In an important step for dentistry, the World Health Organization have declared that some crucial dental medications have been added to it’s list of Essential medicines – a group of medicines that are deemed to be of critical importance in any health system. This designation reaffirms the importance of oral health, and recognizes the need to improve dental health of people around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) have announced that three new dental medications have been added to its list of Essential Medications – a group of medicines that the WHO view as being crucial to any functioning health system.
The three oral health medications that have been added are Fluoride toothpaste, Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomers [1].
This is an important step in recognizing the importance of oral health – which is a part of health that is often overlooked. But this designation should affirm its importance.
What are Essential Medicines?
The WHO’s first Essential Medicines List was published in 1977, with bi-annual updates being made in the years since them [2]. Because of its importance, the list is selected by an expert committee.
These medicines are listed as being a critical part of a health system. The list is often used by nations to ensure they keep their health system updated. As of the last update, there were 479 medicines [3].
Medicines include anaesthetics, oxygen, opioids, activated charcoal, antibiotics, antidepressants and blood thinning agents among others [3].
The medicines
The most recent update was the most significant in the field of oral health. Section 30 of the new document has defined Fluoride toothpaste, Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomers as essential medicines [1].
These medicines are crucial for our oral health. Their inclusion is “for the prevention and treatment of dental caries” [1]. Therefore, their use can assist in preventing the development of cavities.
• Fluoride toothpaste is the standard toothpaste that dentists recommend we all use. Fluoride-based toothpaste gives us the best chance of preventing dental caries. In many countries, fluoride is already added in small quantities to the public water supply – showing its importance.
• Silver Diamine Fluoride may be better known as Advantage Arrest®. This medicine is great for treating and preventing dental caries, as well as relieving tooth sensitivity. It is also capable of contributing towards the remineralization of enamel in the teeth. It was approved for use in Canada in 2017.
• Glass Ionomers are a restorative material used throughout dentistry. They can be used as a filling material, as a cement for attaching orthodontic brackets, and as a sealant to help protect fillings. Therefore, their importance cannot be understated, with glass ionomers capable of being used in many different ways.
These medicines all play an important part in protecting our teeth, preventing caries and tooth decay, and assisting in the ongoing maintenance of keeping teeth strong and healthy.
Benefits of the designation
The WHO stated that “these products offer relevant benefits and can be used in atraumatic restorative treatment techniques and in non-specialized settings in alignment with WHO guidance on oral health interventions” [1].
Now that these medicines have been designated as essential, more countries will be adopting their use. This is very positive for oral health, especially with fluoride – as this is such a key ingredient for our mouth.
Fluoride has proven to be a controversial medicine, with some countries shunning its use in healthcare. But research does point to its effectiveness, with most arguing its inclusion is overdue.
The hope is that we will see an improvement in the oral health of citizens throughout multiple health systems. This designation by the WHO will be crucial in facilitating this improvement.
Thinking points…
1) The importance of this designation highlights just how important dental caries are. If you know you need dental treatment, we strongly recommend that you don’t delay in getting help. Sadly, dental problems do not get better on their own. Therefore, make sure you see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid problems worsening.
2) While these designations are useful, the emphasis should always be on preventative measures, rather than a reactive measure like a cavity filling. Therefore, remember to have excellent oral hygiene throughout your life. As part of this, make sure that you attend a dental clinic regularly to have a check-up. This will help a dentist to identify any issues, and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide rage of treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Oral Science. (2023). World Health Organization (WHO) Recognizes Silver Diamine Fluoride as Dental Essential Medicines. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/world-health-organization-who-recognizes-silver-diamine-fluoride-as-dental-essential-medicines-1003971736/. Last accessed: 12th February 2023.
[2] World Health Organization. (2021). WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines. Available: https://www.who.int/groups/expert-committee-on-selection-and-use-of-essential-medicines/essential-medicines-lists/. Last accessed: 12th February 2023.
[3] World Health Organization. (2021). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list. (2021). Available: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/345533. Last accessed: 12th February 2023.
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