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Study Finds Elderly Patients Are Visiting the Dentist Less and Less, With Worrying Consequences - Savanna Dental
27Apr
Various studies have found that as we age, we are less likely to visit the dentist, which has worrying long-term consequences. Many people neglect their oral health, without realising the impact it has on their physical health. Attending regular check-ups is crucial, and can help with early detection of problems. At Savanna Dental, we welcome patients of all ages, and provide ongoing support and a range of treatments for our patients.

As we age, our physical health typically declines, leading to numerous visits to the doctor, multiple medications being prescribed, and other ailments adding to our troubles. But one area that many people neglect as they get older is their oral health, which not only further affects their physical health, but it can also lead to oral pain that has long-term consequences. This is of course avoidable with regular visits to the dentist.

The evidence

A study published in the Journal of Research on Aging found that as patients get older, they become less likely to attend dental appointments [1]. These results were even more pronounced for ethnic minorities.

The study tracked how American adults aged 51 and over interacted with dental services. Almost 90% of those in the study were American citizens, with the remainder foreign-born nationals.

The study found that 70% of respondents visited a dentist at some point in the two years prior to the study, but for those over 80, the rate dropped significantly.

Moreover, the study determined that among immigrants and ethnic minorities, that the number of people who visit the dentist regularly is comparatively lower when compared to American nationals. Similar trends regarding access to dental services in relation to social class also appear to exist in Canada [2].

Why is this?

It is an interesting question – why is it that over 80’s and ethnic minorities are less likely to go to the dentist? The aforementioned study suggests that low awareness of the importance of oral health, lack of access to dental care, and having no insurance coverage are key factors.

It has been well documented how Medicare does not provide support for dental care (click here to read more) – which causes problems for many Canadians. Covid-19 has had a big impact on the finances of most Canadians, which has limited their access further to dental clinics.

Concern over costs have been longstanding around the world, with a study in 2008 finding that many elderly patients weighed up dental costs with functionality and social appearance. They also considered future living costs versus dental costs and finally, whether or not the dental work would be worthwhile in terms of how long they live [3].

As mentioned, ethnic minorities also appear to be less likely to visit the dentist. Similar factors to the above, along with other potential areas such as racial discrimination and language barriers, are likely to explain this.

The importance of maintaining healthy oral hygiene

Something that many people are unaware of is the link between oral health and overall physical health. Therefore, it is very important to attend regular dental check-ups. Gum disease, inflammation and even mouth cancer are just some of the possible complications arising from poor oral health.

A 2017 report published in the United Kingdom found that dental surgeons were becoming increasingly concerned about the impact that poor oral health was having on older people’s general health [4]. The report also confirmed that dental problems were linked to malnutrition and pneumonia in older people.

Perhaps even more worrying, the Harvard Medical School found in 2010 that the chance of having tooth damage severe enough to require a root canal or similarly invasive procedure triples once you’re over the age of 65 [5]. This emphasises the importance of looking after our mouth.

As we always say, early detection is crucial. We really can’t emphasise this enough! What may start out as a small cavity that can be filled easily, could, left untreated, become something more serious where evasive action may need to be taken in the future. So instead of a simple filling, a more complex procedure like a root canal or even an extraction may be needed.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we welcome everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or nationality – we guarantee a welcoming and courteous patient experience. We know these are difficult times to visit the dentist, but we aim to provide a comfortable environment for our patients in a convenient location within Calgary.

We are also aware that finances can be an issue. But here at Savanna Dental, we set our prices in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which ensures that our patients have access to affordable healthcare at a competitive price.

We offer many different treatments at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental. These treatments can be tailored to the varying needs of our patients. Regular check-ups are the best way to avoid problems, though when problems are identified, we have a range of treatments to restore positive oral health for our patients.

Summary

Looking after our oral health is crucial, especially as we get older; with the statistics above showing the potential problems facing the elderly. But by visiting the dentist regularly, we are able to detect problems early, and act appropriately.

