Category: Dentistry

Dental treatments like cavity fillings use a range of materials to ensure their effectiveness. However, the results are normally only a temporary fix, rather than a solution for life. Currently, efforts to improve the longevity of dental materials are ongoing, with researchers aiming to create longer-lasting materials. This could help to save money for both consumers and healthcare providers.

One of the major problems in dentistry currently is the fact that when we get treatments like cavities, a root canal treatment, or cosmetic dentistry like veneers, they are only temporary fixes.

While these temporary fixes will often last many years – ideally we would only require treatment once. In fact, the thought of repeated treatment can put some people off attending the dentist.

However, in positive news, research into making longer-lasting dental materials is ongoing [1]. Progress is being made, with the hope that the research will result in longer-lasting results.

The current situation

A large range of materials are needed in dentistry. For example, these materials can be used for cavity fillings, implants, in root canal treatments and veneers.

Common materials used in dental restorations include amalgam, zinc, resin, porcelain, zirconium, and bonding agents. This is by no means an exhaustive list, with a vast range used.

But while these materials do a great job of providing a fix, this is typically only a short-term measure. For example, research shows that cavity fillings last up to around 15 years, depending on the materials involved [2].

Therefore, the current situation does not provide lifetime solutions. This results in high costs for both consumers and healthcare providers. Resultingly, longer-lasting materials would make a huge difference!

Project CUPIID

In an effort to improve the current situation, The Department of Energy has set up an initiative which will provide $33.6million of funding to a team of researchers for “Project Cupiid” [1]. Project Cupiid stands for “Complex, Unique, and Powerful Imaging instrument for Dynamics” [1].

The project is bringing together chemists, physicists, engineers, bioengineers, and material scientists [1]. They hope to develop materials that can withstand the notoriously harsh conditions of the mouth.

There is an awareness among the researchers that this isn’t something that only dental researchers can create. This is why the multi-disciplinary approach is being taken [1].

By having this multi-disciplinary team, the researchers will be able to look at how different materials function within the human body. Combinations of materials will also be examined in an effort to produce the most effective and long-lasting materials.

The potential benefits

Dr. Fernando Esteban Florez of the University of Oklahoma’s College of Dentistry is a key figure in the ongoing research. Florez has said that the total cost saving for longer-lasting restoration materials would be approximately $5billion per year [1].

Cost is definitely the main benefit. Florez has pointed out that “the cost to fabricate these materials, the cost to replace restorations, the amount of time that the patient has to go to the dental office, the impacts in the oral health, those are huge” [1].

This would also mean less oral discomfort. For instance, for someone that has had a root canal treatment, they are likely to be in excruciating pain when the materials eventually fail. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to tell when this will be. Therefore, by having longer-lasting materials, this is less likely to happen.

Florez is reluctant to get too excited, instead saying that currently, “it’s very hard to pinpoint how revolutionary this is” [1]. But the hope is that in the long-term, researchers will look back at this project as a time that dentistry was revolutionized forever!

The researchers aim to produce positive results soon. Florez has said that the team would like to produce new products within the next 2 years [1]. This would surely provide a range of long-term benefits for patients, dental clinics, and dentistry as a whole.

Thinking points…

1) It can be easy to think that if you have had recent treatment, that you don’t need to return to the dentist again for a while. But as this research shows, dental treatments won’t last forever! Therefore, it is important to regularly attend your dentist for a check-up. A check-up will provide a dentist with a chance to take a look at your oral health and ensure everything is looking as it should. Remember not to get complacent – book an appointment now!

2) We mentioned above that it is difficult to know how long your dental treatments will last. However, there are things that you can do to try and boost the longevity of treatments. For example, if you have cavity fillings, eating hard foods, chewing aggressively, or ignoring the filling when brushing your teeth – can all make the life expectancy of the filling worsen. Remember to take good care of your teeth, as this can reduce the likelihood of further treatment being required.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Breasette, A. (2023). Revolution for dentistry, research for longer lasting dental materials. Available: https://kfor.com/news/local/revolution-for-dentistry-research-for-longer-lasting-dental-materials/. Last accessed: 9th September 2023.

[2] Jokstad, A. (2002). How long do fillings last?. Evidence-Based Dentistry. 3: p96-99. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400146.

