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Calgary Reintroduces Fluoride to the Public Water Supply: What Has the Reaction Been?
7Jul
The city of Calgary in Canada has formally announced the reintroduction of fluoride into the public water supply. This reintroduction is the latest chapter in Calgary’s long and complex relationship with water fluoridation. At a time when fluoride is being debated intensely, it will be interesting to see how Calgarians, politicians, and scientists react.

The history of the city of Calgary and Water fluoridation is complex, full of twists and turns, and at times, controversy.

Now, the latest milestone moment has taken place, with fluoride having been officially reintroduced to the public water supply [1].

At a time when water fluoridation is a topic of intense debate, the United States and other Canadian cities will be watching to see what impact it has.

What is Water Fluoridation?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in air, soil, and many foods. It also occurs naturally in water. Fluoride is a key ingredient in toothpaste and other oral health products.

Water fluoridation refers to when fluoride is added (in small quantities) to the public water supply. This is done with the intention of improving the oral health of citizens in the area.

The practice is supported by dentists and scientists and is seen as an effective way of improving the oral health of the general population.

History of Calgary and water fluoridation

As mentioned, Calgary has quite the history with water fluoridation. Back in the 1950s, various countries were adopting the practice of water fluoridation.

But in 1957, 1961, 1966, and 1971, Calgarians voted against fluoridation in four plebiscites [2]. For almost two decades, the topic was rather quiet.

But in 1989, a fifth plebiscite resulted in Calgarians voting in favour of fluoridation. Therefore, in 1991, fluoride was officially added to Calgary’s water [2].

Between 1998 and 1999, the level of fluoride was lessened, but support remained, with a 1999 plebiscite resulting in fluoridation remaining [2].

Then, in 2011 the city of Calgary discontinued water fluoridation [2]. Around this time, support was still largely in favour of fluoridation.

The most recent update came in 2021, when Calgarians voted for fluoridation to be reintroduced, with 62% of voters supporting this measure [2].

Now, four years later, fluoride has been formally reintroduced into the public water supply across Calgary. The City of Calgary’s Water Services department confirmed that “Fluoride will be reintroduced into Calgary’s drinking water” in an official statement [1].

Wider debate on water fluoridation

This announcement comes at a time when the topic of water fluoridation is receiving significant public and political attention.

This has been in part due to the actions and comments of United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has been a long-standing critic of fluoride, calling it “industrial waste” [3].

Both Utah and Florida have banned water fluoridation statewide [4]. It looks like other states may follow soon.

One of the key concerns about fluoride is its apparent links to lowering the IQ levels of children. A recent research paper found a link between exposure to high levels of fluoride and lower IQs in children [5].

But supporters of water fluoridation – including dentists – have pointed out that the levels of fluoride seen in the study were higher than the level of fluoride in the water supply.

Other concerns include fluorosis – where too much fluoride is consumed, the potential for a negative impact on thyroid function, risks of behavioral issues in children, and a lack of informed consent.

Calgary and Edmonton study

Water fluoridation has many proponents. Many of these advocates point to a well-known study that shows the positive impact water fluoridation can have on children.

This study compared the oral health of children in the Canadian cities of Calgary and Edmonton [6]. These were used for comparison as Calgary stopped water fluoridation in 2011, whilst Edmonton has continued the practice.

Interestingly, the study found that since 2011, tooth decay in Calgary has increased significantly when compared to Edmonton [6]. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s has stayed largely the same.

Therefore, the researchers were able to conclude that the cessation of water fluoridation in Calgary was associated with a negative impact on the oral health of children.

The above study has been cited by many scientists to underline the positive impact water fluoridation has, along with the damage caused by a lack of fluoridation.

Summary

It will be interesting to see how Calgarians react to the implementation of water fluoridation. This is especially due to the ongoing debate over fluoride.

It is likely that conclusions on its effectiveness will not be made for several years. It will take time to see how Calgary and its citizens respond.

Meanwhile, further research into fluoride will continue. It is likely to be a topic that will remain in the news for many years to come.

But as seen in the Calgary and Edmonton study, there is the potential for a positive impact. Yet weighing up the benefits with the potential drawbacks is where the debate intensifies.

