551. Azores have a public organized dentistry and with great quality

The Regional Secretary of Health held this afternoon in Ponta Delgada, which was won the bet Regional Government in the allocation of each health center, at least, a dentist, a measure that allowed better access to care oral health.

Miguel Correia, who was speaking at the opening session of the XVIII Congress of the Portuguese Society of Orthodontics, which began today on the island of São Miguel, stated that this initiative has enabled governance, significantly improve the oral health of the Azores, in transforming the Region the only country where there is public Dentistry in an organized manner and with quality.

The Governor took the opportunity to mention other programs and projects within the Oral Health, namely the introduction of Single Oral Health Bulletin, which is recorded clinical history of each citizen, in specialty, the provision of more public offices of Dental Medicine like that was opened recently in Rabo de Peixe, and how it will be done, yet, this year, the Health Unit and Pond Health Center in Horta, and screening of children from six to 10 years old within the Regional School Health program.

Miguel Correia assured, still, that the Government will continue to encourage the productivity of public resources to promote, further, access to oral health care, and said that a share of the Region annually, and on average about 180 one thousand acts of Dental Medicine, which corresponds to a afectivação funding of around 1.5 million.

O Baluarte de Santa Maria 

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It was good that the central and regional governments allow an independent assessment of their oral health policy. Until that happens we can not make speeches by elucidating the circumstances, made ​​for the occasion.   

550. Clinics were using illegal implants in patients

Clinics Dental Group - which in August were temporarily closed malpractice - used illegal implants in patients. The artificial teeth and roots were manufactured in a graphical Sintra, without basic hygiene and in defiance of the law. Last week, the ASAE and Infarmed made ​​a raid upon graphic material seized and closed facilities.

When the SOL found, the investigation was triggered by an anonymous tip to the dentist, who referred to the August Infarmed (who should regulate and supervise medical devices). In the search, made ​​a graphic in the industrial zone of Lourel, ASAE and Infarmed seized several dental implants (used in tooth replacement). The manufacture of these products - as medical devices - obey strict rules, such as the approval and registration of the material in Infarmed. When the SOL found, none of these conditions existed. The equipment and the premises were sealed shut.

Infarmed confirmed the raid and seizure of medical devices, but refuses to give me further details about the case, which remains under investigation. But the law provides penalties for such cases, which can reach 44 thousand euros in the case of companies, and 3740 euros, in the case of individuals.

The chairman of dentists, Orlando Monteiro da Silva, considered grave somebody put implants made ​​by hand, without being approved as the law provides. The clinic says the lack of hygiene, sterilization and type material used may pose risks to the health of patients who use them. And that, similarly to what happens with other devices, when an implant is placed in the gums, the dentist must register the origin and serial number of the equipment in the patient's chart to prevent any problems.

The suspicion that illegal implants are used in clinics have long circulated among professionals, being suggested as one explanation for the low prices charged by dentist group of brazilian Adriano Castro. It was always said that he had a factory and could do implants at prices below the prevailing market, SOL account to a dentist who worked for a few months in Dental Group and who asked not to be identified. That explains the price charged. Otherwise it was impossible to profitability.

Sol

549. Project "VRSA to smile" in review

For this, the division called the Social Action residents covered by the program, inviting them to provide testimonials and fill some satisfaction questionnaires. In the two evaluation sessions held this week, most of those present thanked the municipality because their quality of life has improved substantially and have acquired the ability to return the smile.

The impeccable way I was treated and how quickly I recovered my problem has been the best things that could have happened to me, says Dionysius of Saints Stephen, one of the residents covered by the program. Also treated by "the VRSA Smile" was José António Pereira, 62. For this resident in Aldeia Nova (Monte Gordo) who have knowledge of the valence through social media, your life has changed in six months. Before, the problems were with the mouth that had difficulty eating, speaking or even smiling. Then, financial constraints were also delaying treatments, began by explaining this patient, who received two new prostheses. Now, I can say that everything changed, José Pereira concluded.

