Author: savannadental

People suffering from Gum disease are at risk of developing severe symptoms of Covid-19 should they catch the virus, recent research has revealed. The research suggests that inflammation associated with gum disease can be a risk factor for developing severe symptoms of Covid-19, which has placed an added emphasis on the importance of good oral hygiene.

As Covid-19 continues to cause havoc across the world, scientists continue to learn more and more about the virus. In a rather concerning development, recent studies suggest that gum disease can actually be a risk factor for developing severe symptoms of Covid-19.

We are all aware of the dangers associated with poor oral health – cavities, gum disease, bad breath etc. But something that not many people are aware of is that oral health also contributes to overall physical health. This is evidenced by the worrying link between Covid-19 and gum disease, as we will discuss.

Studies show a link between gum disease and Covid-19

Recent research from the California Dental Association Journal [LINK: http://www.mouthcovid.com/] suggests that gum disease can increase the chances of an individual developing severe symptoms from Covid-19 [1].

The study reviewed common themes across pre-existing Covid-related studies and analysed statistics on gum disease. They were able to conclude that areas associated with gum disease – such as inflammation and high plaque levels – could increase the risk of a person developing debilitating Covid-19 symptoms.

The authors determined that dental care can have a “major impact” on the overall outcome of how a patient copes with the coronavirus [1]. Inflammation appears to be a big risk factor in Covid-19, and the researchers found that inflammation in the gums can be linked to further inflammation in the body.

Another study analysed a cohort of 568 patients in Qatar, including some with mild symptoms, and some that had been hospitalised due to severe complications with Covid-19. The study found that those with severe gum disease were at least three times more likely than those without gum disease to have severe symptoms with Covid-19 [2].

It is well known that the symptoms of Covid-19 can differ significantly from person-to-person [3]. While many people have very mild symptoms that cause little disruption to their life, some people have severe symptoms that can result in hospital admission.

It isn’t entirely known why some people suffer worse than others, although certain risk factors exist that increase the chances of a person suffering badly from Covid-19. One of these risk factors, as mentioned, is gum disease. Poor oral health has also been linked to other physical health problems such as lung problems [4]. This shows just how important good oral hygiene is.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a common condition, but one that can be prevented, and at the very least, managed. Gum disease typically involves your gums becoming swollen or infected, and may also involve bleeding gums and/or bad breath.

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of a sticky, bacteria-filled substance called plaque. Plaque develops when sugary food and drink e.g., candy or soft drinks are consumed over a length of time. Plaque gradually wears down tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay, and ultimately further problems.

What can patients do?

We are fortunate in Canada to have excellent dental services readily available to us. Whether you are located in Calgary, Montreal or Vancouver, there is a wide range of dental clinics around the country.

Gum disease is preventable. It is important to adopt good oral hygiene, which is the best way to stop gum disease. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and attending regular dentist appointments.

The earlier an issue is detected, the better the chance is of successful treatment. That’s why it is so important to regularly visit the dentist, who will be able to identify any problems, and advise where necessary.

What we can offer

Here at Savanna Dental we know all about the problems facing patients with gum disease. We ensure that throughout their journey with us, our patients are kept well-informed about the condition of their gums. We offer many different services to help patients with a range of oral problems.

Calgary has many different dentists and dental clinics to choose from. When trying to find a Calgary dentist, there are many elements you may wish to consider. At a time when oral hygiene is more important than ever before, it is crucial that you select a dentist that can offer effective solutions that are tailored to your circumstances.

At our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we can offer our customers a vast array of services to help them with their oral health. In terms of gum disease, specific treatments that we offer that can help include Oral Exams, and Dental Cleanings.

Summary

Practicing good oral hygiene is more important than ever before. While the link between oral problems and physical health problems has been known for several years, this latest development involving Covid-19 places further emphasis on the importance of oral hygiene.

At Savanna Dental, we are able to provide our patients with many treatments that can aid their oral health. We would love for you to visit our website where we will be happy to help you, and answer any queries that you might have.

Sources

• [1] Molayem, S., & Cruvinel Pontes, C. (2020). The Mouth-COVID Connection: Il-6 Levels in Periodontal Disease — Potential Role in COVID-19-Related Respiratory Complications, Journa of California Dental Association, October 2020 issue.
• [2] American Academy of Periodontology. (2021). New Study Links Periodontitis and Covid-19 Complications. Available: https://www.perio.org/periodontitis_COVID-19_complications. Last accessed: 26 Mar 2021.
• [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Symptoms of Coronavirus. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Last accessed: 26 Mar 2021.
• [4] Muthu, J., Muthanandam, S., & Mahendra, J. (2016). Mouth the mirrors of lungs: where does the connection lie?. Frontiers of Medicine, 10(1), p405-409.

Learn how your Calgary dental clinic can begin implementing eco-friendly dentistry practices in 2021.

