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Category: Dental Care

Is There a Connection Between Gum Disease and an Increased Risk of a Stroke in Younger People?
16Jun
New research has looked to see if a connection exists between Gum Disease and an increased risk of a Stroke in younger people. There have been a rising number of younger people having strokes in recent years. Now, researchers have been looking to see if oral health problems may have been contributing to this issue.

Recent research has looked into a possible connection between Periodontitis – a severe form of gum disease – and having a stroke, specifically in those aged under 50 [1].

Strokes normally affect older people, but they can impact younger people too. The researchers sought to find out if periodontitis can contribute to strokes taking place.

The health of our gums is crucial, but many suffer with gum disease. Therefore, any research into this topic is highly-valued.

Background

This research involved looking at periodontitis and strokes. As mentioned, periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease, which is a very common condition.

Periodontitis involves swollen and inflamed gums, and over time can result in the teeth pulling away from the gums.

Periodontitis destroys supporting dental tissues, which worsens the state of oral health. If left untreated, gum disease can result in tooth loss.

Meanwhile, a stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off [2].

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. If left untreated, a person can sadly die. They are often caused by a blood clot, which itself is linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irregular heartbeats and diabetes [2].

Past research has shown a connection between oral health and strokes [3]. However, this research focused on an older group of participants. This research looks at those aged under 50.

The Research

The research was conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Dental Research [1].

The researchers created a study that surveyed inflammatory changes associated with periodontitis, along with recently completed dental procedures in young stroke patients.

The particular focus was on individuals that had experienced a stroke between the ages of 20 and 50 – without any of the known causes of a stroke being present.

In total, 146 people, with a median age of 41.9, were enrolled into the study. These 146 people were in two groups. One group had experienced a stroke between the age of 20 and 49. The other group were healthy – without having had a stroke before [1].

Oral examinations were performed, and various acid levels were taken. This allowed the team to be able to make a diagnosis on if the participant had periodontitis [1].

Following the examinations, the team completed multivariate conditional regression models, which allowed for various factors to be taken into account – including stroke risk factors [1].

Periodontitis was diagnosed in 27.5% of the group that had experienced a stroke. Meanwhile, in the healthy control group, 20.1% of the group were diagnosed [1].

This means that periodontitis is significantly more common among stroke patients compared to those in the healthy control group [1]. Therefore, the risk of a stroke does indeed seem to be higher for those with periodontitis.

The researchers also found out that interestingly, the results showed that in the three months after a dental procedure has been carried out, a person is most at risk of a stroke [1].

In fact, the researchers found out that the more inflammation has progressed in the mouth, the higher the chance there was of a stroke taking place [1].

Summary

Overall, the study found that there is a significant increase in the risk of a stroke in those aged under 50 that have periodontitis, and seemingly no predisposing causes [1].

One of the potential causes of this is that periodontitis results in harmful oral bacteria multiplying in the mouth and then entering the bloodstream – causing inflammation to worsen.

Therefore, this leads to a vicious cycle where bacteria are nourished by the tissue destroyed by inflammation. Then, their reproduction accelerates the inflammation – worsening the situation [1].

The rising number of strokes in younger people is certainly an issue. Research author Jukka Putaala says that “the incidence of such strokes has been on the rise in recent decades” [4].

It is important for inflammation to be looked at regularly. Another author – Susanna Paju – says that “bad teeth should be removed and inflammation treated, in addition to which teeth should be checked on a regular basis” [4].

This research underlines the potential damage of periodontitis. Looking after our gums is crucial, and can aid both our oral and physical health.

Thinking points…

1) One of the issues with gum disease is that it develops over a long period of time. It needs to be caught early to be addressed quickly. Therefore, remember to attend a dental clinic on a regular basis, as a dentist can track any development of gum disease and provide advice to stop it getting worse. You should attend at least twice a year. We recommend booking a check-up now!

2) As discussed earlier, gum disease is a very common condition. Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for it, but treatment can help lessen problems. For example, root planing and scaling are two ways of aiding your gums. When you next see your dentist, you could mention any concerns about your gums to them. They will be able to take a look and provide advice.

