Home savannadental (Page 30)

Author: savannadental

Does Exercise Improve Dental Health - Savanna Dental
25May
Exercise is known to have a positive effect on our physical and mental health. But exercise can also be great for our oral health, with evidence finding that regular exercise can result in a range of benefits for our mouths, including lowering the risk of gum disease.

Everyone knows about the importance of exercise, and the positive impact it can have on both the body and the mind. But something that not many people know about is the connection between exercise and our dental health – you’ll be amazed at how regular exercise can have a positive effect on our mouths!

Exercise can have a huge range of benefits for our oral health, including lowering the risk of gum disease, increasing saliva flow and cutting out bad habits that can cause problems to the mouth. However, there are areas associated with exercise which we need to be wary of, as we will discuss.

Gum disease

One of the biggest benefits of exercise is its relationship to lowering the risk of gum disease (also known as periodontitis). A study in 2005 analysed the relationship between gum disease and physical activity.

The researchers found the study participants that engaged in regular exercise were about 54% less likely to develop gum disease than those who didn’t spend time exercising [1].

Regular exercise has also been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body – which is one of the leading causes of gum disease [2]. Increased exercising can result in an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Effect of weight

Regular exercise is able to lower our BMI score, which has subsequent benefits for our oral health. A lower BMI will typically result in us eating and drinking less sugary foods or drinks, which protects our teeth and gums from harmful acids.

One study analysed the link between weight and dental health, using BMI, body fat percentage and oxygen consumption to assess how “healthy” each study participant was.

The researchers found that those who maintained normal weight and engaged in the recommended amount of exercise (as set by the researchers) were 40% less likely to have gum disease than those who didn’t exercise [3].

Increased saliva

Exercise also has the impact of increasing the production of saliva. This helps to combat the issue of a dry mouth, which is a state that bacteria flourishes in, resulting in a build-up of plaque and tooth decay. A dry mouth is a very common problem, but exercise can be a simple way of treating this.

Stress relief

When we are stressed, it is common to resort to habits that are harmful to our oral health, such as smoking or teeth grinding. Smoking can be terrible for our mouths and can increase the risk of oral cancer [4]. Teeth grinding can wear down teeth and leave them damaged.

But exercise is known to be a great way of reducing stress. Whenever we exercise, the body releases endorphins, which can give us a feeling of euphoria. By exercising, we are less likely to partake in habits that are harmful for our mouths.

A word of warning

While there are clearly benefits for our mouths, there is also a note of caution that we must talk about – energy drinks. Many people will reach for a sport or energy drink following a workout or run.

But these drinks can undo any good work, as they are high in sugar, which can have a damaging impact on our teeth. One study found that the average level of acid in a sample of sports drinks causes damage to teeth after just 5 consecutive days of consumption [5]. Water is a much better alternative.

So should I exercise more?

We would definitely recommend exercising more – albeit not to a level that harms you. The benefits to our oral health are clear, it will also have the effect of improving your physical health too. But exercise alone isn’t enough, we need to have a nutritious diet, brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly and avoid sugary snacks and drinks wherever possible.

Finally, visiting the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups is important. Any problems will be identified and can be treated; early treatment can stave off the threat of more complex procedures further down the line.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental is always happy to welcome new patients. We offer a large range of services, from regular fillings, to more complex procedures such as root canals and dentures.

We provide a comfortable environment for our patients, and are based in a convenient location in Calgary. We encourage patients to visit us twice a year for check-ups. If further treatment is needed, we will provide you with a tailored and effective treatment plan.

Summary

As we have shown in this article, exercise can have a positive effect on our oral health. Combining exercise with regular check-ups and strong oral hygiene can be excellent for our dental health.

We would love you to come and visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can take a look at the services that are available to our patients. We hope to see you soon!

