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Category: Dental Care

Study Finds That Self-care Exercises Are Highly Effective for Facial Pain - Savanna Dental
8Aug
Most cases of facial pain result in patients using oral appliances such as splints and bite guards as a means of controlling pain. For a long time, oral appliances have been seen as the most effective method to treat facial pain. However, new research suggests that actually, self-care techniques are most effective at treating facial pain.

Facial pain, whether it be dental-related, jaw-related or trauma-related, is a difficult thing to live with. Anyone who has gone through a period of facial pain will know that recovery can be slow.

Facial pain, especially for dental and jaw pain, is usually caused by a Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which are a group of related conditions that cause discomfort.

Over the years, various treatments have been put forward as being effective for facial pain, though there has never been a clear consensus on how facial pain is best treated.

A study however has found that self-care exercises have the potential to be much more effective than more conventional interventions, such as splints and bite guards.

What is a TMJ?

As mentioned above, a TMJ disorder is a group of conditions that are related to the temporomandibular joint – which is the joint of the jaw – and the surrounding muscles.

To be precise, the TMJ’s are the joints that are located in front of each ear, which connects the lower jaw bone to the skill.

When thinking about joints, most people think of the knees, fingers, elbows and wrists. But arguably one of the most important joints – the jaw – is often forgotten, despite its importance, given that it helps us to eat, talk and breathe [1].

It is very difficult to say how many people have a TMJ disorder, but research suggests that approximately 12% of people in USA experience a TMJ disorder at any one time [2].

A TMJ disorder is more common in women than men, and unlike most chronic pain conditions, TMJ disorders often affect younger people as much as the elderly [2].

The typical symptoms of a TMJ disorder include jaw clicks, pain, limited mobility, difficulty in opening the mouth, poor sleep, headaches and earache [3].

TMJ disorders have also been associated with increased depression, anxiety and stress [4], and are therefore conditions which have a marked effect on quality of life.

In terms of treatment, long-held views suggest that splints and bite guards should be the first line of treatment. Other common treatments include painkiller medications, ranging from mild analgesics to powerful opioids, anti-inflammatory drugs and self-care methods such as jaw exercises and warm compresses.

The Research

The study took place in 2019, and was organised and carried out by researchers at the NYU College of Dentistry, before being spublished in the Journal of Clinical Oral Investigations [5].

The study involved researchers looking at how women with a TMJ disorder treated their pain, and how effective each treatment was [5].

The study involved 125 women. Most participants used more than one treatment, with an average of 2.4 treatments per participant. The researchers found that the most common treatments were [5]:

• Oral appliances e.g., splints, bite guards etc (used by 59% of participants)

• Physical therapy (54%)

• Home-based jaw exercises (34%)

• Acupuncture (20%)

• Visiting a chiropractor (18%)

• Injection at site of trigger point (14%)

• Exercise (7%)

• Meditation and deep breathing (6%)

The researchers then asked each participant how well each treatment had worked for them, in terms of easing their pain and overall wellbeing.

In a surprise result, self-care activities like jaw exercises, meditation and warm compresses were found to provide the biggest improvement in symptoms of pain, with 84% of participants stating that these activities helped ease their pain [5].

On the other hand, 64% of those who had used the oral appliances – the most common treatment – said they had been helpful, amounting to a significantly less amount than the self-care activities [5].

11% of those who used oral appliances suggested that they actually made their pain worse. Other treatment methods like acupuncture, chiropractor and injections did not score highly in easing pain.

The results of the study suggest that instead of using oral appliances, or reaching straight for the medicine cupboard, those who are suffering from facial pain should engage in self-care techniques and exercises.

The study’s implication for dentistry

Facial and jaw pain is common in dentistry. Gum disease can cause inflammation, while infections or general toothache can cause pain in the jaw muscles, and face in general.

Therefore, these results suggest that we shouldn’t automatically use oral appliances to treat such problems. Instead, self-care techniques such as jaw exercises, meditation and warm compresses can be used, as they appear to be much more effective, and less risky.

