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What Are the Most Effective Oral Hygiene Tools? Researchers Put the Tools to the Test! - Savanna Dental
12Oct
A recent study has sought to find out once and for all which oral hygiene tools are the best for our oral health. Mixed information exists currently on which tools are effective. The study was able to categorize each tool as being either positive, negative, or neutral to our oral health.

Looking after our oral health is incredibly important. Strong oral hygiene is the best way of avoiding painful and expensive visits to the dentist.

But many people ask which oral tools and equipment are effective, and which are not. Now, researchers from the University at Buffalo have carried out a study aiming to find this out.

Their findings are very useful. This is because it gives the public knowledge on the best ways to have strong oral hygiene. Therefore, this research helps to maximize our chances of keeping a healthy mouth.

The different tools available

There is no shortage of available tools for oral health. Therefore, it can be difficult to know which tools are the most effective. After all, it would be unrealistic to use them all.

The researchers noted that it was important to complete a study in this area. Oral health is a problematic area for so many people. Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities.

Gum disease is also major problem. Gum disease is very common, with research showing that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [1].

If cavities and gum disease are left untreated, infections, bleeding gums, tooth loss and bone problems are potential consequences.

Most people use a toothbrush, though both manual and electrical ones exist. Some people floss to remove particles of food caught between teeth.

Then there are mouthwashes, probiotics, and various ingredients that are added to oral health products. All of these areas were analyzed in this study.

The Research

The research was published in October’s issue of The Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology [2]. Researchers from the University at Buffalo carried out the study.

Moreover, the researchers put various oral hygiene tools and ingredients to the test. They used pre-existing research, different scenarios and other research methods to see the impact each intervention had on the mouth.

The results produced three different areas. Firstly, effective tools. Secondly, tools that had a somewhat positive impact, but not enough to justify their daily use. Finally, negative tools.

Effective Tools

• Toothbrush: Unsurprisingly, the gold standard of oral health is the toothbrush. The toothbrush plays a main role in oral hygiene. Both electric and manual toothbrushes were effective, with very little between the two.

• Inter-dental brushes: Inter-dental brushes that are used to floss between teeth were also praised for being highly-effective. Moreover, they are an effective way of removing anything stuck between the teeth.

• Water Pick: Water picks are an excellent way of clearing anything stuck in the teeth. They release water at a rapid rate, helping to clear any blockages. Because of this, they have proven to be popular with consumers.

• Chlorhexidine in mouthwash: Chlorhexidine can be a key ingredient of mouthwash. This study backed up previous research, which found that mouthwashes containing Chlorhexidine can result in a “moderate” reduction in gum disease [3]. However, Chlorhexidine can cause tooth discoloration with prolonged use [3].

• Cetylpyridinium: Cetylpyridinium is a compound that is used across various oral products. For instance, toothpaste, mouthwash and some lozenges. The researchers found it was very effective at reducing gum disease and preventing plaque. However, Cerylpyridinium does cause staining in a small number of users [4].

• Listerine Mouthwash: As one of the world’s most instantly-recognizable brands, it isn’t surprising that Listerine’s mouthwash products that contained essential oils were deemed effective. Furthermore, another study concluded there was “strong evidence” that Listerine was excellent for protecting against plaque and reducing gum disease [5].

Tools that have mixed evidence

While there were many positives outlined above, there were some tools and ingredients that didn’t provide enough evidence to justify their use on a daily basis.

• Scaling: Scaling is when a dentist uses a special tool to remove plaque and tartar (solid plaque) around the gum-line. They also usually do something called root planing, which aids the gums. Because of inconsistent results, the researchers did not consider this tool to be positive.

• Probiotics: The researchers found probiotics produced inconsistent results. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are consumed through a product. For instance, Yakult. Probiotics is a promising area, but it hasn’t been researched enough yet to draw conclusions. The conclusions of the authors echo the existing body of research [6].

• Tea-tree oil, green tea mouthwashes: Tea-tree oil and green tea are ingredients that are being added to many products. Because of their properties as being natural, they are popular. However, the researchers found they provided limited effectiveness.

• Hexetidine: Hexeditine is an antibacterial ingredient that is primarily used in mouthwash products. Oraldene is the most well-known brand including hexetidine. However, when the researchers tested it, the results weren’t too positive.

