Growing up with hearing loss

Children with hearing loss frequently experience special difficulties in their social and academic development, particularly children who lost their hearing early in life. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the academic gap between children with hearing loss and other children widens as school becomes more difficult and advanced.

It is imperative that parents employ the help of an intervention professional to set their child up for success. A specialist can work on a child’s academic and social development, the latter being key because many children with hearing loss feel isolated from their peers, especially if the child does not know many other children with hearing loss.

The good news is that research shows children with hearing loss who get help very early in life can develop language skills at the same level as their peers. The important thing is to start seeing a specialist as soon as possible and involve the entire family in the program. Talk to your True Dental Discounts hearing plan audiologist to find out more information on child hearing loss – timing is critical.

Early signs of vision problems in children

Many people think adults are the only ones who have to worry about their visual health. In reality, lots of children have visual problems that may go unnoticed by their parents or teachers. According to Prevent Blindness America, there are many signs that a child is having difficulty seeing, and adults should be on the lookout for both visual and auditory clues that indicate a problem.

For instance, many children with visual issues have noticeably red, swollen or crossed eyes. Other signals include a child’s tendency to rub her eyes frequently, squint, tilt her head, complain that words are blurry, or hold books close to her face when reading. Some children may also close one eye or lean their head forward in an attempt to see something more clearly. Prevent Blindness America suggests that older children may verbally express their visual discomfort, using such phrases as:

• “My eyes are itchy.”
• “Everything seems blurry.”
• “I have a headache” or “I feel dizzy” – particularly after reading a book or doing homework.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your own child, talk to an eye doctor on your True Dental Discounts, vision plan as soon as possible. He or she can perform a complete visual examination and determine the extent of your child’s eye-care needs. In many cases, children who begin wearing glasses to improve their vision end up with better grades and a more focused interest in school. It’s a win-win situation!

Nurture your baby’s language and hearing skills

It is well-documented that young children learn to speak by listening. And as a parent, you play an integral role in helping your child develop proper speech and language skills – through interactive conversations, repetition, and example. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends several helpful strategies to stimulate your baby’s brain:

• Talk constantly: Tell your baby where you’re going, what you’re doing, what you’re touching, what you’re seeing.
• Elaborate on words your baby uses. If she says “mama,” use it in several different sentences to help her understand context.
• Ask questions: “What’s this?”, “What do you see?”, “Is that a puppy or a kitty?”
• Be expressive. Change the inflection of your voice to indicate a question or excitement. This helps the baby learn tonal distinctions in our language.
• Use gestures. Waving, clapping, and signaling all help you convey your message.
• Reinforce your baby’s attempts at communicating. Repeat the sounds they make and teach them some of your own using consonant-based syllables like “ba” and “da.”

The first two years of your child’s life is a critical time in his language development. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s hearing or speech, talk to an audiologist on your True Dental Discounts, hearing plan. He or she can evaluate your child and test for any possible hearing loss. The earlier hearing loss is discovered, the quicker a child can begin learning.

Latex allergies and your oral health

People who frequently come into contact with products containing natural rubber latex may develop an allergy to this common ingredient. While typically found in household products like balloons, pacifiers, tires, and shoes, latex is also found in many medical items like masks, gloves, and bandages. Because of this, it is important to identify any sensitivity you may have toward latex and inform your health care professional.

According to the American Dental Association, people at increased risk of developing latex allergies include health care workers, those who have undergone numerous surgeries, and rubber industry workers. Someone with a sensitivity to latex products may exhibit symptoms ranging from minor irritations like nasal congestion to severe anaphylaxis that could be life-threatening if not treated.

If you know or suspect you are allergic to natural rubber latex, be sure to tell your True Dental Discounts plan dentist prior to your next appointment. He or she will then make a note to use latex-free alternatives at all subsequent visits to protect you from a reaction. For more information, talk to your doctor or dentist about your symptoms and their possible causes. Together, you can work to create the optimal environment for your health.

Oral complications of HIV

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, people living with HIV face an elevated risk of oral health issues. In fact, studies indicate more than one-third of people with HIV have oral health problems as a result of a weakened immune system. Common issues include oral warts, thrush, canker sores, fever blisters, and white hair-like growth in the mouth. Fortunately, most of these can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Another serious issue faced by people living with HIV is dry mouth. This occurs when a person does not have enough saliva to keep their mouth moist. Dry mouth can cause a person to feel like their lips are chapped, and their mouth is sticky or even burning. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests HIV patients treat the symptoms of dry mouth by sipping water, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, not eating salty foods, chewing sugarless gum, and using a humidifier at night. In some cases, a health professional will also prescribe artificial saliva.

