True Care Advantage : American Health Advantage : Causes of a painful tongue

People often think about the dentist as a professional that deals with teeth. In reality, however, dentists are concerned with the entire mouth – including your tongue. For this reason, he or she may talk to you about the appearance of your tongue and why your tongue affects your overall health.

One of the biggest problems people experience with their tongue is having it be sore and bumpy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are several causes of a sore tongue, including trauma, canker sores, smoking, and oral cancer. The most obvious cause, trauma, can be a result of biting your tongue or burning it on something that’s too hot. When this happens, the tongue may continue to be sore until the injury heals. Smoking, however, is a more permanent habit that causes damage through irritation; people who smoke frequently may find that their tongue feels unpleasant.

Canker sores – or mouth ulcers – can also cause temporary pain and bumps on your tongue. No one knows what causes these sores, but stress is thought to be a trigger. Finally, although not common, sores/bumps that do not go away after a couple weeks could be a sign of oral cancer.

Talk to your dentist about any tongue abnormalities you notice so you can get started on a treatment plan if necessary. By taking care of your tongue, you can improve your overall health.

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True Care Advantage : American Health Advantage : Ocular hypertension

You are probably aware of the seriousness of glaucoma, but did you know that it is possible to have an elevated level of pressure in the eye without any symptoms?

Ocular hypertension refers to the increase in pressure in an eye that is above normal, yet not high enough to cause detectable damage. This means that people with hypertension do not have glaucoma, but they are at higher risk for developing this degenerative disease.

According to the American Optometric Association, ocular hypertension is most common in African Americans, people over the age of 40, and those with family histories of glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension. In addition, people who have diabetes or are extremely nearsighted are at increased risk, as well.

Although there are no outward signs of hypertension, eye doctors can check the pressure in patients’ eyes with a tonometry test. It is important to visit your optometrist regularly so he or she can continue to monitor the pressure in your eye and recommend treatment when necessary.

In many cases, being vigilant can prevent you from developing a far more serious condition, like glaucoma.

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True Care Advantage : American Health Advantage : How does the FDA determine the safety of a particular drug?

Before approving a drug for use in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration tests it to determine its risks and benefits.

The company that created the drug must submit data about the tests it has conducted in the laboratory and in people to prove that the drug has a real health benefit. If the FDA determines that the drug does, in fact, have a health benefit, they will then weigh that benefit with any possible risks or side effects of the drug.

The FDA compares the frequency and seriousness of any side effects to the seriousness of the disease being treated. Generally, very serious and rare diseases, like cancer, are permitted to be treated with drugs that have more risky side effects. If it is indeed determined that the benefits are shown to outweigh the risks in proportion with the seriousness of the condition, then the FDA will allow the drug to be sold/used in the U.S.

For more information about the FDA’s approval of drugs, or to find out if a drug you are considering has been approved by the FDA, go to www.fda.gov.

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True Care Advantage : American Health Advantage : Does your child need braces?

One of the benefits of taking your child to see the dentist regularly is that he or she can monitor your child’s teeth and alert you to the need for orthodontic treatment. Parents can also look for warning signs so they are prepared to ask the dentist about any problematic teeth or mouth structures. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests all children should be evaluated by the age of 7 to determine the need or timeline for orthodontic treatment. It is important to talk to your child’s dentist about your options if you notice any of the following signs:

• Crowded/overlapped teeth or highly separated teeth
• Upper and lower teeth do not touch when chewing
• Upper front teeth fall behind the bottom teeth when chewing
• Upper front teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth when chewing, or protrude at an odd angle
• Lower jaw shifts to one side when chewing

In addition, if your child still sucks his or her thumb after age 6 or so, there may be an increased risk for crooked teeth. The same goes for people who experience early or late loss of baby teeth and consistently breathe through their mouths. Ask your child’s dentist if it’s time for an orthodontic review. By staying aware of these signs and communicating with your dentist, you can make sure your child gets the treatment she needs at the correct time.

