Category: General Dentistry

Everyone is aware of the link between sugary food and drink and poor dental health. Most of us know that our oral health could improve by cutting down on our sugar intake. Yet it isn’t simple to cut out sugar, and those who do so face potential withdrawal-like symptoms.

Consumption of sugary food and drink is one of the main causes of tooth decay and poor oral health. It is also linked to rising obesity levels. Cutting down on sugar can be highly beneficial to oral health. However, research shows that giving up sugar isn’t an easy achievement.

The effect of sugar on dental health

Sugar is very bad for our teeth. Once consumed, it combines with bacteria to create acid, which then gradually dissolves enamel, eventually creating cavities that need to be filled.

The link between sugar and poor dental health is clear. Studies show a direct link between the level of sugar consumed and the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth [1].

Moreover, sugar doesn’t just negatively affect adult teeth. Statistics show that tooth decay is the leading cause for hospitalisation for 5-9 year olds in the United Kingdom [2]. This summarises the impact sugar can have even on deciduous teeth.

Surprisingly, sugar intake has actually decreased over the past decade in western nations [3], presumably due to the recent emphasis on healthy diets like keto and veganism.

However sugary foods and drink are everywhere. Many people do not realise that some everyday foods like cereal and yoghurts can be high in sugar. Even products marked as “diet” or “no added sugar” can be bad for our teeth and weight [4].

Furthermore, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and stevia can still be harmful. Just because they are low-calorie, it doesn’t mean they have no impact on teeth.

What happens when we quit sugar

Quitting sugar, whether this is done gradually or by going cold turkey, can result in psychological and physical effects.

There has been a lot of research on whether or not we can become “addicted” to sugar. However, results remain inconclusive [5].

This is particularly the case with sugar-sweetened beverages, like Coca-Cola or Pepsi [6]. These drinks typically include caffeine and sugar, with caffeine known to cause withdrawal symptoms [7].

Quitting sugar can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. Physical symptoms include headaches, fatigue and even mood changes. Psychological symptoms include cravings, sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression and anxiety [8].

Sugar affects the brain’s reward system. Consumption of sugar results in the desire to consume more sugar, as it produces the brain’s feel-good chemical dopamine.

Cutting down on sugar

As part of eating a balanced and nutritious diet, we should attempt to only consume a small amount of sugary foods and drink.

When we do consume something sugary, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth with water soon after, as this can help to stabilise acid levels in the mouth.

Cutting down gradually is a better idea than adopting a “cold turkey” approach of radically changing diet. This is because the unpleasant symptoms outlined above may be onset by a sudden change.

Trying to find substitutes for sweet food and drink is a good method for cutting out sugar. For instance, swapping fizzy drinks for water of flavoured water. Having a dessert every other day instead of each day is another measure.

Eating filling yet nutritious food should also aid against cravings. Foods like vegetables, eggs or nuts can help. Some people find that using a fasting diet, such as intermittent fasting can help.

Many people find that chewing sugarfree gum is a good way of easing temptations. Sugarfree gum does have dental benefits, as it can help to regulate the pH levels of saliva in the mouth [9].

Ultimately, like with any attempt at change in life, consistency is key. Coping with the first few weeks will be difficult, but the health benefits will make this worthwhile. You can expect to see a strong improvement in the long-term.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental, we offer our patients a wide range of services and treatments. We ensure that our patients receive a comfortable and caring experience when visiting us.

Our dental clinic is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer services like regular check-ups, cavity fillings, dentures, root canals, and some cosmetic services such as tooth whitening.

It is vital for any dental problems to be addressed early. They can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem worsening over time.

If further treatment is required after a check-up, we provide our patients with a clear treatment plan.

Our Calgary based dental practice Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

The best way to avoid needing extra treatment is to have excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink, and not smoking also helps.

If you need dental advice, our team at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental will be happy to assist. This can include advice on treating bad breath, reviewing how your diet effects your oral health, and any other dentistry-related guidance.

Summary

It is important to state that when consumed in moderation, sugar is okay. While it is a good idea to cut down on sugar, there is no reason for it to be entirely withdrawn from your diet. But consuming less sugar can be excellent for our oral health.

We hope you visit our Calgary-based dental clinic soon! You can find out more about us at our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, and see why our patients love us. We hope to see you soon!

