Author: savannadental

Further research into the topic of Water Fluoridation has recently taken place. The research sought to find out if a lack of access to fluoridated water impacted oral health in children. When compared with children that did have access to fluoridated water, there were concerning findings.

Water Fluoridation is often considered a controversial subject, but research has consistently shown that its impact on children’s oral health is very positive.

The results of further research into the topic has recently been released, which looked at the oral health of children that have no access to fluoridated water [1].

Background

Water fluoridation refers to the action of adding a small concentration of Fluoride to the public water supply [2]. This is done as a means of protection from cavities, with research showing a strong connection between fluoridated water and less tooth decay [2].

Fluoride is a key ingredient in toothpaste. Therefore, by adding it in small concentrations to the public water supply, the intention is to assist in protecting teeth.

However, water fluoridation can be a controversial topic. For example, its use is banned in many countries, mainly due to concerns of potential over-exposure to fluoride, the ethics behind adding something to the public water supply and the lack of choice given to citizens [3].

Water fluoridation was first introduced in Australia in 1953 [4]. Given the size of Australia, not all parts of the nation have access to fluoridated water.

The Research

A team of researchers from La Trobe University carried out a new study. Subsequently, the findings were published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health [1].

The research involved looking at the state of Victoria – a vast state located in south-eastern Australia. They found that one-third of rural towns in the state that have populations of over 1,000 do not have access to fluoridated water [1].

The study involved looking at the oral health profiles of rural towns that did not have water fluoridation. Indicators like preventable hospitalisations due to dental conditions, tooth decay levels and filled or missing teeth were all noted [1].

Then, these levels were then compared with the state average of Victoria – whose large cities and towns nearly all have access to fluoridated water. The idea was to then compare the figures.

The results showed a clear disparity between the two data sets – with the authors noting a “significant” difference between non-fluoridated and fluoridated areas [1].

Overall, the main finding was that those in non-fluoridated areas had much higher than average preventable hospital admissions linked to oral health in children aged 0-9 years [1].

Additionally, more than 50% of children aged 0-12 living in these non-fluoridated towns had above average rates of decayed, missing and filled teeth. This percentage rose to 78% for children aged 0-5 [1].

This clearly shows that water fluoridation has a big impact. The above statistics show that children of all ages in non-fluoridated areas immediately have disadvantages in terms of their oral health in comparison to children in fluoridated areas.

The researchers found that this lack of water fluoridation meant that almost 150,000 residents across 203 towns were having their teeth impacted. Furthermore, children were impacted the most [1].

Author comments

The authors were concerned at these findings. Lead author Dr. Virginia Dickson-Swift discussed the findings. She urged officials to take action, saying that water fluoridation is “supported by overwhelming scientific evidence” [4].

Continuing, Dickson-Swift said that water fluoridation is “internationally recognized as one of the most successful public health interventions over the past 20 years, supported by groups like the World Health Organization and the Australian Dental Association” [4].

Moreover, Dickson-Swift also pointed out that water fluoridation is a “cost-effective and equitable initiative” [4]. The authors point out that for every dollar spent on fluoridation, $7-$18 is saved in avoidance of treatment costs [4].

Given the benefits involved, there is hope that local governments will advocate for improved access to water fluoridation. The statistics emanating from this study certainly show there is a clear disparity in oral health that should be addressed quickly.

Thinking points…

1) If you do have access to fluoridated water, this doesn’t mean you can neglect your oral health. While fluoridated water certainly assists with oral health, it can’t replace strong oral hygiene, which includes regular toothbrushing and flossing. Remember too to regularly visit a dental clinic for a check-up, as this will provide a dentist with the chance to review your oral health. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Not everywhere has access to fluoridated water. You can always contact your local utility company for information on the public water supply, including information on if it is fluoridated or not. You may also share this article and these findings with anyone you know that has doubts about water fluoridation. Why not also discuss this article with your immediate family and friends, and see what you all think about the topic!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of dental 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] Dickson-Swift, V., Crocombe, L., Bettiol, S., & Bracksley-O’Grady, S. (2023). Access to community water fluoridation in rural Victoria: It depends where you live…. The Australian Journal of Rural Health. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12973.

[2] Iheozor-Ejiofor, Z., Worthington, H. V., Walsh T., O’Malley, L., Clarkson, J. E., Macey, R., Alam, R., Tugwell, P., Welch, V., & Glenny, A-M. (2015). Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 18 (6): CD010856. DOI: https:/www.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub2.

