Saying "Ahhh" in Japanese |
| Relief for Japan following the March tsunami has come in many forms.
Staffers at the American Dental Association (ADA) decided upon a fundraiser. The fundraiser became a full-fledge campaign. And when all was said and done, it raised almost $63,000.
Donations came from a broad range of sources, not just those generous ADA staffers. Dental professionals, foundations and members of the public also contributed. The ADA Foundation provided a matching grant of $11,700 and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, an organization that supports healthcare professionals and community-based organizations, gave $25,000.
The campaign helped Japan to dispatch dental professionals to devastated areas where treatment was needed but where clinics had been destroyed. An estimated 53 clinics in the nuclear area "have no prospect of reopening."
The campaign also provided funding for dental forensics specialists to help identify victims based on their dental records . By mid-April, nearly 5,000 victims were identified.
Dr. Mitsuo Okubo, President of the Japan Dental Association, expressed gratitude for the funding and "for warm words of encouragement for the massive earthquake struck widely in Japan."
ADA President Raymond Gist thanks everyone involved. If you'd like more information, you can contact the ADA Division of Global Affairs, international@ada.org.
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Are You a Member of The Skippers Club?
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The British Dental Health Foundation reports that an estimated 47% of the population of the U.K. regularly skips brushing their teeth at night.
As we in the U.S. know, this puts oral health at risk causing decay and gum disease down the road (or the lane or the mews). It can lead to tooth loss or a need for dentures or implants. Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
If you often skip brushing your teeth at night, better give that habit the British brush-off.
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How Do I Floss Thee? Let Me Count the Ways |
We all know we're supposed to floss but perhaps choosing the right product will coax you into becoming a practitioner.
There's waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, regular and tape type. There's floss made of Teflon, special holders and intra-dental devices for people with limited dexterity. And you know floss has hit the big time when Salon Magazine has an article about floss rings!
G-Floss is nonabrasive gauze designed to curve around implants. For bridgework, there's super floss, a three-in-one including a stiffened end to insert between the fixed part and the bridging section and a woven part to work over and under the bridge. If you need a primer on proper flossing technique, ask your dental hygienist or check out www.floss.com which provides visuals and instruction.
| http://www.floss.com |
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