• [1] Battellino, L. J., Corneho, L. S., Dorronsoro de Cattoni, S. T., Luna Maldonado de Yankilevich, E. R., Calamari, S. E., & Aczura, A. (1997). Oral health status evaluation of pre-school children: longitudinal epidemiologic study. (1993–1994). Revista de Saúde Pública. 31(1), p272-281.
• [2]. Templeton, S. K. (2014). Rotten teeth put 26,000 children in hospital. Available: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Health/Sugar/article1433860.ece?shareToken=6923b16557f4b254af8fa420378b6fc2. Last accessed: 22nd August 2021.
• [3] Tedstone, A. (2020). New data reveals how our diets are changing over time. Available: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/12/21/new-data-reveals-how-our-diets-are-changing-over-time/. Last accessed: 21 August 2021.
• [4] Te Morenga. (2013). Dietary sugars and body weight: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and cohort studies. British Medical Journal. 346:e7492.
• [5] Westwater, M. L., Fletcher, P. C., Ziauddeen, H. (2016). Sugar addiction: the state of the science. 55(1), p55-69.
• [6] Falbe, J., Thompson, H. R., Patel, A., & Madsen, K. A. (2019). Potentially addictive properties of sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents. Appetite. 133(1), p130-137.
• [7] Jain, S., Srivastava, S. A., Verma, R. P., & Maggu, G. (2019). Caffeine addiction: Need for awareness and research and regulatory measures. Asian Journal of Psychiatry. 41(1), p73-75.
• [8] Knuppel, A., Shipley, M. J., Llewellyn, C. H., & Brunner, E. J. (2017). Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study. Scientifix Reports. 7, 6287.
• [9] Newton, J. T., Awojobi, O., Nasseripour, M., Warburton, F., Di Giorgio, S., Gallagher, J. E., & Banerjee, A. (2019). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum in Dental Caries. JDR Clinical & Translational Research. 5(3), p214-223.

Tooth loss is a serious dental problem that affects many people around the world. However, new research suggests that by using machine-learning tools, that it will be possible for us to predict future tooth loss, which can help to delay, or even prevent, eventual tooth loss.

Most people view tooth loss as an inevitable part of life – something that as we grow older, becomes unavoidable.

But this isn’t necessarily the case, and recent research has showed that in the future, technological advancements mean that it is possible that we could predict tooth loss, and therefore act quickly to delay or even prevent tooth loss. This interesting research could improve the oral health of people all around the world.

Tooth loss

Tooth loss is a very difficult process to go through. Tooth loss is very common, with various studies estimating that over 175 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, with tooth loss worsening as we grow older [1].

Tooth loss is usually caused by gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), which is an incredibly common condition – with research suggesting that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [2].

Gum disease can be linked to several areas, most commonly poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing teeth properly. A high-sugar diet, untreated cavities, smoking and conditions like diabetes or arthritis are other risk factors.

Tooth loss has both physical and psychological consequences. Losing teeth can affect a person’s overall wellbeing, diet and quality of life [3]. It also has the psychological impact of affecting confidence and self-esteem [4].

Given all of these issues, the recent findings of the research is an exciting development, which could have a highly-positive effect on society.

The Study

The research was carried out by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, before being published in PLOS One [5]. The study was based around how machine learning tools fared when it came to the identification of those at risk of tooth loss.

The study compared 5 different algorithms, which included different combinations of variables, with each of the algorithms then used to screen for risk of tooth loss, including complete and incremental tooth loss [5].

As mentioned, different variables were used in the different algorithms. These variables included medical characteristics, education, race and general health conditions like diabetes.

The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey – specifically using the data of 12,000 adults from 2011 to 2014. The data was used to design and then test the five machine-learning algorithms – and subsequently compare their findings to the results of a dental examination.

The results showed that the algorithms produced more accurate results than a routine dental examination. As mentioned above, these algorithms differed based on certain characteristics and variables.

The patient’s history of attending a dentist and age were, as expected, important factors. But the algorithms were able to teach us more. A patient’s education level, employment status and income were all very relevant for predicting tooth loss.

Those from low-income and marginalized populations were already known to have high levels of tooth loss, with previous research confirming this [6]. Lack of access to dental care continues to be a significant problem for these demographics.

What does this mean for dentistry?

The results suggest that in the long-term, machine learning could help to predict tooth loss, which would protect millions from the difficulties and consequences of losing teeth.

The idea is that by predicting tooth loss early, eventual tooth loss can help to delay, or even prevent, cases of tooth loss.

Lead researcher Hawazin Elani, an Assistant Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, praised the findings, stating that the analysis proved that machine-learning models could be effective at predicting risk. Elani went on to state that machine-learning “could help to screen people all over the world”.