Thinking points…

[1] Remember that if you live in an area with fluoridated water, this isn’t enough to ensure your oral health remains strong! Instead, you need to make sure you adopt excellent oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, attending regular dental check-ups is very important, as they provide a dentist with the chance to look for any problems and give advice. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

[2] The topic of water fluoridation is definitely a contested subject area. But remember that whether you live in a fluoridated area or not, water is crucial to drink! Water helps to neutralize acid levels in your mouth and stimulates the flow of saliva. So the next time you reach for a soft drink or juice, try water instead! This can aid your oral health!

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. (2025). Calgary’s fluoride reinstatement serves as cautionary tale for U.S., Quebec. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/calgarys-fluoride-reinstatement-serves-as-cautionary-tale-for-u-s-quebec-1003987839/. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[2] Calgary. (2025). Fluoride in Calgary’s water. Available: https://www.calgary.ca/water/drinking-water/fluoride.html?cid=search-googsearch-fluoride-reintroduction-2025-search-fluoride-reintro-en-ls&gad. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[3] Kounang, N., Hassan, C., & McPhillips, D. (2024). RFK Jr. says fluoride is ‘an industrial waste’ linked to cancer, diseases and disorders. Here’s what the science says. Available: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/03/health/rfk-jr-fluoride-science. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[4] Pedersen, J. M. (2025).Florida ends fluoridating its water July 1. Here’s what you should know. Available: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2025-07-01/florida-ends-fluoridating-its-water-july-1-heres-what-you-should-know. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[5] Taylor, K. W., Eftim, S. E., & Sibrizzi, C. A. (2025). Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores. JAMA Pediatrics. 179 (3): p282-292. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.5542.

[6] McLaren, L., Patterson, S. K., Faris, P., Chen, G., Thawer, S., Figueiredo, R., Weijs, C., McNeil, D., Waye, A., & Potestio, M. (2021). Fluoridation cessation and children’s dental caries: A 7-year follow-up evaluation of Grade 2 schoolchildren in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 50 (5): p391-403. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12685.

How Is Dentistry Becoming Kinder for Patients?
9Jun
Having a fear of the dentist is common, with many people finding the prospect of drills and injections off-putting. However, in good news, dentistry is becoming kinder. Less invasive and shorter treatments are becoming increasingly common, aided by technological advancements. This should hopefully reduce feelings of anxiety towards going to the dentist.

For many people, a trip to the dentist can be an uncomfortable prospect. Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and trepidation are all common.

However, dentistry is changing in a positive way. In fact, it is becoming much kinder, which should ease feelings of anxiety for patients [1].

Kinder and less invasive dental treatments are becoming the norm. Technological advancements are aiding this, with the hope that attitudes towards going to the dentist will improve.

The process of needing dental treatment

In general, dentists recommend that patients should get a check-up at least once every six months. This allows them to check their oral health and to identify any problems.

Tooth decay is a common issue. It is caused by bacteria in dental plaque which produces acids, which eventually results in a cavity developing.

When a cavity does develop, it normally needs to be filled. This is where the fear sets in, as treatment typically involves needles and drills.

Traditionally, the area around the tooth that will be treated is numbed by an injection of local anesthetic. Then, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth with a dental drill. The cavity is then filled with a material, which is known as a filling.

This process results in many people avoiding the dentist. This is normally due to fear of the injection or the drill. In some cases, it is both.

Dental fear is common, with one study finding that 36% of adults in the UK are moderately “dentally anxious” [2]. Some people go years without going to the dentist due to their fears.

Children can be particularly anxious about going to the dentist. If their fear is not challenged, they may get into the unhealthy habit of avoiding the dentist in their older years.

However, times are changing. Needle-free and drill-free approaches are helping to improve the management of tooth decay and ease fears.

Furthermore, there are three particular techniques which are helping dentistry to become kinder. These are Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), and the Hall technique [1].

Silver Diamine Fluoride

SDF offers a very different approach compared to traditional techniques. SDF is a clear liquid that is applied directly into the cavity using a small brush.

This process takes only a few seconds, and crucially, does not require the use of needles or drills. Therefore, this represents a much less invasive approach towards treating tooth decay.

In terms of how it works, SDF has antibacterial properties which are capable of killing the bacteria that causes the decay. Additionally, the fluoride in SDF hardens the remaining tooth structure [1].

