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Does Water Fluoridation Guarantee Benefits to Oral Health?
22Jan
Water Fluoridation is commonly regarded as one of the most effective health advancements in recent decades. Studies have consistently shown the benefits of water fluoridation to oral health. However, with fluoride commonly found in other products, can governments and policymakers justify the costs of further water fluoridation projects? Now, new research has tackled this topic.

Recent research has looked into the impact of Water Fluoridation programs in England. This includes both existing programs, and potential projects in the future.

The research suggests that while existing water fluoridation programs help to save money, there is no guarantee that future schemes will follow the same pattern [1].

This is an interesting finding, with water fluoridation a topic that elicits differing responses from many nations. These findings may help to guide future government policies.

What is Water Fluoridation?

Water Fluoridation refers to the process where a small amount of the natural chemical Fluoride is added to the public water supply. Numerous studies have shown that water fluoridation is associated with a reduction in cavities [2].

However, water fluoridation has also proven to be a controversial topic. Many countries have banned its practice outright, citing ethical concerns, and the potential dangers to over-exposure to fluoride.

This research took place in the United Kingdom. Approximately 11% of those living in England live in areas with water fluoridation schemes [3]. Therefore, the majority do not. The cities of Newcastle and Birmingham are among the largest areas to have water fluoridation schemes [3].

As the majority of research into water fluoridation was conducted prior to fluoride being added to toothpaste in the 1970s, it has been argued that more contemporary research is needed.

The Research

The research was carried out by the University of Manchester. Their findings have been published in the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology journal [1].

Their research forms the largest ever study into the effects of water fluoridation on the dental health of adults [1]. In England, the majority of people access their dental care through the National Health Service (NHS).

The research involved looking at 6.4million adults and adolescents living in England [1]. Across these millions of adults, some lived in areas with fluoridated water, while others didn’t.

This created two cohorts. The researchers looked to see how patients in each cohort reacted over a 10-year period. Furthermore, this involved looking at areas like fillings, teeth extractions, tooth decay and missing teeth [1].

Overall, the findings were largely positive in respect to water fluoridation. Over the 10-year period, areas with water fluoridation cost £10.30 per person on average [1]. Moreover, NHS treatment costs were £22.26 lower per person – representing a 5.5% reduction compared to those in areas without water fluoridation [1].

Moreover, patients in fluoridated areas paid marginally less in dental charges. Unlike the majority of the NHS, dental care is not free in the UK. On average, those in fluoridated areas paid £7.64 less than their counterparts in non-fluoridated areas [1].

In locations where water fluoridation was in operation, there was a 3% reduction in NHS invasive dental treatment like fillings and extractions [1]. Moreover, there was a 2% reduction in decayed, missing, and filled teeth [1]. These reductions were in comparison to a group of people that lived in non-fluoridated areas over the 10 years.

The researchers came to the conclusion that the public sector saved £16.9million between 2010 and 2020 due to water fluoridation [1]. This presents large savings to the NHS.

Are the benefits worthwhile for the future?

Based on the findings, it could be argued that water fluoridation is worthwhile, and that further water fluoridation programs should take place.

However, the NHS needs to take cost into consideration, and may need to judge if the outlay required for further water fluoridation programs can be justified based on cost savings.

For example, while there were benefits to those in fluoridated areas, these improvements were rather marginal. Therefore, it is questionable as to whether or not these modest improvements can justify the expenditure involved.

A new water fluoridation scheme that would replicate similar programs from 2009 would cost approximately £50million. Therefore, based on this research, it would take around 30 years for the NHS to experience any savings [1]. This represents a significant time period.

It has also been argued that people have more access to fluoride through toothpastes and mouthwashes in the present day. This also adds to the suggestion that water fluoridation programs are not entirely needed for future generations.

Summary

Water fluoridation has been hailed as one of the most important health advancements in recent decades. There are many benefits to it, despite some opposition to it.