To learn more about the special issues faced by people with HIV, talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts, dental plan. He or she can give you an overview of common conditions and their symptoms and work with you to develop an oral care plan that fits your life.

Remember: It’s extremely important to take care of any existing issues before they worsen and cause other serious health problems.

New prescription drug rids children of stubborn head lice

If you or your child has ever had lice, you know how difficult it can be to clear up. This is especially true if the lice have become resistant to the products usually recommended to kill them. Studies have shown that in some cases, lice become resistant to the typical pyrethroid treatments, leaving parents at a loss of what to do to remove the parasites.

In these instances, many people are now turning to Stromectol, a pill newly introduced that contains ivermectin, which is used to prevent heartworm in dogs. When tested, the drug cleared all lice in 95 percent of patients after two weeks. The effectiveness of Stromectol was discussed in the New England Journal of Medicine in March. In the article, study results indicated that one young girl experienced seizures after taking the pill, but such negative side effects are not expected to be common.

To learn more about drugs like Stromectol, talk your doctor. By using your True Dental Discounts - prescription plan, you can get significant savings on everyday prescriptions. Find out how by calling 1-800-747-6190.

I’m losing my night and peripheral vision – what could be the cause?

Although many eye conditions develop later in life as an effect of aging, others are caused by genetic factors and may begin to present themselves much earlier. One such condition is retinitis pigmentosa – a disease that causes damage to the rods and cones in a person’s retina. Rods are responsible for both peripheral and night vision, and as they become damaged, the person with RP slowly begins to lose these types of sight.

The American Optometric Association suggests that signs of RP often become apparent in childhood or adolescence, with night vision typically declining first. Fortunately, the disease is gradual, meaning a person may not develop a severe case for many years. Once the disease does progress, however, the patient may only be able to see straight ahead in a form of “tunnel vision.” At this stage, people must adapt to their new range of vision and stay aware of their surroundings. Otherwise, they may accidentally bump into furniture or other objects that are no longer in their peripheral vision.

If you suspect you or your child may have retinitis pigmentosa, talk to an optometrist on your True Dental Discounts - vision plan that specializes in low vision. He or she can provide you with valuable information about ways to slow the progression of vision loss, including making changes to your diet to include vitamin A and lutein. And although there is currently no cure for RP, your eye doctor can introduce you to several of the low-vision aids available, such as magnifying lenses and night-vision scopes. Such doctors are also good sources of information about living productively and independently with low vision. Find out more by scheduling an appointment today.

What to expect during an oral cancer exam

The statistics on oral cancer are frightening: More than 7,500 people will die this year from oral cancer, and another 35,000 people will be diagnosed, according to the National Institutes of Health. Even more, the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with oral cancer is only 60 percent, and experts warn that the disease can spread throughout the body at a fast pace.

For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. At your regular appointment, your dentist may conduct an exam to check for the presence of cancer. Read on to learn what to expect. Before the exam, your dentist will ask you to remove any dentures and relax so your face, neck, lips, and mouth can be checked. The dentist will then use his hands to feel for any lumps under your jaw or along the side of your neck. He will also look at your tongue and the inside of your cheeks and lips for any noticeable signs of cancer, including red and white patches, swelling, or an abnormal texture.

Next, the dentist will use gauze to gently move your tongue so he can see the underside and base of the tongue. Finally, the roof and floor of your mouth, as well as the back of your throat, will also be examined. The entire exam takes only a few minutes and is entirely painless. Fortunately, this simple procedure can also help save your life. To learn more about the risks and symptoms, or request an oral cancer screening, talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts - dental plan.

What is burning mouth syndrome?

Imagine waking up, going about your day, and suddenly feeling like your tongue, lips and mouth are scalding. You didn’t burn your mouth on any hot liquids, but it certainly feels like it. Then, you notice numbness on the tip of your tongue and start tasting metal. This is a reality for the thousands of people who have burning mouth syndrome. Originally thought to have been caused by psychological issues like anxiety, burning mouth syndrome still baffles dentists and doctors with its varying nature.

Burning mouth syndromeis a chronic problem that most often occurs in middle-aged or older women. It can last for years and may either present as constant pain or come and go in cycles. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, burning mouth syndrome has a host of possible causes, including hormonal changes (such as during menopause), nutritional deficiencies, acid reflux, and damage to the nerves that control pain and taste. Research has shown that many people with chronic burning mouth syndrome develop depression or anxiety disorders, which makes treatment and awareness even more important.