While it isn’t overly effective in deep cavities, it is effective for shallow cavities. Past research into SDF has found it stopped decay in approximately 80% of cases [3].

However, there is a disadvantages to SDF. SDF causes the treated area to turn black, which is off-putting for many, especially if it involves a front tooth. Despite this, its non-invasive approach makes it a popular treatment.

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment

ART offers another approach to treating cavities. Originally, this approach was developed for use in areas where access to dental equipment was poor. But it is being increasingly used on a widespread basis.

ART involves removing decayed tooth tissue using hand instruments, meaning that no drills or injections are needed. Then, the cavity is filled with a material called glass ionomer cement [1].

Glass ionomer cement is a special material which sticks to the tooth and slowly releases fluoride over time. This helps to prevent further tooth decay.

There are several positives about this approach. For example, it offers a non-invasive and quiet approach and is typically quicker than traditional drilling.

Furthermore, another positive of this treatment is that it can be performed whilst the patient is sat up, which can be particularly effective in young children or those with special needs.

The Hall technique

The Hall technique is also proving to be a popular option in the management of tooth decay. It only works in children, as it is designed for baby/milk teeth.

The Hall technique works by sealing the decayed part of the baby tooth in, rather than removing it. This may seem counterproductive, though there is a method behind it!

The technique involves using a preformed metal crown which is placed over the decayed baby tooth without the need to engage in any drilling, injection, or removal of any part of the tooth.

A special dental cement holds the crown in place. The idea is that the crown will protect the tooth until it naturally falls out and is replaced by the permanent (adult) tooth.

Again, this is non-invasive and easy for children to cope with. Once the crown is in place, in theory no further work should be needed on the tooth.

Looking to the future

These are three approaches that have the potential to be very effective. Having no drilling or injections can be very appealing.

The aim is for patients to be comfortable in attending the dentist. Patient comfort is important for dentists and should result in patients looking after their oral health more.

These kinder approaches can work for both adults and children. For those that have avoided dental care for years, these new approaches may lead to them returning to receive care.

In the future, it is likely that further non-invasive treatments will be created. Hopefully, dental fear will lessen over the next few years.

Thinking points…

[1] We mentioned earlier about when tooth decay occurs, that cavities will develop, resulting in a filling being required. Fillings are very common, but can be avoided. One important element is early detection, as this can help to save as much of the natural tooth as possible. Remember to attend dental check-ups, as your dentist will be able to have a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatment if needed. Why not book an appointment now?

[2] Further to the above, there are many ways of protecting your teeth from tooth decay. Adopting excellent oral hygiene – through brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing – is crucial. Moreover, avoiding sugary foods and drink can help too! Having a healthy diet rich in nutrients can be very effective. By putting these measures in place, it should maximize the chances of strong oral health!

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] Olegario, I., & Leavy, P. (2025). Three ways to make dental care kinder for anxious patients. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-ways-dental-kinder-anxious-patients.html. Last accessed: 6th June 2025.

[2] National Health Service. (2009). Adult Dental Health Survey 2009 – First Release. Available: https://files.digital.nhs.uk/publicationimport/pub01xxx/pub01061/adul-dent-heal-surv-firs-rele-2009-rep.pdf. Last accessed: 6th June 2025.

[3] Seifo, N., Cassie, H., Radford, J. R., & Innes, N. P. T. (2019). Silver diamine fluoride for managing carious lesions: an umbrella review. BMC Oral Health. 19 (145). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-019-0830-5.

U.S. Breakfast Cereals Are Becoming Less Healthy: What Impact Does This Have on Canada?
1Jun
New research has found that American breakfast cereals have become unhealthier over the last decade. This is due to increased levels of sugar, fat, and salt in the cereals. There is concern about the impact this could have on Canada. Fortunately, safeguards are already in place, but it is important to remain vigilant.ne. The results were positive for Canada. The report also provided a range of recommendations for further improvements.

Recent research has found that American breakfast cereals have become unhealthier in recent years [1]. This is due to increases in sugar, fat, and salt, and a decline in protein and fibre.

With American cereals proving very popular around the world, there is concern at what impact this could have both domestically and internationally.