But water fluoridation isn’t enough on its own. Excellent oral hygiene and regular check-ups are needed. After all, there have been concerns from dentists over tooth decay levels.

For example, lead author Dr. Deborah Moore – from the University of Manchester – has said that “tooth decay remains almost universal by adulthood, even in populations that have had access to fluoride toothpastes and fluoridated water from birth” [4]. Therefore, even those in fluoridated areas are still able to develop tooth decay.

Overall, while existing water fluoridation programs in England provide marginal savings for the NHS, there is no guarantee that new schemes would continue to provide such cost savings. This represents an interesting dilemma for health professionals and policymakers going forward.

Thinking points…

[1] While the addition of fluoride to toothpaste and mouthwash products has helped to protect against cavities, we all need to ensure we have excellent oral hygiene! This includes attending regular dental check-ups, as this provides your dentist with the chance to examine your mouth, provide advice, and suggest treatment if needed. You should attend the dentist at least twice per year. We recommend booking an appointment now!

[2] Do you know if the area you’re in has fluoridated water? It can be interesting to find out! Why not have a discussion about the topic with those around you to see how everyone feels towards its practice? Feel free to share this article with your friends and family to start a discussion! You could also speak about it to your dentist if you need further advice.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Moore, D., Nyakutsikwa, B., Allen, T., Lam, E., Birch, S., Tickle, M., Pretty, I. A., & Walsh, T. (2024). How effective and cost-effective is water fluoridation for adults and adolescents? The LOTUS 10-year retrospective cohort study. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. (Pre-publication issue).DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12930.

[2] Slade, G. D., Grider, W. B., Maas, W. R., & Sanders, A. E. (2018). Water Fluoridation and Dental Caries in U.S. Children and Adolescents. Journal of Dental Research. 97 (10): p1122-1128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0022034518774331.

[3] Department of Health & Social Care. (2022). Health and Care Bill: water fluoridation. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-and-care-bill-factsheets/health-and-care-bill-water-fluoridation. Last accessed: 17th January 2024.

[4] Addelman, M. (2024). Future benefits of water fluoridation not guaranteed, study shows. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-future-benefits-fluoridation.html. Last accessed: 17th January 2024.

Which Drinks Are the Worst for Tooth Discoloration During Chlorhexidine Treatment?
15Jan
Chlorhexidine is an ingredient which is commonly found in oral health products. Unfortunately, it is associated with tooth discoloration. But it is apparent that some beverages are worse than others for tooth discoloration during chlorhexidine treatment. Now, a research team has examined a range of beverages, with the aim of analyzing their impact on tooth discoloration when using chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine is the name of an ingredient which is commonly used in oral health products – with it mainly found in mouth rinses. For many decades, chlorhexidine has been used to improve oral health and protect teeth from potential damage.

However, one of the unfortunate side effects of chlorhexidine treatment is that tooth discoloration commonly takes place. This unwanted side effect puts many people off using any chlorhexidine-containing product.

But now, a research team has looked to see the impact that different beverages have on tooth discoloration during chlorhexidine treatment [1]. The findings from this study can be passed on by dentists to their patients – which should ease concerns over chlorhexidine.

What is Chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent which has an excellent effect on fungi and some viruses. Therefore, it works to reduce bacteria levels in the mouth.

However, as mentioned, chlorhexidine is linked with tooth discoloration [2]. This is due to a biochemical process in the mouth. This process means that when chlorhexidine is used, the positive charge of chlorhexidine sticks to negatively charged mouth surfaces, like saliva and enamel – and remains there for a long time frame [3].

Tooth discoloration is problematic for many reasons. It typically affects self-esteem and weakens enamel, which can cause many long-term problems.

Certain drinks can worsen the impact of tooth discoloration during chlorhexidine treatment. Therefore, looking at this subject area is appealing for researchers.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers at the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft in Germany, Europe. Their findings were published by the European Journal of Dentistry [1].

