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Category: Oral Health

Why Are Alberta Dentists Concerned About the New Federal Dental Benefit?
15Jan
Dentists in Alberta have voiced their concern over the number of applications that have been received for the new federal dental benefit in the province. After an initial strong uptake, applications have slowed recently. Therefore, many dentists across Alberta have questioned what is causing this, and have made some suggestions for the future.

The new Canadian Dental Benefit program was launched a few weeks ago following months of planning and anticipation.

Whilst there was a strong uptake to begin with, dentists in Alberta have become concerned at how applications for the benefit have somewhat stalled recently [1].

It is making dentists across Alberta question what is behind this recent lessening of interest, and how this can be turned around.

The Dental Benefit

The Canadian Dental Benefit was launched on 1st December 2022 [2]. It is open to middle and low-income families with a child under the age of 12.

Eligible families can claim up to $650 per qualifying child each year towards dental costs [2]. This is dependent on income.

Those who wish to apply can do so online, accessing: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Completing an application is a requirement of the process.

Concern among Alberta’s dentists

As mentioned, the uptake has been lower than expected. But as Dr. Jeffrey Ma of the Friends and Family Dental Health in Calgary dental clinic note, “the response has been a little bit lacklustre” [1].

Ma has suggested that the lacklustre response could be due to a mixture of confusion and lack of awareness [1]. Ma says that it is “a fantastic program”, but that the “awareness just isn’t there yet” [1].

Moreover, Ma believes “people are a little bit confused” [1]. The eligibility requirements have proven to be confusing for some, with many unsure on if they qualify or not.

Ma has suggested that the Government should step in, with the advice that they should “simplify the program and have it extended to cover all children” [1]. This would certainly clear up any confusion.

The Future

Dr. Ma has also said that the program will help to save money in the long run – which is a benefit to not only the public but also the government. However, he has argued that the government should do more.

He cites the example of how he sees families “that really care about their children’s dental health, but their finances don’t necessarily allow it”, meaning that they are unable to afford dental care [1].

At the moment, due to the benefit being related to income, those just over the threshold, and potentially even bigger earners, may be struggling to pay for private dental insurance for their children, in the absence of the benefit.

This adds more weight to the suggestion that the government should make the program available to more people. In fact, Ma has said that this is a group that “sure would benefit from having what this program can offer” [1].

Recommendations

Bruce Yaholinitsky is spokesperson for the Alberta Dental Association. He has recommended that parents set up an account with the Canadian Revenue Agency. Then, after paying up front for the services, they will eventually have money transferred to their account [1].

But Yaholinitsky has warned that “the government will be checking randomly on these patients to make sure they’ve been using it for dental care” [1].

There have been other suggestions too. Calgary dentist Dr. Brad Krusky has called on the government to make changes to the approach of the benefit [1]. For example, Krusky has said that funds should be injected into the existing system, which could benefit a larger number of people, including “kids from families who have a little bit more income than the current level, but are still not able to afford the care” [1].

Krusky has said that while the program is a step in the right direction, preventative care is still important [1]. He says that “I would invest in prevention much more than I would invest billions of dollars that are going into this program” [1].

The National Plan

Eventually, the Canadian National Dental Healthcare plan will be implemented. This is due to take place over a three-year period, with a full rollout in 2025.

This will benefit more people than the current program does, although a strong start has been made. Hopefully, the oral health of Canadian citizens will greatly improve in the next few years as the full benefit of the plan is felt.

Thinking points…

1) The article above notes that the full rollout of the Canadian National Dental Plan will not happen until 2025. It can be tempting to try and wait until then to tackle any outstanding dental issues. But unfortunately, dental problems don’t get better on their own. Therefore, ensure that you make regular visits to your dentist, who can carry out check-ups to review the state of your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) As we mentioned earlier, many eligible people are unsure if the dental benefit is relevant to them. We would recommend either speaking to us at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental – as we can offer advice, or visiting the Canadian Revenue Agency’s website. While visiting us, we will also be happy to make you aware of the wide range of services we can provide! We would love to see you soon, visit our homepage for more https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

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

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

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

References

[1] Kury de Castillo, C. (2022). Alberta dentists raise concerns about new federal dental benefit. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9370178/calgary-dentists-concerns-federal-dental-benefit/. Last accessed: 13th January 2023.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 13th January 2023.