  • [1] British Dental Journal. (2005). Exercise benefits dental health. Journal of Dentistry. 199, p629.
  • [2] Omori, S., Uchida, F., Oh, S., So, R., Tsujimoto, T., Yanagawa, T., Sakai, S., Shoda, J., Tanaka, K., & Bukawa, H. (2018). Exercise habituation is effective for improvement of periodontal disease status: a prospective intervention study. Therapeutics and clinical risk management. 14, p565–574. https://doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S153397
  • [3] Al-Zahrani, M. S., Borawski, E. A., Bissada, N. F. (2005). Periodontitis and three health-enhancing behaviors: maintaining normal weight, engaging in recommended level of exercise, and consuming a high-quality diet. Journal of Periodontology.
  • [4] Schildt, E-B., Eriksson, M., Hardell, L., & Magnuson, A. (1998). Oral snuff, smoking habits and alcohol consumption in relation to oral cancer in a Swedish case-control study. International Journal of Cancer. 77 (3), p341-346.
  • [5] Jain, P., Hall-May, E., Golabek, K., & Zenia Agustin, M. (2012). A comparison of sports and energy drinks – Physiochemical properties and enamel dissolution. General Dentistry. 60 (3), p198-199.
Is a Plant-Based Diet Good for Your Oral Health - Savanna Dental Clinic
18May
A plant-based diet has the potential to have a positive effect on our oral health, with benefits including lessening inflammation of the gums, lowering sugar intake and possibly preventing oral cancer. But the evidence isn’t all positive, and a plant-based diet doesn’t act as a replacement for strong oral hygiene.

The link between a nutritious diet and strong oral health is well-known, but how does a plant-based diet effect our dental health? With plant-based diets becoming increasingly popular in recent years, it is important to consider this diet’s impact on oral health.

While a plant-based diet can take many forms, it will typically consist of foods derived from plants – such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans. Across Canada, many people are choosing to adopt plant-based diets, underlining their popularity.

Plant-based diets are known to have many physical health benefits, such as stimulating weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing the chances of cardiovascular disease [1].

But as well as physical health benefits, plant-based diets can have a positive effect on dental health, as we show in this article. However, there are some important considerations to be made.

Plant-based diet’s effect on oral health

Oral health continues to be very problematic for many people, with the World Health Organization going as far to say that untreated dental caries is the most common health condition worldwide [2].

The effect of a plant-based diet on oral health is a very-well studied area, with results largely pointing to plant-based diets having a positive effect on oral health, albeit with some caveats.

Mouth cancer presents one of the most serious issues in oral health (click here to read more). Figures from the Canadian Cancer Statistics found that in 2020, an estimated 5,400 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer, with the condition causing 1,500 deaths [3]. The American Dental Association have stated that “current evidence supports a diet high in fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods for prevention of oral cancer [4], which shows how a plant-based diet is considered to contribute to preventing oral cancer.

One of the biggest problems facing the population in the modern day is periodontal disease – better known as gum disease. Signs of gum disease include swelling (also known as inflammation) and redness around the gum.

A plant-based diet can lessen inflammation, as it is normally high in a form of acid known as gamma-linoleic acid, which is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties [5].

Furthermore, one study found that participants with a vegetable-based diet (similar to a plant-based diet) had significantly fewer symptoms of gum disease than study participants that had more of a more conventional and traditional diet [6].

As well as having anti-inflammation qualities, plant-based diets also typically cut out a lot of sugar – something that is a key cause of many oral health problems. Sugar has a debilitating impact on teeth, and is one of the leading drivers of tooth decay and eventual cavities.

Foods and beverages that contain refined sugars (essentially the unhealthiest type of sugar) are notoriously bad for our teeth. Foods and drinks high in refined sugars include ice cream, confectionery and soda. They are known to increase inflammation and acidity in the mouth.

Again, by using a plant-based diet, refined sugars are largely avoided. While sugar will still be consumed, such as in fruits, these are at least naturally occurring sugars which are less harmful to the mouth.

A word on citrus fruits

While there are clearly positives, as outlined above, it is important to mention the negative impact that citrus fruits can have. Studies show that citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges can erode tooth enamel faster than sources of refined sugars.

One large study found that by consuming citrus fruits more than twice a day was associated with 37 times greater odds of dental erosion when compared to those who didn’t. For comparison, those that had a daily can of soda had 4 times greater odds of dental erosion than those who avoided soda [7].

This study suggests that it is important to consume citrus fruits in moderation, and serves as a reminder that just because a food is seen as “healthy”, it doesn’t mean that it is totally free from harm.

Should I start having a plant-based diet?

The most important thing for our health (both oral and physical) is to have a well-balanced and nutritious diet. This doesn’t mean that you must have a plant-based diet!

While this diet does clearly have a positive effect on our oral health, it is too restrictive for some people.

But what we can all do as a minimum is to add more vegetables to our meals and continue good oral habits. This incudes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, avoiding sugary snacks where possible, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental offers our patients a huge range of services. We provide all of our patients with a comfortable environment, and are situated in a convenient location in Calgary.