In order to make valid conclusions, the research team selected 11 beverages to use for their study. These beverages had a range of different pH levels (levels of acid) and different coloring [1].

Next, the different 11 beverages were tested on a mouth model that was produced by the researchers. The mouth featured dental crowns. Then, there was a cycle that the mouth went through – starting with the mouth coming into contact with artificial saliva, then chlorhexidine mouthwash, and finally the beverage [1].

This process was repeated 28 times, which simulated the use of chlorhexidine over a 14-day period, which is the standard length of time that a chlorhexidine mouthwash is used for [1]. Again, to try and replicate real life as closely as possible, daily teeth cleaning was conducted.

At the end of the 14-day period, the researchers analyzed the results. Color readings of the teeth had been taken regularly, while photos were also used. Final photos and readings were taken after the 14-day period [1].

The researchers found that beverages with a high dye molecule content caused persistence teeth staining. For example, tea, coffee and red wine caused the worst discoloration [1]. Diet coke unsurprisingly completed the top four.

Water, diet lemonade and white wine were the drinks which caused the least discoloration. Ginger and lemon infusion, and lager, were placed in the middle [1].

However, the researchers found that when adding milk to black tea and coffee, discoloration lessened [1]. These were the final 2 of the 11 beverages. This suggests that adding milk to beverages can have a positive effect when taking chlorhexidine.

Summary

These findings are useful for several reasons. They can help dentists to guide their patients on ways of avoiding tooth discoloration. A key finding was that adding milk to hot drinks like tea or coffee can make a big difference. But the findings also show the potential damage that some beverages can do.

As discussed, adding milk to dilute some drinks can be useful. When this isn’t possible, diluting with water can be effective. Brushing teeth and flossing are also vital.

Moreover, the authors also suggested that to lessen the risk of tooth discoloration, those using chlorhexidine should try to leave as much time as possible between using a chlorhexidine product and eating or drinking [1].

When using a chlorhexidine-containing oral product, it is important to exert caution with food and beverage consumption. By being careful, avoiding tooth discoloration is possible.

Thinking points…

[1] This article has looked at the topic of stained or discolored teeth. Unfortunately, this is quite common, and difficult to reverse. However, teeth whitening can be a solution. For example, here at Savanna Dental, we offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits, which can be highly-effective. To find out more about us, drop in to our clinic, or visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

[2] The research also touched on the problems that some beverages cause our teeth. These are popular drinks which many of us consume regularly. However, this can cause problems, which makes attending regular dental appointments very important. These appointments can ensure that your teeth remain strong, and do not require any treatment. We recommend booking a check-up now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Sarembe, S., Kiewsow, A., Pratten, J., & Webster, C. (2022). The Impact on Dental Staining Caused by Beverages in Combination with Chlorhexidine Digluconate. European Journal of Dentistry. 16 (4): p911-918. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1742123.

[2] Batistin, F., Antoniazzi, R. P., & Rosing, C. K. (2010). Staining and calculus formation after 0.12% chlorhexidine rinses in plaque-free and plaque covered surfaces: a randomized trial. Journal of Applied Oral Science. 18 (5): p515-521. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590%2FS1678-77572010000500015.

[3] Fraunhofer Gesellschaft. (2024). Just add milk: Choosing beverages wisely during chlorhexidine treatment. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-beverages-wisely-chlorhexidine-treatment.html. Last accessed: 12th January 2024

How Are Provinces Reacting to the Canadian Federal Dental Plan?
8Jan
The announcement of the Canadian Federal Government’s National Dental Care Plan was hailed as an exciting and transformative moment for healthcare in Canada. However, various provinces have raised concerns over how existing dental programs will co-exist with the government’s plan. This has resulted in concerns that many Canadians will see a change in their dental care, while costs of the federal plan could also rise significantly.

