- Fit2Bite.us

Dr. Kathleen Roth, D.D.S., Past President 2006-2007, American Dental Association^*
Dr. Patrick D. Sculley, D.D.S. (US Army, Major General, Retired)^*

      When it comes to achieving and preserving that winning smile, there are two key ingredients: good personal home care and regular professional care. The first is in the hands of the individual - or the parents in the case of children. Basic procedures include brushing, flossing, a healthful diet, and avoidance of habits such as the use of tobacco products or drinking alcoholic beverages to excess. The second ingredient, regular professional care, requires the services of a dentist and his or her team of trained and skilled health professionals.

      Regular professional care is critical for many important reasons. The dentist can diagnose and intercept oral disease conditions before complications develop and while they can be treated relatively easily with effective and economical care. Cavities and gum disease are the most common, but there are a host of oral conditions ranging from the most benign to the most serious and rare tumors that the dentist can also detect. Additionally, many serious health conditions such as diabetes, blood disorders, diseases of the skin and bone, and others may be noticed first in the mouth. When such conditions are noted, the dentist can take appropriate steps to help the patient get medical care. Increasingly the relationship between conditions in the mouth and disease in the rest of the body has been the subject of intense research. Today, gum disease has been found to be associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pre-term delivery. While there is no proven causal connection between oral health and these diseases, the importance of a healthy mouth has assumed even greater importance.

      Beyond the diagnosis and treatment of oral disease, the dentist and hygienist can serve as coaches in achieving good oral health by providing diet recommendations and/or specialized prevention instructions. Supplemental fluoride may be indicated, particularly for children or adults with specific disease conditions. Tooth whitening, teeth straightening (orthodontics), and restoration of missing or disfigured teeth can be provided.

      Young children should receive special attention. Thorough examination can reveal oral growth and development problems that can result in improper bite and affect the appearance of the teeth and mouth. Early diagnosis and treatment can intercept a developing problem.

      There are great psychological benefits to a healthy and winning smile. Everyone who has had his or her teeth cleaned can remember that great just-cleaned feeling. Those who possess a winning smile enjoy the confidence that this provides. It is a real quality of life enhancer.

      Americans are very fortunate in the quality of their dental care, which is unsurpassed in the world. The Commission on Dental Accreditation under the auspices of the American Dental Association reviews dental schools and dental residency programs to ensure that the quality of education meets exacting standards. State dental boards grant licensure after demonstration of clinical competence and then hold dentists to continuing education requirements to ensure continuing competency. Furthermore, various dental specialty boards provide standards and certification of advanced knowledge. Whether dental care is received in a military dental treatment facility or the office of the hometown dentist, you can be confident that care will be of high quality - and that is something to smile about!

      Unfortunately, many people deny themselves and their families these benefits by failing to get regular care. You may be among those who have not selected a cost effective insurance program, perhaps out of fear about dental care or because of financial challenges. However, advances in dental practice have eliminated many of the factors that used to cause dental fear. Your compassionate dentist can help you overcome lingering anxiety with the methods of modern dentistry. Financial challenges can be lessened through insurance programs and sound home care practices. Many insurance programs have no co-pays for examination and basic preventive services, and early diagnosis and treatment can help keep costs under control.

      It is important to establish a visit schedule based on the recommendation of your personal dentist. Regular periodic visits can allow disease conditions to be diagnosed and treated early by a caring and knowledgeable dentist and team who know you and your health history and oral status well.

      Waiting to see a dentist until something hurts can be expensive and compromise health and mission accomplishment. The military understands that, which is why the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) has been established. It helps with the cost of seeing a dentist for Selected Reserve services members and their families and helps to create that regular relationship which can help prevent disease and improve quality of life. All service members and their families deserve the best care in the world and are encouraged to avail themselves of the benefits of an oral health partnership with their personal dentist and his or her team.

*About the authors:

Dr. Kathleen C. Roth, who practices general dentistry in West Bend, Wisconsin, was president of the American Dental Association 2006-2007. She is a graduate of the Marquette University School of Dentistry and has remained active on an advisory council, committees and subcommittees of her alma mater, which honored her with a Dental Community Service Award in April 2005. Her other honors include being a fellow of the International and American Colleges of Dentists and a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Dr. Patrick Sculley's distinguished career includes serving in the positions of Deputy Surgeon General of the Army, Chief of the Army Dental Corps, Chief of Staff of the US Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) and Commanding General, US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Sculley was awarded the "A" prefix, the US Army Medical Department's highest award for professional excellence, and was named the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) 2001 Federal Health Care Administrator of the Year. He is Board certified by the American Board of Oral Medicine, the American Board of General Dentistry, and The Federal Services Board of General Dentistry. He is also a Certified Healthcare Executive and a Certified Association Executive. He is the past Executive Director of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. He currently serves as the Director of Science and Technology for the Texas Center for Applied Technology of the Texas Engineering Experiment Station under the aegis of the Texas A&M University System. He serves as dental fitness and oral health adviser to WinMil, LLC's dental readiness outreach projects.

^©WinMil, LLC 2007