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What Impact Does Fluoride Exposure Have on the Cognitive Neurodevelopment of Children?
30Dec
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.

What Should You Do When a Child Injures Their Mouth or Teeth?
2Dec
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.

How Are Tropical Fish Inspiring Scientists in Their Efforts To Regrow Teeth?
23Nov
A key goal for researchers is that one day, humans will be able to regrow lost teeth. Scientists have been exploring this possibility for several years, but have struggled to make progress. Now, a new facility has opened in Canada which aims to take inspiration from fish in terms of finding ways of regrowing teeth.

When you think about the possibility of regrowing teeth, it is unlikely that your first thought might be based around fish. However, you might do soon!

Some tropical fish have the ability to grow and then shed multiple sets of teeth over their lifetime. Unfortunately, humans only get deciduous teeth, and then adult teeth.

With this unique ability in mind, a new research facility which will study fish closer has been officially opened [1]. The aim is that one day, human teeth will be able to regrow.

University of Manitoba’s New Facility

The University of Manitoba in Canada has officially opened a new facility called the Rady Biomedical Fish Facility, which is part of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences [1].

This facility, which cost $2.5 million, has the aim of advancing research into the possibility of the regrowth of teeth – something which has been a key research subject for decades [1].

The facility is equipped with modern tools which can be used to study two freshwater species – zebrafish and Mexican tetra fish. Currently, there are approximately 2,000 zebrafish and 250 Mexican tetras at the facility [1].

The use of fish

Fish are very useful species to study. As Dr. Benjamin Lindsey – who works at the Max Rady College of Medicine – says, “about 70% of fish genes are the same as human genes” [1].

Therefore, scientists can learn a lot through studying fish. When using a microscope, researchers can study how the bones, teeth, organs and sensory systems of fish develop [1].

Lindsey has stated that “we’re trying to understand what’s unique, what’s special about the fish that lets them do this” [1].

By gaining a thorough understanding of the genetics behind the regeneration of teeth, the researchers believe that they will – echoing the words of Lindsey – be able to find out what is unique and special about the fish.

The hope is that this will eventually pave the way for dentists of the future to learn how to regrow teeth [1]. This would be an enormous achievement.

Lindsey has said that the technology at the facility means that “we’re leading players” in the effort to further the understanding of this subject area [1].

Why would the ability to regrow teeth be helpful?

So why is there so much interest in regrowing teeth? There are many reasons why scientists have ploughed significant resources into this area.

Tooth loss is very common. For example, approximately 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, which underlines the scale of the issue [2].

Tooth loss can result in difficulties in chewing and swallowing, while it can also negatively impact self-esteem. Being able to regrow teeth would stop this.

Dental implants are an excellent solution to missing teeth. However, they are very expensive, meaning that not everyone can afford them.

It would also mean that those who have lost teeth through extensive decay, advanced gum disease, trauma or through an illness, would be able to regrow their teeth.

Furthermore, the ability to regrow teeth would help many people who have a physical illness which results in malformations in teeth growth. For example, children with a condition called congenital tooth agenesis often have teeth missing, so this could certainly help them.

Finally, the ability for teeth to regrow would save money for hospitals and lower the number of people needing treatment.

Summary

This facility is certainly exciting. There is certainly a lot of potential for the research to yield findings that could one day lead to knowledge on how teeth could regrow.

Moreover, the facility is also helping out with research into physical health too, with the researchers looking at how these fish are capable of regenerating tissues after serious injuries.

As discussed above, there are many reasons why the ability to regrow our teeth would be helpful. This is an important objective of this facility.

Hopefully the research over the next few years will contribute towards the completion of this goal, which would be an incredible and major achievement in healthcare.

Thinking points…

1) While the possibility of teeth regrowing naturally may one day become a reality, realistically this is unlikely to happen soon. Therefore, remember to take excellent care of your oral health! One way of doing this involves attending regular dental check-ups. These allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health in detail and carry out an examination. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) It is common to be missing a tooth, or multiple teeth. If you are in this situation, a great option can be implants! Dental implants look natural, provide long-lasting results, and can improve your self-esteem. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free implant consultations. These consultations offer you the chance to review potential options, you can read more about this at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

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] Mayes, A. (2024). UM unveils new research facility where tropical fish shed light on human health. Available: https://news.umanitoba.ca/um-unveils-new-research-facility-where-tropical-fish-shed-light-on-human-health/. Last accessed: 21st November 2024.

[2] American College of Prosthodontists. (2015). Missing Teeth. Available: https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf. Last accessed: 21st November 2024.