[3] Generation95 Staff. (2021). Water Fluoridation Debate: Should Fluoride Be Added to Public Water?. Available: https://www.generation95.com/water-fluoridation-debate-should-fluoride-be-added-to-public-water/. Last accessed: 10th March 2023.

[4] La Trobe University. (2023). Lack of fluoride in rural areas impacting children. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-lack-fluoride-rural-areas-impacting.html. Last accessed: 10th March 2023.

Research has showed that a type of bacteria can help to fight Gum Disease, whilst also supporting gum health. Because of how common gum disease is, this finding is capable of being very useful for many people. The researchers used a probiotic with a certain strain of bacteria, which they found helped to stave off the threat of gum disease.

In an interesting finding, scientists have uncovered a new way to fight gum disease whilst supporting gum health.

In even better news, this way of helping our gums may already be part of your daily routine! If it isn’t – you may want to implement this method.

The researchers found that daily probiotic use can have a positive effect on our oral health, and reduces cases of gum disease [1].

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are defined by the NHS as “live bacteria and yeasts promoted as having various health benefits” [2]. They are often used as food supplements, and considered to be a healthy form of bacteria.

Different types of bacteria can be added to the probiotics – depending on the purpose behind their consumption. They have been becoming increasingly popular in recent years.

Probiotics support many people with their health goals. Moreover, many people find that using probiotics improves their gut health. While everyone reacts differently to probiotics, in theory they can have many positive effects.

Research

The research was carried out by a team at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Clinical Oral Investigations journal [1].

The research involved 60 patients with an existing diagnosis of gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease [1].

They were split into two groups, with one group being given probiotic lozenges, and the other group receiving placebo lozenges [1]. The probiotic lozenges had the bacterial strain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 in them.

The lozenges were consumed twice a day for 2 months, with the researchers interested in finding out what impact the probiotics had. They would be able to compare their findings to that of the placebo group.

Tests and scans were taken at the start of the study, and were then repeated at the end of the study, allowing the researchers to gauge how the probiotics had affected one group, in contrast to the other.

The findings were positive! The group with the probiotics had a larger number of patients without generalized gingivitis [1]. Therefore, it appeared that the probiotics were able to fight against gum disease.

Moreover, there were other added benefits. The researchers also saw that those who consumed the probiotics witnessed a reduction in plaque, and less bleeding upon probing [1]. Therefore, there were many positive results.

What this means

The researchers concluded that probiotics can have a very positive impact on oral health. Because of these findings, the researchers believe that probiotics could preserve gum and oral health, and stave off the threat of gum disease.

Having treatments like this is very important, especially due to the damage that gum disease can do. For example, gum disease has the potential to cause tissue damage and bone loss [3].

Probiotics could soon become part of the daily routine of many. As well as having a positive effect on our oral health, they can also benefit our general health in many ways.

As a result of this research, we now know that probiotics that contain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 have the potential to improve our oral health. It may be worthwhile adding this to your day-to-day oral routine!

Thinking points…

1) This research focused on the impact that probiotics can have on gum disease. Gum disease affects a huge number of people, and can cause debilitating problems including jaw problems, chewing difficulties, bone loss and loose teeth. But the good news is that help is available! It is important to see your dentist regularly, as they can provide tailored advice to help keep your mouth healthy! We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) When we think of bacteria, we instantly tend to think of this being a bad thing. But as the research above shows, this isn’t always the case! This research shows how the Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 bacteria can actually be helpful. When thinking of purchasing probiotics, you could have a conversation with your dentist, just to check that they approve of the supplement. You could have a discussion with your dentist at your next appointment!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental 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] de Almedia Silva Levi, Y. L., Costa Ribeiro, M., Félix Silva, P. H., Silva, G. A., de Souza Salvador, S. L., Scombatti de Souza, S. L., Casarin, R., Novaes Júnior, A. B., Júnior, M. T., Palioto, D. B., Honórie H. M., Messora, M. R., & Furlaneto, F. A. C. (2023). Effects of oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on the treatment of plaque-induced generalized gingivitis. Clinical Oral Investigations. 27 (1): p387-398. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs00784-022-04744-y.

[2] NHS. (2022). Probiotics. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/probiotics/. Last accessed: 23rd February 2023.

[3] Fant, J. (2023). This Type Of Bacteria Could Stave Off Gum Disease, Study Finds. Available: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/probiotics-for-oral-health. Last accessed: 23rd February 2023.

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.