The Negative

The researchers only found that one key ingredient produced negative results. This was Triclosan.

Triclosan is very effective for reducing plaque and gum disease. However, Triclosan has been linked to reproductive defects and some forms of cancer.

Consequently, Triclosan has been removed from the majority of toothpastes. The findings of the authors backup existing research [7].

What does this study show us?

This study shows the importance of strong hygiene. It shows that we can keep things simple by using a few different products. Therefore, there is no need to make things too complex.

All of the areas deemed effective should be used regularly. For instance, mouthwash products with the aforementioned ingredients can be used as an adjunct to using a toothbrush and inter-dental brush.

As a result, Eva Volman, an author of the study, said she hoped the evidence from the study was “comprehensive, readable and uniquely helpful to all oral health professionals, as well as patients” [8].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Above all, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 dental clinic in Calgary Savanna Dental! You can read more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [2] Volman, E. I., Stellrecht, E., & Scannapieco, F. A. (2021). Proven Primary Prevention Strategies for Plaque-Induced Periodontal Disease – An Umbrella Review. Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology. 23 (4).
  • [3] Worthington, H., Riley, P., James, P., Parnell, C., Harding, M., Lamont, T., Cheung, A., & Whelton, H. (2017). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 (3): p1-194.
  • [4] Addy, M., Mahdavi, S. A., & Loyn, T. (1995). Dietary staining in vitro by mouthrinses as a comparative measure of antiseptic activity and predictor of staining in vivo. The Journal of Dentistry. 23 (2): p95-99.
  • [5] Alshehehri, F. A. (2018). The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: A systematic review. Saudi Dental Journal. 30 (1): p2-6.
  • [6] Meurman, J. H., & Stamatova, I. V. (2018). Probiotics: Evidence of Oral Health Implications. Folia Medica. 60 (1): p21-29.
Study Shows Dental Implant Surfaces Are Vital to Protect Implants From Bacteria - Savanna Dental
4Oct
A recent study has looked into how certain oral proteins affect the overall life expectancy of dental implants. Dental implants are a popular oral treatment, but they don’t provide permanent results. The researchers therefore attempted to find ways of prolonging the life of implants through analysing a process named “biofouling”.

Dental implants are a very common treatment in dentistry. Implants can be an effective solution for missing or heavily-decayed teeth.

However, dental implants aren’t permanent measures. In addition, dental implants usually need to be replaced after a few years. Because of this, scientists have sought to find ways to prolong the life of implants.

A recent study has analysed the process of “biofouling” and the effect it has on dental implants. The research involved studying oral proteins and the effect that different chemical modifications have on the implant surface.

Background

Dental implants are typically used to replace a lost or missing tooth, they are normally needed because of advanced gum disease or extensive tooth decay.

Implants are designed to be long-lasting. Studies have found that there is a 90-95% success rate over 10 years for dental implants [1]. Many implants do not last longer than 10 years.

Because of this, researchers have been searching for ways of improving the longevity of dental implants. Therefore, scientists sought to study how dental implants are affected by mouth processes. For instance, this included biofouling.

The Process of Implant Insertion

When dental implants are inserted, they are immediately coated by saliva and blood plasma. The implants absorb a thin layer of oral proteins from the plasma, leading to gum tissue attaching.

However, this process allows bacteria to grow on the surface of the implant. Consequently, this can lead to the gum tissue becoming irritated. As a result, inflammation and eventual removal will often follow.

The Research

Research published in the Journal of Dental Research aimed to increase scientists’ understanding of a complex biological process named “biofouling” [2]. The University at Buffalo and the University of Regensburg carried out the research.

Biofouling refers to how the surface of implants effect the adsorption of oral proteins and unwanted microorganisms. Biofouling is a process that causes negative effects on oral health [3]. The level of adsorption is dependent on environmental conditions, protein properties and the material surface [4].

Attacking bacteria encounters protein layers first. Therefore, how implant surfaces are affected by oral proteins is an important subject.

The research involved using specially-designed silica beads. In addition, these beads had a range of different chemically modified surfaces [2]. By comparing different surfaces, researchers were therefore able to see how each one reacted.

The results showed that the adsorption of proteins from blood plasma is influenced by the amount of protein adsorbed. However, the adsorption of proteins from saliva is impacted by the biomaterial’s surface [2].