The Link Between Red Wine and Stained Teeth: How Can It Be Prevented?
2Jan
Red wine is a very common drink that is enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is also known for having the undesirable effect of staining teeth. This is something we all try to avoid. Now, a dentist has discussed the link between red wine and stained teeth – and listed some methods to help prevent problems. This useful information can help many people to manage their teeth effectively.

Over the Christmas season, it is very common for us to over-indulge on food and drink. While doing this just once a year may not do much harm, it is important to exert caution during the festive season.

One of the most common things that people treat themselves to over the holiday season is red wine. But this has the undesirable, yet common effect, of staining teeth over time.

But what can be done about this? Now, a dentist has looked into this question, and has helped to explain some of the key factors that result in stained teeth [1]. This information will be very relevant to anyone who is concerned about the possibility of their teeth becoming stained.

Analysis by a professional

Uchenna Akosa is a dentist who works in tandem with Rutgers Health University Dental Associates [1]. As a dentist, Akosa has seen stained teeth first-hand, and has developed knowledge on it.

Akosa explained the link between red wine and stained teeth. She says that upon drinking red wine, “you’re encountering a triple threat to your teeth’s whiteness” [1]. This triple threat that Akosa speaks of consists of anthocynanins, tannins and acidity [1].

Akosa explains that anthocyanins are the pigments in grapes that give red wine its rich color. Meanwhile, tannins help bind the pigment our teeth. Finally, acidity refers to the acid found in wine, which etches our enamel, making it more porous and easier for the stain to stick [1].

When combined, these various threats can result in our teeth becoming discolored. While occasional consumption of wine may not cause this, consistent consumption is highly likely to cause it.

Moreover, Akosa mentions that “the strength of your enamel and how prone you are to plaque build-up is key to how much your teeth might stain” [1]. Some people are naturally more prone to plaque. This quote shows that some people will naturally be more at risk than others.

Looking at the wider picture, Akosa has acknowledged that many other foods and drinks have a similar effect [1]. She says that “anything that can stain a shirt can stain your teeth” [1]. For example, she mentions “black coffee, black tea, berries, balsamic vinegar, chocolate, sweets and smoking” as examples [1].

Moreover, she continues by saying “drinks like soda and juices harm the enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains” [1]. Clearly, there are a range of threats to our teeth.

Interestingly, in a comparison based on the impact that red wine and coffee have on staining teeth, a team of researchers in 2010 found that red wine had the more severe effect on tooth discoloration and enamel erosion [2].

Preventing stained teeth

There are things that we can all do to try and prevent stained teeth. These suggestions are from Akosa, who believes taking the following steps can limit the damage done to our teeth when drinking wine [1]:

• Akosa suggests that we should brush our teeth before, but not immediately after, drinking [1]. This is because brushing your teeth before drinking will tackle any build-up of plaque prior to consumption of wine. If you do it afterwards, the wine may contribute to a build-up of plaque in the meantime.

• Akosa also states that we shouldn’t drink white wine prior to red wine [1]. While it can be tempting to drink both, the extra acid in white wine will exacerbate the staining.

• Another useful tip Akosa provides is to drink water while drinking wine [1]. Regularly swishing your mouth with water whilst drinking wine can help to reduce the wine’s acidity and keep our mouth’s saliva levels strong. This can help to regulate our mouth’s acid levels.

• Akosa has also pointed out the usefulness of pairing cheese with wine while drinking. This is because cheese can help to stimulate saliva and reduces acidity from wine.