How Can a New Device Help To Improve Treatment for Cleft Lips?
18Nov
A partnership between large organizations Smile Train and Dentsply Sirona has led to the creation of a new device which should aid improvements in access to care for those with cleft-related problems. The device – called Primescan 2 – has the potential to help a range of people, especially those from low-income and sparsely populated areas.

A partnership between two large organizations has yielded the creation of a new device which will hopefully result in improvements in access to care for those with cleft-related problems [1].

The creation is called the Primescan 2, which is a portable, cloud-based dental scanner which can be used in a variety of locations – improving access to treatment [1].

This update is very positive. Anyone with oral health problems – regardless of their location – deserves to get the treatment they need.

What is a Cleft lip?

Cleft lips are a very common facial birth defect. A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip. Clefts exist when a baby’s face doesn’t join together properly during development in the womb.

However, those with clefts face problems with breathing, eating, speaking and hearing in their formative years. While these problems typically ease as they get older, some problems can be lifelong without treatment.

Children with clefts typically have poorer oral health than those without. For example, one study found that in children aged 4-6, those born with a cleft had significantly poorer oral health than those who didn’t [2].

Therefore, getting treatment is important. Treatment normally involves corrective surgery. However, not everyone can afford this, especially those from poorer backgrounds.

Fortunately, several charities that aim to help with cleft treatments exist. These charities have helped to provide care for many children around the world.

The World Health Organization have reported that globally, clefts exist in one in every 1,000-1,500 births [3].

The partnership

The aforementioned partnership is between Dentsply Sirona and Smile Train. Dentsply Sirona is the world’s largest manufacturer of dental products and technologies [1].

Meanwhile, Smile Train is the largest cleft-focused organization in the world. They have made significant contributions towards cleft-focused research and treatments.

In fact, Smile Train has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary [1]. They have provided over 2 million cleft surgeries in its history [1]. This equates to over 80,000 surgeries a year.

This partnership works well as it combines a manufacturing giant with an organization that has significant reach in terms of finding the right recipients for care.

This is summed up by Andrea Frohning – senior vice-president at Dentsply Sirona. She calls it a “perfect partnership” as Dentsply Sirona “manufacture the equipment that allows Smile Train to reach a broader group of patients who might otherwise be unreachable” [1].

The partnership began in 2021, with Dentsply Sirona committing $5 million in donations, research, development and technological support to assist children and adults affected by clefts [1].

Primescan 2

The biggest achievement of this partnership has been the creation of Primescan 2, which was launched in September 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada [1].

Primescan 2 is a portable and fully cloud-integrated dental scanner that can help dentists to design and create dental restorations – including crowns, bridges, and dentures in-clinic [1].

The dental scanner connects seamlessly with existing CAD/CAM systems, which means it can feasibly be used by any dental practice [1].

Therefore, highly remote and sparsely populated areas which normally wouldn’t have access to such devices can benefit from this technology too [1].

The aim for both organizations in the partnership is to integrate cleft care into the healthcare policies of nations around the world. Subsequently, this would ensure that every child with a cleft can access treatment.

How will this help?

One of the biggest issues in the treatment of cleft patients is the distance that they typically need to travel. This is especially the case in some poorer nations.

Phillip Carroll – senior vice-president of communications at Smile Train – says that “half of our patients travel between two and five hours to reach care facilities, some travel for more than 18 hours” [1].

Therefore, this technology can cut down on travel time and costs, and provide more localized care [1]. This is very convenient for all parties involved.

Its low-cost and transportable nature should mean that it can be used every country around the world. This should help provide care to a huge number of people.

Smile Train hope that their positive work in this industry will continue. The organization estimated that their work has boosted economies by $69 billion in more than 90 countries [4].

The partnership will continue to run in the next few years. The development of Primescan 2 is another innovation that will hopefully result in further improvements in care for those with cleft-related conditions.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have, or know, a child with a cleft lip? If so, this article could be very interesting for them. Smile Train offers excellent resources on their website, especially if you or someone you know is looking into corrective surgery. Why not share this article with your social network now?

2) Many people, including those with a cleft lip, are at an increased risk of oral health problems. However, even if you are not at an increased risk, it is still important for you to look after your oral health. One way of helping your oral health is to attend regular dental appointments. At these appointments, a dentist can take a look at your oral health in detail and provide advice and a treatment plan if needed. 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] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2024). Transforming cleft care: non-profit, dental giant use portable scanners to reach remote communities. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/perfect-partnership-new-tech-allows-smile-train-to-expand-global-cleft-care-with-dentsply-sirona-1003982574/. Last accessed: 14th November 2024.

[2] Chopra, A., Lakhanpal, M., Rao, N. C., Gupta, N., & Vashisth, S. (2014). Oral health in 4-6 years children with cleft lip/palate: a case control study. North American journal of medical sciences. 6 (6): p266–269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.134371.