TMJ disorders are usually diagnosed and treated by a dentist. Most dentists will recommend oral appliances for treating TMJ disorders, but these results suggest this is not the right approach.

Of course, the best way to avoid needing to treat facial pain is to practice excellent oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist for a check-up at least twice a year. By getting checked regularly, any oral problems can be addressed quickly. This helps to prevent more intense pain later on, if any dental problems are left untreated.

Excellent oral hygiene involves brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and as above, getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink, and not smoking also helps.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental, we offer our patients many services, allowing us to treat a range of dental conditions. We ensure our patients receive a comfortable and caring experience when visiting us.

Our dental clinic is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer services like regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals, dentures, and some cosmetic services such as tooth whitening.

If further treatment is required after a routine dental check-up, our patients are provided with a clear treatment plan.

Our Calgary based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

If you need dental advice, our team at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental will be able to help. This can include advice on treating bad breath, gum disease, the effect our diet has on our oral health, and any other dentistry-related guidance.

Summary

With facial pain being very common, the findings of this study are very important. We now know the value of self-care exercises. It seems that using self-care techniques such as jaw exercises, meditation and warm compresses can be highly effective in treating pain.

We would love you to visit our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental! You can also read more about us on our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca and see more about what we offer our patients. We hope to see you soon!

  • [1] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25652.
  • [2] The TMJ Association. (2021). TMJ Basics. Available: https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/basics/. Last accessed 6th August 2021.
  • [3] Llodra-Calvom, J. C., Carlos, J., Bravo-Perez, M., & Cortés-Martinicorena, F. J. (2002). Encuesta de Salud Oral En Espana. RCOE. 7(1), p19-63.
  • [4] Kmeid, E., Nacouzi, M., Hallit, S., & Rohayem, Z. (2020). Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorder in the Lebanese population, and its association with depression, anxiety, and stress. Head & Face Medicine, 16(1), p19-37.
  • [5] Santiago, V., Raphael, K. G. (2019). Perceived helpfulness of treatments for myofascial TMD as a function of comorbid widespread pain. Clinical Oral Investigations. 23(1), p2929-2939.
Ever Wondered If You Have Bad Breath? A New Sensor Can Tell You - Savanna Dental
2Aug
Bad breath is a common, yet difficult thing to live with, and many of us worry about having bad breath throughout the day. Practicing excellent oral hygiene is the best way to combat bad breath. However, new research shows that a thumb-sized sensor could help detect bad breath for you!

Bad breath is a common source of concern, anxiety and embarrassment. It is one of those topics that is difficult to ask others for an honest opinion about, and even more difficult to tell someone about their bad breath.

But recent research that has focused on studying ways of detecting bad breath has found that a specially-constructed, thumb-sized device could allow us to automatically detect if we have bad breath.

Finding an accurate method to detect bad breath has been a topic of interest for a long time for researchers, especially given how common the issue of bad breath is for people around the world. Therefore, this is an exciting development.

What is bad breath?

Many people have bad breath now and then, while others have long-term problems with bad breath – which is a medical condition called Halitosis.

Bad breath affects many people, with statistics suggesting approximately 60million people in the United States alone suffer from chronic halitosis [1].

Bad breath is linked to the levels of a gas named hydrogen sulfide that is present in our mouths. This is the gas that causes bad breath.

From a dental perspective, persistent bad breath is often a sign of halitosis or gum disease, and therefore early identification can be very helpful in preventing worsening oral health.

Aside from physical health, bad breath can also be a problem socially. A study in the United Kingdom found that bad breath was the “biggest turn off” for people looking for a new partner [2]. Bad breath can also negatively impact mental health, with low self-esteem and anxiety commonly associated with those who have bad breath [3].

The causes of bad breath

Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. Toothpaste not only effectively cleans the mouth, but it also leaves a minty taste behind, keeping our breath fresh and pleasant.