Testing for burning mouth syndrome may include blood work and allergy testing. In some cases, patients develop burning mouth syndrome due to an allergic reaction to their denture materials. Once diagnosed, treatment varies depending on the patient’s symptoms. Examples include treating a corroborating disease such as diabetes; switching prescription medication; replacing dentures; prescribing nutritional supplements; and recommending medication to treat depression. NIDCR also suggests several self-treatments to relieve the pain caused by burning mouth syndrome, such as drinking water frequently; avoiding acidic foods and mouthwashes with alcohol; chewing sugarless gum; sucking on ice chips; and brushing your teeth with baking soda and water.

It is also important to avoid alcohol and tobacco. If you suspect you may suffer from burning mouth syndrome, schedule an appointment with your True Dental Discounts dentist immediately and work with him or her to relieve your symptoms. Your dentist can suggest alternate pain-management methods and help you determine a possible cause.

What are taste disorders and their causes?

It’s easy to take your sense of taste for granted: you know grapefruits will be sour, mashed potatoes will be buttery and starchy, and ice cream will be sweet. But what if you could no longer experience those tastes as strongly – or at all? According to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, nearly a quarter of a million people visited a doctor last year for problems with their chemical senses, including taste.

Several types of taste disorders exist, including phantom perception, which causes a person to experience a lingering, unpleasant taste with no apparent cause; hypogeusia, which reduces a person’s ability to experience the basic types of taste – salty, sweet, sour, bitter and umami; and ageusia, which results in no tasting ability whatsoever. It’s important to note that complete loss of taste is not common; it is more likely that the person has a condition resulting in the loss of smell, which is closely related to the sense of taste.

Causes of taste disorders vary widely. Although it can be a congenital condition existing at birth, many people experience a loss of taste after certain types of injuries and sickness. According to NIDCD, these include: upper respiratory and middle ear infections; exposure to radiation therapy near the head or neck; exposure to insecticides or chemicals found in certain medications; injury to the head; and surgeries on the ear, nose or throat, including tooth extraction. Taste disorders can also be caused by tooth decay and poor oral hygiene.

For this reason, it is important to visit your True Dental Discounts dentist every six months and take care of any issues in your teeth or mouth. It could mean the difference between tasting a delicious strawberry and chewing on a bland piece of fruit!

What are the advantages of dental implants?

One of the most natural ways to restore your smile if you have missing teeth is through dental implants. Unlike crowns and conventional bridges, implants are “surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments,” where they “fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture” (American Dental Association).

One of the biggest advantages of such implants is the stability they offer. Because they fuse to the jaw, implants feel secure in the mouth and much more natural. Since they require extensive surgery, implants may be a good choice for you if you are in good health, have healthy gums, have enough bone to support the implant, and are prepared to take excellent care of your teeth afterward.

The procedure also requires patience: According to the ADA, surgery can take several hours, and many patients must wait up to six months for the bone to grow enough to hold the implant anchor in place. Fittings for the artificial teeth may then take another one to two months. If you are interested in learning more about implants and how they can help restore your smile, talk to your True Dental Discounts plan dentist.

He or she can evaluate your oral health and let you know if you would be a good candidate for implants. If you are, the two of you can work together to determine a plan of approach that fits your budget and that maximizes the benefits you receive through True Dental Discounts.

Prescriptions that treat ADHD

In the last decade, awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased significantly. Approximately one in 10 children meet the criteria for the disorder, and more parents than ever before are seeking medicinal treatment for these kids. The most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD are psychostimulant medications such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine.

Name brands like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, and Strattera have all been thoroughly researched and found to be both safe and effective for treating ADHD. Such medications have been shown to help children with ADHD follow social conventions and strengthen their relationships with friends and family. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “medication works best when treatment is regularly monitored by the prescribing doctor and the dose is adjusted based on the child's needs.”

Experts emphasize that treatments for ADHD are not “one size fits all”; parents must work with their child’s doctor to find a plan that works for them. Stimulant medications like the ones listed above can be administered in several different forms, including pills, skin patches, and liquids. Most are approved for children who are at least 6 years old, although there are some that can be prescribed for children over age 3.

