The Importance of Oral Care for Adults with Special Needs

This article highlights an independent analysis on the dental health of adults with disabilities. In a recent study by Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, researchers found that adults with disabilities are less like to have cavities if their dental visits are implemented at an earlier stage of life. Learn how the dental health of the disabled can be greatly improved in the article below.

The researchers reviewed the dental records of 107 patients at one of the eight clinics of the Tufts Dental Facilities Serving Persons with Special Needs (TDF) to determine how selected oral health outcomes changed over a treatment period of approximately 10 years. Established in 1976, TDF is a network of Tufts dental clinics that provides comprehensive oral health care to individuals with disabilities across Massachusetts. Recognized by the Association of State & Territorial Dental Directors as a national model, the Tufts program serves approximately 7,000 patients at eight clinics throughout the state. 

— Long Term Oral Care

Scientists Discover a Better Way to Identify Dental Infections

Scientists at the University of Nottingham are developing new techniques to locate the source of infections. They plan to use these advancements for the improvement of dental care in developing countries. This new research could greatly reduce the potential for infections to develop. The research uses fluorescent markers to tag the cells. Read more about the use of metabolic machinery to combat dental infections.

The research was led by Professor Cameron Alexander, Head of the Division of Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering and EPSRC Leadership Fellow in the University's School of Pharmacy, building on work by PhD student Peter Magennis. Professor Alexander said: "Essentially, we have hijacked some of the metabolic machinery which bacteria use to control their environment, and used it instead to grow polymers which bind strongly to the specific bacteria that produce them. "The neat thing about this is that the functionality of the polymers grown on the surface of the bacteria is programmed by the cells so that they can recognise their own 'kind'. We used fluorescent labels to light up the polymers and were able to capture this labeling using a mobile phone camera, so in principle it could be possible to use these materials as point-of-care diagnostics for pathogenic bacteria."

— University of Nottingham

We Maximize Your Benefits!

Quality dental care is an investment toward the heath and well-being of your family. When it comes to costs of any sort, none of us like surprises. At McCauley Dental, our policy is to tell you, in advance of any treatment, what your investment will be and make definite financial arrangements before we begin. The emphasis in our office is on highest quality care at a fair fee. After your initial examination, diagnosis and consultation, we will review with you our recommended treatment plan and its estimated cost. We will also offer alternatives and their costs. To make payment as convenient as possible, we offer several methods. Our office manager is available to discuss financial arrangements and help you select the method of payment that best meets your needs. 

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Delray Beach Dentist Dr. Mark McCauley

 
We are committed to making our practice convenient and accessible to you and your family. In these uncertain economic times we are dedicated to offering you quality dental care at an affordable price. We want you to feel confident that when you choose Dr. McCauley, that you're working with one of the most qualified, experienced and caring dental professionals in our area.
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Preventive Dental Care for Your Children

Delayed dental care is an important issue in the U.S. Many parents are unaware of the appropriate age to begin preventive dental care for their children. This article highlights the need for preventive dental care in the adolescent stages and programs focused on decreasing the number of children that are unable to receive
proper care.

Of the 2,505 children around 4 years of age who were surveyed from 2011-13, 39 per cent had never been to a dentist. The children were part of TARGet Kids! (The Applied Research Group for Kids!), a unique collaboration between doctors and researchers from St. Michael's Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children. The program follows children from birth with the aim of preventing common problems in the early years and understanding their impact on health and disease later in life. Dr. Maguire's study was published in the journal Pediatrics. The study found never having been to a dentist was associated with younger age, lower family income, prolonged bottle use and higher daily intake of sweetened drinks such as juice. With each one-cup increase in the amount of sweetened drinks consumed daily, the odds of never having visited a dentist increased by 20 per cent.

— Early Preventive Dental Care