In Canada, there are some concerns, although certain safeguards have protected Canadians from seeing the same decrease in terms of the nutritional health of cereals.

Research finds worrying trend

The research was conducted by a team from the University of Kentucky and Louisiana State University. Their findings were published in JAMA Network Open [1].

The research analyzed 1,200 cereals introduced in the United States between 2010 and 2023 [1]. The aim was to see how the ingredients and nutritional values changed over this 13-year period.

As mentioned above, the biggest increases were seen in salt and fat, with the researchers calling these the “most pronounced increases” of all [1].

Carbohydrate content rose from 26 grams in 2010 to almost 33 grams in 2023. While carbohydrates are an important part of a diet, breakfast cereals will often have refined carbohydrates – which tend to be unhealthy [1].

Additionally, sugar content had a moderate increase from 2010 to 2022. However, in some positive news, there has been a slight dip in sugar levels since 2022 [1].

What impact will this have on Canada?

Given the close trade and proximity to the US, such developments inevitably impact Canada. This impacts health professionals like dentists and the consumers themselves.

There is an additional consideration for Canada, due to the upcoming front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) rules which will be introduced from 1st January 2026 [2].

These rules will make it clear on food products when there are high levels of fat, sugar, and salt. The hope is that this will deter people from purchasing unhealthy food.

But even before this is introduced, Canada is already well-positioned in terms of safeguarding its citizens, to an extent.

Professor Sylvain Charlebois of Dalhousie University explains that “Canada tends to be a bit more conservative when it comes to food regulations” [2].

Continuing, Charlebois says that “while the US is seeing these sugar, fat, and sodium levels creep up, we’re starting to push back” [2].

It is positive that Canada is moving in the right direction, and hopefully the new FOPL rules will make a further positive difference.

Another benefit is that formulations of the same cereal can change, dependent on where they are based. So while we may see the same brand of cereal in the US and Canada, they may have different ingredients.

Many cereals that we see on grocery store shelves are produced by multinational companies, which often have a presence in both the US and Canada.

As Charlebois points out, this has the benefit of allowing companies to “tweak formulations depending on local regulations or consumer preferences” [2].

Furthermore, he says “for example, Canadian versions might have less sugar or slightly different vitamin fortifications” [2]. But he does caution that they will be largely similar.

There are also strict rules on advertising to children in Canada, meaning that some high-sugar foods cannot be advertised to them.

Positive steps

Overall, the good news is that Canada appears to have strong safeguards in place, which is helping to protect the health of the nation.

But there are some positive signs from the US, which should hopefully have a positive knock-on effect on rest of the world. Efforts are seemingly being made to cut sugar levels across the board on food and drinks.

This is predominantly due to US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has called sugar “poison” [3].

Kennedy has been leading the fight to change the nation’s food regulations and ending the childhood obesity problem. He is aiming to “Make America Healthy Again” [4].

His dislike of food dyes, ultra-processed foods, seed oils, and food additives has won him some support [4]. This ongoing effort will hopefully lead to sugar levels dropping in cereals and other foods.

This is especially useful for cereals, as it is often children that eat cereals, so having a high sugar meal at the start of each day is unhealthy. It impacts both physical and oral health.

Charlebois also commented on Kennedy’s impact, saying that “if someone like RFK Jr. pushes hard on school food reform and it gains traction, cereal brands will adapt — reformulating, rebranding, or even reducing sugar in kid-focused products” [2].

Continuing, he says that “Canada might not drive that change, but we’ll definitely feel the impact” [2]. Therefore, things do seem to be moving in the right direction.

The American Dental Association is also urging the Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen research on the link between sugar and oral health problems [2].

A combination of further research and improvements to nutrition should have a positive impact on the wider health of everyone. This would be very beneficial.

Thinking points…

[1] With the above in mind, if you have children, it might be worth checking the ingredients of their cereal. Promoting good oral health habits from a young age is important. For example, limiting their sugar intake is helpful. Additionally, attending oral health check-ups are important. Make sure that your children have regular appointments!

[2] While it is important to remember the oral health of children, you shouldn’t forget your own! Getting check-ups as an adult is very important, as any issues can be addressed. We recommend that you go for a check-up at least once every six months. Additionally, having strong oral hygiene can contribute to strong oral health. 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] Zhao, S., Li, Q., Chai, Y., et al. (2025). Nutritional Content of Ready-to-Eat Breakfast Cereals Marketed to Children. JAMA Network Open. 8 (5): e2511699. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.11699.