But when people avoid brushing their teeth, neglecting to floss, and ignoring their tongue, it results in the build-up of bacteria in and between the teeth and gums, which leads to rotten-smelling gases to emit.

Aside from poor oral hygiene, other common causes of bad breath or halitosis include foods, diseases and tobacco.

Many things cause short-term bad breath, such as strong-flavoured foods like garlic and onions. But others, like smoking, can cause both short and long-term breath quality problems. Smoking also stains teeth and irritates gums [4].

Certain medications and medical conditions are also linked to bad breath. Dry mouth, some gastrointestinal conditions and even diabetes can all worsen breath [5].

The Research

There has been significant research in the past into ways of detecting bad breath. But while some devices already exist, their accuracy and legitimacy has been questioned. These devices also require exhaled air to be tested on expensive scientific equipment, therefore making it impractical for general public use.

But thanks to a new study, this could change. The recent research was published in the ACS Nano journal, and was carried out by researchers at the South Korea-based Advanced Institute of Science and Technology [6].

The researchers have been able to create a new sensor that is able to detect the levels of hydrogen sulfide in breath – which, as mentioned earlier, is the gas that leads to bad breath.

The researchers created a solution, which consisted of different levels of sodium chloride, metal salt, platinum metal nanoparticles and tungsten. The solution was then manufactured into tiny fibres using a technique called electrospinning [6].

Researchers used different solutions and quantities of chemicals in order to find the most effective final solution, which was measured by the solution with the highest reactivity to hydrogen sulfide.

The sensor would combine with the above solution to detect levels of gas, temperature, pressure and humidity, in order to ascertain breath quality.

When tested, the sensor was able to identify bad breath 86% of the time when measuring exhaled air. The researchers suggested that a process of filtering would lead to even more accurate results [6].

As a result of these findings, the researchers have suggested that a small, thumb-sized device could soon be built, which could be sold to the general public – providing them with rapid results on the quality of their breath [6].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we are happy to offer our patients a vast range of services. We are based in a convenient location within Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

We strive for patient satisfaction, and ensure that we provide our visitors with a comfortable, caring and reassuring experience.

We discussed earlier about how bad breath can be a sign of health problems, and this is consistent with any oral health issues – it is important to attend regular check-ups to check overall oral health.

The earlier that any problems are detected, the better the chance of recovery. We therefore recommend that our patients see us at Savanna Dental at least twice a year for a regular check-up.

If further treatment is required following a dental check-up, we provide our patients with a clear treatment plan, whilst giving them a voice in their treatment.

Just some of the many services we offer include cavity fillings, root canals, dentures, and even cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening.

The best thing we can all do to avoid extra treatment is to practice excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and potentially using a tongue scraper – with this helping to protect against bad breath.

Avoiding smoking, sugary foods and drink and alcohol wherever possible can also protect our oral health.

Our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which provides affordable and totally transparent fees.

Summary

Recent studies certainly suggest that dental health is going to be aided by technological advancements. As well as this bad breath device, other recent developments include the possibility of predicting tooth loss, and even a candy that could lead to enamel restoration (click here to know more).

The study above into bad breath is another example of exciting developments being made in dentistry. However, for now, the focus must remain on practicing excellent oral hygiene.

That is the best way of staving off the threat of bad breath, and also helps to fight against dental problems.

We hope that you visit our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental soon! You can visit our website by clicking here https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can find out more about us, and the various services that we offer our patients.