The National Dental Care Plan has received a rather lukewarm reaction from Canadian provinces, with questions raised over how existing programs can co-exist with the federal government’s plan.

As a result, some provinces are reviewing their own dental plans [1]. Therefore, many Canadians may see a change in the dental care they receive, following the outcome of these reviews.

Background

In December 2023, the Canadian Government finalized the details of the national dental plan [2]. The plan aims to provide financial assistance towards dental care to those from low- and middle-income families.

The plan will be rolled out using a phased approach – with seniors and children among those to first receive access to the plan [1]. The current plan suggests that the full rollout will be complete from 2025.

The plan has been met with excitement from many dentists and dental professionals. Moreover, the plan is expected to have a very positive impact on the oral health of Canadians.

However, one of the main issues with the plan involves the concern regarding the co-existence between current provincial programs and the new plan [1].

Problems of co-existing

Following the announcement of the plan, Health Minister Mark Holland said that the program was intended to “fill the gaps”, rather than replace existing provincial dental programs [1].

However, this has proven to be problematic. Amidst concerns that provincial programs will change their approach, Holland has since said the provinces shouldn’t “shove” dental costs onto the government [1].

For the provinces, they are in a position now where they feel they can change their existing programs in a way that offsets many residents towards the federal government’s plan.

If provincial programs do change, or even entirely shut down, the price of the national dental plan could rise significantly. Already, the cost has risen substantially, with the cost expected to be $4.4billion per year. This is on top of the initial $13billion budget.

Different approaches

One such example comes from the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI). PEI has an existing dental plan, although it provides far more limited provisions compared to those seen in the federal program.

Therefore, in PEI, there is a belief that there will be a change in how dental bills are covered in the province, once the federal program is up and running [1]. For example, the federal plan will be open to far more PEI residents compared to the existing plan.

Furthermore, Alberta is another province that has an existing dental program. This program is aimed at children and seniors. However, as with PEI, the program is not as comprehensive as the federal program. Therefore, this will reduce the need for Alberta to run their own dental program.

Spokesperson Charlotte Taillon has said that Alberta wanted to see the federal government invest in existing programs, rather than start “an entirely new insurance-based plan” [1].

Moreover, Taillon said that Alberta “urged the federal government to work with the provinces and territories” to improve existing coverage [1]. However, this didn’t happen. Instead, the government opted to introduce their own program.

Taillon went on to say that Alberta is “currently reviewing the federal announcement” – suggesting that changes are likely to be made after the review [1].

The province of Nova Scotia is also said to be “currently reviewing the federal dental program details to better understand the impacts it will have on dental programs” within the province [1].

In the province of Ontario, they launched a senior’s dental program in 2019 [1]. A spokesperson for the province has said they aren’t expecting any immediate changes based on the federal plan. However, changes in the future cannot be ruled out.

What will happen next?

Each individual province will have their own decision to make in terms of altering their existing plans. Each province will have their own circumstances to consider, including the size of the population and their needs.

Once reviews have taken place, it is likely that we will see changes in existing provincial programs. Therefore, some people may need to access services in a different way, or some may lose some access altogether.

The federal government is hoping that the provincial programs will remain in place after these reviews. This would help to keep the costs down, and keep existing infrastructure in place. There is no timeline on how long these reviews will take.

The aim of the dental plan was to see a vast improvement in the oral health of Canadians around the nation. But we now run the risk of seeing little improvement due to the problems in co-existence between provincial and federal dental plans.

Thinking points…

1) Many people appear to be planning on waiting for the dental plan to be rolled out before next attending the dentist. However, we strongly recommend that you do not change the timing of your regular dental check-ups, especially as the full rollout of the plan is probably around a year away. Attending a check-up at least twice per year is crucial. Therefore, remember to attend appointments regularly! We recommend that you make an appointment soon!