• Finally, Akosa has pointed out how important it is to brush your teeth correctly and attend regular dental appointments [1]. This can help to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy.

Akosa has suggested that a good brushing technique involves placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and lightly brush back and forth in short strokes [1]. Furthermore, it is important to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of teeth.

Overall, it is important to remember to enjoy yourself over the festive season – after all, it only comes around once a year. However, you can do so responsibly, and act in a way that protects and limits any damage to teeth.

There certainly seems to be a strong relationship between red wine and teeth discoloration, but as outlined above, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent problems.

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, it is very important to look after our teeth. There are many simple steps we can take to protect and strengthen our oral health. One of the most important aspects of this is to attend regular dental appointments. At these appointments, any problems can be detected, and necessary treatments planned and proposed. We strongly recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Once teeth are stained, it can be rather unsettling for many people, and affect their self-esteem. However, cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, is available! Here at Savanna Dental, we offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. We also offer consultations for those considering teeth whitening, giving you a chance to ask any questions you may have. We would love to have a discussion with you about teeth whitening, and help you on your journey to great-looking teeth!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

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

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

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

References

[1] Zielinski, P. (2022). How to prevent ‘wine teeth’ this holiday. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-12-wine-teeth-holiday.html/. Last accessed: 30th December 2022.

[2] Liporini, P. C. S., Souto, C. M. C., Pazinatto, R. B., Cesar, I. C. R., Augusto de Rego, M., Mathias, P., & Cavalli, V. (2010). Enamel Susceptibility to Coffee and Red Wine Staining at Different Intervals Elapsed from Bleaching: A Photoreflectance Spectrophotometry Analysis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 28 (2): p105-109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2627.

The Canadian Dental Benefit: How Many Families Have Applied?
19Dec
Applications for the Canadian Dental Benefit are in full swing, with thousands of applications already being made. While there have been some concerns about the timing of the benefit becoming available, the early uptake should assuage any concerns. The hope is that the oral health of Canadians will improve over the coming years.

The Canadian Dental Benefit recently opened, and there has already been a strong uptake in applications, in positive news for oral health.

Within the first week of opening, 35,000 people had already applied for the benefit [1]. Considering these are the figures after just one week, there is the expectation that numbers will rise further.

The hope is that oral health among younger people in China will improve significantly in the years to come, as the full positives of this benefit are felt.

What is the Canadian Dental Benefit?

The dental benefit was officially launched on 1st December 2022. This was a key part of the Canadian government’s commitment to assisting citizens through the current cost of living crisis.

The benefit is for families with a child or children under the age of 12 – that are either low or middle-income families that do not have private insurance [2]. Eligible families can receive up to $650 per child each year to assist with the cost of dental care.

This arrangement is a short-term compromise that forms part of the Canadian National Dental Plan. This is a plan between the New Democratic Party and the ruling Liberal Party – as part of their supply and confidence agreement.

The long-term aim is to provide assistance to all Canadian citizens, rather than just children. This should result in a vast improvement in the oral health of Canadians.

Early Uptake in Applications

There has been a very positive response to the benefit. Within just a week of applications opening, there have been 35,000 applications [1]! This represents a very strong start to the plan.

The figure came in a meeting at the House of Commons. A question from an opposition member asked how many people had applied, following concerns over the timing of the plan, and the cost to the government and taxpayer.

Social Development Minister Karina Gould said that 35,000 people had applied for the benefit [1]. This helped to ease concerns over the plan from the opposition.

This is a very strong figure. The numbers are expected to rise further in the coming weeks. Moreover, as the benefit opens up to more people, more applications are expected to come in.

The government has said that they expect to receive approximately 500,000 applications for the benefit program [1].

Claiming the Benefit

If you wish to join the 35,000 existing applications, you can apply through the Canadian Revenue Agency [3].

Families need to provide the name of the child’s dentist or dental hygienist, the date or month of the appointment and employer information. As mentioned, there are other eligibility requirements, mainly around family income.