  • [1] American Dental Association. (2003). Council on Scientific Affairs: Association report: Oral Malodor, Journal of American Dental Association. 134(1), p209-214.
  • [2] Oral Health Foundation. (2019). Bad breath is biggest barrier to landing your Valentine’s Day date, reveals survey. Available: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/bad-breath-is-biggest-barrier-to-landing-your-valentines-day-date-reveals-survey. Last accessed: 30th July 2021. Last accessed: 11th June 2021.
  • [3] Kisely, S. (2016). No Mental Health without Oral Health. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 61(5), p277-282.
  • [4] NHS Choices. (2019). Bad breath. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bad-breath/. Last accessed: 30th July 2021.
  • [5] Tomova, R., & Panov, V. (2016). Bad breath in gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Scripta Scientifica Medica. 48(4), p48-52.
  • [6] Shin, H., Kim, D-H., Jung, W., Jang, J-S., Hwa Kim, Y., Lee, Y., Chang, K., Lee, J., Park, J., Namkoong, K., & K, I-D. (2021). Surface Activity-Tuned Metal Oxide Chemiresistor: Toward Direct and Quantitative Halitosis Diagnosis. ACS Nano. Available: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.1c01350.
Can Flossing Your Teeth Help Fight Against Cognitive Decline? - Savanna Dental
20Jul
Strong oral hygiene can help us in many ways. One such part of effective oral hygiene is flossing each day. Recent research has suggested that tooth loss is linked to cognitive decline, which therefore shows the importance of adopting excellent oral hygiene, which appears to help battle against cognitive conditions like Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. The simple action of passing a thin cord between our teeth can have huge benefits, with food and dental plaque being removed.

The intention is to clean those hard-to-reach areas in our mouth that a toothbrush can’t quite get to. Flossing regularly can help to prevent gum disease and the build up of plaque, which therefore improves our oral health [1].

Interestingly, poor oral hygiene has been linked to cognitive decline. This potential link has been researched heavily in the past, which has yielded inconsistent results [2].

However, a recent study suggests there is a certain link between poor oral hygiene and cognitive decline [3]. This study reinforces the importance of flossing as part of our day-to-day oral health routine, and suggests it can help to prevent cognitive decline.

The Study

The study in question was a meta-analysis conducted by researchers at The New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing. The research analysed 14 pre-existing studies that investigated a link between tooth loss and cognitive decline.

After combining the 14 studies, there were 34,074 participants, with 4,689 cases of people with diminished cognitive function – such as having Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease [3].

The results showed that adults with more tooth loss had a 1.48 times higher risk of cognitive impairment. Moreover, tooth loss was also linked to a 1.28 times higher risk of developing Dementia [3].

Furthermore, the more teeth that are missing – the higher the risk of cognitive impairment. These are very worrying statistics, and shows the importance of strong oral hygiene to protect against tooth loss and gum disease.

Another interesting finding that the study concluded was that for those that lose teeth, they were likelier to have cognitive decline if they didn’t have dentures. This was an unexpected finding, but shows how dentures can be very effective for our oral health.

What the results mean

Senior author Bei Wu – who is a Professor in Global Health at the college – said “Given the staggering number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia each year, and the opportunity to improve oral health across the life span, it’s important to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between poor oral health and cognitive decline” [3].

The authors of the study stated that limited access to dental care was a big problem and was contributing to this situation. An example of where this is also happening in Canada is the Sioux Lookout, where similar problems exist (click here to read more).

The authors attempted to look for consistencies to draw conclusions on what caused these results. They suggested that the problem of missing teeth can affect chewing, which has the potential to make a person’s diet unhealthier.

Moreover, tooth loss can also happen as a result of gum disease, which involves inflammation, and already has a pre-existing link to cognitive impairment [4]. Untreated gum disease also increases the risk of developing other health conditions [5].

The importance of oral hygiene

The findings of this study show us all how important strong oral hygiene is. While many people brush their teeth twice a day, not many floss as well. But this study shows that flossing should be an important part of our oral health routine.

Flossing should be an every-day part of our oral health routine. Importantly, this routine should extend to our wider diet – including trying to avoid sugary foods wherever possible, along with drinks with a high-sugar content and alcohol.

It is most crucial to attend regular dental check-ups, as these check-ups help us to detect problems early. The earlier that oral problems are detected, the easier they are to treat. Dental problems won’t go away, therefore they should be acted on as soon as possible.