As always, brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating a balanced and nutritious diet can all help. When you do need help, or want to schedule a check-up, we will be more than happy to assist, check out our website for more https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

  • [1] Zhang, W., Wu, Y. Y., & Wu, B. (2019). Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Dental Service Utilization for Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Research on Aging. 41 (9): p845-867.
  • [2] Bedos, C., Brodeur, J-M., Boucheron, L., Richard, L., Benigeri, M., Olivier, M., & Haddad, S. (2003). The dental care pathway of welfare recipients in Quebec. Social Science & Medicine. 57 (11): p2089-2099.
  • [3] Giddings, L., Mckenzie-Green, B., Buttle, L., & Tahana, K. (2008). Oral Healthcare for Older People: ‘i Can’t Afford Not to Go to the Dentist, but Can I Afford It?’. New Zealand Medical Journal. 121 (1281): p72-79.
  • [4] Royal College of Surgeons: Faculty of Dental Surgery. (2017). Improving older people’s oral health. Available: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/files/rcs/fds/media-gov/fds-improving-older-peoples-oral-health-2017.pdf. Last accessed: 23rd April 2021.
  • [5] Harvard Medical School. (2010). The aging mouth – and how to keep it younger. Available: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-aging-mouth-and-how-to-keep-it-younger. Last accessed: 22nd April 2021.
20Apr
Covid-19 has caused chaos across Canada in a number of ways. Some effects have been widely covered in the media, but an area that not many know about is the impact Covid-19 has had on access to dental care. This has caused anxiety among Canadians, and increased the financial burden caused by the pandemic.

We are well over a year into the global Covid-19 pandemic, and restrictions are still in force across Canada. There has been more than 1million confirmed cases, with almost 25,000 people tragically losing their lives.

The self-employed, the hospitality industry and the education sector are among the well-publicised areas to have been particularly affected by Covid-19. However, one area that many have neglected to focus on is the impact of Covid-19 on dental care, with the financial position of most Canadian citizens worsening throughout the pandemic, leaving many unable to afford dental care.

This situation has caused some to debate whether or not dental care should become part of the nation’s Medicare health-care system. Another topic to consider is the physical and mental health consequences caused by a lack of dental care.

Canadians Struggling to afford dental care

Canadians have become accustomed to dental care not being part of Medicare – the nation’s health-care system. Unfortunately, dental care has been seen as a form of luxury care, rather than an essential part of our overall, ongoing health.

The majority of the population have to pay dental fees outright, or through some form of insurance policy. Either way, with the financial hardship caused by Covid-19, many people are deciding to skip visiting the dentist in a desperate effort to save money.

In fact, even before Covid-19, in 2018, almost 25% of Canadian citizens avoided seeing a dental professional due to concerns over the cost [1]. Presumably, this total will have increased since then.

Increase in physical and mental health problems

Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 has had a marked effect on mental health, with statistics showing that the mental health and general wellbeing of the Canadian population has declined substantially since Covid-19’s onset [2].

In the absence of dental care, self-esteem issues regarding oral appearance and anxiety about future procedures and costs will only worsen mental wellbeing.

But what is most concerning is the fact that the longer a person waits to receive dental care, the worse their oral health becomes. What originally starts as minor cavities that can easily be treated, can morph into more serious conditions that require more complex and costly procedures like a root canal or a crown.

It is a well-known fact that poor oral health can result in physical health conditions developing too. Just recently we reported on research that links oral inflammation like gum disease to an increased chance of suffering from severe symptoms of Covid-19(click here to read more). Furthermore, various studies have found that poor oral health correlates with poor physical fitness, body balance and cognitive functions [3], which underlines the importance of maintaining good oral health.

Alberta’s ADA Fee Guide

Our dental clinic is based in Calgary, Alberta. Here at Savanna Dental, we adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients across our wide range of services.

So while this may not be the easiest of times to visit the dentist, we hope you know that by visiting us at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, that you will have access to affordable treatment in a safe and convenient location.

What Savanna Dental can offer

We care deeply about our patients, and know that the earlier treatment takes place, the better the chance of successful treatment. We ensure that throughout your journey with us, that we provide a caring and comfortable environment, while giving you tailored advice for your specific circumstances.

Most dental problems are preventable. It is important to brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your dentist. Problems can be detected and acted upon, which will save you pain and higher dental fees in the months and years to follow. We ensure that our patients come away feeling healthy, and that they receive a high standard of care at all times.

We hope you visit us soon! You can find out more about the services we offer and our contact information via our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

Gum Disease and Covid-19: The Worrying Link - Savanna Dental Clinic
30Mar
People suffering from Gum disease are at risk of developing severe symptoms of Covid-19 should they catch the virus, recent research has revealed. The research suggests that inflammation associated with gum disease can be a risk factor for developing severe symptoms of Covid-19, which has placed an added emphasis on the importance of good oral hygiene.