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American Health Advantage : The many varieties of the contact lens

If you’ve been thinking about changing your frames into contacts, or if you’re looking into getting a different kind, it’s important to be aware of your options. Contacts come in a variety of lens types, and each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a brief list of the most popular kinds to get you started:
• Rigid gas-permeable: This is the basic kind of contact lens. It is made out of slightly flexible plastic and provides wearers with the highest quality of vision possible. It is also generally durable. However, in order for the lens to adapt to a person’s eye, he must wear it very frequently and make sure it is not slipping off-center.
• Daily wear soft lenses: These lenses are made out of soft, flexible plastic. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), daily wear soft lenses are great for active lifestyles because they are comfortable and do not come out easily. They’re also available as tints and bifocals. However, the lenses do need to be replaced more often, as they get dirty easily.
• Extended wear lenses: This type of lens, as indicated by the name, can be worn for longer periods of time than the typical contact lens – including overnight and for up to seven days. The downside is that eyes are more prone to complications when wearing the same lens for such a long period of time. There is also a disposable version of the extended wear lens, which offers many of the same benefits as the daily wear lenses. The AOA suggests patients wear the disposable version for one to six days before discarding them and starting fresh.
To get more information about any of these types of contact lenses, schedule an appointment with your True Care plan-accepting eye doctor and ask how True Care can make your next pair of contacts even more affordable.

American Health Advantage : Should you consider getting contacts?

Whether you’re tired of losing your glasses or you’re just ready for a new look, contacts can be a great alternative to traditional frames. In fact, contacts offer several advantages that glasses can’t come close to matching. According to the American Optometric Association, one of these benefits is that contact wearers experience a less inhibited field of vision. Unlike bulky frames, contacts do not block your view, and they move with your eye, which reduces the amount of distortions. Another benefit is that contacts do not fall off or prevent a person from participating in physical activities. They also do not fog up or get streaked by rainfall. Perhaps most importantly, many people feel more confident or attractive without glasses. This may be an especially deciding factor if you have a teenager considering contacts.

There are a few things to consider before making the switch to contacts, though. First, contacts are often more time consuming than glasses. They require more supervision, longer examinations, and more attention to their well-being. Unlike glasses, contacts can tear, and they require time to be inserted into the eye. Yet, if you can make a commitment to the time it takes to successfully wear contacts, most eye professionals agree that contacts can be an excellent investment. In fact, the AOA suggests that contacts offer better overall vision quality than glasses, which means you’re one step closer to seeing more clearly. Talk to your eye doctor about how you can use your True Care plan to order affordable contact lenses today.

American Health Advantage : Preparing for your eye exam

Before you walk into your eye doctor’s office, it’s important to make sure you’ve got all the information you need to ensure a successful visit. Along with bringing your True Care membership card with you, you should also come knowing the following information, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic:
• Are you currently experiencing any vision problems?
• Have you had any eye problems in the past?
• Do you wear glasses or contacts? Are they working properly?
• What health problems have you had recently?
• Are you on any medications?
• Do you have any allergies (foods, medicines, other substances)?
• Do you have a family history of cataracts or glaucoma?
• Does anyone in your family have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease?
By providing your eye doctor with this information, he or she will be able to treat you more precisely and effectively. It’s crucial that you keep your doctor up to date and be honest about any problems you’ve been experiencing. Otherwise, serious issues or complications could arise that may have been prevented. Going into your eye exam, you should bring your contact lenses if you have them, but be ready to remove them for certain eye tests. Your eye doctor will be able to give you a more exact list of needed information, but the most important thing to remember is that he or she is looking out for your best vision interests. By working in cooperation with your doctor, you can ensure that your eyes are being cared for in a way that best meets your individual needs.