What we offer our patients at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental, we are proud to offer our patients a vast array of services, whilst providing them with a convenient, caring and comfortable experience. Our dental clinic is based in an easy-to-reach part of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

As we have mentioned, getting regular dental check-ups is important. When treatment is required following a check-up, then we will provide our patients with a treatment plan that is suited to their circumstances.

Among the services we provide at our Calgary dental clinic are regular cavity fillings, root canals, and dentures. The study mentioned earlier shows how useful dentures can be. Dental implants can be a useful alternative to dentures, if you want to avoid them. We also provide some cosmetic dentistry treatments, including teeth whitening.

We mentioned flossing earlier, and it is likely that some people will be new to the practice of flossing. We can give you advice on how is best to floss, or advice on any other dental issues you have.

Accessing dental care in Canada is renowned for being difficult, and this poor access, along with the high costs involved, puts many people off visiting the dentist. However, our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means that we offer affordable and transparent care to our patients.

Summary

Cognitive decline largely appears inevitable, with cases of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease continuing to rise [6]. For many years, efforts have been made to try and find a way of addressing these rising numbers. It seems that good oral hygiene can make a difference, which underlines the importance of us all taking our oral health seriously.

Our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental offers our patients a wide range of services, as mentioned above. We hope that you consider coming to our clinic for your regular check-ups. You can visit our website by clicking here https://savannadentalclinic.ca, which will give you the chance to read more about us and what we offer.

  • [1] Bauroth K, Charles C.H., Mankodi, S. M., Simmons, B. S., Zhao, Q, Kumar, L. D. (2003). The efficacy of an essential oil antiseptic mouthrinse vs. dental floss in controlling interproximal gingivitis. Journal of the American Dental Association. 134 (3), p359–365.
  • [2] Stewart, R., Weyant, R. J., Garcia, M. E., Harris, T., Launer, L. J., & Satterfield, S. (2013). Adverse Oral Health and Cognitive Decline: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 61(2), p177-184.
  • [3] Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Plassman, B. L., & Wu, B. (2021). Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009.
  • [4] Glascoe, A., Brown, R., Mercer, J., & Lawrence, L. (2015). The Impact of Periodontal Disease upon Osteoporosis, Cognitive Impairment, Respiratory Diseases, Kidney Disease and Cancer. International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health. 1(5), p1-8.
  • [5] Beydoun, M. A., Beydoun, H. A., Hossain, S., El-Hajj, Z. W., Weiss, J., & Zonderman, A. B. (2020). Clinical and Bacterial Markers of Periodontitis and Their Association with Incident All-Cause and Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia in a Large National Survey. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 75(1), p157-172.
  • [6] Alzheimer’s Society. (2020). The UK’s biggest killer: why are deaths from dementia on the rise?. Available: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/research-dementia-UK-biggest-killer-on-the-rise. Last accessed: 16 July 2021.
Pride Month: How Does Savanna Dental Support LGBTQ+ Patients? - Savanna Dental
22Jun
Those who identify as LGBTQ+ face many challenges, including in the dental industry. With June being International Pride Month, here at Savanna Dental, we would like to affirm our support for the LGBTQ+ community – with the aim of providing a highly-inclusive and welcoming dental clinic for all of our patients.

With June being Pride Month, it is an opportunity for companies across all industries to review the current status of LGBTQ+ rights, and to see what improvements can be made to increase inclusivity.

This is especially important in the dental industry, as oral health is crucial for everyone. Unfortunately, not every place of business is respectful of those who identify as LGBTQ+. But with the dental industry being essential to overall health, it is important for dentists to be allies to LGBTQ+ interests.

Here at Savanna Dental, we place great emphasis on inclusivity, and encourage patients of all genders, race and religion to visit our Calgary-based dental practice.

There are challenges facing those who identify as LGBTQ+ in the dental industry, which forms part of the wider societal stigma towards the LGBTQ+ community [1].

