Category: Dental Care

Following wisdom tooth removal, pain management is important. Painkillers typically play a role post-surgery. Recent research has looked at which is most effective – opioids or non-opioids. This research is helpful, and can advise dentists on the most effective method of treating post-surgery pain.

As many people can attest to, wisdom tooth removal can be challenging. It typically involves pain and normally requires a few days for recovery.

Managing the pain involved in wisdom tooth removal is important. There are many different painkillers available, from over-the-counter medicines to prescription only pills.

Those that are recovering from wisdom tooth removal will often choose between opioids and non-opioids. Many believe that due to the strong nature of opioids, that they are more effective.

However, this may not actually be the case. Now, new research has looked into which is more effective for post-surgical pain – opioids or non-opioids [1].

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is a very common dental procedure. Most humans have four wisdom teeth – which develop later than the rest of the teeth.

They are the teeth furthest to the back of the mouth, and are commonly referred to as the “third molars.” They usually grow during teenage years [2].

Wisdom teeth often require no treatment at all, and just naturally exist. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not grow properly.

For example, the tooth might not have enough space to come into the mouth fully, or they may be partly covered by the gums. Problems with wisdom teeth can cause pain, gum disease and tooth decay [2].

While wisdom tooth removal is very straightforward, it can cause pain post-procedure. Therefore, pain management is important to ensure comfort during recovery.

Pain management

Non-opioid painkillers are typically available over the counter. For example, these include Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil).

While taking these painkillers daily in the long-term isn’t advisable, they are very effective at treating a range of conditions. These include headaches, colds, sore throats and dental pain.

These painkillers are not addictive, and side effects are rare. However, this is completely different for opioid painkillers.

Opioids are high-strength painkillers. Well-known opioids include Morphine, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. Unfortunately, they cause a range of side effects, and are addictive [3].

In fact, research shows that the mortality rate of opioid addicts is approximately 6 to 20 times higher than that of the general population – underlining the potential harm [3].

The United States has been battling an opioid epidemic in recent years. In 2017, President Donald Trump declared the epidemic as a public health emergency [4]. Problems have continued in subsequent years.

Due to their potential harm, health organizations have made recommendations against their use in many cases. However, dentists rank among the leading prescribers of opioids.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Their findings have been published in the Journal of the American Dental Association [1].

Following wisdom tooth removal, dentists often provide their patients with a prescription for opioids. In fact, 8.9 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2022 by dentists in the United States [1].

For many patients, when being prescribed an opioid for dental pain, this will be their first introduction to these medicines. As discussed earlier, they have a high potential for abuse.

The research involved more than 1,800 patients [1]. These patients all had a wisdom tooth removed, before being split into two groups.

The first group were prescribed a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Meanwhile, the second group were prescribed the opioid hydrocodone and acetaminophen [1].

The patients were asked to rate various outcomes – including pain levels, sleep quality and general satisfaction – over the week post-surgery [1].

Interestingly, the results overwhelmingly found that non-opioids were more effective in the vast majority of situations [1].

Pain is at its highest in the two days immediately after surgery. The non-opioid group reported less pain during this period [1].

Throughout the week, those in the non-opioid group reported better sleep quality and less interference with daily activities during the week [1].

Moreover, the patients in the opioid group had double the chance of requiring a “rescue” pain medication when compared to the non-opioid group [1].

Overall, those in the non-opioid group experienced less pain, better sleep, and higher satisfaction with treatment. Therefore, the findings produced very clear results.

Author comments

The findings suggest that opioids are not necessary for the post-surgery treatment of wisdom tooth removal. Due to the risks associated with opioid use, this is a very positive conclusion.

By only prescribing non-opioids, this can reduce the risk of addiction to these powerful painkillers. Non-opioids are also typically significantly cheaper.

This is also consistent with the American Dental Association’s recommendation for dentists to avoid opioids as a first-line pain treatment for opioids [5].

Cecile Feldman is the dean of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and served as the lead author of the study. She was delighted with the findings, calling it “a landmark study” [5].

Continuing, Feldman said that “the results actually came in even stronger than we thought they would” [5]. Moreover, Feldman exclaimed that the study’s results show “there is no reason to be prescribing opioids” outside of “special situations” [5].

The researchers hope that these findings will result in change occurring in the prescribing practices of dentists. Prescribing non-opioids is safer, and as the research here has showed – is more effective.

Furthermore, the researchers are hoping to carry out further studies into dental pain. For example, they will be looking to see if the same results apply to other dental procedures, like root canal treatments [5].

Thinking points…

1) Are you concerned about your wisdom teeth? Maybe they haven’t grown properly, food is getting stuck near them, or you have pain in the area. If so, you should mention this to your dentist at your next check-up, so that they can take a look at the area. We recommend visiting the dentist at least twice per year. We recommend making an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone that has an upcoming tooth extraction? If so, you could send this article to them. This article is useful as it can show them that they should opt for a non-opioid pain management schedule. This would help to keep them safe and help them to recover more effectively. Why not send the article now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our 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] Feldman, C. A., Fredericks-Younger, J., Desjardins, P. J., et al. (2025). Nonopioid vs opioid analgesics after impacted third-molar extractions. The Journal of The American Dental Association. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2024.10.014.