Early detection of dental problems is crucial, which is why it is important to attend regular dental check-ups. If further treatment is required, we will provide you with a tailored and effective treatment plan that meets your circumstances.

Summary

As we have shown, plant-based diets do have the potential to be excellent for our oral health. But regardless of the diet chosen, there is no replacement for regular dental check-ups and strong oral hygiene.

We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca where you can take a look at the services that are available to our patients.

  • [1] Mazur, M., Bietolini, S., Bellardini, D., Lussi, A., Corridore, D., Maruotti, A., Ottolenghi, L., Vozza, I., & Guerra, F. (2020). Oral health in a cohort of individuals on a plant-based diet: a pilot study. La Clinica Terapeutica. 171 (2), p142-148.
  • [2] United Nations General Assembly. (2011). High Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. Available: https://www.un.org/en/ga/ncdmeeting2011/. Last accessed: 14th May 2021.
  • [3] Canadian Cancer Society. (2020). Oral Cavity Cancer Statistics. Available: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/oral/statistics/?region=on. Last accessed: 9th April 2021.
  • [4] Chainani-Wu, N., Epstein, J., & Touger-Decker, R. (2011). Diet and prevention of oral cancer: strategies for clinical practice. Journal of the American Dental Association. 142 (2), p166-169.
  • [5] Rett, B. S., & Whelan, J. (2011). Increasing dietary linoleic acid does not increase tissue arachidonic acid content in adults consuming Western-type diets: a systematic review. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 10 (8), p36.
  • [6] Staufenbiel, I., Weinspach, K., Forster, G., Geurtsen, W., & Gunay, H. (2013). Periodontal conditions in vegetarians: a clinical study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 67 (8), p836-840.
  • [7] Järvinen, V. K., Rytömaa, I. I., & Heinonen, O. P. (1991). Risk factors in dental erosion. Journal of Dental Research. 70 (6), p942-947.
The Dental Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
11May
Intermittent fasting has been known for a long time as being an effective approach towards weight loss and limiting calorie consumption. However, there are also several benefits that intermittent fasting can do for our dental health, as we explain in this article.

Intermittent fasting is a type of diet that is becoming increasingly popular. It involves a person adhering to strict phases of eating and then not eating (fasting).

Intermittent fasting typically involves a person using a 16:8 approach, which means 16 hours of fasting and an 8-hour period where a person consumes calories. Other variations include 18:6, or the more extreme 20:4.

Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce stress, speed up our metabolism, and contribute towards weight loss [1]. It has even been shown to increase our lifespan by protecting against cardiovascular diseases [2].

But as well as these benefits, intermittent fasting also has a positive impact on oral health, as we will be showing in this article. These benefits include lessening harmful bacteria in the mouth, the regulation of pH Levels, and decreasing the chances of gum disease.

Eating and drinking in a way that benefits our oral health is highly-appealing. As a result, intermittent fasting can be recommended as a great diet to benefit oral health. This should result in fewer visits to the dentist.

Dental Benefits of fasting

While most people that engage in intermittent fasting do so for weight loss purposes, there are also many dental benefits of fasting.

If a person eats and drinks throughout the day, sugar will come into contact with the gums and teeth regularly. This causes plaque, which will eventually cause decay and cavities, and over time, gum disease.

Instead, when fasting, the mouth is limited to just a few hours a day of potential damage. Therefore, arguably the biggest benefit to intermittent fasting is the fact that there are fewer hours where the teeth can be damaged from sugar and harmful bacteria entering the mouth.

Saliva is also an important area in oral health. It is important for the pH levels (levels of acidity in the mouth) of saliva to be regulated. Sugary and starchy foods can affect acidity levels in the mouth, resulting in damaging acids affecting the teeth and wearing down enamel. Therefore, intermittent fasting also helps the regulation of pH levels, as there are fewer hours for food and drink to cause acidity.

Indeed, these statements have been backed up by scientific research. Studies have showed that low calorie diets such as intermittent fasting can reduce periodontal inflammation and gum disease [3]. Other research shows that fasting can help to improve chronic dental diseases and even improve the health of the bones in the mouth [4].

Gum disease affects so many people, as do cavities. In fact, statistics show that seven out of ten Canadians will at some point in their life have gum disease [5]. Therefore, it is clear how an intermittent diet can benefit our oral health, though a nutritious diet and brushing our teeth regularly are important too.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

While we do recommend intermittent fasting, it is important to state that this shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for regular dental check-ups.