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] Leskela, J., Putaala, J., & Paju, S. (2024). Periodontitis, Dental Procedures, and Young-Onset Cryptogenic Stroke. Journal of Dental Research. 103 (5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345241232406.

[2] National Health Service. (2022). Stroke. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/. Last accessed: 13th June 2024.

[3] American Heart Association. (2020). Gum disease, inflammation, hardened arteries may be linked to stroke risk. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-02-gum-disease-inflammation-hardened-arteries.html. Last accessed: 13th June 2024.

[4] University of Helsinki. (2024). Patients with periodontitis have significantly increased risk of stroke before age 50, study indicates. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06-patients-periodontitis-significantly-age.html. Last accessed: 13th June 2024.

Which Commonly Used Mouthwash May Actually Negatively Impact Our Oral Health?
10Jun
New research has looked to see how the popular mouthwash brand Listerine® impacts our oral microbiome – which is the community of bacteria in our mouth. Interestingly, there are some concerns from the findings, which suggests Listerine may not be entirely positive for our oral health.

Many of us use mouthwash as part of our daily oral hygiene routine. Some use it immediately after waking up, others do so straight after cleaning their teeth, and some do so after meals.

But while we may believe that mouthwash is having a positive impact on us, according to recent research, this isn’t entirely true.

Recent findings have suggested that a flavour of a popular brand of mouthwash – Listerine® – may actually have a negative impact on our oral health, which is concerning [1].

The findings are very interesting. However, the researchers have pointed out that there are certain caveats to their findings, which is important to remember when looking for conclusions from the study.

Background

The research involved the brand Listerine, whose well-known slogan is “Kills germs that cause bad breath.” Whilst there is no doubting the slogan is accurate, we can ask at what cost is this made possible?

Recent statistics show that approximately 200 million people in the United States use mouthwash [2]. Listerine compete in the mouthwash market with other household brands like Colgate and Oral-B.

Typical benefits of mouthwash include reducing plaque levels, freshening breath, improving symptoms of dry mouth, and strengthening the enamel through fluoride.

Another benefit is balancing the bacteria levels in the mouth – known as the oral microbiome. However, as recent research shows, this doesn’t necessarily happen.

The oral microbiome refers to the community of bacteria that live in the mouth. The composition of the oral microbiome is crucial, as a poorly balanced microbiome has been linked to a range of conditions, including tooth decay and some cancers [3].

The Research

The research was conducted by a team from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. Their findings have been published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology [1].

The researchers were looking to see how mouthwash impacted the oral microbiome [1]. When the microbiome is in a healthy state, it boosts our oral health. But when problems arise, the microbiome can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

To look into this, the researchers arranged a study which involved 59 participants. The participants were split into two groups. One group took the “Cool Mint” flavour of Listerine, whilst the other group took a placebo mouthwash [1].

The groups had a mouth swab after three months of daily use. Then, the groups swapped over for the next three months. Once again, samples were taken from mouth swabs at the end of the second period of three months [1].

Once the swabs had been taken, the researchers compared the swabs between the two groups using a range of analysis techniques. They were particularly interested to see if certain types of bacteria were present in the mouth.

The Results

The results were very interesting. The researchers found that two species of opportunistic bacteria were of a significantly higher volume in the saliva of those that had been using Listerine [1].

These two types of bacteria were Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus. These two bacteria have been linked to gum disease, esophageal and colorectal cancers in the past [1].

Arguably even worse – the researchers also found the level of a group of bacteria called Actinobacteria had decreased [1]. This group of bacteria are crucial contributors to the regulation of blood pressure.

Overall, the research showed that daily use of Listerine mouthwash can result in the oral microbiome being negatively affected. The abundance of the Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus bacteria makes a person more vulnerable to oral health problems.

Furthermore, there are also physical health considerations, with the lack of actinobacteria meaning blood pressure could worsen.

