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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.

What Are the Signs of Mouth Cancer That You Should Look Out for in Your Mouth?
4Dec
Mouth Cancer is a serious type of cancer that affects a large number of people. One of the key elements of mouth cancer is the importance of early detection. While dental check-ups can result in the condition being identified, there are also signs that we can all look out for. This can help our oral health significantly.

Mouth Cancer is a type of cancer that some people are unaware of. While it doesn’t have the same mortality rates as some cancers, it is a very serious condition.

One of the main problems with detecting mouth cancer is that not many people are aware of its symptoms. In fact, for some people, they may not think the symptoms are abnormal.

But it is very important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer. Moreover, as with any oral health condition, early detection is crucial.

Background

Mouth Cancer – also known as Oral Cancer – is a condition that affects a large number of people. For example, in the United Kingdom, in 2022, around 9,000 people were diagnosed with the condition [1].

There are a range of potential causes, or at least risk factors, for mouth cancer. For example, these include smoking, obesity, high alcohol consumption, and a weakened immune system [2].

However, when mouth cancer is detected early, there is a cure rate of just over 90% [3] – which is very positive. Yet so many cases of mouth cancer are detected late.

A dental check-up is the easiest way for any problems to be detected. However, for a range of reasons, some people aren’t able to make it to a dentist. If this is the case, then it is very important that you regularly check your mouth for the early warning signs of mouth cancer.

The signs and symptoms of mouth cancer

The main symptoms and signs of mouth cancer include:

• Growth of a tumor in the mouth

• Lump or swelling in the mouth which persists for a few weeks – often in the jaw or neck

• Appearance of red or white patches in the mouth

• Persistent mouth ulcers, or ulcers that do not heal within a few weeks

• Loose teeth that can’t be unexplained in other ways

• Constant feeling of sore throat or hoarseness which persists for a few weeks [4]

If you ever notice any of the above symptoms, it is very important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes, specialist referrals can take place.

When you see a dentist, they will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health, and spot any signs that you may have mouth cancer. Dentists are very skilled at identifying signs of oral health problems.

Treatment of mouth cancer

The importance of the early detection of mouth cancer cannot be understated. As mentioned earlier, when mouth cancer is detected early, there is a cure rate of just over 90% [3].

In recent years, many new treatments have been implemented, with older treatments seeing improvements too. These include robotic surgery and immunotherapy [4]. However, these are primarily geared towards those whose symptoms have been discovered early.

For those with more advanced cases of mouth cancer, treatments have been known to potentially affect facial appearance, swallowing, and speech in the mouth [4]. Therefore, this underlines the importance of early detection.

Prevention rather than reaction

As with any oral health condition, the focus should be on prevention rather than reactive measures. As usual, measures like brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing should be a minimum.

But also, lifestyle factors play a role. Alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and poor diet can all affect the onset of the condition. Trying to avoid these pitfalls is important, as it can help to prevent oral conditions from developing.

Thinking points…

1) As discussed in the article above, early detection of mouth cancer is vital! The easiest way for any problems to be detected is to attend a regular dental check-up. At a check-up, a dentist can have a thorough look at your oral health and identify any problems that exist. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Now that you have read this article, looking back to beforehand – were you aware of the signs of mouth cancer? Many people are unaware of them. One thing that could help the oral health of your friends and family is to be aware of these symptoms. Therefore, why not share this article with them so that they can see the signs themselves? We recommend sharing 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-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When 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™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

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

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

References

[1] Oral Health Foundation. (2022). The State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2022. Available: https://www.dentalhealth.org/thestateofmouthcancer. Last accessed: 30th November 2023.

[2] Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Dikshit, R., Eser, S., Mathers, C., Rebelo, M., Parkin, D. M., Forman, D., & Bray, F. (2015). Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. International Journal of Cancer. 136 (5): p359-386. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.29210.

[3] Care Quality Commission. (2023). Dental mythbuster 33: Detecting oral cancer and improving outcomes in primary care. Available: https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/dentists/dental-mythbuster-33-detecting-oral-cancer-improving-outcomes-primary. Last accessed: 30th November 2023.

[4] Ho, M. (2023). How to check your mouth for cancer when getting to see a dentist is hard. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-11-mouth-cancer-dentist-hard.html. Last accessed: 30th November 2023.

What Advice Have Dentists Given the Government About the Canadian Dental Plan?
27Nov
With full details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan due to be released soon, dentists from a range of dental associations have provided recommendations about the plan. The associations believe that these recommendations will result in a plan that works for patients, dental care providers, and taxpayers.