We always emphasise that early detection of dental problems is crucial. The best way to detect problems is attending regular check-ups.

Our dental clinic Savanna Dental is located in a convenient area within Calgary, Alberta. We do everything we can to take care of our patients, and ensure they have a comfortable experience with us.

When treatment is required, our Calgary-based dental clinic has a wide range of services available to our patients, including regular fillings, root canals, scaling, dentures and many others. We provide a tailored treatment plan for each patient, to ensure their dental needs are met.

Summary

While intermittent fasting certainly has health benefits, it might not be for you. Regardless of the way you consume food and drink, what matters most is that you eat a healthy and balanced diet. This, along with regular dental check-ups and consistent tooth-brushing, can help towards maintaining strong oral health.

We offer dental check-ups and a range of treatments at Savanna Dental – located in Calgary. Click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the various services we have available to our patients.

  • [1] Patterson, R. E., & Sears, D. D. (2017). Metabolic Effects of Intermittent Fasting. Annual Review of Nutrition. 37. p371-393.
  • [2] Mattson, M. P., & Wan, R. (2005). Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 16 (3). p129-137.
  • [3] Branch-Mays, G. L., Dawson, D. R., Gunsolley, J. C., Reynolds, M. A., Ebersole, J. L., Novak, K. F., Mattison, J. A., Ingram, D. K., & Novak, M. J. (2008). The effects of a calorie-reduced diet on periodontal inflammation and disease in a non-human primate model. Journal of periodontology. 79 (7). p1184–1191.
  • [4] Wulansari, L., Kaboosaya, B., Vo, T. N. N., Ding, L., & Kasugai, S. (2017). The effects of fasting regimen on periodontal tissues. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 28 (14). p162-162.
  • [5] Canadian Dental Association. (2021). Gum Disease FAQs. Available: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/faqs/gum_diseases_faqs.asp. Last accessed: 7th May 2021.
Dental Health After 1 Year of Covid - Savanna Dental
4May
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, with over one million confirmed cases in Canada alone. While Covid-19 has caused disruption in so many areas, one of the hidden effects of the pandemic is based around oral health, with health professionals believing that the current situation facing the dental industry is highly-worrying, with one labelling it as a “dental disaster”.

It has been over a year since Covid-19 started to cause havoc across Canada, with restrictions remaining in place to this day. Social distancing, wearing masks and lockdowns have all become part of day-to-day life.

Everyone is aware of the deadly nature of Covid-19, which has caused (at the time of writing) over three million deaths around the world [1]. However, there are also many unseen consequences of the deadly virus. One area that has been heavily affected by the global pandemic is the dental health of the population, with dentists and health professionals warning against long-term oral damage as a result of Covid-19.

“A Dental Disaster”

Such is the damage caused, Dr. Gerhard Konrad Seeberger, the President of the FDI World Dental Federation, has referred to the current situation as “a dental disaster” [2].

Dentists have been speaking about a higher incidence of tooth decay and gum disease since the Covid-19 restrictions began. Causes of this aren’t entirely clear, though increased snacking between meals and poor mental health and associated overeating appear to be potential aggravating factors.

Perhaps the biggest factor has been dental appointment postponements. Unfortunately, the restrictions have meant that many dental clinics have been forced into postponing regular appointments, and instead have been purely focusing on emergency treatments.

Many people have therefore not attended the dentist in over a year, which is leading to an increase in undetected dental problems.

The effects of poor oral health

Statistics show that only 37.5% of Canadians brush their teeth twice a day [3], with many neglecting their oral health. Poor oral hygiene can result in many problems, including physical health problems.

Unfortunately, for many people that have not attended the dentist in over a year, they are likely to be having dental problems. If left untreated, simple cavities can develop into more serious problems.

Then there is gum disease, which the Canadian Dental Association have found will affect seven out of ten Canadians at some point in their lives [4]. Early detection of gum disease is crucial, as the earlier treatment begins, the better the chance of successful treatment. But missing appointments has meant these problems are left untreated for too long.

It is therefore important for us to all consistently brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and have a nutritious diet. Ultimately, this can help fight against decaying teeth that can cause many problems.

What we can offer our patients at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental we are aware of the problems that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the population. It is entirely understandable that in a year where we have all been battling to survive, that trips to the dentist may not be considered as an essential thing to do.

But the truth is, delaying dental check-ups can result in multiple problems, as this article has shown. We understand that many people are apprehensive regarding visiting the dentist after a long time away, but we offer a comfortable and non-judgmental environment for our patients.