American Health Advantage : Choosing an eye doctor that’s right for you

Sight is arguably one of our most vital senses. As such, if your vision has been a little blurry lately or if you’re due for your regular eye exam, you may be rightly concerned about making sure you’re going to the best eye doctor available. Not all doctors are the same, so keep these tips from the Cleveland Clinic in mind when choosing the person you want to trust with your vision:
• Look for experience: Ophthalmologists and optometrists who have years of experience under their belt are more likely to be able to detect problems or diseases in your eyes. This could mean earlier detection of cataracts or more precise evaluations of your overall vision. Plus, many veteran eye doctors are involved in medical research and studies, which means they may be more up to date on the latest procedures and treatments.
• Research qualifications: Does your eye doctor have certificates or licenses prominently displayed in his or her office? Make sure when you’re searching for an eye doctor that you ask about that individual’s qualifications and degrees. Ophthalmologists and optometrists should be certified through an accredited medical school and be licensed to practice in your state. Taking the extra time to evaluate a potential doctor’s education and certification could bring you extra peace of mind at your next office visit.
• Check out types of services offered: Depending on your personal vision needs, you may want to choose an eye doctor who either offers a wide range of services or who specializes in a few different areas. If you have trouble with glaucoma or cataracts, for instance, you may want to visit an eye doctor who specializes in the treatment of those diseases. For general vision care, a doctor who can provide several different services may be your best bet. But as long as your own eye care needs are being met, the type of doctor you choose is up to you.
• Listen to the recommendations of other patients: Before committing to an eye doctor, ask your friends, family or colleagues which practitioner they would suggest you see. Praise from former or current patients is one of the best ways of measuring the ability and skills of a potential doctor. Find out from others if the doctor is personable, respectful, passionate, timely, etcetera. This will help guarantee a pleasant experience at your next appointment.
• Look for an eye doctor on your True Care plan: To receive the most savings possible, be sure to choose a participating eye doctor who meets all of your vision needs.

American Health Advantage : Exactly what kind of eye care professionals are you seeing and what do they do?

If you’ve ever been to an all-encompassing eye care practice, you’ve probably been introduced to several different kinds of eye care practitioners ¬– ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians. But what exactly does each of these do, and how can they help improve your vision?

• Ophthalmologists – Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who are trained to fully care for your eyes. This includes giving eye exams to patients, performing surgery, prescribing corrective lenses and diagnosing/treating eye diseases. Ophthalmologists must complete four years of pre-medical undergraduate work, four years of medical school, one year as an intern, and at least three years of specialized training in surgical eye care. Only ophthalmologists are licensed to perform surgery. You can recognize an ophthalmologist by his or her title, which is either MD (medical doctor) or DO (doctors of osteopathy).

• Optometrists – Optometrists offer many of the same eye care services as an ophthalmologist, but they do not have a medical degree. Optometrists are required to have a degree from a four-year accredited college of optometry and are trained to diagnose eye disorders and conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. They can also prescribe corrective lenses and medications to treat existing problems with the eye. In general practice, optometrists perform eye exams and recognize vision deficiencies like nearsightedness and farsightedness. For more complex issues or for surgery, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist.

• Opticians – Opticians assist both ophthalmologists and optometrists in the care of a person’s vision. They have earned a two-year technical degree and help care for patients during an eye exam. Opticians assist eye patients in ordering prescriptions, determining the best lenses for a person’s eyes, and repairing or adjusting contacts and frames. Opticians are not considered to be doctors.

Each of these eye care professionals plays a part in making sure your vision care is as complete as possible. It’s recommended that you visit an eye doctor at least once a year for an exam. Make sure you check your True Care benefit plan and schedule an appointment today with a participating practitioner to receive significant savings.

Is there too much sugar in your diet?

We all know that eating a lot of sugar can have negative effects on our physical health. It can cause weight gain, energy swings and a weakened immune system. But what effects does sugar have on your oral health?

According to the American Dental Association, when bacteria/plaque comes into contact with sugar in a person’s mouth, the acid that gets produced can damage teeth for 20 minutes or longer. Over time, this damage results in tooth decay. In addition, foods that are high in sugar are often filled with empty calories and lack other nutrients that are good for your health. These sugary foods can lead to poor nutrition, which the ADA suggests can lead to faster progression of gum disease.

Dietary habits are often developed in childhood, so it’s especially important for adults to teach their kids to eat healthily and get plenty of fruits, vegetables and calcium from a young age. Other precautionary steps include drinking a lot of water, limiting snacks in between meals, brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. It may also help to keep track of all the food you eat so you can chart your progress and notice patterns of sugary food consumption.

Talk to your dentist about your eating habits and develop a plan to cut back on sugar-filled foods. It’s a commitment that will benefit your body and your teeth!

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