These are certainly positive times for Canadian oral health. We will hopefully see an improvement over the next few years, especially in children.

Thinking points…

1) The Dental Benefit has certainly proven popular so far. One reason behind this is the cost of dental care in Canada. However, here at Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are fully transparent and trustworthy. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic soon!

2) In the forthcoming years, the National Dental Plan will be launched. While this is exciting, anyone who is planning on waiting for the plan to be created before going to the dentist is running a very high risk. Remember, dental problems don’t get better on their own, and will actually worsen over time. Therefore, it is important to continue to attend dental appointments in the interim. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic soon for a check-up, why not book an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

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

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

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

References

[1] Osman, L. (2022). Federal child dental benefit has seen 35,000 applications in first week: minister. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9333855/canada-federal-child-dental-benefit/. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

[3] Government of Canada. (2022). Canadian Dental Benefit How to apply. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

Canadian Dental Care Benefit Applications Are Now Open: What Is the Latest?
12Dec
The Canadian Revenue Agency has announced that applications have opened for the new national dental benefit. Low-income families will be able to claim up to $650 per year towards dental care for each qualifying child. This will be very helpful for a huge range of people across Canada, and should improve the nation’s oral health.

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that after a long wait, parents are now able to apply for the new children’s dental benefit [1].

This is the result of a program put forward by the Liberal Party, backed by the New Democratic Party (NDP). Moreover, this benefit forms part of the Canadian government’s assistance with the recent rise in the cost of living.

The dental benefit will be very useful for low-income families across Canada. This is the first part of a wider national dental care plan that is due to be implemented in full by 2025.

What is the dental benefit?

This dental benefit is the result of the initial approach of the Canadian government towards a nationwide dental care plan. As the dental care plan isn’t quite ready, the benefit comes as a compromise for a short-term plan [2].

The overall plan forms part of the supply and confidence agreement between the NDP and the Liberals. Improved dental care has been one of the most important policies of the NDP since it was founded.

The benefit will provide assistance to families with a household income of below $90,000. At first, the benefit will be for those aged under 12. Furthermore, families can receive up to $650 per year towards dental care for any qualifying child [2].

The Canadian Revenue Agency require anyone who wishes to claim the benefit to provide them with the name and address of their licensed dental practitioner, as well as the date of their appointment [3].

The latest updates

Applications opened, and within a day, thousands of applications had been put in [1]. This is very positive news, and suggests that the benefit will be very popular.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said that the start was a sign that the “benefit is going to help lots of families” [1]. Duclos has been among those championing this benefit.

Moreover, Duclos spoke about the current dental care situation in Canada, saying that for many Canadians, dental costs are “simply out of reach” [1]. Duclos hopes that the government will have a “long-term program in place” for dental care soon [1].

The NDP’s leader Jagmeet Singh – a long-time advocate for improved access to dental care – was pleased with the outcome [1]. He said that the NDP will “keep fighting to make sure all Canadians can access comprehensive dental care as part of our health-care system” [1].

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced criticism for creating the benefit at a time where the healthcare system is already overstretched. However, he reasoned that the benefit was needed as the current situation means that “parents either don’t send their kids to the dentist or have to make impossible choices about what not to buy for their kids if they’re going to send them to the dentist” [1].

Continuing, Trudeau then pointed out that such a situation shouldn’t be the case in Canada, saying “particularly because we know that oral health is an intrinsic part of overall health” [1].

The aim continues to be for a long-term program to be in place soon. Eventually, the benefit dental care plan will fall under a public insurance program, rather than an individual benefit – making it easier to access [1].

How to apply

The Canadian government have produced a useful “how to apply” page on their website, which you can access at the following page: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html [4].

The current claim period is October 1st 2022 to June 30th 2023. You should apply using the CRA, which can be done at the above page [4].