[2] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2025). U.S. breakfast cereals are getting less healthy. What does that mean for Canadians?. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/public-health/u-s-breakfast-cereals-are-getting-less-healthy-what-does-that-mean-for-canadians-1003987048/. Last accessed: 30th May 2025.

[3] NPR. (2025). In Good Health: Is Sugar Poison?. Available: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/01/1248444372/1a-sugar-05-01-2025. Last accessed: 30th May 2025.

[4] Halpert, M. (2025). Can RFK Jr make America’s diet healthy again?. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cze391y17z7o. Last accessed: 30th May 2025.

How Does Canada Rank Globally for Managing Tooth Decay?
26May
A new global report has ranked how 40 nations around the world manage tooth decay. Tooth decay causes a range of problems and its management is important, as it can lessen economic burden and promote strong oral hygiene. The results were positive for Canada. The report also provided a range of recommendations for further improvements.

A new report has been published which has analyzed and ranked how 40 countries around the world manage tooth decay [1].

Tooth decay causes significant productivity losses and problems for the workforce and the global economy. Therefore, managing tooth decay effectively is important for nations.

Canada ranked in the top three, which is very positive. However, there is room for improvement for the nation, with the aim of lessening tooth decay rates.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the most common oral disease in the world. It affects approximately 2.3 billion people around the world [2].

Tooth decay is typically caused by factors like poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, or a lack of exposure to fluoride. It affects people all around the globe.

Bacteria in the mouth breaks down food debris or sugar, which results in acid being form. Acid breaks down enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Eventually, a cavity will develop, which results in a filling being needed.

However, tooth decay is largely preventable. Many nations do not have a preventative approach towards tooth decay, resulting in problems affecting the workforce and wider economy.

The Report

The global report was published as part of the Health Inclusivity Index, which is a research initiative by Economist Impact [1].

The report involved 40 nations from across all six inhabited continents. Some of the world’s biggest nations were included in the analysis [1].

Canada ranked third out of the 40 nations in managing tooth decay [1]. This is a positive finding, which suggests that Canada is taking oral health seriously and making steps towards lessening the damage of tooth decay.

However, Canada still loses $606 million in productivity each year due to untreated or poorly managed tooth decay [1]. So there is clearly room for improvement.

The United States finished first out of the 40 nations [1]. This is very good to see, considering the large population of the nation. Hopefully, they will continue to manage tooth decay effectively.

Switzerland finished second in the study. The United Kingdom placed fourth, with Australia finishing fifth [1]. These rankings were based on the per-person costs of managing tooth decay among those aged 12 to 65.

The report found that preventive approaches towards oral problems could achieve a 30% reduction in tooth decay for those aged 12-65 [1].

Interestingly, the report also found that tooth decay disproportionately affects those with low income.

The impact of tooth decay

The report found that tooth decay causes a significant economic burden. For example, the lifetime costs across all 40 nations are estimated to be $977.9 billion [1]. This is a staggering amount.

The report suggests that improving oral health through improved education and access to preventative care could reduce lifetime tooth decay costs by $196 billion [1].

In Canada alone, this would save $3.2 billion, according to the report. It could save the United States $34.9 billion – representing a significant saving [1].

As mentioned above, tooth decay disproportionately affects low-income individuals. Therefore, the report suggests that having a specific focus on low-income groups could almost double savings – with the report estimating that this could result in a $358 billion saving [1].

The report suggests that in Canada, targeting low-income Canadians could save $5.9 billion [1]. This could help to lessen the disparity between those with different incomes.

These are significant savings. The money saved could be used in better ways, such as improving oral health education and funding important research into oral health advancements.

Recommendations

The report provided a range of recommendations. Overall, the authors urged nations to “take a broad-based approach to preventing tooth decay” [1].

The report suggests that “raising awareness of the need for oral hygiene is essential, such as encouraging people to brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and eat a healthier diet with less foods that are high in sugar” [1].

This could be supported by wider preventive efforts like anti-smoking legislation, water fluoridation, and taxing sugary drinks [1].