Stefan Ruhl, who is a Professor of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine, spoke about the study [5].

Ruhl said that oral proteins “help determine the biological or pathological consequences that result in either long-term survival of the implant or its failure along with irreversible damage to the surrounding tissues from infection” [5]. Ruhl’s comments emphasize the importance of this subject area.

What does this study show us?

The findings from this study should result in an improvement in the success of dental implants. As a result, the researchers will hope their findings can be put into practice.

The researchers have planned a follow-up study. This is because they hope to involve more chemically-modified silica surfaces. This is part of an ongoing aim to improve the design of implant surface coatings.

However, it is important to mention that there are other factors that affect dental implants. Moreover, oral hygiene, diet, bone structure and lifestyle factors all have an impact on the length of time implants last [6].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.

Dental problems should be addressed early and can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting more severe. So, when further treatment is needed after a check-up, we give our patients a clear treatment plan.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Raikar, S., Talukdar, P., Kumari, S., Kumar Panda, S., Oommen, V. M., & Prasad, A. (2017). Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. 7(6), p351-355.
  • [2] Lehnfeld, J., Dukashin, Y., Mark, J., White, G. D., Wu, S., Katzur, V., Muller, R., & Ruhl, S. (2021). Saliva and Serum Protein Adsorption on Chemically Modified Silica Surfaces. Journal of Dental Research. 100(10): p1047-1054.
  • [3] Norde, W. (2008). My voyage of discovery to proteins in flatland… and beyond. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 61(1): p1–9.
  • [4] Michiardi, A., Aparicio, C., Ratner, B. D., Planell, J. A., Gil, J. (2007). The influence of surface energy on competitive protein adsorption on oxidized niti surfaces. Biomaterials. 28(4): p586–594.
  • [5] University at Buffalo. (2021). Study: Dental implant surfaces play major role in tissue attachment, warding off unwanted bacteria. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-09-dental-implant-surfaces-major-role.html. Last accessed: 2nd October 2021.
  • [6] Gherde, C., Dhatrak, P., Nimbalkar, S., & Joshi, S. (2021). A comprehensive review of factors affecting fatigue life of dental implants. Materials Today: Proceedings. 43(2): p1117-1123.
Singh Continues Ndp’s Pledge to Subsidize Dental Costs, but Will It Work?
27Sep
The NDP’s leader Jagmeet Singh has said that his party will continue their pledge towards subsidizing dental costs for those without insurance. This long-running idea continues to enjoy support, though it has also caused many questions, mainly around the source of the money needed for such a program.

Ahead of the 2021 Canadian Federal Election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stated that his party would implement a federal program aimed at lowering dental costs.

The federal program would be based around subsidizing dentistry costs for Canadian citizens without insurance. This is an important issue, as a sizeable number of Canadians do not have insurance.

Singh referred to oral health a one of Canada’s “biggest divides” because of how those with limited income were being “left high and dry” in the current situation [1]. Having a healthy income is something that obviously isn’t applicable to everyone.

The NDP and Dental Care

The NDP have gradually grown in popularity in recent years. Dental care reform has been a consistent area that they have focused on.

They made a pledge ahead of the 2019 election which involved providing free dental care to low-income individuals [2]. This plan was then developed and altered ready for the 2021 election.

The 2021 plan formed part of the NDP’s election pledge. Singh said that anyone that received under $90,000 per year would benefit from his plan.

Those earning between $60,000 and $90,000 per year would have part of their dental expenses covered. Moreover, those that earn below $60,000 would be fully covered in the plan [1].

As part of their calculations, the NDP estimated that 6.5million Canadians would benefit from their program. As a result of the plan, the average family would save $1,200 in dental fees each year [1].

Could the NDP’s plan work?

The NDP’s idea has already had its validity studied. A 2020 report by the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated an upfront cost of $3billion for the Government [3]. Furthermore, this would be followed with a $1.5billion cost per year [3].

Some have asked where the money needed for this program would come from. Singh has said that the NDP would fund the program by introducing a 1% tax on households with wealth of over $10million.

The NDP’s plan would address long-term problems in the dental industry of Canada. Research shows that in a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians visited a dentist, with 23% being put off from visiting a dental clinic due to cost [4].