[3] Putri, F. A., Pattamatta, M., Anita, S. E. S., & Maulina, T. (2024). The Global Occurrences of Cleft Lip and Palate in Pediatric Patients and Their Association with Demographic Factors: A Narrative Review. Children. 11 (3): 322. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children11030322.

[4] Smile Train. (2024). Smile Train Announces Global Cleft Surgeries Boost Economies by $69 Billion in More Than 90 Countries, According to New Report. Available: https://www.smiletrain.org/news/smile-train-announces-global-cleft-surgeries-boost-economies-69-billion-more-90-countries. Last accessed: 14th November 2024.

Canadian Dental Care Plan Reaches New Milestone: What Will Happen Next?
11Nov
The Canadian Dental Care Plan has been in operation for almost a year now. In this time, it has grown in popularity significantly. Now, the plan has reached another milestone, with over one million Canadians having now accessed services under the plan. Eligibility will continue to increase over the next few months.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has been in full swing now for approximately a year, with many people receiving much-needed oral healthcare.

Now, the CDCP has reached a new milestone – with more than one million Canadians having now accessed services offered by the CDCP [1].

This milestone moment also coincides with more services becoming eligible under the plan. These exciting developments are continuing to boost oral health for Canadians.

About the Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan launched in December 2023 [2]. It is being rolled out gradually, with different groups of people becoming eligible over time.

Dental costs have proven to be prohibitive for many Canadians in the past, with research finding that approximately 25% of Canadians avoided seeing a dentist in 2022 due to cost [2].

Therefore, many people, including the most vulnerable, have typically struggled with accessing oral healthcare in the past. This made the CDCP vital for many Canadians.

The plan helps those with an annual family income of less than $90,000 [2]. The Canadian Federal Government have put $13 billion aside to fund the plan.

Current status of the Canadian Dental Care Plan

In a milestone moment, the Government of Canada announced that as of the start of November, more than one million Canadians have now received care under the CDCP [1].

This is a fantastic achievement and shows the scale of how many people are benefiting from the plan. For many, this is the first time in several years that they are receiving dental care.

Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, has said that “many families who once faced barriers to affordable dental care are now accessing the treatments they need” [1].

Of the 1 million who have accessed treatment, just over 400,000 come from Ontario. Quebec and British Columbia are other provinces that have had many patients receiving care [3].

Uptake has been slower in some areas, with Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan among the provinces with under 50,000 patients receiving care [3].

The government has announced that over 2.7 million Canadians have been approved to participate in the plan, which is being administered by Sun Life [1].

More than 22,000 oral health providers – which accounts for almost 90% of dental providers in Canada – are offering services under the CDCP [1]. This number has consistently risen month-by-month. Therefore, there is plenty of choice of providers for Canadians.

Increase in services being offered

In further good news, the CDCP will now begin accepting preauthorization requests – which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether or not it meets clinical requirements for CDCP coverage [1].

Therefore, this means that patients could receive coverage for services that typically wouldn’t be considered under the CDCP – such as placement of partial dentures, placement of crowns, or other complex services [1].

The provider will need to submit a preauthorization request directly to Sun Life, including supporting documentation to justify its use [1].

This could cut costs further for many patients. Moreover, it could help patients receive complex treatments that they may need, but couldn’t previously afford [1]. Therefore, this will certainly help their oral health.

In a further effort to broaden access to care, providers will also be able to submit paper claims, rather than purely electronic based claims [1]. This will mean more providers will be able to offer services under the CDCP.

Eligibility expansion

Eligibility continues to be slowly expanded. Over the last few months, more and more Canadians have become eligible for the CDCP [1].

Those aged 65 or over, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate for 2023, and parents or guardians with children under 18 can all apply currently for the CDCP [1].

As discussed earlier, over 1 million people have met the above criteria and gone on to get treatment. This represents a sizeable number of people, though many are not yet eligible for the plan.

Eventually, eligibility will extend to all Canadians. This is due to be at some point in 2025, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed [1].

Health Minister Mark Holland has said “early in 2025 is when we’re looking to expand to additional cohorts” – suggesting that the expansion could be sooner rather than later.

These are definitely positive updates. The CDCP continues to attract registrations, with the oral health of Canadians being boosted. Hopefully this trend will continue, with sweeping improvements in oral health across the nation.

Thinking points…

1) It seems a long wait for the majority of the population to become eligible for the CDCP. However, it is important to not wait to become eligible for the plan before getting oral health treatment. Instead, make sure you carry on attending regular check-ups, as these allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) We discussed earlier about how cost proves to be a big barrier to receiving dental care for many people. Therefore, many are unable to afford dental care. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which ensures transparency and competitiveness in prices. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic! You can see more about us on our website: https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

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] Oral Health. (2024). Federal dental plan expands services Nov. 1 after ‘milestone’ of helping more than one million Canadians. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/federal-dental-plan-expands-services-nov-1-after-milestone-of-helping-more-than-one-million-canadians-1003982203/. Last accessed: 7th November 2024.