As Covid-19 continues to cause havoc across the world, scientists continue to learn more and more about the virus. In a rather concerning development, recent studies suggest that gum disease can actually be a risk factor for developing severe symptoms of Covid-19.

We are all aware of the dangers associated with poor oral health – cavities, gum disease, bad breath etc. But something that not many people are aware of is that oral health also contributes to overall physical health. This is evidenced by the worrying link between Covid-19 and gum disease, as we will discuss.

Studies show a link between gum disease and Covid-19

Recent research from the California Dental Association Journal [LINK: http://www.mouthcovid.com/] suggests that gum disease can increase the chances of an individual developing severe symptoms from Covid-19 [1].

The study reviewed common themes across pre-existing Covid-related studies and analysed statistics on gum disease. They were able to conclude that areas associated with gum disease – such as inflammation and high plaque levels – could increase the risk of a person developing debilitating Covid-19 symptoms.

The authors determined that dental care can have a “major impact” on the overall outcome of how a patient copes with the coronavirus [1]. Inflammation appears to be a big risk factor in Covid-19, and the researchers found that inflammation in the gums can be linked to further inflammation in the body.

Another study analysed a cohort of 568 patients in Qatar, including some with mild symptoms, and some that had been hospitalised due to severe complications with Covid-19. The study found that those with severe gum disease were at least three times more likely than those without gum disease to have severe symptoms with Covid-19 [2].

It is well known that the symptoms of Covid-19 can differ significantly from person-to-person [3]. While many people have very mild symptoms that cause little disruption to their life, some people have severe symptoms that can result in hospital admission.

It isn’t entirely known why some people suffer worse than others, although certain risk factors exist that increase the chances of a person suffering badly from Covid-19. One of these risk factors, as mentioned, is gum disease. Poor oral health has also been linked to other physical health problems such as lung problems [4]. This shows just how important good oral hygiene is.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a common condition, but one that can be prevented, and at the very least, managed. Gum disease typically involves your gums becoming swollen or infected, and may also involve bleeding gums and/or bad breath.

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of a sticky, bacteria-filled substance called plaque. Plaque develops when sugary food and drink e.g., candy or soft drinks are consumed over a length of time. Plaque gradually wears down tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay, and ultimately further problems.

What can patients do?

We are fortunate in Canada to have excellent dental services readily available to us. Whether you are located in Calgary, Montreal or Vancouver, there is a wide range of dental clinics around the country.

Gum disease is preventable. It is important to adopt good oral hygiene, which is the best way to stop gum disease. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and attending regular dentist appointments.

The earlier an issue is detected, the better the chance is of successful treatment. That’s why it is so important to regularly visit the dentist, who will be able to identify any problems, and advise where necessary.

What we can offer

Here at Savanna Dental we know all about the problems facing patients with gum disease. We ensure that throughout their journey with us, our patients are kept well-informed about the condition of their gums. We offer many different services to help patients with a range of oral problems.

Calgary has many different dentists and dental clinics to choose from. When trying to find a Calgary dentist, there are many elements you may wish to consider. At a time when oral hygiene is more important than ever before, it is crucial that you select a dentist that can offer effective solutions that are tailored to your circumstances.

At our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we can offer our customers a vast array of services to help them with their oral health. In terms of gum disease, specific treatments that we offer that can help include Oral Exams, and Dental Cleanings.

Summary

Practicing good oral hygiene is more important than ever before. While the link between oral problems and physical health problems has been known for several years, this latest development involving Covid-19 places further emphasis on the importance of oral hygiene.

At Savanna Dental, we are able to provide our patients with many treatments that can aid their oral health. We would love for you to visit our website where we will be happy to help you, and answer any queries that you might have.

Sources

  • [1] Molayem, S., & Cruvinel Pontes, C. (2020). The Mouth-COVID Connection: Il-6 Levels in Periodontal Disease — Potential Role in COVID-19-Related Respiratory Complications, Journa of California Dental Association, October 2020 issue.
  • [2] American Academy of Periodontology. (2021). New Study Links Periodontitis and Covid-19 Complications. Available: https://www.perio.org/periodontitis_COVID-19_complications. Last accessed: 26 Mar 2021.
  • [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Symptoms of Coronavirus. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Last accessed: 26 Mar 2021.
  • [4] Muthu, J., Muthanandam, S., & Mahendra, J. (2016). Mouth the mirrors of lungs: where does the connection lie?. Frontiers of Medicine, 10(1), p405-409.
World Oral Health Day - Savanna Dental Clinic- Calgary Dental Clinic
23Mar
March 20th is the world oral health and dentists in Canada use it to raise awareness of how important is to have a good oral health.