2) One of the leading reasons for the dental plan is concerns over the cost of dental care in Canada. For many people, cost is a big barrier. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means that our prices are fully transparent, competitive and reliable. You can find out more about us on our website Savanna Dental. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Tasker, J. P. (2023). Provinces are reviewing their own dental care programs as Ottawa announces federal plan. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/provincial-dental-programs-reviewing-1.7059399. Last accessed: 6th January 2024.

[2] Government of Canada. (2023). The Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 6th January 2024.

How Do Your Teeth Age, and How Can You Extend the Life of Your Smile?
26Dec
Our teeth age over time, just like any other part of the body. As our teeth age, it makes them more vulnerable to cracking, breaking, or yellowing. But fortunately, there are several things that we can do to extend the life of our smile. This can help us to have a long-lasting and healthy smile!

Our teeth and smile are important to us all, with our oral health, physical health and appearance all impacted by them.

Just like our bodies, our teeth age over time. But how does this work? Moreover, how can we extend the life of our smile? Fortunately, there are things we can all do!

The aging process of teeth

Teeth – like any part of the body – age over time. However, there are a number of factors which determine how this process goes.

As we get older, our teeth become increasingly brittle. Therefore, they become vulnerable to being fractured. For those with existing fillings or root canal treatments, problems are more common.

Moreover, as a person gets older, enamel thins. Under enamel is dentine – which is yellow in colour. Therefore, as we get older, our teeth typically become darker, and more yellow than white.

Having problems with teeth can often cause self-esteem issues. Therefore, your mental health can suffer.

How can you extend the life of your smile?

Fortunately, there are many things that you can do. These ideas focus on avoiding problematic actions, protecting your teeth, and being alert to potential issues.

Avoiding hard foods can help. Equally, chewing equally on both sides ensures that you won’t overload either side. These are small steps that can help.

Bruxism – better known as teeth grinding – is a common action. The Sleep Foundation estimates that approximately 8% of middle-aged adults grind their teeth during sleep [1]. Teeth grinding can erode your teeth, affecting your smile. Therefore, taking steps against this, like wearing a mouth guard, can help.

If you have deep fillings, or have had root canal treatments, your teeth are more vulnerable to breaking. Therefore, consider getting crowns to improve their strength. Similarly, getting implants or dentures for missing teeth can be helpful.

If you have sweet foods or sugary drinks, it is important to drink water afterwards. This can help to regulate the pH levels in your mouth, protecting your teeth. Also, avoiding smoking can help to keep your mouth healthy.

Moreover, drinking water throughout each day is useful. This is especially crucial if you are taking medicine for common conditions like high blood pressure or mental illness – as medicaments for these ailments typically cause dry mouth.

If you have gum disease, getting this regularly analyzed can help. For example, root planing and scaling can help your gums – both in appearance and longevity. Therefore, this should reduce the chances of dark roots or small holes appearing.

The state of your physical health is also important. A process called cellular senescence is the natural process where our DNA changes – reducing our ability to withstand physical or biological damage as we get older.

Cellular senescence increases the chance of cancer and chronic illnesses developing [2]. But a healthy lifestyle can help to protect against this. Therefore, remember to exercise regularly and eat healthily!

Another useful thing that you can do is to keep in regular contact with your dentist. They can suggest treatments where needed, and provide you with regular advice.

Summary

The areas outlined above can all help towards having a long-lasting and healthy smile. By following these guidelines, it should benefit your oral health.

However, remembering the basics is also important. This includes attending regular dental check-ups, adopting excellent oral hygiene, and eating healthily where possible.

Aging is inevitable, but there are things that we can do to age in a healthy way. This is the same for our teeth, gums, and wider oral health!

Thinking points…

[1] One of the things that many people worry about are yellowing or stained teeth. Having whiter teeth can improve the look of your smile and your self-esteem. Therefore, it should be useful to know that here at Savanna Dental, we offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. We would love to speak to you about teeth whitening! You can see more about us at our website [input URL]!

