Author: savannadental

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning following confirmation of a recent outbreak of a nontuberculous mycobacteria infection. This appears to have been caused by contaminated water lines in some dental clinics. Now, medical professionals are urging parents to look out for symptoms in their children and themselves. Fortunately, treatment is available for those who have caught the infection.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a warning that some American children have caught a serious infection from contaminated water lines in some dental clinics [1].

The infection, caused by a bacteria type called Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) is rare. But small clusters of cases in recent years have taken place, with the CDC now becoming aware of another recent cluster [1].

The harmful bacteria lodge in the narrow water lines of dental equipment. This equipment is used for everything – from routine cavity fillings to more complex procedures like root canal treatments.

What is Nontuberculous Mycobacteria?

NTM is a type of bacteria. It is found in water, marshland and soil. However, it shouldn’t be confused with mycobacteria tuberculous – which causes Tuberculosis.

While children are predominantly at risk, adults can also be affected. Infections typically occur after either wisdom teeth extractions or root canal treatments [1].

One of the most notorious past outbreaks of NTM came in California in 2016 [1]. 71 patients were treated for NTM infection [1].

NTM is not the only infection or disease linked to dental water lines. For example, Legionella Disease is another type of bacteria that has contaminated water supplies in dental clinics in the past [3].

The new outbreak

This most recent outbreak was in March 2022, which the CDC was alerted to [2]. An investigation into this new outbreak is being carried out by the CDC [2].

Initial visits to the dental clinic under investigation found that the tested water line resulted in microbial counts far higher than the level recommended by the CDC [2].

Symptoms and treatment of an NTM infection

The symptoms of an NTM infection usually involve swelling in the jaw or neck. Moreover, an abscess, pain, weight loss, night sweats and general fever are other symptoms to look out for [4]. Symptoms do not always appear immediately. Instead, they can slowly appear.

If left alone, hearing loss, permanent tooth loss and facial nerve palsy are potential consequences [1]. This underlines the importance of getting help if you believe you have an NTM infection.

NTM infections usually get worse over time [1]. Treatment usually requires surgical removal of the diseased tissue. This can result in loss of the jawbone, and potentially even teeth [1]. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as part of a multi-drug regimen [1].

In every case in the past that has involved NTM infection following dental treatment, a surgical procedure has been required to resolve the issue [1]. Therefore, this shows the possible damage of an NTM infection.

The CDC’s comments

Dr. Michele Neuburger is a dental officer within the CDC’s Division of Oral Health. She commented on this development. She says that “NTM infections following dental procedures are very serious” [1].

Neuburger continued by warning that “these infections can be resistant to antibiotic treatment”, before calling them “difficult to treat” [1].

Continuing, Neuburger says that “if dental water lines are not maintained properly and regularly treated with germicides, these bacteria, along with other microorganisms in the water, will attach to the interior surfaces of the water-line tubing and form a biofilm, which serves as a reservoir where microorganisms can grow and increase in numbers” [1].

Neuburger continued to explain by saying that “pieces of biofilm can break off into the water system and then be released into the patient’s mouth” [1].

Furthermore, Neuburger has urged parents to contact their dentist immediately if they suspect themselves or a child of theirs has developed an NTM infection [1].

The CDC have made some recommendations to dental clinics. These include the regular use of chemical germicides in the water lines – which can help in lessening the threat of bacteria.

It is important for dental clincis to follow these guidelines. Moreover, this involves maintaining equipment and following safety procedures for water to ensure that it is safe for use.

These infections are rare, but do happen. Remaining vigilant both before and after dental treatment is important. Our oral health is crucial, and should always be a priority for us all.

Thinking points…

1) While this is concerning, do not let this put you off attending the dentist. Please remember that NTM infections are very rare. Visiting the dentist is very important for both yourself and your children. Regular check-ups can help to ensure your oral health is strong, and identify any potential problems. Remember to book an appointment when needed!

2) If this news makes you anxious, you’ll be pleased to hear that at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, safety is of the utmost importance to us. We follow the designated guidelines to ensure our water supply is safe for patients. Furthermore, our dental staff are always happy to talk you through treatments, and reassure you about the water supply. We would love to see you soon – see our website for more information!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving 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] Reinberg, S. (2022). CDC warns of rare bacterial infections from dentists’ water lines. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-11-cdc-rare-bacterial-infections-dentists.html. Last accessed: 12th November 2022.

[2] CDC Health Alert Network. (2022). Outbreaks of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Highlight Importance of Maintaining and Monitoring Dental Waterlines. Available: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00478.asp. Last accessed: 12th November 2022.

[3] Atlas, R. M., Williams, J. F., & Huntington, M. K. (1995). Legionella contamination of dental-unit waters. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 61 (4): p1208-1213. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.61.4.1208-1213.1995.

[4] Asthma + Lung UK. (2022). Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection (NTM). Available: Last accessed: 12th November 2022.

Social media app TikTok has a large amount of content that promotes the practice of “do-it-yourself dentistry”, causing concern among dental professionals. Impressionable youngsters and teenagers are unwittingly putting their oral health in danger by following some of the trends on the app. These trends typically promise excellent results for their oral appearance at little-to-no cost.

TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps currently. While the app is full of comedic content, famous speakers and interesting media, there is also a darker side to it.

One of the most harmful sides of TikTok is the rise of “do-it-yourself dentistry”, also known as DIY dentistry [1]. You could be forgiven for thinking that DIY dentistry refers to us all brushing our teeth and flossing them – as we should.

But actually, it refers to DIY methods that are supposed hacks and techniques that people can use to improve the look of their smile, teeth, gums and more.

These techniques fool impressionable children and teenagers, and risks serious damage and long-term problems for oral health. Therefore, it is important for parents and children alike to know the danger.

Background

TikTok is a social media app where users upload short videos, The app is expected to have almost 2billion accounts by the end of 2022 – showing the scale of how many people use the app [2].

A large percentage of TikTok’s users are children, teenagers and young adults. This represents a group that is still maturing, and are therefore very impressionable.

Moreover, it is common to have self-esteem issues at this age. This fuels the desire to look “perfect”, with teeth seen as an area that many people wish to improve. Furthermore, social media is full of so-called “influencers” who often display unrealistic looks.

Then there is also the issue of dental care being expensive, and not accessible by everyone. Therefore, this turns some people towards DIY dentistry. Many people believe these treatments are painless and effective, but this isn’t the case.

The most popular videos are supposed “success stories”, with disappointing results rarely seen. This leads to many thinking that these are fool proof techniques that guarantee success.

Example Case: Tooth Gems

The hashtag #DIYdentist has 2.6million views – showing its widespread popularity [1]. This hashtag brings up thousands of videos, the vast majority of which have content that is harmful to its viewers.

One example is tooth gems. Older readers may remember the “tooth gem” trend that was common during the 2000s. While they had seemingly been forgotten, TikTok has breathed new life into the trend.

Tooth gems put colourful gems on teeth, which some people find desirable. Therefore, this has led to many influencers selling their own DIY tooth gem kits [1].

These kits sell on Amazon cheaply, leading to many people purchasing them. But the product reviews show the danger, with phrases like “bleeding gums”, “tooth sensitivity” and “pain” are common [1]. These gems also attract bacteria, further increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Many people struggle to make these gems stick, which has led to many suggesting using nail glue to solve the problem [2]. However, nail glue is toxic and can damage tooth enamel [1]. Many of these products are made in China – a nation with much less stringent safety rules and regulations on such products.

Other dangerous trends

Many other dangerous trends exist. For example, tooth replacement kits. This is something that should never be attempted by anyone other than a fully qualified dentist. These kits often include “drills”, which are not fit for purpose. It is crucial to not alter the shape of your teeth.

Another trend that has gained popularity is a so-called “healthy coke”. This drink is made up of balsamic vinegar and sparkling water. This drink has been called a healthy version of Coca-Cola, as there is supposedly no sugar. But while it isn’t as unhealthy as regular soda, the acidic content is enormous.

Therefore, this drink causes tooth decay and is actually more acidic than regular cola. In fact, a recent study found that “healthy coke” was almost as bad as regular sodas when it comes to eroding teeth [3].

Lemon juice is something else that many people on TikTok are erroneously suggesting is healthy for oral health [2]. Many videos see users adding lemon juice to their water to create a low-cost sparkling drink. However, lemon juice is very acidic, which results in increased erosion of the enamel and a higher likelihood of cavities.

Dentist’s Reaction

These videos are very worrying and cause alarm to any dentist. The potential damage to oral health is very concerning, and often result in younger people worsening their oral health.

Dr. Ruchi Sahota is a spokesperson for the American Dental Association [1]. She has spoken out about the rise of DIY dentistry, which is a growing concern for dental professionals.

She has pointed to how years of studying and experience informs a dentist’s treatment choices. Sahota says “when we practice dentistry, we do it with the background information of years of training, X-rays, and the experience that helps us decide when and how to do the treatment” [1].

Dentist Dr. Amber Bonnaig has stated that the cost of dental care and lack of access is making DIY dentistry an appealing alternative. She says that “a major contributing factor is lack of access to dental care” [1].

Sahota finishes by saying something very important – “you can have a beautiful smile, even if it’s not perfect” [1]. This is very important to remember.

Thinking points…

1) As we mentioned, TikTok is mainly used by children and teenagers. If you have children, it is important to inform them of the dangers of DIY dentistry. They can cause significant and costly damage to their teeth, whilst also having long-term consequences for their oral health. Therefore, have a conversation with them, and make sure they stick to conventional methods of aiding their oral health, like brushing regularly and visiting the dentist for a check-up. We recommend having a talk with them soon!

2) If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, there are safe ways of achieving this. It is important to see an actual dentist, as they can provide safe treatment with proper aftercare. For example, here at [clinic name], we offer cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and Invisalign™. At your next appointment, why not have a discussion with your dentist about your treatment options! We would love you to book an appointment with us soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving 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, teeth 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] Giles, C. (2022). Don’t drill your own teeth! And quashing other rotten dental advice on TikTok. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-10-dont-drill-teeth-quashing-rotten.html. Last accessed: 28th October 2022.