But the authors state that such actions cannot be achieved solely by dentists. Instead, they argue that countries and governments need to act. Improving access to a wider range of oral professionals, like hygienists, can also help [1].

Tooth decay and other oral health problems also cause a wider problem, including their subsequent impact on physical health problems.

For example, the report found that better management of gum disease could prevent 57 million cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide. Moreover, this would generate around $250 billion in economic gains over approximately 10 years [1].

In conclusion, the report makes it abundantly clear that tooth decay causes a range of problems. Prevention is crucial and could result in huge economic savings.

Hopefully we will see awareness of the importance of oral hygiene improve around the world, which should result in widescale benefits to the health for the world’s population.

Thinking points…

[1] The report underlines the problems that tooth decay cause. One of the most important aspects of managing tooth decay is early intervention. The sooner that decay is spotted, the more time there is to manage its development. At dental check-ups, a dentist will check for tooth decay and provide advice on its management, or treatment if necessary. Therefore, we recommend that you book an appointment soon!

[2] The report provided many recommendations to governments and health policymakers around the world. But they also provided recommendations for the general public to prevent tooth decay. These included brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, cutting back on sugar, consuming fluoridated water, and attending regular dental check-ups. Have a think – how many of these recommendations are you following? Try to follow them all!

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] Economist Impact. (2025). Health Inclusivity Index: Examining the economics of Health Inclusivity. Available: https://impact.economist.com/projects/health-inclusivity-index/inclusivity-topics/health-inclusivity-and-economy. Last accessed: 23rd May 2025.

[2] FDI World Dental Federation. (2021). About Oral Health. Available:

What Role Could Dental Clinics Play in Vaccine Uptake in Children?
19May
Childhood vaccinations have been steadily declining in recent years. While numerous reasons have been put forward to explain this, health professionals have said a decline in non-emergency visits to medical facilities is a leading cause. Therefore, to reverse this decline in uptake, there has been research into the possibility of dental clinics playing a role in vaccination uptake.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, federal data has revealed that childhood vaccinations have been declining. Health professionals have attributed this predominantly to a decline in non-emergency visits to medical facilities due to the pandemic.

But with vaccinations being important in terms of protecting people and the wider public from serious diseases, a decline in their use can cause substantial societal problems.

Now, in an effort to reverse the trend, research has looked into the possibility of dental clinics playing a role in the uptake of childhood vaccinations [1].

Declining vaccination rates

The World Health Organization say that vaccines “reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection” [2].

Immunization is seen as a global health success story and has been lifesaving for millions of people. Some conditions and diseases, such as smallpox, have been eradicated through vaccines. Incidences of other diseases have reduced significantly due to vaccinations.

Childhood vaccinations were common practice for several decades. But in recent years, the number of children being vaccinated has been lowering [3].

This is believed to be in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as less children have been accessing non-emergency visits to medical facilities. Moreover, vaccine misinformation, concerns over the side effects of some of the Covid-19 vaccines, and arguments over bodily autonomy have all played a role in falling immunization numbers.

The most contentious vaccine has been the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine – known as the MMR vaccine. Vaccine sceptics have associated the MMR vaccine with the onset of Autism, though the scientific consensus is that no such connection exists [4].

In the United States, The first dose of the MMR vaccine was missed by 22 million children in 2023, a rise from 19.3 million in 2019 [2].

Local outbreaks of Measles have become common in recent years, with this believed in part to be due to the falling vaccination rates. The state of Texas is currently battling with an outbreak [5].

In an effort to improve vaccination rates, it has been suggested that dental clinics could assist. It is a proposition which could have a very positive impact.

A role to play for dental clinics

A team of academics sought to assist in this effort by hypothesizing that an integration between medical and dental care could be helpful. Their findings have been published in the Pediatrics journal [1].

The team explained that children over the age of 9 generally visit the dentist more than the medical providers that would typically administer routine vaccinations [1].

They set up a study that took place between June 2021 and May 2023. The study was based in family health centers in Colorado, which meant dental care and vaccines could be administered in one location [1].

These family health centers were key to medical-dental integration as the researchers explained that a medical assistant could administer a vaccine straight after a dental check-up [1].