[2] A constant theme throughout this article is needing to look after your teeth. One way of doing this is to attend regular dental check-ups. Regular dental check-ups will allow your dentist to provide you with an update on your oral health. If treatment is needed, they can put together a treatment plan for you. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Suni, E., & Truong, K. (2023). Bruxism: Teeth Grinding at Night. Available: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bruxism. Last accessed: 23rd December 2023.

[2] Wyld, L., Bellantuono, I., Tchkonia, T., Morgan, J., Turner, O., Foss, F., George, J., Danson, S., & Kirkland, J. L. (2020). Senescence and Cancer: A Review of Clinical Implications of Senescence and Senotherapies. Cancers (Basel). 12 (8): 2134. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fcancers12082134.

Canadian Government Announces Roll-Out of Dental Care Plan: What Are the Details?
18Dec
In an exciting development, the Canadian Government has provided finalized details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This announcement has been long-awaited, and provides key information on when eligible Canadians will be able to access the dental care plan. Overall, the aim is for the oral health of Canadians to improve significantly, whilst improving access to oral healthcare.

The Canadian Government has announced the roll-out of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and provided key details about its long-awaited unveiling [1].

This announcement has come following months of preparation. The announcement has been lauded as a milestone moment for Canadian healthcare and for Canadian citizens.

The aim is for the dental plan to improve the oral health of millions of Canadians across the nation, and provide better access to oral health services for them.

Background

The dental care plan was first discussed following the last Canadian Federal Election. Following many delays, a temporary dental benefit was launched at the end of 2022 [2].

This provided low-income families with children with financial assistance for dental care. It helped many children to receive desperately needed oral healthcare.

However, this was only a temporary measure. Instead, plans have been in the works for a wider national dental care plan. This has now resulted in the aforementioned announcement.

One of the main factors behind the development of the dental plan is the fact that approximately 1 in 3 people living in Canada do not have dental insurance [3]. This is normally due to cost concerns or a lack of access.

Therefore, many Canadians suffer in silence and pain, due to not being able to afford the dentist. This also has a negative impact on the Canadian healthcare system, with statistics showing emergency room visits for dental issues cost $1.8billion in 2017 [1]. Now though, the hope is that this will change.

The detail of the plan’s roll-out

The Canadian government has provided details of the roll-out. A phased approach will be adopted, which should ensure a smooth roll-out and fewer teething issues [1].

Canadian residents with an annual family income of less than $90,000 will be eligible for the plan [1]. Other eligibility criteria exists, including having no access to dental insurance and being a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

A sliding scale exists, with differing amounts contributed by the government, dependent on income. For example, those with an income of below $70,000 will have their dental care fully funded, while those with an income of $80,000-$89,999 will have a 60% contribution provided [1].

To begin with, the plan will begin with seniors. In December 2023, those aged 87 and above will become eligible for the plan. Moreover, those aged 77 to 86 will have access to the plan from January 2024 [1].

Continuing, those aged 72 to 76 will become eligible in February 2024, with those aged 70 to 71 then getting access in March 2024. Those who may be eligible will receive a letter to invite them to apply [1].

They will be instructed on how to validate their eligibility and how to apply. This will involve providing two pieces of identification and information on any existing dental benefits [1].

Hopefully by this point the plan will be running smoothly, and ready to open to a wider audience. If this is the case, then in May 2024, applications will be made via an online portal, with those aged 65 and older the next to benefit [1].

From June 2024, those with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, along with children aged under 18, will be provided with access to the plan [1]. Providing access to children is very important, hence their early position in the roll-out.

Finally, all remaining eligible Canadian residents aged between 18 and 64 will be able to apply online from 2025 [1]. Unfortunately, this does mean that the bulk of people will need to wait another year to access to the plan.

This means that over a 12-month period, all Canadian residents will eventually have access to the plan – dependent on meeting the eligibility criteria.

Which services will be provided?