However, Singh’s plan hasn’t been popular with fellow parties. In June, a motion put forward by the NDP relating to dental costs was voted down in the House of Commons [5]. Similar results may also follow.

Will the NDP keep this policy for the future?

It is likely that the NDP will continue this policy in upcoming elections because of its popularity among voters, many of whom would benefit from this program.

The 2021 election policy included slight modifications on the 2019 policy. Moreover, we can expect another slight alteration by the time of the next federal election, scheduled for October 2025 at the latest.

The NDP have been enjoying an uplift in support over recent years, and will hope that by the next election, that they will be able to challenge for more seats. Dental care is likely to continue to be an important part in the NDP’s overall policies.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer our patients a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We always recommend that our patients visit our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for an important regular dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments, for instance cavity fillings and root canals, that can effectively restore oral health.

Above all, we recommend brushing our teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 dental clinic in Calgary Savanna Dental! You can read more about us by visiting our website https://savannadental.ca.

Large Study Shows the Current State of Oral Health Around the World - Savanna Dental
13Sep
A recent study has provided an overview of the current state of oral health around the world. There were both positives and negatives arising from the survey. While many suffer with oral health problems, a surprising amount of people said they had no such issues. Worryingly though, many are not aware of the link between oral health and physical health. The study found several trends that will aid future research.

A recent study has provided an interesting insight into the overall state of oral health around the world. The study took place across 15 countries. It provided an overall status of wellbeing, habits, desires and the concerns of oral health.

The research found that there are many positives in the oral health of study participants, but some worrying areas too. The findings also showed the impact that Covid-19 has had on oral health.

The Study

The research was carried out by the oral healthcare company Sunstar. They used 15,000 respondents, with 1,000 people from each of the 15 countries interviewed.

The respondents were all aged 18-65. There were an equal number of males and females. All respondents were asked a range of questions relating to their oral health.

There were six European representatives – the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Netherlands. In the Americas, the countries partaking were Mexico, USA, Argentina and Brazil. Then there were five Asian countries, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

The research is called the 2021 Globally Healthy Thinking Report. The full report is available to see on Sunstar’s website, which you can access by clicking here [1]. You can also see a brief snapshot of the key results by clicking here [2].

Key Findings

We all know the importance of oral health. Having strong oral hygiene is important, which includes attending regular check-ups and brushing teeth at least twice a day.

Yet the results show that not everyone brushes their teeth twice every day. Those from Indonesia recorded the lowest percentage for brushing teeth twice a day, with 45% of respondents saying that they didn’t. Those that forgot to brush their teeth the least were Germans – with 80% of respondents saying that they always brushed twice a day. Reasons for not brushing teeth included forgetting, wanting to go straight to bed, being in a rush, or simply not being bothered [1].

In terms of oral problems, the most common issue was tooth sensitivity [1]. Tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath were among other common problems.

Thailand had the most oral health problems, with only 1 in 10 respondents having no issues to report [1]. This backs up earlier research, which has showed that Thailand has seen the quality of life of their citizens lower due to poor oral health [3]. The United Kingdom appeared to have the best oral health, with 40% of respondents stating they had no problems with their teeth [1].

Gum disease affects Italians the most, and the French the least. Oral health problems often cause bad breath, with those from Japan suffering the most with this; 34% of Japan’s respondents reported having bad breath. Those in Brazil had the least at 8% [1].

Such problems are sometimes caused, or at least aggravated by, poor habits. Smoking has a negative impact on oral health [4]. 27% of Spaniards and Germans admitted to smoking. Worryingly, only 39% of Singaporeans realised smoking was bad for their dental health. Conversely, 76% of respondents of Argentina said they knew smoking affected dental health [1].

Other common habits that people wished they could stop were drinking “staining drinks”, coffee, tea and eating sweets. Jaw-clenching and teeth grinding were other common problems [1].

Sadly, most people were unsatisfied with the appearance of their smile. Social media has been criticized for giving a false impression of what teeth should look like. It has also made more people conscious of their appearance [5].

As a result, many people said they wanted to have cosmetic makeovers. Netherlands was the happiest with their teeth, with 18% saying they didn’t want cosmetic treatment [1]. Just 5% of those from Thailand, Italy, Spain and Brazil said they didn’t want any cosmetic work [1]. The most popular cosmetic treatments requested were tooth whitening and straighter teeth [1]. Others included veneers and bonding.