[2] NHS. (2024). Wisdom tooth removal. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/. Last accessed: 11th January 2025.

[3] Hser, Y-I., Evans, E., Grella, C., Ling, W., & Anglin, D. (2015). Long-Term Course of Opioid Addiction. Harvard Review of Psychiatry. 23 (2): p76-89. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000052.

[4] Oliphant, J. (2017). Trump declares national emergency on opioid abuse. Available: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-opioid-idUSKBN1AQ2AW. Last accessed: 11th January 2025.

[5] Smith, A. (2025). Non-opioid pain relievers beat opioids after dental surgery, trial shows. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-opioid-pain-relievers-opioids-dental.html. Last accessed: 11th January 2025.

New research has sought to find out if early childhood exposure to the chemical fluoride has an impact on the cognitive neurodevelopment of children. The topic of fluoride has been in the news a lot recently, so research into this subject is important. The findings may help to shape public health policy towards fluoride.

One of the most polarizing scientific debates in the modern day revolves around the chemical fluoride – with its impact and whether or not it should be added to the public water supply being heated discussion points.

Research has consistently found that fluoride is good for our oral health. It helps to strengthen our enamel, combat tooth decay, and fight off harmful bacteria [1].

However, there have been concerns raised regarding fluoride’s impact on children, including fears of over-exposure to the chemical and its impact on cognitive development [2].

Now, two senior organizations in oral healthcare have announced the publication of a new study that examines how cognitive development among young children is affected by exposure to fluoride.

Background

As discussed, fluoride is a chemical that has attracted significant debate. The oral health benefits are clear, and it is a key ingredient in both toothpaste and mouthwash.

However, the main controversy surrounding fluoride is its addition to the public water supply in some areas – known as water fluoridation.

In the United States, the debate over water fluoridation has received more attention recently due to the imminent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy as the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services [3].

Kennedy has opposed water fluoridation, and has announced that he plans on advising all US water systems to remove fluoride from the public water supply.

One of the main concerns put forward by opponents of water fluoridation is its impact on children. Moreover, this is especially in relation to exposure in early childhood.

This includes overexposure to fluoride, and concern about its impact on cognitive neurodevelopment. Therefore, new research has been conducted to look into this further.

This important study has been supported by The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) [4].

The Research

The research was conducted by a team from The University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Dental Research [4].

The team sought to investigate potential effects of fluoride exposure on the cognitive neurodevelopment of children. To find this out, the researchers used the 4th edition of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) [4].

The participants in this study were a sample of Australian adults. The sample data was selected from the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) 2012-14 [4].

When adults completed the NCOHS, they were aged between 6 and 16. Data was collected on oral health behaviours, socioeconomic factors, and residential history – the latter of which was crucial for determining which children had access to fluoridated water [4].

Furthermore, the children were examined by trained examiners to assess dental fluorosis – which is a reliable marker of fluoride intake during early childhood [4].

The sample – consisting of 357 participants – were then contacted to provide an update between 2022 and 2023. By this point, the participants were aged between 16 and 26 [4].

This update had the aim of collecting data on cognitive neurodevelopment using the WAIS-IV – which was administered by trained examiners [4].

The researchers then used multivariable regression models to calculate the results and any associations between the various areas [4].

Interestingly, the results showed no statistical difference between those exposed to fluoride and those that were not exposed to fluoride [4].

In fact, the regression analysis even found that IQ scores were slightly higher among those exposed to fluoride [4]. Although this was a very small difference.

Overall, the researchers concluded that early childhood exposure to fluoride does not have an effect on cognitive neurodevelopment, with their analysis demonstrating this [4].

Summary

The researchers were pleased with the findings. They hope that the results of this research will be able to play a part in shaping healthcare policy over the next few months – which coincides with crucial decisions being made in the United States.

Effie Ioannidou is the President of the AADOCR. She commented on the findings, stating that “the fluoridation of drinking water has been enormously beneficial to oral health over the decades, and to public health more generally” [5].

Continuing, Ioannidou said that “it is crucial that a wealth of scientific evidence is always available should the public ever need reminding of this fact” [5]. She says that this research is an example of this.

While there are some risks with fluoride – such as overexposure – managing the balance between the risks and benefits of fluoride is crucial.

But these findings add to the body of research which suggests fluoride has a positive impact on our oral health, and little to no impact on cognitive neurodevelopment.

Thinking points…

1) Some areas have access to fluoridated water, while others don’t. Regardless of whether you live in an area with fluoridated water or not, it is very important to visit your dentist regularly for a check-up. At a check-up, a dentist can take a thorough look at your oral health, and provide advice and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) With fluoride being in the news so much recently, some people have decided to change to a non-fluoride toothpaste. This has the potential to cause significant dental problems! Therefore, the contents of this article could be very helpful to many people and help to downplay their fears. You could share this article on your social media channels to raise awareness, it could benefit many people. Why not share the article now?!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our 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[TM]! 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] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2024). Fluoride & Dental Health. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fluoride. Last accessed: 28th December 2024.