The "VRSA the Smile" is an initiative of the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António (Algarve), launched in September 2009, which aims to provide free dental services to disadvantaged citizens. The project is based on a protocol with six dental clinics and dentists of the county, providing, at no cost, treatments to persons not covered by the coverage of the National Health Service (SNS).

Algarve Notícias 

548. Portuguese is named president of the International Dental Federation

Chairman of the Dental Association, Orlando Monteiro da Silva, takes this Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011, the presidency of the World Dental Federation (FDI), an organization that brings orders and associations of dentists worldwide.

The inauguration will take place in Mexico City, during the Congress of the IDF, this being the first time a Portuguese assumes leadership of what is the most important global dental organization, representing more than one million dentists. At age 48, Orlando Monteiro da Silva enriches a wide path of active participation in several international organizations.

The chairman of the Portuguese dentists have occupied a place on the executive board of FDI, tenure marked by promotion accessions of Angola, Guinea-Bissau and Timor-Leste to the Federation and the creation of Lusophone Dental Association. Countries of Portuguese Official Language again become a strategic priority for the new president of FDI that is, since 2008, vice-president of the Dental Association Lusófona.

For the new President of IDF, occupy this position means a definitive statement of dentistry and its Portuguese professionals globally. In my office, every effort will be made ​​to place dentistry as a central actor and the undisputed center of medical discussions, along with several other areas, he says.

Orlando Monteiro da Silva has a degree in Dentistry from the Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Porto. Assumed the position of Chairman of the Dental Association in 2000 and was successively reelected to the present. Between 2006 and 2009, was chairman of the Council of European Dentists.

In February this year he was also elected President of CNOP, the National Board of Professional.

ptjornal     

547. The issue of fluoridated water

In September 2003, and there go eight, an international petition signed by more than 300 scientists, chemists, technicians and environmentalists from 37 countries, requested a review, clarification and discussion about the benefits and harms of adding fluoride to the city water , ion used as a cavity preventative. Given the petition were presented several studies showing the risks to the overall health of the body, especially the bones, due to the ingestion of this potent chemical agent only when it exceeds 1 ppm is already causing problems to the teeth.

Since then, many studies have been proving links between fluoride intake and diseases of modernity. Autistic, for example, should not fluoridated drinking water. Although there is no confirmation of direct association between fluorine and dysfunction, it is known that it enhances the symptoms of autism.

The problem of adding a drug, poisonous or not, the water of all people, is a delicate matter. To what extent the authorities have the right to institutionalize a drug treatment in water for all citizens of all ages? Knowing the link between this product and triggering conditions, how and for what reasons remain the same guideline?

The withdrawal, given the evidence, hits the crossbar and economic policy. Byproduct of the aluminum industry, the ion, which kills an adult body with just five grams can not be simply thrown in nature.

The initial confidence in that tiny doses spread by water and food in the world, but would do well to teeth, preventing cavities, made ​​that policies that consolidate gigantic contract world trade, now difficult to be undone, especially in developing countries have on one side the ignorant population that accepts the public and private decisions unquestioningly and other hubs of income, who defend the status quo at any cost.

Some countries, starting in 2003, before other, pulled fluoride from the water and began to add it to salt, since it uses less salt than water, which would reduce the risk of excessive intake of the ion, cumulative the human body. Confronted with evidence and to repair the mistaken view, based on research that only take into account the prevention of cavities, many countries simply do not use the more systemic use of fluoride as a caries preventive; bet on education, hygiene and topical applied directly to the teeth.

In Canada, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Norway, France and Cuba, some of the countries that fluoridate their water stopped, the decay rates continued to fall. Studies on the ingestion of fluoride, which since the 1970s has also been added to foods, milk powders and some medications, severe harm and cumulative point to overall health. Damage begin by fluorosis, which can be mild, causing white spots on teeth or severe, when the permanent teeth get brown spots or becomes lost, crumbling teeth. For this to occur enough that children aged zero to six years old are exposed to daily intake of the ion. The visible result only appears in the permanent teeth, since fluoride intake in pregnancy compromises the child's first teeth.