The announcement also contained information on which dental services will be offered through the plan. The government did caution that some services will only be available from fall 2024 [1].

The services that will be provided include:

• Dental check-ups

• X-rays

• Scaling and polishing

• Sealants

• Restorations e.g., cavity fillings

• Endodontics e.g., root canal treatments

• Surgery e.g., tooth extractions [1]

The exact services provided may differ slightly, depending on which province or territory a person lives in [1]. But Health Canada is collaborating with the various provinces and territories to try and ensure equity across all areas.

When can patients book an appointment?

Canadians who are enrolled in the plan will receive a member card that includes their coverage start date, coverage details and a welcome package from Sun Life – the contracted service provider [1].

Following the delivery of the welcome package, the patient will be able to book an appointment. Moreover, the welcome package will contain further information about the plan.

What this means

This announcement is very positive. The importance of having dental care cannot be understated. Regular visits to the dentist aids oral health, and helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

The government has also advised that the plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure it is meeting the needs of Canadians [1]. If needed, changes can be made.

There has been significant praise following the announcement. For example, The Honourable Mark Holland said that the plan “will be transformative” for Canada and will “significantly improve health outcomes” [3].

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, who has been instrumental in the planning process, acknowledged that “Canadians deserve quality oral healthcare”, which is “important not only for oral health, but for overall health”, before describing the government’s commitment to oral healthcare as “unwavering” [3].

Hopefully the roll-out of the plan will result in a long-term improvement in oral health of Canadians. The full roll-out will be in operation by early 2025, making this an exciting time for Canadians!

Thinking points…

1) While it might be tempting to wait for the roll-out of the dental plan before next attending the dentist – we strongly advise you to not deviate from regular check-ups! If you do have any problems, leaving them untreated will only worsen the issues. Therefore, remember to attend appointments regularly! We recommend that you make an appointment soon!

2) As the article above shows, cost is a big barrier for many people in trying to receive dental care. Therefore, it is good to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Consequently, our prices are fully transparent, competitive and reliable. You can find out more about us on our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Government of Canada. (2023). The Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 14th December 2023.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 14th December 2023.

[3] Government of Canada. (2023). Making dental care more affordable in Canada. Available: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/making-dental-care-more-affordable-in-canada-832534813.html. Last accessed: 14th December 2023.

Could Tissue Regeneration End Up Replacing Root Canal Treatment?
11Dec
A recent study has looked at the possibility of tissue regeneration being able to replace root canal treatment in the future. Root canal treatment has been used for several years in cases of badly infected teeth. Research into more effective treatments has been ongoing for many years. Now, a team of researchers have explored tissue regeneration, with a view of investigating its oral capabilities.

For many years, Root Canal treatment has been the go-to method for saving a tooth that would otherwise die due to an infection caused by extensive decay.

However, new research suggests that tissue regeneration may prove to be an effective alternative to a root canal treatment [1]. This has the potential to transform the way that some dental treatments are carried out.

The possibility of tissue regeneration has been analyzed in recent years, but owing to the complexity of this topic, little progress has been made. But this research has sought to advance this research area.

What is a root canal treatment?

This research focused on root canal treatment. A root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that involves a dentist removing infected soft tissue inside the tooth – known as the pulp [2].

A root canal treatment aims to save a tooth that has become infected – normally due to extensive tooth decay, trauma, or a botched filling. Therefore, a root canal treatment can be a very effective treatment.

However, it isn’t a perfect treatment. Complications are relatively common, and the results are rarely permanent. For example, research has shown the average survival time of a tooth following a root canal is approximately 11 years [3].

Due to the imperfect nature of the root canal treatment, research is commonly undertaken into alternatives. One area that has been analyzed in recent years is the topic of tissue regeneration.

Tissue regeneration refers to the process of renewal and growth to repair or replace a tissue that has become damaged [4]. In the context of this research, this would be the infected tissues in the mouth.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of scientists at the Forsyth Institute. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Dental Research [1].