To learn more about prescriptions that can help treat ADHD, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can explain the various treatment plans and find one that works for you and your child. By using your True Dental Discounts membership, you can save on all kinds of prescriptions – including ones that treat ADHD.

What should I know about sedation at the dentist?

Although most dental visits are for preventative purposes and require no anesthesia, in some cases, you may need to undergo a more complex procedure. In such an instance, your dentist may recommend using anesthesia. Depending on the procedure, you may need just a simple sedative to help you relax.

These include anti-anxiety agents and can be applied along with a local sedative, according to the American Dental Association. Once provided, a patient will become moderately sedated but will still be responsive to touch or verbal instructions. For more complex procedures – such as tooth extractions – your dentist may recommend drugs to induce a deep sedation.

Under this type of sedation, a patient loses feeling in the intended area and reaches a reduced state of consciousness. Some patients also elect to undergo general anesthesia, which causes the patient to lose complete consciousness for the duration of the procedure.

This is often used during wisdom tooth extraction, but the ADA suggests it can also be used for children who have extreme anxiety at the dentist or for people with disabilities that make it difficult to control movement. In order to make safety the highest priority during procedures with anesthesia, you as the patient should be sure to communicate the following information to your True Dental Discounts dentist ahead of time:

• Any current or past illnesses or health conditions;
• Any medications taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements;
• Any allergies to medications. 

 With this information, your dentist can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

What is a generic medication?

Generic medications are generally created after the patent of a name-brand medication has expired. At this time, pharmaceutical companies can get the approval of the FDA to sell an equivalent product under a new name. The Generic Pharmaceutical Association explains that in order for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to be approved to market a generic drug, the drug must contain the same active ingredient; be identical in strength and dosage; and be equal in strength, purity and quality.

It also must be manufactured under the same strict regulations as the brand-name drug. Generic drugs can be found by asking your doctor or pharmacist about their availability. In general, most prescriptions can be substituted with a generic alternative, but it's always a good idea to check ahead of time. Because of the FDA's strict guidelines about the making of generic drugs, consumers should be assured that their generic drugs will be of the same quality and effectiveness as the brand name product.

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association cautions people to not be thrown off by a difference in color or presentation; often, this is just to respect the patent of the original drug. Cosmetic differences will not impact the functionality of any prescription. For more information about purchasing generic medicines, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the options available to you. Generic drugs are a great way to maximize your savings, especially when you combine them with your True Dental Discounts - discount card.

The importance of fluoride for children

You may have heard your dentist talk about the need for fluoride, but have you ever paused to consider exactly what it does? Fluoride is an element that is used to prevent tooth decay by strengthening a person’s teeth. By hardening molars and other teeth, fluoride helps to prevent cavities in adults and children alike.

However, it is especially important for children to get enough fluoride because their teeth are still growing and are prone to decay. Fluoride is found naturally in water and some foods, but most people get supplements from products like toothpaste and mouth wash. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that most children up to age 16 may need some time of fluoride supplement.

It’s important to talk to your dentist about your child’s dietary and oral hygiene habits in order to determine a need for extra fluoride. Children who consume large amounts of sugar or have a history of decay are especially at risk. If it is decided that a fluoride supplement is needed, a dentist will use one of several options. He may use water fluoridation or also suggest a topical treatment in the form of a gel or foam.

These treatments are applied at the office and are considered to be both safe and effective. Only a small amount of fluoride is needed to make a difference, but the earlier a child’s teeth can be treated, the better. Keep this in mind as you consider asking your dentist about your children’s fluoride needs. A little treatment now could save them many cavities down the road.

Hidden dangers to a child’s vision

It’s a well-known fact that sports can present a hazard for children’s vision, but did you know that one in particular is responsible for the most injuries? According to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, baseball is the No. 1 cause of sports-related injuries in children ages 5 to 14. The unpredictable nature of sports makes it easy for accidents to occur, which is why experts recommend that kids always use protective eyewear.

But the playing field is not the only place parents should be alert for dangerous objects. Some vision hazards – including scissors, forks and pencils – are found right at home. The foundation suggests that parents look out for such common items as paper clips, rubber bands, fish hooks, clothes hangers, and other items with sharp or pointed edges. In particular, children should be closely supervised when in the presence of darts, BB guns, and other missile-firing toys.

All of these objects have the potential to permanently damage a child’s vision should circumstances go awry. Finally, the foundation recommends keeping children away from all types of sprays and cleaners, as the chemicals can be highly dangerous. Vigilance is a parent’s best tool, so keep your eyes out for any potential dangers – obvious or hidden. An eye doctor on your True Dental Discounts vision plan can help you pinpoint specific hazards in your personal life and advise you on the best ways to keep your child safe and healthy.