Author Comments

The findings are very interesting. In fairness to Listerine, the brand promise to freshen breath – which it certainly does. However, when analyzing the mouthwash in more detail, there are some concerning findings.

This is summarised by lead author Dr. Jolein Laumen, who has said the public use mouthwashes to “tackle bad breath or prevent periodontitis,” however, “they should be aware of the potential implications” [4].

However, the researchers have cautioned that we shouldn’t take substantial conclusions on their study. They have pointed out that the study didn’t take into account dietary habits, nor possible tobacco use, or other bacteria-causing behaviour [4].

Therefore, we can’t definitively say that Cool Mint mouthwash has a negative impact on our oral microbiome. However, there seems to be enough evidence to suggest there are potential issues.

Overall, we need to ensure we look after our oral health. Mouthwash can help in the majority of cases, but the main thing to do is to ensure you clean your teeth regularly and attend check-ups too!

Thinking points…

1) The above article shows us that even things that we think are good for our oral health aren’t necessarily healthy. In fact, you could be damaging your oral health without even realizing it. Therefore, it is very important to regularly see a dentist, so that they can check your oral health is strong. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Do you use mouthwash as part of your oral hygiene routine? If so, it is worth checking the ingredients, and consulting your dentist over its use. If you don’t use mouthwash, then you could try and introduce it to your routine! It can be a great option for throughout the day to keep your breath fresh and mouth healthy. We recommend using mouthwash as part of your oral health routine.

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] Laumen, J. G. E., Van Dijck, C., Manoharan-Basil, S. S., de Block, T., Abdellati, S., Xavier, B. B., Malhotra-Kumar, S., & Kenyon, C. (2024). The effect of daily usage of Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash on the oropharyngeal microbiome: a substudy of the PReGo trial. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 73 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001830.

[2] Statista. (2024). U.S. population: Do you use mouthwash/ dental rinse?. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/276434/us-households-usage-of-mouthwash-and-dental-rinse/. Last accessed: 6th June 2024.

[3] Sharma, N., Bhatia, S., Sodhi, A. S., & Batra, N. (2018). Oral Microbiome and health. AIMS Microbiology. 4 (1): p42-66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3934%2Fmicrobiol.2018.1.42.

[4] Microbiology Society. (2024). Commonly used alcohol-based mouthwash brand may disrupt the balance of your oral microbiome, scientists say. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06-commonly-alcohol-based-mouthwash-brand.html. Last accessed: 6th June 2024.

Why Does Periodontal Disease Become More Common as We Get Older?
27May
Recent research has looked into the progression of Periodontitis – which is the most common form of Gum Disease. It is known that periodontitis becomes more common with age. However, researchers were unaware of why this is the case. Therefore, research into this area has been completed, with the aim of learning more about this process.

Periodontitis is the most severe form of Gum Disease. Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions and affects a large number of people.

Interestingly, periodontitis becomes more common with age. However, scientists do not have an entire understanding of why this happens.

Now, a team of researchers has sought to learn more about this. They modified a well-known animal model to study periodontitis in detail, helping them to gain more of an understanding of this condition [1].

Background

Gum Disease is incredibly common, with it impacting almost half of American adults and hundreds of millions of people around the world [2].

Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss. It is caused by an inflammatory response to bacterial infection of the tissue around the teeth – which itself is linked to poor oral hygiene.

As periodontitis worsens, the gums start pulling away from the teeth, which exposes the roots of the teeth and eventually, the bone [1].

As discussed in the introduction, periodontitis becomes more common as people age. For example, research shows that 60% of American adults aged 65 or over have periodontitis – the most severe form of gum disease [3].

This is likely to become more problematic over the next few decades, as life expectancy continues to grow. Therefore, learning more about the progression of this condition is crucial. This is what a team of researchers has looked into.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Their findings have been published in the Nature Communications journal [1].

It is challenging to study periodontitis directly in humans, which leads scientists to use animal models. The “mouse ligature-induced periodontitis model” has been used a lot for scientific experiments since its introduction in 2012 [1].