[2] Health Canada. (2024). Government of Canada announces the services covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-announces-the-services-covered-under-the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 7th November 2024.

[3] Government of Canada. (2024). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/statistics.html. Last accessed: 7th November 2024.

New Research Creates an Artificial Mouth: How Will This Impact Oral Health?
21Oct
New research has looked at creating an artificial mouth which can be used to aid the understanding of the processing of soft foods in the mouth. This is an important topic, as it is highly relevant for those with issues like salivation or swallowing. Having food tailored to those struggling with such problems is crucial for their health and wellbeing.

Recent research has led to the creation of an artificial mouth, with the aim of reproducing and better understanding the processing of soft foods by the mouth [1].

This topic is important for those with swallowing or salivation issues, as the research will help scientists with their understanding of the challenges facing these people.

One of the challenges facing the food and beverage industry is catering to people with swallowing or salvation problems. But this research could help to improve this.

Background

As discussed, a challenge facing the food and beverage industry involves being able to offer innovative products while meeting the needs of populations with issues like problems with salivation and swallowing.

Salivation problems refer to problems with the salivary glands, which impact our saliva. Saliva is crucial to our oral health – so when this is impacted, it can have negative consequences.

Infections, tumors, and dry mouth are all examples of causes of salivation problems. Salivation problems tend to become more common as we age [2].

Swallowing issues are also more prevalent as we age. This involves problems with swallowing food or drink. It also coexists alongside chewing or jaw problems.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment in conjunction with Fujita Health University in Japan. Subsequently, their findings have been published in the Scientific Reports journal [1].

The team sought to create an artificial mouth that could help them to better understand the processing of soft foods. Current models have struggled to reproduce the intricacies of the mouth and tongue.

Therefore, this has limited the effectiveness of past research into developing food that can meet the needs of those with health complications [1].

The team in Japan collected anatomical data for the study. This helped the researchers to craft a tongue that has helped to form this research.

The model features a silicone tongue which contracts using compressed air – which mimics the movements of a human tongue [1]. The silicone material allowed the team to reproduce the elasticity, wettability and roughness of the human tongue [1].

To test out the tongue, the team tested it with three different types of soft foods. These were cream dessert, a chocolate mousse and a chocolate fondant [1].

Similarly, a human mouth was also used to try the three soft foods, with the team looking to see how food boli (the mixture of food and saliva that forms during chewing) compared between the two [1].

The researchers simulated the consumption of the soft foods, and then compared the food boli with that of the human mouth [1]. The results showed a remarkable similarity between the two.

Specifically, the researchers noted that the firmness, adhesive, cohesive properties and viscosity of the food boli was very similar for both cases [1].

Therefore, this outcome underlined how lifelike the artificial mouth is, with the researchers delighted with the outcome of their research.

Summary

The creation of the artificial mouth could have a significant impact on multiple industries. In the food and beverage industry, scientists will be able to understand more about how soft foods impact aging mouths.

Meanwhile, it is also useful for oral health. Scientists will have access to an artificial mouth, which could open up new avenues of research opportunities.

Further research on the artificial mouth is planned. For example, there will be a focus in future research on including mastication in subsequent designs [1].

Overall, these findings are very useful for multiple fields. In oral health, the artificial mouth has the potential to help many ongoing and prospective studies, which should hopefully contribute towards improved oral health.

Thinking points…

1) This research underlines the complexity of the mouth. With this in mind, it is important to get your mouth examined on a regular basis. We recommend attending dental check-ups once every six months, as these provide a chance for a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health. We recommend booking a check-up now!

2) This article mentions the human tongue. The tongue is a very important part of the mouth, and brushing it should form a key part of your oral health routine. It can remove harmful bacteria and keep your breath fresh. If you do not yet brush your tongue, we recommend adding this to your oral health routine right away!

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] Avila-Sierra, A., Bugarin-Castillo, Y., Glumac, M., Bussiere, J., Saint-Eve, A., Mathieu, V., Kobayashi, Y., & Ramaioli, M. (2024). A first-of-its-kind 3D biomimetic artificial mouth capable of reproducing the oral processing of soft foods. Scientific Reports. 14 (22908). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73629-9.

[2] Astor, F. C., Hanft, K. L., & Ciocon, J. O. (1999). Xerostomia: a prevalent condition in the elderly. Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal. 78 (7): p476-479. PMID: 10429321.