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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.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month - Savanna Dental - Oral Exams
13Apr
This April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to increase knowledge of the dangers and symptoms associated with Oral cancer among the public. Oral cancer is a debilitating condition, but one that with early detection, can be treated successfully. At Savanna Dental we aim to provide the services needed to lower the threat of Oral cancer, and provide ongoing support and treatment when needed for our patients.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which is a period of time dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of Oral cancer (also known as Mouth Cancer), the signs and symptoms of the condition, and the importance of attending regular dental check-ups in order to remain protected against the condition.

The non-profit organization Oral Cancer Foundation organize the month-long campaign, which is supported by numerous dental associations and research bodies around the world. It is an important issue, with Oral cancer remaining a common form of cancer.

The most crucial element in Oral cancer is early detection. By detecting problems early, survival rates can increase. While the statistics behind the condition are somewhat worrying, there are things that we can all do to lessen the threat of the condition – with attending regular check-ups highly important.

The Statistics

Oral cancer is actually more common than many people think. Around the world, it is the 6th most common type of cancer [1]. Figures from the Canadian Cancer Statistics [2] show that in 2020, an estimated 5,400 Canadians were diagnosed with Oral cancer, with the condition causing 1,500 deaths. The condition is more common in men than women, and has a 64% survival rate over the course of five years [3].

Risk Factors

There are risk factors involved with Oral cancer, however it is important to mention that anyone can be affected by Oral cancer. Those that are heavy alcohol drinkers and smokers are at a heightened risk, especially those over the age of 50.

But younger people are increasingly being affected by Oral cancer, which has largely been attributed to the ongoing spread of the sexually transmitted infection Human Papillomavirus virus (HPV), with the HPV-16 subtype especially linked to oral cancer [4].

Steps we can take

There are certainly steps that we can take to increase our chances of avoiding Oral cancer. Without doubt, the most important step we can take is to attend regular dental check-ups. The earlier that symptoms of Oral cancer are detected, the better the chance of survival. Regularly seeing your dentist is the best thing that we can do to avoid Oral cancer.

The Oral Cancer Foundation’s “Check Your MouthTM” initiative encourages the public to remain aware of the symptoms, even between appointments. The typical symptoms seen in Oral cancer are, but not limited to [1]:

  • Any form of growth e.g., a lump, in your mouth
  • A sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
  • Discoloration of some tissues in the mouth
  • Unexplained numbness on the lip or tongue
  • The mouth bleeding easily
  • Swollen glands
  • Jaw swelling

Aside from looking out for the symptoms and attending regular check-ups, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption are excellent ways of lessening our chances of getting Oral cancer. A healthy and nutritious diet with plenty of fruit and vegetable can also be recommended.

What we offer

As mentioned, it is crucial to attend regular dental check-ups. Our Calgary-based clinic Savanna Dental offers a range of services to customers, from regular check-ups to more complex treatments. We will always be happy to help, and provide the treatment you require in a comfortable environment. Our dental clinic is in a convenient location in Calgary.

We provide oral exam services to screen and prevent Oral cancer. If you do suffer from Oral cancer, we will provide comprehensive advice on how to treat it and offer guidance that is tailored to your personal situation. We always aim to contribute to the ongoing positive oral health of our patients.

Summary

Oral cancer is a condition that can be treated. We really can’t emphasize enough the importance of early detection, meaning that regular check-ups are important. We care about your oral health here at Savanna Dental. Contact us or visit our website at https://savannadentalclinic.ca if you would like to learn more about the services we can offer.

New Research Suggests Lost Teeth Can Be Regenerated - Savanna Dental - Dental Implants & Dentures Calgary
5Apr
Japanese researchers have discovered a potential method of regenerating lost teeth. Tests on a certain gene (USAG-1) found that with antibody treatment, the regrowth of a tooth was possible. This news has led to the belief that eventually, this research could be used in professional dentistry.