But these results also underline the importance of early intervention. Unfortunately, many people who need dental treatment avoid going to the dentist until they are in excruciating pain, by which time it is often too late to save their tooth, leading to removal.

This shows how vital it is to attend regular dental check-ups, as any problems can be identified and acted on quickly. Machine-learning certainly has a place in dentistry, but a regular check-up, twice a year, can help immeasurably.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental, we offer our patients a range of services. We are located in a convenient location in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and ensure that we provide our patients with a caring and comfortable experience.

The research above has shown how crucial it is to detect dental problems early. The best thing to do therefore is to attend regular dental check-ups. We recommend that our patients come to see us twice a year for a check-up.

When further treatment is required following a regular check-up, we provide many different services to fit the patient’s circumstances. These include cavity fillings, root canals, and dentures among other treatments.

Many people are put off of visiting the dentist due to the costs involved. However, our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which provides our patients with transparent and affordable costs.

As always, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks, alcohol and smoking wherever possible. Good oral hygiene is very important, and has numerous benefits, including slowing down cognitive decline(click to know more).

We also provide some cosmetic dentistry treatments at our Calgary dental clinic, including teeth whitening.

Summary

Machine-learning definitely has the impact to positively affect the dental industry. The ability to predict tooth loss offers many benefits. Early intervention continues to be crucial in preventing tooth loss and other oral problems.

We hope that you consider visiting our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, you can find out about us and the various services we offer by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, we hope to see you soon!

• [1] 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: 24 July 2021
• [2] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
• [3] Saintrain, M. V .d .L. & de Souza, E. H. A. (2012), Impact of tooth loss on the quality of life. Gerodontology, 29(2), pe632-e636.
• [4] Kaur, P., Singh, S., Mathur, A., Makkar, D. K., Aggarwal, V. P., Batra, M., Sharma, A., & Goyal, N. (2017). Impact of Dental Disorders and its Influence on Self Esteem Levels among Adolescents. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: 11(4), pZC05–ZC08.
• [5] Elani, H. W., Batista, A. F. M.M Thomson, W. M., Kawachi, I., & Filho, A. D. P. C. (2021). Predictors of tooth loss: A machine learning approach. PLOS One. 16(6): e0252873. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252873.
• [6] Elani, H. W., Harper, S., & Thomson, W. M., Espinoza, I. L., Mejia, G. C., Ju, X., Jamieson, L. M., Kawachi, I., & Kaufman, J. S.. (2017). Social inequalities in tooth loss: A multinational comparison. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 45(3), p266– 274.

The Sioux Lookout region is in the midst of a “dental crisis”, according to a local health authority. The federal government has subsequently been urged to intervene and provide much-needed support to the area. The region is home to a large indigenous population – a group that has long-faced difficulties in accessing healthcare.

The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) have called on the federal government to step in and provide help for a situation that they have described as a “dental crisis” [1].

The SLFNHA have frequently levelled allegations of a lack of care from the government towards the Sioux Lookout region in recent years.

Sioux Lookout has a large indigenous population, and this situation is arguably indicative of a wider problem for indigenous people in terms of trying to access dental care.

Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout is a region in Northwestern Ontario, with a population of around 5,000. Many people know the area as a summer holiday destination, or as a location with many rivers and beaches.

But the region is also home to a large proportion of indigenous people [2]. The indigenous people have a long history in the region, dating back hundreds of years.

Sioux Lookout has a large demand for healthcare services, though these needs are rarely met, with healthcare resources in the area stretched – especially dental services [3].

The Crisis

As mentioned, the SLFNHA have called the current oral health situation in Sioux Lookout a “dental crisis”.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on dental services across Canada, with the Sioux Lookout area amongst the worst hit areas.

In line with government guidance and advice, dental services were restricted to emergency and urgent needs only throughout much of 2020 due to Covid-19.

The problems have got so bad in Sioux Lookout, that one resident actually died after their dental infection was not treated properly, leading to an eventual death through sepsis [4].

Dr. Terri Farrell is the medical director of the SLFNHA, and she stated that the death was “preventable”, and was caused by the “appalling lack of dental services for the communities served by SLFNHA” [4].

Farrell went on to say that hundreds of children “are in pain” and “becoming malnourished due to an inability to eat” – something caused by a growing waitlist for dental operations for children in the area [4].

The struggles facing indigenous people

As mentioned, Sioux Lookout has a large proportion of indigenous people. Dr. Farrell is correct in stating that there are problems facing children in the area, which is contributing to the dental crisis.