Covid-19 has had a big impact on oral health. In fact, the World Health Organization talked about Covid-19 causing a “dental disaster”. Part of this was due to missed appointments and subsequent untreated issues. Exact numbers differed from country to country. 44% of Argentinians said they missed dental appointments during the pandemic. Yet only 12% of those in Japan did [1].

Problems like tooth sensitivity have become more problematic. 25% of American respondents experienced tooth sensitivity. Indonesia was the highest at 45% [1].

In more positive news, Covid-19 has led to improvements in brushing teeth. 27% of those profiled said they brushed their teeth more often than pre-pandemic [1].

What these results show

The authors of the study had mixed conclusions. They said that it was positive that many people were keeping their mouth healthy. But there were some worries, primarily because many didn’t understand the link between oral health and physical health.

Out of the many problems, there are also easy solutions. For instance, many were concerned with bad breath, but regular brushing, flossing and tongue brushing can help this.

Germany and the United Kingdom frequently finished highest in many categories. It is no coincidence that Germany and the United Kingdom had the highest rank in terms of visiting the dentist twice a year. The percentages were Germany at 45% and the United Kingdom at 42% [1].

While Canadian citizens did not take part in the research, the conclusions remain relevant. It shows the importance of visiting the dentist often and using excellent oral hygiene. It also shows we should try to cut out bad habits.

The authors stated that the level of dental decay and gum disease are “most certainly” associated with lifestyle choices. For instance, smoking, diet and alcohol consumption are areas we should aim to avoid.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.

Dental problems should be addressed early and can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting more severe. So, if further treatment is needed after a routine check-up, we give our patients a clear treatment plan.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

If you ever need any dental advice, our team at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental will be happy to assist. This can include advice on treating bad breath, reviewing your diet, and any other dentistry-related guidance.

Our Calgary-based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

Summary

This report produced very interesting results. It shows that there is room for improvement in dental health around the world. However, there are many positives too. We should all take notice of the results. They serve as a reminder to adopt excellent oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly and eat healthily.

We would love for you to visit our dental clinic soon! To read more about us and for other information, have a browse around our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We hope to see you soon!

  • [1] SUNSTAR. (2021). Global Healthy Thinking Report: 2021 Oral Health Awareness Survey. Available: https://www.sunstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sunstar-Global-Healthy-Thinking-Report-2021.pdf. Last accessed: 10th September 2021.
  • [2] SUNSTAR. (2021). Global Healthy Thinking Report. Available: https://www.sunstar.com/healthy-thinking-report/oral-survey-2021/. Last accessed: 10th September 2021.
  • [3] Sombateyotha, K., & Mahaweerawat, U. (2017). Oral Health Status and Oral Impact on Daily Performance in Elderly in Northeastern Region Thailand. European Journal of Sustainable Development. 6(2), p240-244.
  • [4] Miller, W. J., & Locker, D. (2007). Smoking and Oral Health Status. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. 73(2), p155-165.
  • [5] Rekawek, P., Wu, B., & Hanna, T. (2021). Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures, Social Media, and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery: Use of Trends for the Modern Practice. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 79(4), p739-740.
Calgary Children’s Dental Health Is Worsening Without Water Fluoridation, Study Finds - Savanna Dental
6Sep
A recent study has found that the dental health of children in Calgary has worsened since water fluoridation was stopped in 2011. The study compared statistics of dental health in Calgary compared to Edmonton, where water fluoridation remains. Dental health is better in Edmonton, suggesting children in Calgary are at higher risk of tooth decay.

Recent research has found that the oral health of children in Calgary has worsened in recent years when compared to the city of Edmonton. This worsening of oral health has been attributed to Calgary’s lack of water fluoridation, a practice that remains in use in Edmonton.

The findings of the research may reopen the debate about water fluoridation. The results are rather worrying. As a result, parents in Calgary are being urged to take extra care in looking after their children’s oral health.

What is water fluoridation?

Fluoride is a natural mineral, and is a crucial part of modern-day dentistry. It can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash and some foods.

Fluoride (in small concentrations) is added to the public water supply in many countries. As a result, this practice has caused controversy.