What is behavioral observation audiometry?

The critical impact of hearing loss on a child’s ability to communicate means it is essential to identify any existing problems at the earliest age possible. One method of identifying hearing loss in infants up to 7 months of age is known as behavioral observation audiometry. Conducted by a specially trained audiologist, these observations involve scrutinizing a child’s behavior when presented with a variety of sounds.

Noises made by chimes, bells, scrunched cellophane, and other objects are used during the test, and the child is then monitored for any change in behavior. The audiologist will look for behavioral responses like awakening from sleep, startling, widening of the eyes, bodily movement and turning of the head. Even changes in breathing patterns or the rate a child sucks on a pacifier can be signs of sound perception. Although these tests often present immediate and compelling results, it is important to conduct them in concurrence with other auditory tests.

The sooner a child’s hearing loss is identified, the less chance he or she has of experiencing a delay in learning or communicating. For this reason, it is important to schedule an appointment with an audiologist who can help you rule out or more closely investigate any issues with your child’s hearing. By using your True Dental Discounts membership, you can get significant savings on high-quality care.

How sealants can save your child’s teeth from decay

One of the best-kept “secrets” when it comes to children’s oral health is the sealant. These decay-preventing treatments are simple, painless, and effective – yet only about one-third of children have them, according to the National Institutes of Health. Sealants are essentially painted on to a child’s teeth and act as a shield against harmful bacteria and sugars. This treatment is especially important for the back molars, as they contain deeper ridges and are harder to clean with a toothbrush.

During the simple procedure, your child’s dentist will clean and dry the targeted tooth. A solution is then applied to roughen the surface of the tooth and help the sealant stick more effectively. Next, the tooth is dried and the liquid sealant is applied. Within a few seconds, the sealant hardens into the ridges of the tooth and is ready to start protecting your child’s mouth from decay. That’s it – really! The NIH suggests that children who get sealants are able to save time and money later on because they have fewer fillings and other decay-correcting procedures. Best of all, with proper care, sealants can last up to a decade.

During that time, if your dentist starts to notice any wear, he or she can reapply the sealant. According to the NIH, the most critical time to apply sealants is as soon as a child’s back molars erupt. This generally occurs between the ages of 5 and 7 for the first set, and again between 11 and 14 for the “12-year molars.” To learn more about sealants and guarding your child’s teeth against decay, talk with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan. It’s one of the most important investments you can make toward your children’s health.

The link between chiropractic care and a healthy immune system

Chiropractors have known for years that taking care of your spinal health can lead to better physical health, as well. Now, research is uncovering the same link. A study in the Journal of Physiological and Manipulative Therapeutics showed that the health of a person’s immune system may be directly affected by the health of a person’s nervous system. In the study, white blood cells were shown to have receptor sites for chemicals produced by the nervous system.

According to Chiropractic America, this suggests that white blood cells can communicate with the nervous system. Researchers concluded that spinal misalignments can cause harm to a person’s immune system by interrupting the link between the nervous system and immune system. People who visit their chiropractor regularly may be able to stay healthier by restoring that communication and correcting any interruptions.

Use your True Dental Discounts plan to find a chiropractor who can help you learn more about the connection between a healthy immune system and chiropractic care. By using your plan, you can save a lot of money on preventative care that can help increase your overall wellness and happiness.

A trip to the chiropractor can ease arthritis pain

More than 40 million people in the United States suffer from arthritis. If you are one of them, you know that joint inflammation can cause everyday activities to become painful. Fortunately, there is a solution that does not require any medications or unnatural remedies. Chiropractic care is a well-documented way of reducing the pain and symptoms associated with arthritis.

According to Chiropractic America, chiropractors help restore communication between your nerves and bodily tissues, reducing any disruption caused by arthritis. A visit to the chiropractor can help take away any existing pain or inflammation in your joints and even prevent more deterioration from occurring in the future. This is possible because chiropractic care corrects misalignments in the vertebrae that cause changes in the way nerves communicate with a person’s brain, cells, and other organs. With a properly aligned spine, a person can more easily heal and function naturally.

To learn more about easing your arthritis with chiropractic care, talk to a chiropractor on your True Dental Discounts plan. With True Dental Discounts, you can save up to 50 percent on diagnostic and other services at more than 3,000 doctors nationwide.