The Canadian Federal Government is expected to reveal the full details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan within weeks. This is a long-awaited plan which has been months in the making.

In preparation for the announcement, Canadian dentists from a range of dental associations have been sharing their expertise, resulting in them creating a proposed framework for the dental plan, which seeks to provide advice to the government [1].

The dental associations believe that their recommendations will result in a plan that will work for patients, dental care providers, and taxpayers [1].

Background

The Canadian Dental Care Plan was first announced as part of the supply-and-confidence agreement between the governing Liberals and the New Democratic Party (NDP) following the last election.

After being beset by setbacks, a temporary measure was enacted in the form of a dental benefit, which launched at the end of 2022 [2]. This benefit offered financial assistance to the children of low- and middle-income families.

But the long-term goal has always been to create a full plan. Initially, children, teenagers, seniors, and people with disabilities will be prioritized. The aim is for the full rollout to take place by 2025 [2].

The recommendations

Dental associations across Canada have contributed to a document titled A Proposed Framework for the Canadian Dental Care Plan [3].

As dentists will be the ones that actually deliver the care, they are understandably very passionate. For example, all dental professionals share a common goal – they wish to see an improvement in oral health for Canadians.

The document provides their recommendations and a framework for what they believe to be a strong and successful dental care program. Their recommendations are based on data, research, and input from experts in the dental field [1].

The main recommendations are:

• To safeguard access to dental care by respecting and acknowledging the current dental insurance system

• To allow each patient to select their own dentist

• To ensure the public can access the dental care they need without having to deal with unneeded delays or bureaucracy

• Work alongside existing government dental programs to ensure the public get the maximum from the dental care they are entitled to

• Fairly pay the dental professionals that deliver the care [1].

These recommendations are important. The patient-centric approach outlined above can maximize the positive experience that patients could have.

As part of the recommendations, dentists also note that there are existing dental programs seen across various provinces. With this in mind, it is important that the plan complements these existing plans, rather than replacing them.

Moreover, the document suggests that it is important for the government to not rush into the plan. Instead, they suggest that the Canadian Dental Benefit could be temporarily expanded if needed [1].

Addressing a labour shortage

Aside from the above recommendation, the dental associations have also collectively asked for a coordinated plan to increase skilled workers for dental offices to be implemented [1].

This is because of a serious shortage of dental hygienists across Canada [1]. This can cause unnecessary delays for patients, and worsen their experiences.

By recruiting more dental hygienists, the hope is that there will be more appointments available, less waiting times, and the chance to provide excellent care for the Canadian public.

Quotes

Key figures from various dental associations have commented on the framework and advice. Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky, President of the Alberta Dental Association, has summed up the situation by stating “we all want” a “successful and sustainable” plan [1].

Yaholnitsky says that “the only way we reach our goal is if dentists and policy makers work together to create a plan that benefits patients, while respecting both providers and taxpayers” [1].

Meanwhile, Dr. Brock Nicolucci, President of the Ontario Dental Association, has looked at the bigger picture. He has mentioned that the dental plan “could become one of Canada’s greatest achievements in public health” – but this is contingent on the government getting “it right” [1]. This quote underlines the potential that the plan has.

What happens next?

Now that the various dental associations have commented on the situation, the hope is that the government will take their recommendations into account.

The next step is to wait for an official announcement from the federal government. This is expected to happen soon, and will hopefully be the catalyst for improved oral health across Canada.

Thinking points…

1) One of the main reasons for the dental plan is the need for more affordable dental care – with many people citing cost as a barrier to receiving care. However, here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means that our fees are transparent, reliable, and trustworthy! If you wanted to find out more about us, we recommend you take a look at our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, and book an appointment with us!

2) On some online forums, there has been discussion among members of the public that they are in significant dental pain, but are waiting for the dental plan before getting treatment. If you are in a similar position, it is crucial that you seek help sooner! The longer that problems are left, the more severe and potentially irreversible they can become. Therefore, if you are in any pain, we recommend visiting your dental clinic right away!

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 regular dental check-up. When 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™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

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

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

References

[1] GlobeNewswire. (2023). Canadian dentists to government: Here’s how to build a strong dental care plan. Available: https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/globenewswire_press_releases/canadian-dentists-to-government-here-s-how-to-build-a-strong-dental-care-plan/article_cf997071-e2c1-5405-b6b4-10388191544c.html. Last accessed: 24th November 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: 24th November 2023.

[3] Ontario Dental Association. (2023). CDCP Proposed Framework. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/cdcp-proposed-framework/. Last accessed: 24th November 2023.