We are a Calgary dental clinic, and provide services such as fillings, root canals, dentures, scaling and more. We are always happy to help our patients, and will provide an effective and tailored treatment plan to meet their needs.

Summary

We are all aware of the impact caused by Covid-19. But very few are aware of the impact the pandemic is having on oral health. It is now more important than ever before to look after our mouths.

Attending regular dental appointments is crucial, and can keep our oral health strong. We would love you to visit our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the great range of services available to our patients.

Study Finds Elderly Patients Are Visiting the Dentist Less and Less, With Worrying Consequences - Savanna Dental
27Apr
Various studies have found that as we age, we are less likely to visit the dentist, which has worrying long-term consequences. Many people neglect their oral health, without realising the impact it has on their physical health. Attending regular check-ups is crucial, and can help with early detection of problems. At Savanna Dental, we welcome patients of all ages, and provide ongoing support and a range of treatments for our patients.

As we age, our physical health typically declines, leading to numerous visits to the doctor, multiple medications being prescribed, and other ailments adding to our troubles. But one area that many people neglect as they get older is their oral health, which not only further affects their physical health, but it can also lead to oral pain that has long-term consequences. This is of course avoidable with regular visits to the dentist.

The evidence

A study published in the Journal of Research on Aging found that as patients get older, they become less likely to attend dental appointments [1]. These results were even more pronounced for ethnic minorities.

The study tracked how American adults aged 51 and over interacted with dental services. Almost 90% of those in the study were American citizens, with the remainder foreign-born nationals.

The study found that 70% of respondents visited a dentist at some point in the two years prior to the study, but for those over 80, the rate dropped significantly.

Moreover, the study determined that among immigrants and ethnic minorities, that the number of people who visit the dentist regularly is comparatively lower when compared to American nationals. Similar trends regarding access to dental services in relation to social class also appear to exist in Canada [2].

Why is this?

It is an interesting question – why is it that over 80’s and ethnic minorities are less likely to go to the dentist? The aforementioned study suggests that low awareness of the importance of oral health, lack of access to dental care, and having no insurance coverage are key factors.

It has been well documented how Medicare does not provide support for dental care (click here to read more) – which causes problems for many Canadians. Covid-19 has had a big impact on the finances of most Canadians, which has limited their access further to dental clinics.

Concern over costs have been longstanding around the world, with a study in 2008 finding that many elderly patients weighed up dental costs with functionality and social appearance. They also considered future living costs versus dental costs and finally, whether or not the dental work would be worthwhile in terms of how long they live [3].

As mentioned, ethnic minorities also appear to be less likely to visit the dentist. Similar factors to the above, along with other potential areas such as racial discrimination and language barriers, are likely to explain this.

The importance of maintaining healthy oral hygiene

Something that many people are unaware of is the link between oral health and overall physical health. Therefore, it is very important to attend regular dental check-ups. Gum disease, inflammation and even mouth cancer are just some of the possible complications arising from poor oral health.

A 2017 report published in the United Kingdom found that dental surgeons were becoming increasingly concerned about the impact that poor oral health was having on older people’s general health [4]. The report also confirmed that dental problems were linked to malnutrition and pneumonia in older people.

Perhaps even more worrying, the Harvard Medical School found in 2010 that the chance of having tooth damage severe enough to require a root canal or similarly invasive procedure triples once you’re over the age of 65 [5]. This emphasises the importance of looking after our mouth.

As we always say, early detection is crucial. We really can’t emphasise this enough! What may start out as a small cavity that can be filled easily, could, left untreated, become something more serious where evasive action may need to be taken in the future. So instead of a simple filling, a more complex procedure like a root canal or even an extraction may be needed.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we welcome everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or nationality – we guarantee a welcoming and courteous patient experience. We know these are difficult times to visit the dentist, but we aim to provide a comfortable environment for our patients in a convenient location within Calgary.

We are also aware that finances can be an issue. But here at Savanna Dental, we set our prices in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which ensures that our patients have access to affordable healthcare at a competitive price.

We offer many different treatments at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental. These treatments can be tailored to the varying needs of our patients. Regular check-ups are the best way to avoid problems, though when problems are identified, we have a range of treatments to restore positive oral health for our patients.

Summary

Looking after our oral health is crucial, especially as we get older; with the statistics above showing the potential problems facing the elderly. But by visiting the dentist regularly, we are able to detect problems early, and act appropriately.