Research into Cardiovascular Disease has recently taken place, with the aim of being able to identify its early warning signs. To achieve this, researchers have found the use of a simple saliva sample can be helpful. The sample can provide health professionals with a range of information, including highlighting areas which are associated with cardiovascular disease. This approach could be easily implemented into regular dental check-ups.

Cardiovascular Disease is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It has the potential to be life-threatening. Therefore, looking out for the warning signs of cardiovascular disease is important.

Now, a research team has created a way of identifying the early warning signs of the condition – through a simple saliva sample [1].

This creation is exciting and has the potential to be an excellent tool for medical professionals to use when diagnosing cardiovascular disease.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease relates to conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels [2]. It can also be referred to as Heart Disease.

Symptoms of the condition include chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations [2]. It can be a life-threatening condition. Moreover, the condition can damage a range of organs, including the brain and the kidneys [2].

Often, lifestyle factors play a part in the development of cardiovascular disease. Smoking, being overweight and inactivity are all risk factors [2]. Furthermore, genetics and a high blood pressure can also play a role.

The Research

The research team featured scientists from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. Their findings were published in the Frontiers in Oral Health journal [1].

A key part of the work of the scientists involved the knowledge that there is a connection between cardiovascular disease and gum disease [1]. This fact formed a key element of their research.

The research team looked to find out if low levels of oral inflammation is clinically related to cardiovascular health [1]. To do this, they set up a study.

There were 28 participants in the study, aged between 18 and 30. The participants were all adults that did not smoke, did not take any medication that could impact cardiovascular health, and they did not have any history of periodontal disease [1].

The 28 participants were asked to fast for six hours prior to attending the laboratory. Once they got to the laboratory, the participants rinsed their mouths with water. Then, they rinsed their mouths with saline, which was collected by the researchers for analysis [1].

Following this, the participants laid down for 10 minutes for an electrocardiogram – which provided the researchers with further information on their overall health.

The scientists gathered the results and found that a high white blood cell count in saliva was linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease [1]. The authors explained that a large number of white blood cells is an indicator of gum inflammation.

Therefore, in response to their question into levels of oral inflammation, it was found that oral inflammation is clinically related to cardiovascular health [1].

Author Comments

These findings are very interesting. Taking a saliva sample is very simple, and can clearly have numerous benefits, including being able to spot the early warning signs of cardiovascular disease.

The researchers were very pleased with the findings. One of the most beneficial aspects of this is the simplicity of the rinse and how it could be easily implemented at a dental check-up.

Moreover, Michael Glogauer of the University of Toronto said that “the mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctors or the dentist” [3]. Glogauer confirmed that it would be “easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic” [3].

However, the authors did caution that this was a small study [1]. Therefore, only limited conclusions can be made. The next step would involve a study with a larger number of participants. They will also aim to extend the trial to those with existing gum disease.

But overall, these findings are positive. If this saliva sample approach does get implemented, it would be a simple and low-cost way of screening for cardiovascular disease.

Thinking points…

[1] This research underlines the strong link between physical and oral health. With this in mind, it is important take excellent care of your oral health, as it can impact your physical health. One of the best ways of ensuring your oral health is strong is to attend regular dental check-ups. This will allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health and identify treatment options if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!

[2] The authors of the study suggested that this oral rinse could be used in check-ups at the family doctors, as well as the dentist. As oral health can be impacted by your physical health, it is also advisable to see a family doctor regularly. Moreover, if they reveal to you that you have physical health problems, be sure to tell your dentist, as this knowledge can help inform dental treatment.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Hong, K-Y., Ghafari, A., Mei, Y., Williams, J. S., Attia, D., Forsyth, J., Wang, K., Wyeld, T., Sun, C., Glogauer, M., & King, T. J. (2023). Oral inflammatory load predicts vascular function in a young adult population: a pilot study. Frontiers in Oral Health. 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2023.1233881.

[2] NHS. (2022). Cardiovascular disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/. Last accessed: 26th August 2023.

[3] Frontiers. (2023). A simple mouth rinse could spot early heart disease risk. Available: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/998709 Last accessed: 26th August 2023.

In a 2021 plebiscite, the city of Calgary voted to approve Water Fluoridation across the city. However, almost two years later, there has been little progress made. Now, a new memo suggests further delays are ahead, with the expected cost also increasing hugely. Given the oral health benefits of water fluoridation, the hope is that construction will commence soon.