World Oral Health Day was observed on March 20th, which is the date that celebrates positive oral health, and aims to increase awareness of the importance of looking after our teeth.

The day is organized by the World Dental Federation, and raises an important issue. Here in Canada, dental professionals use this date to raise awareness of how crucial healthy oral hygiene is.

Why do we need World Oral Health Day?

The statistics are concerning. A recent study by the World Health Organization found that over 3.5billion people around the world are affected by oral health problems, including caries, gum disease and even oral cancer [1].

An increase in consumption of sugary foods and drinks, high rates of tobacco smokers, lack of access to toothpaste and poor-quality water supplies are among the causes of poor oral health.

On the World Oral Health Day’s website, the organisers state that “Oral diseases are a major health concern for many countries and negatively impact people throughout their lives. Oral diseases lead to pain and discomfort, social isolation and loss of self-confidence, and they are often linked to other serious health issues” [2].

The State of Oral Health in Canada

In Canada, we are fortunate to have excellent dental health facilities available. In fact, Canadians have been listed as having the seventh-best oral health in the world [3].

It is also great that dental clinics are easily accessible in the majority of cities in Canada. From Calgary to Vancouver to Ottawa, there are many different dental clinics available to the public.

But despite the positives, there are alarming statistics in Canada. Statistics show that within a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians have been to see a dentist, with 38% of the population brushing their teeth at least twice a day. 23% of Canadians are put off from going to the dentist due to the cost involved [4].

Oral Health in Alberta, Canada

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has implemented some new initiatives for different provinces around the nation. In Alberta, the focus is on increasing seniors’ access to oral health care [5]. But there is also the problem of the younger population in Canada neglecting to visit the dentist, with the number of those under 25 visiting the dentist rather low. So while the CDA is focusing on seniors’ access to oral health care in Alberta, there are significant problems with younger citizens.

Across Alberta, there are many dental clinics available. But many choose to visit Calgary dental clinics, as there is a wide range of choice, with competitive prices and positive customer testimonials.

In Calgary, there are many dental clinics open for customers. Statistics suggest that over 90% of Calgary residents have decayed, missing or filled teeth, underlining the clinical need for visiting the dentist [6].

Visiting the Dentist

Given the statistics above, it is clear just how important it is for everyone to regularly visit the dentist, and maintain good oral health.

At Savanna Dental Clinic, we offer a range of services, such as general, cosmetic, orthodontics and emergency dentistry.

When visiting us, you will receive an excellent patient experience, with our professional staff providing high-quality treatments, advice on oral health, and a high level of support and dental care.

Summary

Ultimately, it is important to remember that oral health is crucial, and is actually a strong part of our overall health. It is also important to remember that oral problems are preventable. As always, it is important to brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, regularly visit your dentist, and use mouthwash when needed.

Having regular check-ups is very important, as this can detect any problems, provide treatment when necessary, and contribute towards healthy oral health

Sources

16Mar
Learn how your Calgary dental clinic can begin implementing eco-friendly dentistry practices in 2021.

There is no denying one threat we all have in common: the rising concern of global warming and its detrimental effects on future generations if we do not act accordingly across all industries. Therefore, it is imperative that your Calgary dental clinic, alongside the rest of Canada’s dental hygienists, implement more intuitive eco-friendly dentistry practices in our everyday applications to ensure we’re doing our part to safeguard a bright and sustainable future for all Canadians and global citizens. If you are not already practicing eco-friendly dentistry as a Calgary dentist, here are some ways that you can begin bettering your clinical procedures.