When ingested fluoride is rapidly absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. It is known that 50% of it is excreted by the kidneys and the other half is housed together with calcium tissue. Teeth and bones, over time, start to become deformed, and cracks arise diseases.

The major connective tissue mineralization of the bones, skin, arterial wall is affected tissues lose flexibility, become stiff and brittle. For all this to happen, according to 1977 study by the National Academy of Sciences, USA, the human body would need to absorb for 40 years only 2 mg of fluoride per day. It seems difficult to eat much, but fluorosis is already a fact, proven a modern disease.

Several studies show that fluoride chemical is so toxic as lead and, like this, cumulative. The older more we increase the concentration of fluoride in our bones, which brings greater risk of cracking and diseases like osteoporosis. The natural version of fluorine found in nature, including mineral waters, fish, vegetables and teas have 25% absorption by the human body, but the artificial fluoridation is almost completely absorbed.

Much is deposited in solid parts of the body, bone, and part goes to small teeth. It is believed that fluoride has a natural role to human health, but that has not been fully proven.

Claúdia Rodrigues

Água fluoretada, uma herança nazista

546. Revolutionary treatment for tooth decay does not hurt and regenerates the tooth

Scientists have discovered a painless way to fight tooth decay that reverses the damage and still regenerates teeth, leaving them as new. The apparent miracle was accomplished by the team of Dr. Jennifer Kirkham, from the University of Leeds, UK, and consists of a new technique for filling in the tooth.

Dental caries begins when the acid produced by bacteria in the plaque dissolves the mineral in teeth, causing microscopic holes or pores. The process progresses as these micropores increase in number and size. Eventually the damaged tooth needs to be drilled and filled to prevent toothache, or, in more severe cases, needs to be extracted.

Just thinking about the treatment, many people turn away from their dentists, or are not needed. This delays the onset of treatment and when the pain is stronger, the damage is already extensive. It's a vicious cycle, but it can be broken, according to researchers, who have developed a revolutionary new way to treat the early signs of tooth decay.

The solution is in a peptide-based fluid that is literally painted on the tooth surface, it is not necessary to use little engine. The technology with peptides based on knowledge of how the tooth is formed, which allows stimulate the regeneration of the defect that begins to emerge.

This may sound too good to be true, but we are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves. It is a totally natural process of repair and non-surgical, and also totally free of pain, Dr. Kirkham guarantees.

The fluid contains a magic known as P 11-4 peptide which, under certain conditions, agglomerates in the form of fibers. In practice, this means that when applied on the tooth, the fluid penetrates into the micropores caused by etching and then spontaneously forms a gel. This gel acts as a support which attracts calcium and regenerates the tooth minerals from within, providing a natural repair and painlessly.

Diário da Saúde     

545. AZORES: PSD defending dental consultations at the Center for Health Horta

The PSD / Azores defended today the opening of specialty dental consultations at the health center of Horta, alleging that the investment is self-sustaining and solves an important gap in the provision of primary health care in Faial.

In an application submitted to the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, the Social Democratic deputies Costa Pereira and Luis Garcia stressed that the health center of Horta is the few health facilities in the region that does not have the specialty of dentistry consultations. Lawmakers PSD / Azores mentioned that this is a claim often expressed by those responsible for the health center of Horta, stressing that no government has had the protection necessary financial host that allows for the creation of physical conditions for its operation and hiring human resources that make it possible.

In the application, the Social Democratic deputies questioned the regional government in the sense of whether or not the executive is available to welcome this proposal from the health center of Horta.

Correio do Norte 

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The question is returned to the PSD National is now in government: is or is not willing to open dental consultations in all health centers in the country?

The Oral Health not easily forget the promises of politicians. In 2004, the Minister Luís Filipe Pereira promised two free dental consultations for all citizens up to 18 years (see story at this link and also this link). We'll see if it was a simple promise: the word has now Health Minister Paulo Macedo.