LGBTQ+ in dentistry

Despite societal improvements, a stigma against the LGBTQ+ community remains. Stonewall – the organisation that supports LGBTQ+ rights – found that 1 in 7 LGBTQ+ people avoid seeking healthcare due to fear of discrimination by healthcare workers [2].

LGBTQ+ people are highly likely to have mental health problems that can affect dental health [3]. For instance, those with depression may overeat sugary and unhealthy foods, or those with an eating disorder may damage their teeth by regular vomiting while “purging” following a “binge”.

Moreover, statistics show that those in the LGBTQ+ community are also more likely to smoke than heterosexuals [4], which increases their chances of developing oral problems such as oral cancer or periodontal disease.

ADA’s Virtual Forum for LGBTQ+ access to dentistry

An important date for the dental industry is June 23rd – with the forum “Amplifying Voices: An Open Forum on LGBTQ+ Community and the Dental Profession” taking place.

The event has been organised by the American Dental Association (ADA), and is scheduled for June 23rd at 7:00pm Central. This virtual event will take place over Zoom, and can be accessed by clicking on this link.

This forum will involve a panel of senior dentists and dental professionals who identify as LGBTQ+. The event will examine the current relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the dental industry. Attendees will be educated on methods of bolstering the dental profession’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community [5].

The ADA have organised this forum in conjunction with Houston Equality Dental Network, which is an organisation that aims to raise awareness to the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in dentistry [6].

One of the founders of the Houston Equality Dental Network is Dr. Alex Barrera, who will be among the panellists at the event. He has stated “as health care and dentistry continue to make progress, the only way we can have true equality is through the allyship of all of our colleagues and those in leadership positions [6].”

Barrera went on to correctly say that “it is only with continued awareness, education and celebration that we can come together to ensure that the world is a safer and happier place for all.”

The measures we take at Savanna Dental to support LGBTQ+

Here at Savanna Dental, we put significant effort into ensuring that we adopt an LGBTQ+-friendly approach. We make sure that we are respectful of all of our patients, and use appropriate language when interacting with the LGBTQ+ community.

We know that our patients expect a strong relationship with our staff, and expect to be treated courteously. As part of our duty of care to our patients, we treat everyone without any form of discrimination.

We hope to form long-term rapports between staff and patient, with research showing that trust, open communication and patient involvement all crucial elements of achieving this [7]. Therefore, we aim to implement these key areas with our patients.

What we offer our patients at Savanna Dental

Whatever your sexual orientation, gender, race, age or religion, here at Savanna Dental, we will be happy to help. We are an inclusive dental practice, and welcome everyone to our clinic.

We are based in a convenient area of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Our dental clinic offers a vast range of services – from regular check-ups, to cavity fillings, and more complex procedures such as root canals or dentures. We also offer some cosmetic dental services too.

We always advise our patients to attend regular check-ups (at least two a year), while maintaining strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drink where possible. These measures help to protect our teeth and gums.

When treatment is required, we provide each patient with a treatment plan that suits their individual needs and circumstances. We also adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients.

Summary

There remains room for improvement for the dental industry in terms of strengthening the relationship between dentists and the LGBTQ+ community. Here at Savanna Dental, we aim to champion LGBTQ+ rights.

We hope you will visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! We provide a courteous and comfortable patient experience, and always welcome new patients. Click here to visit our website https://savannadental.ca, where you can see the different services that we offer at our dental clinic.

the NDP's Pledge for Dental Care in Canada - Savanna Dental
8Jun
Dental care in Canada continues to be a topic of debate. In a recent development, the NDP has filed a motion aimed at improving access to dental care for those who are unable to afford dental care. There is a strong need for an improvement in access for dental care across Canada.

Dental care in Canada is a rather controversial subject and is often a talking point during political party addresses.

Now, Canada’s fourth biggest political party – the New Democratic Party (NDP) – is making an effort to improve access to dental care among Canada’s low-income citizens.

Canada’s public healthcare system has neglected dental care for several years, though recent developments suggest that this might soon change.