The Impact of the Health System on Carbon Emissions

According to the CMAJ Group, the health care system as of 2019 is “responsible for 4.6% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, as well as more than 200,000 tons of other pollutants, resulting in 23,000 years of life lost every year from disability or early death,” caused by environmental impacts. With this statistic evidently to grow in the coming years, we must begin making changes as soon as possible to move forward with an eco-conscious outlook. While the Canadian Dental Association has been relatively quiet on global warming for the last while, the American Dental Association released 80 methods in which dentists worldwide can begin eco-friendly dentistry practices. Let’s take a look at some of what they have noted:

Eco Dentistry Practices

  1. Implement an eco-friendly sterilization protocol within your Calgary dental clinic, including eco-friendly solutions and cleaning tools.
  2. Begin integrating eco-friendly oral care products, including mouthwash, floss, and toothpaste.
  3. Provide your patients with biodegradable plastic bags as an alternative when providing them with their dental giveaways.
  4. Send all patients appointment reminders using email or SMS text messages when possible or recycled paper if they request a physical copy.
  5. Switch to biodegradable disposable cups.
  6. Purchase rechargeable batteries for office appliances such as TV remotes.
  7. Bring old appliances and technology to proper recycling plants.
  8. Ask all of your practicing Calgary dentist members in your clinic to shut down their computers at the end of the night.
  9. Use biodegradable medical gloves and dental bibs.
  10. See what methods of reusable energy are available for your Calgary dental clinic.

Final Thoughts

While these are only 10 out of the 80 suggestions released by the ADA, all of the ones we have listed below are easily attainable and can be implemented in your Calgary dental clinic with ease. While these methods may seem minuscule in your practice, we can begin making eco-conscious decisions towards building a brighter future together as an industry.

Sources

Oral Hygienists Urge Canadians to Say No to Tobacco - Savanna Dental - Dentist Calgary NE
22Feb
Local Calgary dental clinic highlights the health concerns related to prolonged tobacco use to join Canadian oral hygienists in urging citizens to say no.

To combat the adverse effects of tobacco use amongst Canadians, Canada’s oral hygienists intend to mark January 17 – 23 as the National Non-Smoking Week as an educational and awareness initiative to decrease the prevalence of smoking in the community. While statistics indicate that the number of Canadians who smoke decreased between 2015 and 2018, current statistics report that 3.3 million Canadians aged 25 and older are still choosing to smoke, despite health concerns. Therefore, to further the awareness initiatives, the purpose of this article is to highlight once again the adverse health concerns that are related to smoking tobacco.

What is Tobacco?

For those of you who may be unaware, “tobacco is a plant that contains nicotine, a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug that speeds up activity in our central nervous system but has relaxing effects too.” It is available in various forms, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and powder form. Accordingly, over 4,000 chemicals are detected in tobacco smoke, including lead, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, and arsenic, with at least 70 chemicals known to cause various forms of cancer.

The Risks Of Tobacco Use

For those of you who may be unaware, “tobacco is a plant that contains nicotine, a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug that speeds up activity in our central nervous system but has relaxing effects too.” It is available in various forms, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and powder form. Accordingly, over 4,000 chemicals are detected in tobacco smoke, including lead, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, and arsenic, with at least 70 chemicals known to cause various forms of cancer.

Smoking has long been linked to numerous health concerns, including various types of cancers and heart disease, as we just mentioned. However, what many Canadians fail to realize is that tobacco also increases your chances of:

  • Respiratory and lung disease
  • Problems with fertility in women
  • Problems with blood vessels
  • Premature death

According to the Government of Canada, approximately 100 Canadians die of health issues related to smoking each day. Additionally, research indicates that smokeless tobacco forms, including chew and its powder form, are among the lead cases of mouth and throat cancer. These tobacco forms can also lead to:

  • Tooth loss
  • Receding gums
  • Discoloured teeth and gums 

Why Calgary Dental Clinics Are Concerned

Calgary dentists are particularly concerned for their patients as they fail to realize the likeliness of them being at risk for mouth sores, altered smells and tastes, and decreased blood flow to their gums even without having a cancer diagnosis. This is ultimately going to cause patients to have bad breath, discomfort and dry mouth, which in turn will reduce their overall quality of life, which is why local Calgary dental clinics are urging their community to be more aware and take these health concerns more seriously.

What Can You Do Today?

After reading this article, if you find yourself interested in finding out more about the health risks of tobacco; we urge you to consult with a licensed medical professional who will be able to assist you with your inquiries. We suggest making an appointment with our Calgary dental clinic, Savanna Dental, so our experienced oral hygienists may help you with any mouth-related concerns you may have.

If you are looking for a Calgary dentist, please visit savannadentalclinic.ca for more details and book an appointment.

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