The CRA require parents to keep receipts for six years [4]. Payments are usually processed within 5 business days.

It has taken a long time, but the dental benefit has now launched. Further elements of the overall plan will be released in the coming months.

Thinking points…

1) The creation of this dental benefit acknowledges that dental costs can be high. However, here at Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are transparent and reliable. We would love to see you visit our Calgary dental clinic! To find out more, or to have a conversation regarding your oral health, get in touch with us!

2) Do you have a child that could be aided by this dental benefit? If so, details on how to apply are outlined above. But this doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels, as we need to all have excellent oral hygiene in order to keep our dental health strong. As part of this, it is important to attend regular check-ups, as this provides the opportunity for a dental professional to analyze your oral health. We recommend booking a check-up right away!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

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

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

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

References

[1] The Canadian Press. (2022). Applications open for dental care benefits touted by Liberals as inflation relief. Available: https://www.cp24.com/news/applications-open-for-dental-care-benefits-touted-by-liberals-as-inflation-relief-1.6176362. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

[3] Government of Canada. (2022). Canada Dental Benefit. Validating your application. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply/validation.html. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

[4] Government of Canada. (2022). Canada Dental Benefit. How to apply. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

What Impact Does Psychological Talking Therapy Have on Oral Health?
5Dec
A thesis has looked at the impact that psychological talking therapy can have on the oral health of a group of young adults. It was found that this treatment had a very positive impact on oral health. Therefore, there is a high probability that talking therapy could be used more in combination with oral health interventions in the future.

A recent thesis has examined the impact that psychological therapy has, when combined with dental advice, on the oral health of a group of 16–25-year-olds [1].

Young adults with caries are at high risk of further oral health problems. However, action can be taken, which can assist in modifying unhealthy behaviours.

But there are challenges when helping patients in this category, as support and treatment is not always successful. But this thesis looked to see if psychological treatment could be a useful treatment tool [1].

About the author

Jennie Hagman is a practicing dentist in Sweden. Her recent thesis was about odontological psychology [1].

Psychology is something that is increasingly being looked at in oral health. For example, past studies have found that psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, can have a positive impact on oral health [2].

Hagman suggested that young adults aged 18-25 are a vulnerable age group. She reasoned that during this age range, many move away from home, become employed and therefore become responsible for their finances [3].

Moreover, this also coincides with having to pay for healthcare. As dental care is typically rather expensive, many people opt for infrequent dental consultations [3]. However, this can take a toll on oral health.

What makes this worse is that this age group often has a high-sugar diet, may smoke and/or vape [3]. This is obviously a very negative combination for oral health.

It is also known that people in this age group are at a high risk of developing mental health problems [4]. Therefore, Hagman was interested in seeing how talking therapy treatment could impact oral health.

The Research

Hagman’s thesis involved a study in Västra Götaland – a region in Sweden, Europe [1]. In general, the oral health of Swedish adults is strong.

However, Hagman notes that this state of good oral health is not consistent across various locations, age groups and socioeconomic statuses [1]. Certain groups have worse oral health.

The study involved 135 young adults in the Västra Götaland area. These adults all had a high incidence of caries – the dental term for decayed teeth, which in some cases amounts to requiring a cavity filling [1].

During the study, all 135 were given standardized oral health information through public dental care [1]. However, half were also given psychological treatment too [1].

This involved half of the group having regular talking therapy. It used a style of therapy called “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” (ACT) (1). This is a type of therapy that involves a therapist helping a patient to change harmful patterns of thoughts and behaviours that seem to prevent us from living an enjoyable life [5].

The therapy involved the therapist and patient working together to identify the value and importance of good oral health. Furthermore, other focuses included acceptance, and commitment to the aim of improving harmful oral health habits [1].

The results showed that the group that received ACT had a very positive response [1]. An immediate response was seen, with oral health quickly improving.

For example, the group that received therapy had an improvement in the quality and quantity of toothbrushing [1]. Moreover, their use of floss, toothpicks and fluoride also increased [1].