[2] Veneri, F., Vincenti, M., Generali, L., Giannone, M. E., Mazzoleni, E., Birnbaum, L. S., Consolo, U., & Filippini, T. (2023). Fluoride exposure and cognitive neurodevelopment: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. 221. 115239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.115239.

[3] Mello-Klein, C. (2024). Eliminating fluoride in water would create health problems beyond oral health, experts say. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-fluoride-health-problems-oral-experts.html. Last accessed: 28th December 2024.

[4] Do, L. G., Sawyer, A., Ha, D. H., et al. (2024). Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Cognitive Neurodevelopment: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study. Journal of Dental Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345241299352.

[5] International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research. (2024). The impact of early childhood exposure to fluoride on cognitive neurodevelopment. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-impact-early-childhood-exposure-fluoride.html. Last accessed: 28th December 2024.

Whether through a trip, a fall, or something else, children often get injuries. But while most injuries are easily treated, mouth-based injuries require more attention. Injuries to the mouth, including a tooth falling out or a badly bitten tongue, should be treated carefully and in a timely manner. Many parents are unaware of the importance of treating any mouth-based injuries in children quickly.

Amongst the various games, sports and other activities that children participate in, injuries are common. Perhaps they fall off their bike, slip off a climbing frame, or suffer a fall.

While in many cases this results in just a grazed knee or a twisted ankle, in some cases it can be worse. For example, this may result in an injury to the mouth or teeth.

Parents or caregivers are often unprepared for oral injuries. So if this does happen, what should a parent do to help their child?

What are the common causes of mouth injuries in children?

Research shows that approximately 1 in 3 children and teenagers experience dental trauma when they grow up [1].
Common causes of dental trauma include falls, sports injuries, car accidents, fights, and biting hard objects [1]. These can affect children of any age.

Typical injuries include teeth being knocked out, teeth becoming dislodged, a burnt mouth, or a badly bitten tongue. Treatment is often required, especially if a tooth has been knocked out.

Zameera Fida works at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine [1]. She says that “there are few true emergencies in dentistry”, however, “a permanent tooth that’s knocked out is one of them” [1].

Preventing mouth injuries

It is advisable to know ahead of time what to do. You could discuss with your dentist what steps to take if your child injures their mouth.

Moreover, it is useful to know the ages in which children are most vulnerable to injuries. When children are fully mobile for the first time – usually around 2-3, or around the ages of 8-11 when they become more independent, are the most common times that children get mouth injuries [1].

If your child plays any sports, consider purchasing a mouth guard to protect their teeth, or, if necessary, a helmet, as this can protect head and neck too.

Trying to prevent injuries and be proactive can certainly help. After all, the aim is for no child to ever get a bad mouth injury!

What should you do when a child injures their mouth?

The type of injury that the child has is important to know. For example, if a tooth has become dislodged or cracked, but is still intact, putting an ice pack on the injured area and going to an emergency dentist is needed.

However, if a tooth has been entirely knocked out, then if possible, try to find the tooth. Ideally, try to place the tooth back in its socket.

At the very least, make sure that it stays hydrated. For example, place the tooth in milk, or a saline solution. Keeping it dry will not help, with research showing that if a tooth is out of the mouth and kept dry for more than an hour, it can be very difficult to save it [1].

In terms of pain management, the level of pain is likely to depend on how deep the crack is. In terms of a tooth, lying beneath the enamel and dentin is the innermost layer – called the pulp. This contains nerves. Therefore, if the crack has penetrated the pulp, then pain is highly likely.

Regardless of the exact type of injury, if a child is in pain, or has a bad mouth injury, it is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible. When there, a dentist can try to remedy the situation.

If you are unable to get to a dentist, consider going to the emergency room. Emergency rooms have health professionals readily available, who may provide a temporary fix to relieve pain.

A dentist can then carry out the required treatment at a later date – once the situation has been stabilized.

Either way, help is available. Getting treatment for any dental problem is important, and doing so in a timely manner maximizes the chances of the damage being limited.

Thinking points…

1) If you have children, remember that visiting the dentist regularly from a young age is very important. This can help to make children aware of the importance of visiting the dentist and looking after their teeth. If there are any problems, then these can be treated at an early stage. We recommend that children should have at least two check-ups per year. Why not book an appointment now?

2) But remember that it isn’t just children that should be attending the dentist regularly! It is very important that adults too. Check-ups allow a dentist to thoroughly look at your mouth, including the teeth and gums. If any problems are identified, then treatment to fix the issues can be organized. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our 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] Ragovin, H. (2024). One in three kids will injure their mouth or teeth—here’s what to do when it happens. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-kids-mouth-teeth.html. Last accessed: 30th November 2024.