Many have suggested that water fluoridation is ethically wrong and poses public health dangers. Because of concerns over excessive fluoride intake and related toxicity, some countries have banned fluoridation [1]. Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, which can result in dark marks appearing on the teeth.

However, research is mainly positive about water fluoridation. Fluoride helps to protect our teeth from bacteria and sugar. Research shows that water fluoridation is effective for protecting the teeth of children, but effectiveness for adults is undetermined [2].

A major study in the United Kingdom found water fluoridation was highly-effective for children. It was linked to a decrease in decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth [3].

Water fluoridation in Alberta

The practice of adding fluoride to public drinking water has existed since the 1940s. The intention is to improve dental health.

Across the province of Alberta, different opinions exist. Edmonton has used water fluoridation ever since 1967. In Calgary, water fluoridation began in 1991, but stopped in 2011.

The city of Calgary made the decision to stop water fluoridation because of economic and ethical concerns. Council members stated there wasn’t enough evidence to justify water fluoridation. However, the council did not consult an expert panel [4].

The Study

Researchers from the University of Calgary conducted a study that compared dental health in Grade 2 children from Edmonton and Calgary. The study will be published in the Journal of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology [5].

The researchers compared dental records data of 5,000 students in both cities between the 2004/05 and 2013/14 school years [5]. This allowed the researchers to use those born both before and after fluoride cessation.

The results showed that tooth decay has increased far more in Calgary since water fluoridation was stopped, when compared to Edmonton. Edmonton’s scores had also worsened, but not on the same level as Calgary.

Tooth decay can result in pain for the child. Its typically leads to treatment being required, for instance, a cavity filling. As a result, it may also cause poor oral hygiene that leads to problems in later life.

The number of tooth surfaces with decay per child increased by 3.8 surfaces in Calgary between 2004/05 and 2013/14. In Edmonton, the increase was 2.1 surfaces per child [5]. Researchers said that each tooth has 4-5 surfaces.

The researchers suggested that such a difference was significant. They pointed to the lack of water fluoridation in Calgary as having caused this [5]. The study concluded that water fluoridation was a public health benefit [5].

What does this study mean?

The conclusions from this study appear to suggest that there are many health benefits to water fluoridation.

Alberta’s Health Minister Tyler Shandro has confirmed that their office will be reviewing the results of the study [6]. The study’s authors stated that it will be crucial to monitor future statistics and trends [5].

In the absence of water fluoridation in Calgary, it is highly important for Calgary residents to prioritise excellent oral hygiene. This is especially the case for children, who benefit the most from water fluoridation.

Parents in Calgary should provide a balanced diet. They should also limit their children’s sugar intake and ensure they brush their teeth at least twice a day. Using a fluoride-based toothpaste is important. Using the tooth fairy can incentivize children to have excellent oral hygiene (click here to know more). Attending regular check-ups is also vital.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services like tooth whitening.

Any dental problem must be addressed early and can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting more severe. So, if further treatment is needed after a routine check-up, we give our patients with a clear treatment plan.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink, and not smoking also helps.

If you ever need any dental advice, our team at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental will be happy to assist. This can include advice on treating bad breath, reviewing how your diet affects your oral health, and any other dentistry-related guidance.

Our Calgary-based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

Summary

The results of the study show that water fluoridation can be beneficial. Water is not fluoridated in Calgary, so we need to take extra care with our oral hygiene routine. This is especially important for those with children.

We hope that you visit our Calgary-based dental clinic soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website, https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We hope to see you soon!

