two different types of vaccines for women: Cervarix and Gardasil. Men can only receive the Gardasil vaccine. - For those who choose to be sexually active, using condoms can lower the risk of contracting HPV.
- Being in a faithful relationship with one partner and choosing a partner who has few or no prior sexual relationships.
- WCVB TV Boston put together a short video clip on the rise of HPV related oral cancers in men. Click here to view.
How your dentist can help!
- Early detection of oral cancer is very important, the earlier you catch it, the better chance you have of beating it.
- If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, such as a sore that will not stop bleeding, a color change of the tissues, or difficulty speaking, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw, make sure to see your doctor!
- Every time you visit your dentist, ask that he or she perform an oral cancer screening. You may have a spot or sore that you may not even notice.
One easy way you can help to prevent oral cancer is to visit your dentist every six months for a check-up!
To learn more about oral cancer and ways to prevent it, please visit the American Cancer Society's Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Page. |
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Resources | | |
 HEART
Are you interested in reading recent news releases and articles about the connection between heart disease and oral health? Please visit the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research's site on the topic.
Make it your mission to help fight heart disease by knowing the signs and symptoms. Inspired by the lives of real women, Elizabeth Banks stars in a short film titled " Just a Little Heart Attack" click here to view.
Click here for a full list of warning signs of heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest.
Do you know your risk factors of having a heart attack? Take this quiz to find out!
CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
February is National Children's Dental Health Month and the American Dental Association (ADA) celebrates the first Friday in February as "Give Kids a Smile Day"! To learn more about what the ADA is doing to help celebrate, please visit here.
Do you have a problem getting your children to brush their teeth? Use this fun chart to help them remember!
 Have you heard of Smart Smiles? Together, Boston Public Schools, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and Commonwealth Mobile Oral Health Services have partnered with Smart Smiles in Boston Public Schools. Smart Smiles provides dental care to over 3,600 children annually in over 50 Boston public elementary schools.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Parent Resource Center has answers to frequently asked questions, tips, and brochures about improving a child's oral health with a special section for teens. Recent publications include: Healthy Smiles-A Family Guide featuring Kristi Yamaguchi!
"The Life of a Tooth" is a fun, interactive way to follow what happens to your teeth throughout your life, what to expect from dental visits at different ages, and tips on oral hygiene routines for different age groups!
MouthPower Online has oral health resources for kids, educators, and materials in Spanish! Children can explore "Mouthie's Laboratory" to do oral health activities and collect enough teeth to make a complete smile! For educators, there is a Creative Corner and teaching tips on cleaning, tobacco, and many more topics!
ORAL CANCER AND HPV
Do you know the facts on HPV and Oral Cancer? Watch this video to learn more!
Are you unsure of whether or not to vaccinate your children for HPV? Get the facts here.
RESEARCH
According to a recent oral health study of Hispanics almost 30% responded that they thought cavities will go away on their own through regular tooth brushing. In this article Hispanics open up about oral health care and how they want more information. Click here to read more. |
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Upcoming Events and Trainings | | |
If your program or organization has any updates or event information you would like to share, please email our office at oralhealth@bphc.org.
JANUARY
Yankee Dental Congress 2012
January 25-29, 2012
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA
Click here for more information.
FEBRUARY
Boston Goes Red For Women
February 3rd, 2012
Click here for more information.
AMCHP 2012 Annual Conference
Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs
"Improving Maternal and Child Health Across the Life Span: Acting Today for Healthy Tomorrows."
February 11-14, 2012
Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Click here for more information.
2012 National Health Policy Conference
February 13-14, 2012
JW Marriot, Washington, D.C.
Click here for more information.
Public Health Preparedness Summit 2012
February 21-24, 2012
Hilton Anaheim Hotel, Anaheim, CA
Click here for more information.
American Dental Hygienists' Association Workshop
February 25,2012
Doubletree Magnificent Mile Chicago, Chicago, IL
Click here for more information.
MARCH
Association for Community Health Improvement 2012 National Conference
'Elevating Community Health Practices'
March 14-16, 2012
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Denver, CO
Click here for more information.
28th Annual Oral Health & HIV Symposium:
March 30, 2012
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Newton, MA
Click here and scroll to page 42 for more information.
APRIL
2012 National Health Impact Assessment Meeting
The meeting will convene policy makers, public health professionals, Health Impact Assessment (HIA) practitioners
April 3-4, 2012
Washington, D.C.
Click here for more information.
National Health Promotion Summit 2012
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
The summit will promote the development of disease prevention and health promotion policies that align with Healthy People 2020 prevention initiatives.
April 10-11, 2012
Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Click here for more information.
National Oral Health Conference
Pre-conference sessions held on April 28-29
April 30-May 2, 2012
Milwaukee, WI
Click here for more information.
OCTOBER
2012 Institute for Oral Health Conference
October 4-5, 2012
Intercontinental Hotel, Boston, MA
Click here for more information. |
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If you would like to get involved or have any updates to share, please email our office at oralhealth@bphc.org.
 The Office Of Oral Health's Facebook Competition is still going on! In order to promote good oral health for your entire family, including your pet's upload a picture of you or a family member brushing your pets teeth! There will be a prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! The winner will be announced Friday, February 3rd!
Best Regards, Julianne Ward, Andrea Lam and the Oral Health Team
BPHC Office of Oral Health |
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