This was in contrast to the group that only received dental advice. They had lower rates of quality and quantity of toothbrushing, along with rates of flossing and the use of toothpicks [1].

Interestingly, the author pointed out that women benefited more than men from the ACT treatment [1]. This could be an important consideration going forward, if therapy becomes a common part of oral health treatment.

Conclusions

The results showed that ACT had a very beneficial effect on the group. It is certainly positive to see the effect that talking therapy can have, and it shows that therapy could be used in cases where oral health is poor.

Usually, when people have poor oral health, dentists will spend time giving them advice on how they can improve their dental health. But this doesn’t always work.

Therefore, having an approach aside from advice is useful. As a result, this thesis suggests that therapy could be a suggestion made by dentists for patients with oral health problems.

Hagman said that her findings “show that there’s a need to develop effective methods and techniques to promote oral health, and that theory-based methods aimed at modifying people’s behavior can potentially enhance self-care and oral health alike” [3].

Thinking points…

1) We mentioned earlier in the article that those aged between 16 and 25 are in a vulnerable position when it comes to oral health. If you, or someone you know, is in this age range, remember it is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. As part of this, a crucial element of strong oral health is attending regular dental check-ups. These check-ups allow a dentist to provide an overview of your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Have you considered attending talking therapy? While it may not be for everyone, therapy is known for having positive psychological effects. However, this study also suggests it can have a positive impact on oral health. Therefore, you may wish to consider attending therapy, as it can have a positive impact on multiple areas of your life. Why not have a discussion about this with your dentist at your next check-up?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patient with a wide range of dental services.

It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide our patients with advice, and look for any problems. If problems are found, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

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

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

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

References

[1] Hagman, J. (2022). Young adults and oral health – Oral health behaviors and an intervention for better oral health. Gothenburg University Library: Doctoral Thesis. Available: https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/72051.

[2] Zhang, Q., Zhang, J., Ran, W., Yu, S., & Jin, Y. (2020). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on kinesiophobia and oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders, study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 99 (47): e23295. ISBN: 978-91-8009-784-0.

[3] University of Gothenburg. (2022). Young adults with caries can improve their oral health. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-11-young-adults-caries-oral-health.html. Last accessed: 2nd December 2022.

[4] Burns, J. M., Durkin, L. A., & Nicholas, J. (2009). Mental Health of Young People in the United States: What Role Can the Internet Play in Reducing Stigma and Promoting Help Seeking?. Journal of Adolescent Health. 45 (1): p95-97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.12.006.

[5] Mental Health General. (2022). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Everything You Need to Know. Available: www.mentalhealthgeneral.com/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-everything-you-need-to-know. Last accessed: 3rd December 2022.

How Many People Around the World Suffer From Mouth Diseases?
28Nov
The World Health Organization has published a landmark report that looks at the scale of oral diseases affecting the world. In concerning findings, almost half of the world’s population suffers from some sort of mouth disease. The findings show that oral diseases are widespread, and that action is needed to tackle them.

The World Health Organization have announced that almost half of the world’s population suffers from some sort of mouth disease, in worrying news.

Mouth diseases can include anything from oral cancer to tooth decay. All conditions have a debilitating effect on those who suffer from them.

This announcement came in a report released by the WHO [1]. It shows that there are many mouth-related problems facing the world – including oral health-based conditions.

WHO Report

The World Health Organization have released the “Global Oral Health Status Report” [1]. This is a report that reviews data on major oral diseases, risk factors, health system challenges and opportunities for reform [1].

In the context of this report, mouth diseases include gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancers and tooth loss among other conditions.

The report took into account all 194 of the world’s countries. The WHO found that 45% of the world’s population – approximately 3.5billion people – have some form of oral illness [1].

The vast majority of these people have some form of dental health issue like tooth decay or gum disease. For example, the WHO said that over 1billion people alone are affected by severe gum disease [1].