The model works by artificially inducing periodontitis into mice via ligating silk threads onto the molars of the mice, which stimulates plaque accumulation [1].

While this particular model has helped researchers to study the mechanisms of cells involved in periodontitis, there are some limitations. For instance, it does not provide a picture that takes into account the complexities of periodontitis [1].

Therefore, the researchers modified the model. Instead of a single ligature that is used on the original, they used a triple ligature, which expanded the level of bone loss, albeit without causing severe bone destruction [1].

This allowed the team to get a wider selection of periodontal tissue. This could further their analysis and provide more widespread findings.

The team then observed as periodontitis was induced into the mice. They noticed that the IL-33/ST2 pathway was impacted. This is a pathway that is known to be involved in inflammatory processes in the body [1].

When the IL-33/ST2 pathway was weakened, the researchers noticed that the mice showed accelerated inflammatory bone destruction [1]. Therefore, once this pathway became weakened, periodontitis worsened.

It appears that as a person gets older, this pathway naturally weakens, with poor oral health seemingly exacerbating this process. Therefore, this makes a person more vulnerable to periodontitis as they get older.

The researchers were pleased with the outcome. Adding this to the field of knowledge for gum disease is helpful.

Summary

The researchers believe this research will be helpful in the future. The modified animal model they used could help with similar research, as it provides a more realistic representation of the mouth.

Confirming the effectiveness of this model, senior author Dr. Mikihito Hayashi said that the triple-ligature model achieved four times the yield of the previous model, which supported “the high-resolution analysis of different tissue types” [4].

In conclusion, the research team noted that the aforementioned IL-33 pathway “is deeply involved in periodontal disease” [4]. Furthermore, they noted that their findings may result in “the development of new treatment strategies and prevention methods” [4].

With so many people suffering from gum disease, any research into the condition is welcomed. These findings continue to be helpful for researchers and patients alike.

Thinking points…

1) As we mentioned above, gum disease is very common. In light of this, we all need to remember to look after our gums! Remember to brush them gently each day, avoid too much sugar in your diet and cut out any tobacco use. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, you can speak to your dentist. There are some treatments to aid the health of your gums, including root planing and scaling.

2) Remember to attend regular dental check-ups. A dentist can assist with the health of your gums, and they can look out for early signs of gum disease. When noticed early on, it can lessen the impact of gum disease. Therefore, it is crucial to attend the dentist at least twice a year. We recommend that you book 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] Liu, A., Hayashi, M., Ohsugi, Y., Katagiri, S., Akira, S., Iwata, T., & Nakashima, T. (2024). The IL-33/ST2 axis is protective against acute inflammation during the course of periodontitis. Nature Communications. 15 (2708). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46746-2.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html . Last accessed: 25th May 2024.

[3] Eke, P. I., Thornton-Evans, G. O., Wei, L., Borgnakke, W. S., Dye, B. A., & Genco, R. J. (2018). Periodontitis in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 149 (7): p576-588. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.04.023.

[4] Tokyo Medical and Dental University. (2024). Clarifying the cellular mechanisms underlying periodontitis with an improved animal model. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-05-cellular-mechanisms-underlying-periodontitis-animal.html. Last accessed: 25th May 2024.

How Many Claims Have Been Made for the Canadian Dental Care Plan So Far?
20May
Since opening for eligible seniors in early May, the Canadian Dental Care Plan has seen a surge in the number of claims made. This is a positive sign, and shows the plan is popular. However, there have been concerns over the state of the oral health of many people seeking treatment. Therefore, this suggests that there are many people across Canada in desperate need of urgent oral health treatment.

The Canadian Federal Government has announced that 46,000 claims have been processed under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to date [1].

This announcement underlines the popularity of the CDCP, which is helping many people with their oral health.

While this news is positive, many stories have recently emerged regarding the urgent care that some who have accessed the plan have needed. This shows that unfortunately, many people are not accessing regular dental care. Instead, many seem to be waiting to become eligible for the CDCP – a decision which can cause a huge range of problems.

