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.