The research involved the use of resolvins – which are a group of molecules that come from omega-3 fatty acids, which are naturally produced by the body.

Moreover, the research specifically used the E1 resolvin [1]. E1 resolvin is known as being very effective in controlling excess inflammation – which is common in cases that require a root canal treatment.

To experiment with regeneration, the researchers set up a study which applied E1 resolvin to a range of pulps. These pulps were all infected or damaged to different extents. This allowed the researchers to use E1 resolvin at numerous stages of infection, from a minor infection to an advanced infection, and others in between [1].

The researchers then watched to see how the tissues reacted once E1 resolvin had been applied.

The analysis produced two main findings. Firstly, the researchers found that E1 resolvin is very effective at promoting pulp regeneration – with positive results seen across pulps that were at an early stage in damage or infection [1].

However, the researchers also found that when E1 resolvin was applied to severely infected or damaged pulps, no regeneration took place [1]. It appeared that this was irreversible.

But in one positive – despite not fixing the issue, they did find that E1 resolvin was still able to slow down the rate of infection, providing a better chance of long-term survival for the tooth [1].

Analysis of the results

The research produced mixed results. There was a very positive result in terms of the use of E1 resolvin on early-stage pulp infections. However, as the pulp became more infected, there was no way of stopping the infection.

These findings show that E1 resolvin definitely has the potential to be effective, but does have some limitations. Therefore, it is debatable as to whether or not this could replace a root canal treatment in the long-term.

But these are early days in the research field, and advancements in forthcoming years are likely. So while it is unlikely that the root canal treatment will become redundant anytime soon, there is potential in the future for tissue regeneration to play a key role in oral health treatment.

Looking beyond dentistry, Dr. Thomas Van Dyke, the senior scientist at the Forsyth Institute, believes that the research topic has “huge potential for the field of regenerative medicine” [5]. Therefore, this underlines the potential impact it could have across the healthcare industry [5].

Thinking points…

[1] This article features the topic of root canal treatments. It is important to remember that root canal treatments are avoidable! Therefore, remember to have excellent oral hygiene, including cleaning your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing regularly. This can limit any damage to your teeth. Why not take this chance to have a look at your oral hygiene routine, and see if you can make any improvements?

[2] Another important thing to do in order to avoid oral health problems is to attend a dental clinic for a regular check-up. A dentist can examine your oral health, and can look for any problems. If there are any issues, early detection is key. Therefore, this is a great way of ensuring your oral health is strong. We recommend booking a check-up now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Wu, Y-C., Yu, N., Rivas, C. A., Mehrnia, N., Kantarci, A., & Van Dyke, T. E. (2023). RvE1 Promotes Axin2+ Cell Regeneration and Reduces Bacterial Invasion. Journal of Dental Research. 102 (13): p1478-1487. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345231197156.

[2] NHS. (2022). Root canal treatment. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/root-canal-treatment/. Last accessed: 9th December 2023.

[3] Thyvalikakath, T., LaPradd, M., Siddiqui, Z., Duncan, W. D., Eckert, G., Medam, J. K., Rindal, D. B., Jurkovich, M., & Gilbert, G. H. (2022). Root Canal Treatment Survival Analysis in National Dental PBRN Practices. Journal of Dental Research. 101 (11): p1328-1334. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345221093936.

[4] Albulet, D., Florea, D. A., Boarca, B., Ditu, L. M., Chifiriuc, M. C., Grumezescu, A. M., & Andronescu, E. (2017). Nanotechnology for personalized medicine: cancer research, diagnosis, and therapy. Nanostructure for Cancer Therapy. p1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-46144-3.00001-5.

[5] Forsyth Institute. (2023). Scientists work to bring tissue regeneration to replace root canal treatment. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-12-scientists-tissue-regeneration-root-canal.html. Last accessed: 9th December 2023.