The Latest Figures

The CDCP became available for eligible senior citizens on 1st May. Those aged 70 and over are eligible to receive the CDCP now, while those aged 65 and over can now register ahead of the next phase of the rollout [1].

Over the forthcoming months, more and more people will become eligible for the plan. Eventually, all citizens from low- and medium-income families will become eligible for the plan.

Since the 1st May opening for seniors, there have been a flurry of claims made. In fact, there have been over 46,000 claims made [1]. These positive figures suggest that the dental plan will be very popular.

Almost 9,000 oral healthcare providers have signed up to provide care under the CDCP [1]. This number has risen substantially since last month, with more and more oral healthcare providers starting to provide services.

Experiences of Dr. Melvin Lee

Dr. Melvin Lee is a dentist based in Ottawa. Lee has spoken of his experience with the plan so far, as well as his concerns about the state of some of his patients’ oral health [1].

Lee has been alarmed at some of his patients. He notes that some of the patients he’s seen don’t “just have dental emergencies, but borderline medical emergencies” [1].

Perhaps more worryingly, Lee says that he hasn’t “seen patients in this condition” since he did “overseas mission dentistry work in Haiti and Peru” [1].

Therefore, his words suggest that some Canadians have poor oral health to the extent which is normally associated with poorer or third world countries, rather than Canada.

Lee has treated about 20 seniors since 1st May through the CDCP. He said that the first patient he saw was a man that hadn’t been to the dentist in five years due to the cost [1].

Moreover, the dentist said that most of those 20 seniors have had very poor oral health which has needed extensive dental work performed. For many, they have delayed getting help for too long, meaning tooth extractions may be needed.

Leaving oral health problems untreated can be very damaging. These problems will only worsen over time, resulting in further treatment being required in the long term.

Lee’s concerns are very valid, and shows that many Canadians are in desperate need of oral health treatment. However, Lee did commend the rollout of the CDCP, lauding it as being “seamless” [1].

Summary

As with most elements of the CDCP, there are both positives and negatives. Progress continues to be made, but problems remain.

The uptake of the plan has certainly been positive. But with dentists discovering that poor oral health is commonplace, it suggests that many people are in desperate need of oral health treatment. Unfortunately, many appear to be waiting for the CDCP to loosen its eligibility criteria.

For those with oral health problems, seeking treatment soon is crucial. This can help with their overall health, and improve their quality of life significantly.

Thinking points…

1) As has been alluded to in the above article, there are so many people across Canada that are in desperate need of oral health treatment. It isn’t a good idea to avoid visiting the dentist, as problems will only worsen if not treated. Equally, waiting for the CDCP isn’t advisable. Remember to attend dental appointments at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Further to the above, if you are in need of a dentist, then it is good to know that here at our Calgary-based dental Clinic Savanna Dental, we are accepting new patients! We would love to assist you and your family with your dental needs. If you want to find out more about us, then please see our website at the following link – https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We hope to see you soon!

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] von Stackelberg, M. (2024). Broken teeth and infected gums: 46K claims filed so far with Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-dental-care-plan-claims-processed-1.7200738. Last accessed: 16th May 2024.

What Are the Different Parts of Our Teeth, and How Can We Protect Them?
13May
We all have teeth, but not many of us know about the different parts of a tooth and their intricacies. Human teeth are remarkable, and serve so many purposes. Now, dentist Dr. Samer Zaky has come forward to explain the different parts of teeth, and provide some tips on how to look after them.

It is easy to forget just how amazing our teeth are. They make our smile look nice, they are used to chew food, bite things, and we use them to speak.

However, while they are very important, some people neglect them. We only get one set of teeth in adulthood – so it is crucial for us to look after them.

Now, dentist Dr. Samer Zaky has come forward to explain the different parts of teeth, and provide tips on how to look after and protect our teeth [1]. These tips are relevant to us all.

Background

Dr. Zaky has spoken of his admiration for teeth, calling them a “biological marvel” [1]! He has been discussing the various areas of the tooth and gums – namely the enamel, dentin and pulp [1].