Losing teeth as we get older has seemingly become a fact of life. But this could soon be a thing of the past, as Japanese scientists have found a link between an antibody for a gene and possible regeneration of teeth.

Research recently published in Science Advances concluded that while there is a long way to go before this research could be applied to humans, it was an exciting development [1].

Whether through genetic conditions, tooth decay, gum disease or a bad accident, losing teeth is very common. In fact, studies suggest as many as 178million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth, with similar rates in Canada [2].

The Research

Researchers from Kyoto University and the University of Fukui found during animal testing that when a certain gene (named as USAG-1) was suppressed, followed by the use of an antibody treatment, tooth regrowth was possible [1].

The researchers genetically altered mice to make them have a condition called “tooth agenesis”, which causes a person to have either a higher or lower number of teeth than the usual 32 that is customary among adults. Humans can suffer from this condition too, which affects approximately 1% of the population [3].

Tooth agenesis is a congenital (present from birth) condition, and normally runs in families. But when pregnant mice were injected with the above gene, the teeth of their offspring were normal, and free of tooth agenesis. This is an exciting development, as tooth agenesis usually runs in families. While this approach can’t be used on humans yet (tests on further animals will follow), there is potential for use in humans in the not-too-distant future.

Replacing teeth: the current solutions

Losing teeth can be a difficult experience – but there are solutions. While tooth regeneration in humans may be possible eventually, for the foreseeable future, we can use more tried and tested methods.

The most common approaches involve a patient receiving an implant or dentures. These services are available at many locations across Canada, whether in Vancouver, Montreal or Calgary dental clinics, customers should be able to find a solution to their problem.

Benefits of implants/dentures

Implants and dentures have come a long way in recent years. Both are popular choices, and have positives and negatives attached to them.

Dentures are essentially false teeth, and as long as they are secured strongly, they can be very convenient. It is important for dentures to be fit properly, as infection and further decay is possible if they are poorly fitted. Visiting an accredited dentist is therefore important.

Dental implants meanwhile are useful for when a patient’s gums and jaw are healthy. This involves replacement teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Dental implants last several years, and are a good choice for those that have 1 or 2 teeth missing. Dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent years [4].

Both methods can help a person smile with confidence, and can improve the way someone eats, drinks and speaks. Both dentures and implants also offer natural-looking results.

At our Calgary-based dental clinic, we have these services available for you, and hopefully this will result in better oral health, and ultimately an improvement in self-esteem and quality of life.

Summary

While this discovery is unlikely to affect humans any time soon, it is a very exciting development that could revolutionize the dental industry.

Fortunately, until then, there are excellent choices available to customers. Our Calgary-based dental clinic offers a variety of services for people who have lost teeth. We encourage you to look at our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. Feel free to get in contact with us to hear more about our range of services.

Sources

  • [1] Murashima-Suginami, A., Kiso, H., Tokita, Y., Mihara, E., Nambu, Y., Uozumi, R., Tabata, Y., Bessho, K., Takagi, J., Sugai, M., & Takahashi, K. (2021). Anti–USAG-1 therapy for tooth regeneration through enhanced BMP signaling. Science Advances, 7 (7). p.1-10.
  • [2] Dhima, M., Paulusova, V., Lohse, C., Salinas, T. J. and Carr, A. B. (2014). Practice‐Based Evidence from 29‐Year Outcome Analysis of Management of the Edentulous Jaw Using Osseointegrated Dental Implants. Journal of Prosthodontics, 23 (3). p173-181.
  • [3] Tavajohi-Kermani, H., Kapur, R., & Sciote, J. J. (2002). Tooth agenesis and craniofacial morphology in an orthodontic population. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 122 (1). p39-47.
  • [4] Elani, H. W., Starr, J. R., Da Silva, J. D., & Gallucci, G. O. (2018). Trends in Dental Implant Use in the U.S., 1999-2016, and Projections to 2026. Journal of Dental Research, 97 (13). p1424-1430.