The DMD Check-Up: Selfies Linked to Teeth Worries

A new report shows more people are complaining about their teeth as a result of the rise in so-called “selfie” photography. That story tops this week’s DMD Check-Up. Also on the list: Should dentists be in charge of identifying children at risk of obesity?

• Selfie Addicts Develop Teeth Worries (TheMemo)

A troubling but timely report from Britain about the “dramatic raise” in patient complaints from people who take selfie photos with their smartphones. “It’s an angle that’s chosen for its supposedly flattering line, but in fact it’s causing selfie addicts a whole raft of toothy insecurities.” Dentists see the “angles.”

• Bad News for Seltzer Lovers (Huffington Post)

Sorry “drinking seltzer is not the same as drinking water. The Atlantic reports that even unflavored carbonated water can have damaging effects on oral health. The good news? Sparkling water is still a better choice than both diet and regular flavored sodas.”

• Dentists Should Screen for Pediatric Obesity? (DrBicuspid.com)

A new report in JADA holds that “oral healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to be part of an interprofessional effort to intervene in the pediatric obesity problem.” The report found that dentists, “often have more frequent and regular contact with children than pediatricians.”

• Tales of a Celebrity Dentist (W magazine)

A touchy-feely profile of Dr. Michael Apa—the New York “cosmetic dentist behind the beaming smiles of Uma Thurman, Dree Hemingway, Chloë Sevigny, and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, among others. He is very loyal to his patients—not to mention old-fashioned grooming standbys like Coast soap—but he also has firmly worded advice for those who want to achieve their ideal smile.”

• National Children's Dental Health Month (ADA.org)

February is a month-long national health observance bringing together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. Fighting the “Sugar Wars” is the mission.

• Mouth Breathing Linked to Tooth Decay (LiveNews)

“Mouth breathing during sleep is linked to a more acidic oral environment that may cause tooth enamel erosion and cavities,” according to new research published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.

• US Health Spending Tops $3 Trillion (Fox News)

“So much for Obamacare controlling medical costs. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services report on trends in spending, national health-related spending topped the $3 trillion mark in 2014. This equates to $9,500 for every man, woman and child in America.”

• Seeking Dental-Medical EHR Linkage (NueMD.com)

“Many people have their dentists and they have their doctors, and they aren't connected at all.” Here is some worthwhile guidance on how and why dental and medical practices should be better at connecting and coordinating their electron health record systems.

• 15 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Dentists (Mental_Floss)

And entertaining and educational piece about the “underrated profession” of dentistry. Among the realisms are: “There's a good reason they ask question when you can't talk," "They can develop major back and neck problems,” and “nine out of ten dentist really can’t agree on anything.”