[2] Iqbal, M. (2022). TikTok Revenue and Usage Statistics (2022). Available: https://www.businessofapps.com/data/tik-tok-statistics/. Last accessed: 29th October 2022.

[3] Eckhart, S. D., Brewster, J. A., & Curtis, D. C. (2022). The erosive potential of sugar-free waters on cervical dentin. JADA Foundational Science. 1 (100009). DOI: https://doi.org/10.10

A new toothbrushing program is due to be phased in soon across Quebec. This toothbrushing program will involve teachers supervising the toothbrushing of young children in their care. The aim of this program is to improve the oral health of a vulnerable group, and to encourage them to develop a habit of brushing their teeth regularly. However, concerns regarding the impact this will have on teachers have been put forward.

A new toothbrushing program will soon be phased in across Quebec. This program will involve teachers supervising the toothbrushing of young children under their care.

The aim of the program is to improve the oral health of young citizens of the province. It should also help to encourage them to develop good brushing techniques.

However, the program has also led to some concerns being raised. For example, there have been suggestions that raising the workload of teachers further should be avoided.

The Original Plans

In 2017, the Quebec Program for Supervised Brushing of Teeth with Fluoride Toothpaste in Educational Childcare and Elementary School was launched by the province’s Health Ministry [1].

To begin with, schools in areas that had a surplus of staff available had visits from hygienists and dental consultants [1]. These professionals educated children on toothbrushing.

However, the progress of the plan was halted due to the effects of Covid-19 [1]. But with the pandemic’s impact on education largely ceasing recently, the plan has now been updated.

Updated Plans

The new program involves asking teachers to ensure all children under the age of 4 receive a daily toothbrushing session [1]. This session would take place during regular school hours.

The guidelines suggest that the supervising teacher will be asked to check that students under their care are using an appropriate amount of toothpaste, keep their brushes in good condition and store them in a sanitary way, and at the end of brushing spit out any excess liquid [1].

Moreover, the guidelines also state that the brushing should be done in small groups [1]. Furthermore, the guidelines suggest that hand washing should be done frequently [1]. Finally, the guidelines also provide information to assist in infection control [1].

By having teachers supervise children, it will ensure that they are cleaning their teeth – something that is otherwise not guaranteed. This will benefit their oral health in the short-term.

Also, there will be long-term benefits too, as the children should learn habits that will help them throughout their life. Additionally, this should in theory reduce some of the strain on the Canadian healthcare system.

Reaction

There does appear to be a tooth decay problem in Quebec. For example, research has showed that dental caries are “highly prevalent” among children in Quebec [2]. Moreover, this is particularly a problem in rural areas of Quebec [3].

However, there have been concerns raised based on the impact it will have on teachers. The main concern is that this time-consuming routine will lessen teaching time and add an extra responsibility for teachers [1].

Heidi Yetman is the President of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers. She has mixed feelings on the subject. Yetman has commented by saying that while the plan is “a great idea”, she has cautioned that the workload of teachers shouldn’t be increased [1]. Yetman has argued that the province needs to hire people directly to implement the program.

Meanwhile, Peggy McCourt, President of the Association of Administrators of English Schools of Quebec, has said that while “no one is questioning the value and importance of ensuring that our children learn how to brush their teeth properly and that they have good oral hygiene”, she has questioned whether it is “the responsibility of the school” [1].

But the Health Ministry has shrugged off the concerns. They have said that all of the educators they contacted have agreed to the measures [1].

They have stated that “the integration of healthy dental habits into the lives of young people is a shared collective responsibility” [1].

While there are questions over responsibility, the most important thing is that the children receive the oral care that they need, one way or another. If teachers can play a part in this, that is great, but other consequences will need to be balanced.

Thinking points…

1) What do you think of this new program? If you have children, it is important to show an interest in their toothbrushing habits. This will help to remind them of the importance of oral health. Getting into a good habit at a young age can result in a lifetime of looking after teeth properly. This will hopefully result in strong oral health throughout their life.

2) It is also very important to set a good example to those around you by exhibiting excellent oral hygiene. This includes avoiding sugary food and drinks where possible, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and generally looking after your mouth. An important part of this is to attend regular dental check-ups, as any problems that are present can be looked at and fixed if necessary. We strongly recommend booking an appointment right away!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving 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] Sherwin, C. (2022). Teachers will soon be asked to teach toothbrushing 101 in Quebec, raising workload concerns. Available: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/teachers-will-soon-be-asked-to-teach-toothbrushing-101-in-quebec-raising-workload-concerns-1.6100000. Last accessed: 15th October 2022.

[2] Edasseri, A., Barnett, T. A., Ka, K., Henderson, M., & Nicolau, B. (2017). Oral Health–Promoting School Environments and Dental Caries in Québec Children. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 53 (5): p697-704. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.07.005.

[3] Kim, Y. N., Rouleau, L-E. B., Carnevale, F., Whiteduck, G., Chief, D., & Macdonald, M. E. (2021). Anishnabeg children and youth’s experiences and understandings of oral health in rural Quebec. Rural and Remote Health. 21 (2): p6365-6372. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22605/rrh6365.