The statistics in Canada are alarming – with the cost of dental care providing a significant barrier to the wider population accessing the treatment that they badly need.

The NDP’s Vision

The NDP’s leader Jagmeet Singh has consistently voiced his support for an improvement in access to dental care.

In 2019, Singh said “no one should have to deal with the pain or lifelong damage of going without dental care”. He went on to state “millions of Canadians don’t have any dental coverage at all” [1].

Singh remains vocal in his support for further access to dental care. Just last week, the NDP MP Jack Harris put forward a motion in the House of Commons, which asked the Federal Government to create a dental care plan for uninsured Canadian families with a household income of less than $90,000 [2].

The motion was seconded by MP Don Davies. However, with the NDP being Canada’s fourth-largest party, there will be difficulty in implementing this plan, though these steps may be part of a long-term change.

This plan would involve a fund being distributed across the Canadian provinces. The provinces would then need to arrange coverage for families with a low-income, and arrange reimbursements with dentists.

The NDP have suggested that a sliding scale could be used, with either full or partial dental costs being covered – the exact amount of which would depend on household income.

The NDP have pointed out that this amounts to 4.3million Canadians – a colossal amount. Despite the costs involved in this plan, the NDP have justified their proposal by highlighting that emergency room-based dental emergencies cost taxpayers at least $155million annually [3].

Research has long-shown that an income-related inequality exists in Canada in relation to receiving dental care [4].

The Worrying Statistics

There are several alarming statistics that suggest there is a strong need for change. One study found that 16.5% of the Canadian population have declined recommended dental treatment on the basis of cost [5].

Recent statistics suggest that many Canadians are badly in need of help that they can’t afford. A study showed that in a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians visited a dentist, with 23% of Canadians being put off from visiting the dentist due to the cost involved [6].

Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to dental care being largely disregarded, which has created “a dental disaster”, according to the President of the FDI World Dental Federation [7].

Poor oral hygiene (including avoiding regular dental check-ups) can cause gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Eventually, treatment will be required.

Poor oral health is also linked to physical health problems, and can also cause mental distress – both of which add further strain to Canada’s healthcare system.

The NDP have suggested that the most marginalized people – “indigenous people, children, single parent families, young workers, women and low-income Canadians” – are those that are worst affected by the current format [2].

These statistics appear to back up the arguments put forward by the NDP, and shows the need for lower dental costs in Canada.

Savanna’s commitment to cost

Our dental clinic Savanna Dental is located in Calgary, Alberta. We are based in a convenient area of Calgary, and care deeply about our patients.

Looking on a more localised level, research in 2012 found that over 90% of Calgary residents have decayed, missing or filled teeth – which shows the importance of regular visits to the dentist [8].

With Calgary’s population largely needing oral health improvements, and concerns existing over costs – it is useful for the population to be aware that our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental adheres to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients across our wide range of services.

For those with concerns regarding the cost of dental care, the Alberta Dental Fee Guide provides accurate information on the nature of costs, and what is involved in each treatment type.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of services. It is important to remember that with good oral hygiene, a nutritious diet and avoiding certain foods and drinks, most dental problems are preventable.

But when problems do arise, it is important for them to be treated as soon as possible. We cannot understate the importance of early detection. If left untreated, what might start out as a small filling may morph into a problem that requires a more complex procedure like a root canal.

Therefore, attending regular dental check-ups (at least twice a year) is very important. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and avoiding sugary snacks are all important measures to protect our oral health.

When treatment is required, we provide a personalised treatment plan for each patient, and ensure that they receive a high standard of care at all times.

Summary

While it is unknown if the NDP’s motion will secure much support, there does appear to be a growing realisation that the current dental care system in Canada is potentially unsustainable in the long-term.

But for now, it is crucial to maintain strong oral health. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! We are always happy to welcome new patients, and look forward to providing them with a courteous and comfortable experience. Click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the range of services we provide.