  • [1] Aoun, A., Darwiche, F., Al Hayek, S., & Doumit, J. (2018). The Fluoride Debate: The Pros and Cons of Fluoridation. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science. 23(3), p171–180.
  • [2] Parnell, C., Whelton, H., & O’Mullane, D. (2009). Water fluoridation. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry. 10(3), p141–148.
  • [3] Treasure, E., Chestnutt, I., Whiting, P., McDonagh, M., Wilson, P., & Kleijnen, J. (2002). The York Review – A systematic review of public water fluoridation: a commentary. British Dental Journal. 192(1), p495–497.
  • [4] O’Neill, B., Kapoor, T., & McLaren, L. (2018). Politics, Science, and Termination: A Case Study of Water Fluoridation Policy in Calgary in 2011. Review of Policy Research. 36(1), p99-120.
  • [5] McLaren, L., Patterson, S. K., Faris, P., Chen, G., Thawer, S., Figueiredo, R., Weijs, C., McNeil, D., Waye, A., & Potestio, M. (2021). Fluoridation cessation and children’s dental caries: A 7-year follow-up evaluation of Grade 2 schoolchildren in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. (Pre-publication issue): https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12685.
  • [6] CTV.ca News Staff. (2011). Calgary council votes to stop fluoridating city water. Available: https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary-council-votes-to-stop-fluoridating-city-water-1.605786. Last accessed: 4th September 2021.
The Importance of the Tooth Fairy for Children’s Oral - Savanna Dental
30Aug
The Tooth Fairy has been an important part of the overall approach to children’s oral health for a long time. The evidence suggests the existence of the tooth fairy has a positive effect on children’s teeth. This can build a foundation for long-term strong oral hygiene.

National Tooth Fairy Day was celebrated on August 20th, with the day an opportunity to emphasise the role that the tooth fairy can have in improving the oral health of children.

The oral health of children is important. Good oral hygiene as a child should increase the chances of them growing up and continuing to exhibit excellent hygiene. This can have significant dental and health benefits.

About the tooth fairy

The origin of the tooth fairy dates back to earlier centuries in Europe. The tradition has since continued, and made it to North America [1].

Tooth fairy visits are an exciting prospect for children. The process starts when a child loses one of their deciduous/milk teeth.

The child will place the lost tooth under their pillow before going to sleep. When they wake up, money is usually there. This process continues every time that a child loses a tooth.

The tooth fairy can therefore act as a way of incentivizing strong oral hygiene for children. Moreover, the tooth fairy shows children how important oral health is.

The Tooth Fairy and Children’s teeth

Across the world, children’s teeth are decaying more than ever before. For example, in London, England, statistics show that by the time children reach the age of 5, over a quarter are suffering from tooth decay [2].

Delta Dental’s 2020 State of America’s Oral Health Report [3] had many findings. 72% of parents surveyed say they struggle to get their child to brush their teeth [3]. 75% of parents admitted their child’s oral health could be better [3].

Barriers do exist. The same report found that 52% of parents believed brushing teeth took time away from things their child would rather do. 44% of parents said their child thought brushing their teeth was boring. 31% of parents suggested their child didn’t like the taste of toothpaste.

Dental visits for preventive care for children dropped from 89% in 2019 to 81% in 2020 [3]. This drop is surely due to the effects of Covid-19. Even so, the above means that some children only visit the dentist for reactive care, such as when they are in a dental emergency.

The above underlines the importance of parents using the tooth fairy as a motivating factor for children to clean their teeth. The tooth fairy is an effective way of improving their child’s oral health.

Parents were asked why they introduced their children to the tooth fairy. The most common responses were giving the child something to be excited about, celebrate something fun, and making their child feel special [3].

Interestingly, statistics show that the average monetary gift from the tooth fairy was $4.70USD in 2020, equivalent to $5.90CAD [4]. This figure has more than doubled in the last decade!

What parents can do

Parents have an important role to play in their child’s oral health. Providing a balanced diet, limiting sugar intake, and encouraging them to brush their teeth is very important.

Brushing teeth together, attending dental appointments, and telling children from an early age about the tooth fairy are other things that can help. Some say that the tooth fairy is watching their child to ensure they brush their teeth properly.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental, we provide our patients with many different services and treatments. We ensure that our patients receive a comfortable and caring experience when visiting us.

Our dental clinic is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer services like regular check-ups, cavity fillings, dentures, root canals, and some cosmetic services such as tooth whitening.

It is very important for dental problems to be addressed early. They can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting more severe.

If further treatment is needed after a routine check-up, we provide our patients with a clear treatment plan.

Our Calgary-based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means our prices are competitive, transparent, and affordable.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

If you ever need any dental advice, our team at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental will be happy to assist. This can include advice on treating bad breath, reviewing how your diet affects your oral health, and any other dentistry-related guidance.

Summary

The tooth fairy is definitely something that has a positive impact on children. By instilling good oral hygiene at a young age, a child will grow up knowing the importance of their oral health. This can continue into adulthood.

We hope that you visit our Calgary-based dental clinic soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We hope to see you soon!