Furthermore, the researchers noted that this approach allowed dentists to access the electronic health record system that is used by wider health professionals – meaning that they could view a patient’s immunization record [1].

The researchers found that this integrated model resulted in a 5% increase in vaccines given in 2021 compared to 2020. This was particularly impressive given the restrictions caused by Covid-19 at the time.

The team enjoyed particular success with an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. Impressively, the vaccination rate at eligible visits increased from 5.3% in 2021 to 13.9% in 2023 [1].

In the study, any patient that was attending a dental check-up that was eligible for the HPV vaccine had the chance to have the vaccine on the same day [1].

The researchers noted that the HPV vaccine can be challenging to administer or talk about due to the sexual nature of the virus [1]. Therefore, they were particularly pleased with these results.

The researchers concluded that an approach of integrating medical and dental appointments could be highly effective for vaccine uptake.

Summary

Overall, a “one-stop shop” approach to dentistry and vaccinations can clearly be effective. In this example, vaccination rates rose strongly.

With vaccination numbers in children falling in recent years, this approach of integration could help to reverse this trend. Therefore, this would help to protect more people from these terrible conditions and diseases.

Jessica Jack is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine. She served as the lead researcher and commented on the results.

Jack said that “there are many hoops to jump through, but it could be a great way to increase access to vaccines” [6].

Continuing, Jack said that the key question going forward for the “next phase of medical-dental integration” is “can we get standalone dental practices to get this up and running” [6].

If this is possible, then there could be widescale improvements in vaccine uptake. Increased vaccine uptake can protect millions and save countless lives.

Thinking points…

[1] This research is further evidence of the connection between physical and oral health. Many people don’t realize, but dentists are trained to spot the signs of some physical health conditions during check-ups. Therefore, it is crucial to attend a dental check-up not just for your oral health, but your wider health too! At a check-up, a dentist will be able to assess your oral health and look for the signs of physical health problems too. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

[2] Do you have any children? If so, this research shows how useful childhood dental visits are. By taking children to dental appointments from a young age, it means that they will get into good habits that will hopefully serve them well in future life. Just like adults, they should attend a dental check-up at least once every six months. Why not book a check-up 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] Jack, J. L., Stein, A. B., Podewils, L. J. (2025). Improving Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Administration Using Medical-Dental Integration. Pediatrics. 155 (4): e2024066639. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-066639.

[2] World Health Organiation. (2023). Vaccines and immunization. Available: https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization. Last accessed: 16th May 2025.

[3] Hill, H. A., Yankey, D., Elam-Evans, L. D., et al. (2024). Decline in Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months and Vaccination Inequities Among Children Born in 2020 and 2021 – National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2021-2023. MMWR: Morbidity and mortality weekly report. 73 (38): p844-853. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7338a3.

[4] DeStefano, F., & Shimabukuro, T. T. (2019). The MMR Vaccine and Autism. Annual Review of Virology. 6 (1): p585-600. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015515.

[5] Texas Health and Human Services. (2025). Measles Outbreak – May 16, 2025. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025. Last accessed: 17th May 2025.

[6] Mason, K. (2025). To increase childhood vaccine uptake, researchers look to dental visits. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-childhood-vaccine-uptake-dental.html. Last accessed: 16th May 2025.

What Is the Current State of Dental Health in Canada for Those Aged 50 to 64?
12May
It has been announced that Canadians aged 55 to 64 can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This means that a large cohort has now become eligible for the plan. But what do the statistics say about the oral health of this age group? Now, with newly released data, we can see where the different strengths and weaknesses lie for the oral health of this age group.

In a landmark moment, Canadians aged 55 to 64 can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), with Prime Minister Mark Carney confirming this [1].

This marks a large cohort of people that can receive dental care under the federal plan. It also demonstrates the recently elected federal government’s commitment towards oral healthcare in Canada.

With the CDCP continuing its expansion, and with the most recent federal election behind us, now is a good chance to take a look at the current state of dental health in Canada for this age group.

Using data provided by Statistics Canada, there are a series of statistics available that show where the strengths and weaknesses lie in Canada’s oral healthcare system for those aged 50-64 [1].

A lack of dental coverage

The need for further dental assistance for this age group is demonstrated by the lack of dental coverage.