There is no denying one threat we all have in common: the rising concern of global warming and its detrimental effects on future generations if we do not act accordingly across all industries. Therefore, it is imperative that your Calgary dental clinic, alongside the rest of Canada’s dental hygienists, implement more intuitive eco-friendly dentistry practices in our everyday applications to ensure we’re doing our part to safeguard a bright and sustainable future for all Canadians and global citizens. If you are not already practicing eco-friendly dentistry as a Calgary dentist, here are some ways that you can begin bettering your clinical procedures.

The Impact of the Health System on Carbon Emissions

According to the CMAJ Group, the health care system as of 2019 is “responsible for 4.6% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, as well as more than 200,000 tons of other pollutants, resulting in 23,000 years of life lost every year from disability or early death,” caused by environmental impacts. With this statistic evidently to grow in the coming years, we must begin making changes as soon as possible to move forward with an eco-conscious outlook. While the Canadian Dental Association has been relatively quiet on global warming for the last while, the American Dental Association released 80 methods in which dentists worldwide can begin eco-friendly dentistry practices. Let’s take a look at some of what they have noted:

Eco Dentistry Practices

1. Implement an eco-friendly sterilization protocol within your Calgary dental clinic, including eco-friendly solutions and cleaning tools.
2. Begin integrating eco-friendly oral care products, including mouthwash, floss, and toothpaste.
3. Provide your patients with biodegradable plastic bags as an alternative when providing them with their dental giveaways.
4. Send all patients appointment reminders using email or SMS text messages when possible or recycled paper if they request a physical copy.
5. Switch to biodegradable disposable cups.
6. Purchase rechargeable batteries for office appliances such as TV remotes.
7. Bring old appliances and technology to proper recycling plants.
8. Ask all of your practicing Calgary dentist members in your clinic to shut down their computers at the end of the night.
9. Use biodegradable medical gloves and dental bibs.
10. See what methods of reusable energy are available for your Calgary dental clinic.

Final Thoughts

While these are only 10 out of the 80 suggestions released by the ADA, all of the ones we have listed below are easily attainable and can be implemented in your Calgary dental clinic with ease. While these methods may seem minuscule in your practice, we can begin making eco-conscious decisions towards building a brighter future together as an industry.

Sources

• https://www.cmaj.ca/content/191/48/E1342
• https://success.ada.org/en/practice-management/office-design/80-ways-to-make-your-dental-practice-green

Have you started to notice discoloration in your smile during COVID-19? Learn from a certified Calgary dentist whether whitening your teeth at home is risky business or safe to go ahead with.

Various methods of in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popularized in recent years. Although most of our teeth are generally white overall, our tooth enamel becomes more and more discoloured over time for various reasons. With the severity of the pandemic still upon us, many clients at our Calgary dental clinic location have inquired whether it is safe to proceed with whitening their teeth at home. If you are questioning this, stick around and find out the answer to this question from one of our Calgary dentist specialists.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Before we get into our teeth whitening discussion, let’s quickly review some causes of tooth discoloration that may occur on particular teeth or throughout your entire smile:

• Drinks such as red wine, tea, and coffee.
• The tar and nicotine found in tobacco.
• When you age, the dentin, located directly beneath the tooth, begins to get more yellow as your tooth enamel becomes thinner.
• If you have ever suffered trauma to your mouth area, you may have disrupted blood flow to your teeth which will cause it to slowly decay over time.
• Medications including some brands of high blood pressure prescriptions, antihistamines and antipsychotics.

Teeth Whitening Selections

Now that we understand the cause of tooth discoloration, let’s take a quick look at the tooth whitening options clients have available to them:

• Teeth whitening toothpaste works to fade the discoloration on the surface of your teeth. It is considered to be the mildest method of teeth whitening procedures available.
• Whitening strips, lights and trays that work to lighten the tooth enamel.
• In-house at a Calgary dental clinic that is performed by a professional.

Is it safe to whiten your teeth at home during COVID-19?

Generally speaking, clients should not worry about any health concerns when whitening their teeth at home. That being said, you may experience some side effects depending on the type of at-home treatment you decided to use, including extreme tooth sensitivity and irritated gums. This typically occurs when whitening products contain chlorine dioxide, which has the potential of damaging and diminishing the layer of tooth enamel on your teeth, which causes sensitivity. While not all at-home teeth whitening solutions utilize chlorine dioxide, it is recommended that you check the label to see the listed ingredients. Keep the whitening strips on for the amount indicated on the product box, but no longer. As a Calgary dentist professional, it is understandable that clients may wish to use multiple treatments on their teeth to speed the process along. However, we do not recommend you do so, as it may cause harm to your gum tissues and lead you to have severe sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

All in all, clients can safely whiten their teeth at home without any severe health concerns. If you are, however, looking for a Calgary dentist that operates out of a Calgary dental clinic to provide you with a professional teeth whitening service, we are currently open and operating in accordance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

For more information, contact our Calgary dental clinic

Sources:

• https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/talk/procedures/teeth_whitening/
• https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration#1
• https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/whitening