The typical adult has 32 teeth. These include 12 molars, 8 premolars, 4 canines, and 8 incisors. Each tooth has its own function, but all play a crucial role in our oral health.

Every tooth is vulnerable to tooth decay, which makes it important for us to look after our teeth. But teeth aren’t always looked after. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans aged 75 and over live without teeth [2].

The enamel

The enamel is considered to be the “protective shell” of the tooth, and covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum. Incredibly, enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body [1].

Enamel does not regenerate unfortunately. Researchers have the ultimate aim in the future of being capable of providing on-demand regrown teeth [1].

Due to teeth not regenerating automatically, once a tooth has become decayed, enamel cannot be repaired. Decaying enamel happens due to acid-generating bacteria accumulating on unbrushed or inadequately brushed teeth [1].

Moreover, this results in the minerals in the enamel being dissolved. Therefore, it gets to the point where a tooth becomes extensively decayed, which results in a cavity forming. This is when a filling is required.

Despite it being so strong, enamel needs some support, which is provided by something more resilient – called dentin.

Dentin and the pulp

Dentin has less mineral content than enamel. It is a living tissue which is formed of tiny tubes that house fluid and cellular extensions. These originate from the pulp [1].

The pulp is the tooth’s soft tissue core. It has plenty of blood vessels, nerves and cells. Zaky says he considers it to be the “heart” of the tooth, and the key to its longevity [1].

The cells of dentin are very clever. Once decay is detected from the enamel, the cells of dentin signal to the pulp that something isn’t right – which results in tooth sensitivity [1]. This explains why we get tooth sensitivity.

Eventually, toothache happens. This is when it is definitely time to seek help from a dentist, if you haven’t done so already. The earlier you visit, the more of the tooth’s natural tissues will be preserved. Moreover, this increases the chance of the pulp regaining its healthy state.

When the tooth’s heart – the pulp – isn’t working, the tooth becomes more vulnerable. Dentin will eventually break, resulting in the pulp becoming infected. Root canal treatment is normally then needed, which is a more invasive procedure.

Protection

The most important thing you can do to protect your teeth is toothbrushing. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes.

You should compliment your toothbrushing by flossing. This helps to remove any debris that toothbrushing missed. Flossing forms a key part of any oral hygiene routine.

Tongue scraping can help to remove the buildup of bacteria on the tongue. This activity can aid our overall oral health and improve your breath.

Eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary or acidic drinks can also help. Using mouthwash after eating meals is also a good way of helping your teeth.

Then, as will be discussed later, attending dental appointments is crucial. This will ensure a dentist will be able to take a look at your teeth and make sure there aren’t any issues.

Finally, if you ever think about how valuable your teeth are, just remember that one of John Lennon’s teeth sold for just over $31,000 in 2011 [3]! Therefore, as adults typically have 32 teeth, what is in your mouth is highly valuable!

Thinking points…

1) As discussed above, it is crucial for you to attend regular dental appointments. Dental check-ups allow a dentist to take an in-depth look at your teeth, and check for any issues. If issues are noticed, a dentist will be able to provide advice and recommend treatment. We recommend attending a dental appointment soon!

2) If you have any children, you could share this article with them. Articles like this are very educational and can help to remind children of the importance of looking after their teeth. It could definitely positively impact their oral health. Why not share this 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] Zaky, S. (2024). Healthy teeth are wondrous and priceless – a dentist explains why and how best to protect them. Available: https://theconversation.com/healthy-teeth-are-wondrous-and-priceless-a-dentist-explains-why-and-how-best-to-protect-them-224207. Last accessed: 10th May 2024.

[2] National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research. (2022). Tooth Loss in Seniors. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/seniors. Last accessed: 10th May 2024.

[3] BBC News. (2011). John Lennon’s tooth bought by Canadian dentist. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-15606017. Last accessed: 10th May 2024.

Are Seniors Now Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
6May
Eligible senior citizens are now able to receive dental care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This is very positive news, and should benefit the oral health of senior citizens across Canada. This marks an important moment in the rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which has resulted in positive reactions from many.