For example, statistics show that almost 66% of Canadians have either private or public dental insurance, though 27.8% of those aged 50 to 64 do not have any coverage at all [1].

This is concerning and suggests that many people in this age group do not receive adequate dental care, or no dental care at all. Therefore, some people have not had a dental appointment for several years.

Pain and avoiding food

Another concerning statistic revolves around issues with eating and pain. Due to oral health problems, some people resort to avoiding certain foods. Others experience persistent pain.

The statistics show that 20.2% of the 50 to 64 age group avoid eating certain foods due to mouth problems [1]. This marks an increase compared to the national average of 15.6%.

Women are likelier than men to have this problem, with 22.3% of women reporting avoiding food, compared to 18% of men [1].

In terms of pain, unfortunately some people live with persistent oral pain. This disproportionately affects the 50-64 age group, with 25.2% of this group experiencing this, which is higher than the 21.6% national average [1].

Having no teeth

A significant oral health problem is edentulism – also known as not having any natural teeth. This is normally due to extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or trauma.

Unsurprisingly, the highest rate of edentulism is among those aged 65 and older, with 13.8% of people in this group afflicted [1].

However, 2.3% of those aged 50 to 64 also have no natural teeth remaining [1]. Therefore, it still affects this age group.

Fortunately, options are available, including dentures and implants. While these are reactive measures, they can still be a strong solution.

Signs of improvement

But despite the negatives, there are some positives too. This involves high rates of flossing, brushing, and visiting a dentist among this group.

The statistics show that approximately 30% of Canadians floss five or more times per week. However, in the 50-64 age group, this is 38.3%, with women (43.1%) particularly performing well [1].

Moreover, almost 74% of people in the 50-64 age group reported brushing at least twice daily. Again, this is higher than the national average of 70% [1].

Perhaps the most positive statistic is that an impressive 76.7% of Canadians aged 50-64 visit a dental professional at least once per year [1]. This is an improvement on the national average.

Finally, only 0.4% of those aged 50-64 have never visited a dental professional, which is below the national average [1]. This is positive to see, as seeing a dentist regularly is crucial!

Provincial differences

The data also provides some interesting insights into how the various provinces rank. Unsurprisingly, provinces that have high density levels tend to perform well – with there typically being strong supply in such areas [1].

However, in provinces with more rural areas, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan, the statistics are typically less positive [1].

This is unsurprising though, given the well-established oral health disparity that exists between urban and rural areas in Canada [2].

Summary

So while there is room for improvement in the 55-64 age bracket, hopefully the CDCP will help to alleviate some of the concerns.

With this age bracket now receiving care, the focus will now turn to the younger group’s eligibility for the plan. Carney has provided some positive news.

Carney has said that “in the coming weeks, applications will open to Canadians aged 18-54” [3]. Continuing, he says that “because of this plan, millions of people can now afford to see a dentist — some for the first time in decades. Soon, millions more will get that same care” [3].

So dental healthcare continues to go in the right direction in Canada. The new government seems to care a lot about dental care, with the early signs being positive.

Hopefully, with more and more people becoming eligible for care, we will see a concerted improvement in oral health across Canada.

Thinking points…

[1] Regardless of your age, one of the most important aspects we mentioned above is attending regular dental check-ups! At a check-up, a dentist can provide advice on your oral health, check for any problems, and suggest treatment if needed. It is important to attend a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] The statistics show that edentulism – or not having any natural teeth – affects many people. There are treatments available for this though, with dental implants being a great solution for many people. Implants are artificial teeth that look natural, are long-lasting, and can improve your self-esteem. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a free dental implant consultation for our patients! For further details and to book an appointment, please see 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] Statistics Canada. (2025). Selected indicators of oral health in Canada. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2024028-eng.htm. Last accessed: 9th May 2025.

[2] Gaber, A., Galarneau, C., Feine, J. S., & Emami, E. (2017). Rural-urban disparity in oral health-related quality of life. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 46 (2): p132-142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12344.

[3] Oral Health. (2025). Mouth pain keeps some from eating — here’s what the dental data says as CDCP opens to Canadians 55 to 64. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/mouth-pain-keeps-some-from-eating-heres-what-the-dental-data-says-as-cdcp-opens-to-canadians-55-to-64-1003986452/. Last accessed: 9th May 2025.