A recent memo from Calgary city administrators has revealed that the cost for Calgary to reinstate water fluoridation will actually be significantly higher than expected. Moreover, the process is also going to take longer than originally planned [1].

The news has resulted in disappointment for many. Furthermore, it may result in the oral health of Calgarians suffering due to the delay.

What is water fluoridation?

Water fluoridation refers to the process where small quantities of the natural mineral fluoride is added to the public water supply. Many countries adopt this practice.

The main benefit of water fluoridation is to oral health, with research consistently showing that water fluoridation is positive for oral health – especially for children [2].

While many support water fluoridation, it isn’t popular universally. Many countries – whether it be for health or ethical concerns – have banned water fluoridation.

Water fluoridation in Calgary

Water fluoridation is a contentious topic in Calgary. In fact, there have been numerous votes and plebiscites for Calgarians to decide whether or not to introduce fluoride to the public water supply – making a vote on the topic somewhat of a time-honored tradition in the city.

In October 2021, a plebiscite on re-introducing fluoridation to the municipal water supply was held. The “yes” vote won, with a 62% majority in support of fluoride being reintroduced to the public water supply [3].

With this vote, the city of Calgary began the process of implementing water fluoridation, with the aim of its introduction to be in June 2024. However, progress has stalled.

The latest updates

A recent memo from the city administration has shown that the upfront cost of fluoridation has risen from $10.1million to $28.1million – representing a colossal increase [1].

The memo explains that the new cost comes after the project has been fully-designed. This includes a construction of a new building located at Bearspaw Aayer Treatment Plant – which had originally not been part of the plan [1].

Furthermore, increases in material costs, maintenance costs and inflation have all been taken into account. Therefore, these various elements have resulted in the cost increasing.

Moreover, the memo also suggests that the expected time of completion has also been delayed. The current proposed completion date is September 2024 – which is three months after the original completion date [1].

These developments are rather disappointing for those that voted in favor of water fluoridation. While delays in a project of this magnitude are common, the enormous rise in cost is concerning.

Is more urgency needed?

Many have suggested that the city’s council needs to act more urgently. Juliet Guichon is the president of Calgarians for Kids’ Health [1]. She has pointed out that a lack of fluoride in the public water supply impacts the oral health of everyone – with children from poorer backgrounds affected the most [1].

Guichon has said that when children have good oral health, “they don’t have trouble sleeping, eating, playing, concentrating, [and] attending school” [1]. Therefore, she has pointed out that water fluoridation is crucial for both oral and physical health.

Additionally, Guichon has argued that the wider healthcare system in Canada will benefit from water fluoridation. She says that fluoridation “reduces dental decay by approximately 25%”, which subsequently results in lower medical costs for both patients and the city [1].

What are the next steps?

The updates from the memo are rather disappointing. However, Calgary does remain on track to receive fluoridated water eventually!

The Calgary City Council will soon be awarding the construction contract to a company that will carry out the works. Then, work will begin, with the hope that in approximately 12 months, fluoridated water will be ready for Calgary.

Thinking points…

1) Whether you are in an area that has fluoridated water or not, remember that oral health is crucial! An important part of looking after your teeth is attending regular dental appointments. This provides a dentist with the opportunity to take a look at your oral health in detail and give advice. It is important to see a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

2) If you are in an area that utilizes fluoridated water, remember that this doesn’t give you an excuse to neglect your oral health! You still need to clean your teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste, have a healthy diet, and attend dental appointments! Some people are unaware of the benefits of fluoride, you could share this article with them now! If you have children, you could also use this news as a reminder of the importance of them looking after their oral health.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Di Donato, N. (2023). City of Calgary’s plan to reintroduce fluoride into water system up in cost, delayed. Available: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/city-of-calgary-s-plan-to-reintroduce-fluoride-into-water-system-up-in-cost-delayed-1.6486569. Last accessed: 11th August 2023.

[2] Harding, M. A., & O’Mullane, D. M. (2013). Water fluoridation and oral health. Acta Medica Academica. 42 (2): p131-139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.81.

[3] Elections Calgary. (2021). 2021 Results – Calgary General Election. Available: https://www.calgary.ca/election/results/2021-results.html. Last accessed: 11th August 2023.