In exciting news, eligible senior citizens in Canada are able to receive dental care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) [1].

While the planning and subsequent rollout of the CDCP has been plagued with difficulties and setbacks, this is a positive step.

This news is excellent for the oral health of senior citizens. Research shows that seniors typically have worse oral health than younger people [2]. Therefore, this is a promising development in Canadian healthcare.

The Announcement

The CDCP has been in the works for the last few years. The plan aims to assist low- and medium-income families with dental costs.

In a historic announcement, as of 1st May 2024, eligible people aged 65 and above can now receive assistance with their dental care [1].

Health Canada announced that the first one million seniors who successfully applied to the CDCP and have a May coverage start date, can now receive dental care under the plan [1].

These one million seniors will have received a welcome package after successfully applying for the plan. In this welcome package, the coverage start date is provided, with those with a May start date now able to receive care [1].

Over 6,500 oral health providers have signed up to participate and will provide oral health services to CDCP patients [1]. Therefore, there is plenty of choice for patients.

Eligibility criteria applies. Moreover, depending on household income, some patients may need to pay a co-payment [1]. However, each person will have differing circumstances.

Federal Government’s focus on oral health

Under the supply and confidence agreement between the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party, oral health has become a key focus of government policy.

As part of this focus, the Government of Canada has launched the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). The aim is for this to further reduce barriers to receiving oral healthcare for those in remote and rural communities [1].

This, along with the CDCP, should have a very positive impact on the oral health of Canadians. In fact, the CDCP should make dental care more affordable for up to 9 million Canadians without dental coverage [1].

Reactions

The reaction to this announcement has been very positive. Various politicians, dentists, scientists and professors have gone on record to express their pleasure with the news.

The Honourable Mark Holland, who is Minister of Health, lauded the announcement as “a significant milestone” for those who have been “eagerly waiting to receive services” under the CDCP [1].

Furthermore, Holland went on to say that those who couldn’t afford dental care are now “on the road to better health”. He finished by calling this a “pivotal moment” in the history of Canada [1].

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, who is Minister of Public Services and Procurement, has been a key figure in the rollout of the CDCP. He echoed Holland’s sentiments, calling the CDCP “one of the most important advances” in Canadian healthcare [1].

The focus on seniors has been particularly pleasing for the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, who is the Minister for Seniors. He has said it is a “big” moment. Because as O’Regan says, “it’s about more than treating toothaches and fitting new dentures”, instead, “it’s about aging in good health” [1]. The plan will definitely assist with this.

What will happen next?

This is very positive news, and will help many Canadian citizens. Now, we can look ahead to the future of the CDCP.

The CDCP will continue to be rolled out gradually. While senior citizens are now eligible, other groups will follow. The next group to become eligible will be persons with disabilities and children under the age of 18.

Those that haven’t yet applied but are eligible can apply online. It is open for those aged 65 and over. The link to apply is: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html [3].

While the overall rollout will take time, eventually the plan will help millions of Canadians receive crucial oral healthcare. Therefore, Canada should see improvements in oral health over the next few years, aiding overall health.

Thinking points…

1) One of the main motivations for the CDCP was that many people find dental fees to be unaffordable. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our prices are fully transparent and reliable. You can read more about us on our website – www.savannadental.ca, we hope to see you soon!

2) Whether you are or aren’t eligible for the CDCP, it is crucial to have strong oral hygiene. This can aid your oral and overall health. A great way of helping your oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. It is important to attend a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book 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] Health Canada. (2024). 1 million seniors can now access services under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/05/1-million-seniors-can-now-access-services-under-the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 3rd May 2024.

[2] De Rubeis, V., Jiang, Y., de Groh, M., Dufour, L., Bronsard, A., Morrison, H., Butt, F., & Bassim, C. W. (2023). Oral Health Problems among Canadians Aged 45 to 85: Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Baseline Survey (2011–2015). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20 (8): 5533. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085533.

[3] Government of Canada. (2024). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html. Last accessed: 3rd May 2024.