But the biggest issue is untreated dental caries, which affects almost 2.5billion people around the world [1]. Therefore, huge swathes of people need urgent dental work done.

Mouth cancer is another common disease. Moreover, the WHO stated that approximately 380,000 new cases of oral cancers are diagnosed every year [1].

Rather shockingly, the report found that global cases of mouth diseases had increased by over 1billion over the last 3 decades [1].

One of the main problems with oral diseases is that often people don’t realize that they have a problem [1]. Then, by the time they do realize they have a problem, treatment is typically more invasive and costly.

These statistics are very worrying, and suggests that oral health is something that needs more attention and treatment. Otherwise, these statistics will only worsen.

Inequities in treatment

The WHO pointed out that three-quarters of those suffering from oral diseases live in low and middle-income countries [1]. This points to severe inequities in treatment.

Furthermore, vulnerable people like the disabled or the elderly were also much more likely to be affected by oral diseases [1].

It is a similar story for those living in rural communities, where accessing dental treatment can be challenging. The WHO said that their findings are “a clear indication that many people do not have access to prevention and treatment of oral diseases” [2].

Then there is also the cost factor, which is a serious problem. Dental fees are typically high, with some people unable to afford them. Therefore, some must live in intense pain, due to not having the money to fund dental operations [1].

Indeed, the WHO have acknowledged that oral diseases can result in “catastrophic costs and significant financial burden for families and communities” [2].

They also noted that the provision of oral health services involves an over-reliance on advanced equipment and materials – something that isn’t available universally [1].

WHO Comments

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the Head of the WHO. He has said that “many oral diseases can be prevented and treated with cost-effective measures” [2].

Continuing, he said that “oral health has long been neglected in global health” [2]. The statistics in this report certainly support this belief.

The WHO have pointed out that risk factors for oral diseases include a high sugar intake, tobacco use and alcohol abuse [1]. Therefore, it is highly recommended that people change any unhealthy habits they have.

The WHO note that their findings are directed at “policymakers, practitioners, researchers, development agencies and members of the private sector and civil society” [1]. Therefore, they clearly wish for action to be taken to tackle this issue.

Earlier in 2022, the World Health Assembly launched a global strategy on oral health, with the aim of universal health coverage for oral health for all individuals and communities by 2030 [3].

The group are developing a detailed action plan, with the aim of putting this aim into practice [3]. This could result in global improvements in oral health – which is clearly an issue.

These results act as a reminder that oral health is crucial. Oral diseases are largely preventable, with excellent oral hygiene being crucial. Attending dental check-ups and engaging with treatment plans are other actions that can help us all.

Thinking points…

1) Many people require dental treatment without even realizing it. While your mouth, teeth and gums may feel healthy, it is important to still visit a dental clinic twice a year for a check-up. Remember, the earlier that problems are treated, the easier and less costly they are. If left untreated, problems won’t go away, they will worsen. It is therefore crucial to attend check-ups, we recommend booking one now!

2) The report included an estimated prevalence of dental caries in each country. Canada was in the lowest category – which is very positive! This underlines the excellent facilities available across the nation. But we cannot afford to get complacent, and should use the facilities at our disposal. Therefore, remember to attend check-ups regularly, and attend treatment when needed!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong 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.

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] World Health Organization. (2022). Global oral health status report: Towards universal health coverage for oral health by 2030. Available: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240061484. Last accessed: 26th November 2022.

[2] Medical Xpress. (2022). Mouth diseases hit nearly half the world’s people: WHO. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-11-mouth-diseases-world-people.html. Last accessed: 26th November 2022.

[3] World Health Organization. (2022). WHO highlights oral health neglect affecting nearly half of the world’s population. Available: https://www.who.int/news/item/18-11-2022-who-highlights-oral-health-neglect-affecting-nearly-half-of-the-world-s-population. Last accessed: 26th November 2022.