As always, brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating a balanced and nutritious diet can all help. When you do need help, or want to schedule a check-up, we will be more than happy to assist, check out our website for more https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

  • [1] Zhang, W., Wu, Y. Y., & Wu, B. (2019). Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Dental Service Utilization for Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Research on Aging. 41 (9): p845-867.
  • [2] Bedos, C., Brodeur, J-M., Boucheron, L., Richard, L., Benigeri, M., Olivier, M., & Haddad, S. (2003). The dental care pathway of welfare recipients in Quebec. Social Science & Medicine. 57 (11): p2089-2099.
  • [3] Giddings, L., Mckenzie-Green, B., Buttle, L., & Tahana, K. (2008). Oral Healthcare for Older People: ‘i Can’t Afford Not to Go to the Dentist, but Can I Afford It?’. New Zealand Medical Journal. 121 (1281): p72-79.
  • [4] Royal College of Surgeons: Faculty of Dental Surgery. (2017). Improving older people’s oral health. Available: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/files/rcs/fds/media-gov/fds-improving-older-peoples-oral-health-2017.pdf. Last accessed: 23rd April 2021.
  • [5] Harvard Medical School. (2010). The aging mouth – and how to keep it younger. Available: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-aging-mouth-and-how-to-keep-it-younger. Last accessed: 22nd April 2021.
20Apr
Covid-19 has caused chaos across Canada in a number of ways. Some effects have been widely covered in the media, but an area that not many know about is the impact Covid-19 has had on access to dental care. This has caused anxiety among Canadians, and increased the financial burden caused by the pandemic.

We are well over a year into the global Covid-19 pandemic, and restrictions are still in force across Canada. There has been more than 1million confirmed cases, with almost 25,000 people tragically losing their lives.

The self-employed, the hospitality industry and the education sector are among the well-publicised areas to have been particularly affected by Covid-19. However, one area that many have neglected to focus on is the impact of Covid-19 on dental care, with the financial position of most Canadian citizens worsening throughout the pandemic, leaving many unable to afford dental care.

This situation has caused some to debate whether or not dental care should become part of the nation’s Medicare health-care system. Another topic to consider is the physical and mental health consequences caused by a lack of dental care.

Canadians Struggling to afford dental care

Canadians have become accustomed to dental care not being part of Medicare – the nation’s health-care system. Unfortunately, dental care has been seen as a form of luxury care, rather than an essential part of our overall, ongoing health.

The majority of the population have to pay dental fees outright, or through some form of insurance policy. Either way, with the financial hardship caused by Covid-19, many people are deciding to skip visiting the dentist in a desperate effort to save money.

In fact, even before Covid-19, in 2018, almost 25% of Canadian citizens avoided seeing a dental professional due to concerns over the cost [1]. Presumably, this total will have increased since then.

Increase in physical and mental health problems

Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 has had a marked effect on mental health, with statistics showing that the mental health and general wellbeing of the Canadian population has declined substantially since Covid-19’s onset [2].

In the absence of dental care, self-esteem issues regarding oral appearance and anxiety about future procedures and costs will only worsen mental wellbeing.

But what is most concerning is the fact that the longer a person waits to receive dental care, the worse their oral health becomes. What originally starts as minor cavities that can easily be treated, can morph into more serious conditions that require more complex and costly procedures like a root canal or a crown.

It is a well-known fact that poor oral health can result in physical health conditions developing too. Just recently we reported on research that links oral inflammation like gum disease to an increased chance of suffering from severe symptoms of Covid-19(click here to read more). Furthermore, various studies have found that poor oral health correlates with poor physical fitness, body balance and cognitive functions [3], which underlines the importance of maintaining good oral health.

Alberta’s ADA Fee Guide

Our dental clinic is based in Calgary, Alberta. Here at Savanna Dental, we adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients across our wide range of services.

So while this may not be the easiest of times to visit the dentist, we hope you know that by visiting us at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, that you will have access to affordable treatment in a safe and convenient location.

What Savanna Dental can offer

We care deeply about our patients, and know that the earlier treatment takes place, the better the chance of successful treatment. We ensure that throughout your journey with us, that we provide a caring and comfortable environment, while giving you tailored advice for your specific circumstances.

Most dental problems are preventable. It is important to brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your dentist. Problems can be detected and acted upon, which will save you pain and higher dental fees in the months and years to follow. We ensure that our patients come away feeling healthy, and that they receive a high standard of care at all times.

We hope you visit us soon! You can find out more about the services we offer and our contact information via our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.