These problems have been long-standing too, but exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. A 2004 study found approximately 70% of indigenous children living on reserves in Canada have experienced tooth decay by the time they turn 3 years old, a number that increases to 87% by the time they have turned 5 [5].

These results were backed up by the findings of a 2010 study, which concluded that 86% of First Nations children between the ages of 3 and 5 have experienced a form of tooth decay [6].

The problems don’t just apply to children. Indigenous people all across Canada face barriers to getting much-needed healthcare. Studies show that these barriers include racism, discrimination and cost [7].

With 1.7million people in Canada identifying as indigenous, this is clearly a problem that affects a huge amount of people. The dental crisis means that a huge number of people are in desperate need of dental operations.

Response

The federal government has stated that they are working with the SLFNHA and other health partners to try and support and improve dental services in the area.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is an organisation that is responsible for the management of policies relating to the indigenous population of Canada.

The ISC have been heavily criticised by the SLFNHA, who have stated that the ISC have backtracked on a plan to create a new dental clinic in Sioux Lookout [4].

The ISC have defended themselves however, pointing to a recent increase in service levels, including providing care to over 7,000 patients in the region from November 2020 to June 2021 [8].

The problems caused by poor oral health

As mentioned above, there is a large oral health problem facing this region. Oral health problems are not just limited to this part of Canada though, with professionals stating that the dental industry is facing a “dental disaster”(click here to read more).

Covid-19 has led to regular dentist appointments to be suspended, with urgent and emergency cases prioritized. This has meant many people will have undetected dental problems.

Poor oral health can cause a range of problems, including cavities, gum disease, and potentially even mouth cancer.

It is therefore very important for us to all brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, have a nutritious diet, and attend regular dental check-ups – typically a minimum of two per-year.

What we offer our patients at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we provide a range of services suited to the needs of our patients. We provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for our patients in a convenient location within Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Among the services offered at Savanna Dental include regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and dentures among other services. We also offer some cosmetic dentistry treatments too, such as teeth whitening.

Through regular check-ups, problems can be detected and treated accordingly. When further treatment is needed, we provide a tailored treatment plan to our patients, and ensure that they have a voice in their treatment options.

Our Calgary-based dental practice also adheres to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients. With cost being a barrier to accessing dental services for many people, having full knowledge of fees ahead of an appointment can be very useful.

Summary

Sioux Lookout is facing a very difficult dental health situation, with these problems being replicated across Canada. As we gradually return to normal life, the aim is to provide the much-needed oral care to the Canadian population.

We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! We care deeply about our patients, and our staff are always on-hand to help. Click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the range of services and treatments we provide our patients with.

• [1] CBC News. (2021). Dental crisis facing area First Nations, says Sioux Lookout health authority. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/dental-care-sioux-lookout-first-nations-1.6075320. Last accessed: 26 June 2021.
• [2] The Mayors Truth and Reconciliation Committee. (2017). The Municipality of Sioux Lookout. Available: https://www.siouxlookout.ca/en/your-local-government/resources/Appended-Doc-2-First-Annual-Report-of-the-Mayors-Committee-on-Truth-and-Reconiliation-Nov-2017.pdf. Last accessed: 24 June 2021.
• [3] Janis, M. (2011). A Dental Hygienist Who’s A Lakota Sioux Calls For New Mid-Level Dental Providers. Health Affairs. 30 (10), p2013-2016.
• [4] Rinne, G. (2021). Sioux Lookout-area First Nations in ‘dental crisis’, health authority says. Available: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/sioux-lookout-area-first-nations-in-dental-crisis-health-authority-says-3880775. Last accessed: 24 June 2021.
• [5] Lawrence, H. P., Romanetz, M., Rutherford, L., Cappel, L., Binguis, D., & Rogers, J. B. (2004). Oral Health of Aboriginal Preschool Children in Northern Ontario. PROBE. 38 (4), p172-190.
• [6] First Nations Information Governance Centre. (2010). Report on the findings of the First Nations Oral Health Survey 2009–10.
• [7] Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2018). Understanding barriers to health care access through cultural safety and ethical space: Indigenous people’s experiences in Prince George, Canada. Social Science & Medicine. 218 (1), p21-27.
• [8] Rinne, G. (2021). Indigenous Services Canada working with First Nations to improve dental services. Available: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/indigenous-services-canada-working-with-first-nations-to-improve-dental-services-3895766. Last accessed: 25 June 2021.