Category: Oral Health

The Liberal Party has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks due to the inactivity on Canada’s new national dental care plan. Now, Government sources have revealed that the Liberal Party are likely to use a temporary solution in a bid to give them more time to produce a long-term solution. This plan may involve the federal government giving money for dental care straight to eligible families.

As the weeks go by, we seem to be getting no closer to the rollout of the promised national dental care plan. This inactivity has led to suggestions that the Federal Government will be unable to meet the requirement of having the first phase of the plan rolled out by the end of 2022.

Now, sources from the government have suggested that the Liberal Party are planning on using the temporary solution. This solution would involve giving money directly to patients as a way of meeting the deadline [1].

The deadline was agreed in earlier 2022, as part of the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) agreement to support the Liberal Party in a supply-and-confidence agreement.

The government will hope that this short-term fix will give them enough time to focus on a longer-term strategy. Therefore, they will hope this can be a short bump in the road towards a sustainable and effective implementation.

The Dental Care Plan

In March 2022, following the Canadian Election, the Liberal Party and NDP reached an agreement to launch a new national dental care plan [2]. This plan is for low and middle-income families in Canada – and aims to provide them with financial support for dental costs [2].

The Liberal Party agreed to spend $5.3billion over the next 5 years to launch the plan [2]. The intention is to assist families with an income of less than $90,000 per year [2]. The plan should include restorative and preventative services [2].

Recently, Canada’s federal government has reached out to companies in the private sector [3]. They did this to seek their support, as well as seeing what role these companies could play in the new plan [3].

Moreover, there has also been other suggestions made, such as how the government may outsource the healthcare plan, or ask the provinces and territories to take it over [3].

This dental plan was one of the central tenets of the NDP’s philosophy. They have threatened to withdraw their support if the Liberals do not meet the agreement. The first stage of the plan is expected to be in place by the end of 2022, with a full rollout eventually coming by 2025 [2].

A short-term fix

Numerous sources from the government have revealed that the government are unlikely to meet their deadline [1]. Instead, they are apparently planning on a stopgap solution until a long-term plan can be made.

The first stage of the agreement, which has the deadline of the end of 2022, focuses on offering coverage to children under the age of 12 whose annual household income is less than $90,000 per year [1]. But this is what the government is struggling to meet.

The sources suggested that at this stage, the likeliest outcome would see the government directly giving money to the families that qualify for the plan to fund oral health services for their children under the age of 12 [1].

This would obviously only be a short-term fix. If such an approach was used permanently, it would likely result in chaos. However, this short-term approach would then provide the government with more time to find an approach that would work in the long-term.

This situation is rather embarrassing for the government, who have been made to look incompetent thus far. When questioned, Canada’s Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos refused to deny the sources were accurate [1].

Instead, Duclos said that the Liberals are on track to deliver their plan [1]. Duclos’ team have said that the government are looking at several different options to ensure they meet the deadline.

NDP’s Response

The NDP have been somewhat worried about the lack of progress. The NDP’s Health Critic Don Davies has mentioned that when Parliament resumes in the fall, the NDP will be pushing the Liberals to implement their plan [1].

Jagmeet Singh, a fierce supporter of improved dental access, and Leader of the NDP, has offered a rather positive outlook. When speaking at a news conference, Singh said “we’re very confident we can achieve” the deadline “before the end of the year” [1].

Time is running out, but even a short-term fix would be better than the current situation – which is leading to so many Canadians struggling with their oral health. Eventually, the aim is for a full rollout, which the government will hope is highly-effective for its citizens.

Thinking points…

1) It can be tempting to think that any dental issues you have now will be fixed by the new dental plan arriving. However, this is simply not true. It is going to take a while for the plan to be implemented, meaning it is crucial to continue to have very strong oral hygiene. We strongly recommend that you arrange an appointment soon, as any problems can be detected and acted upon. Why not book up an appointment now?

2) One of the main barriers to dental care for many is cost. However, here at our Calgary Dental Clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means we offer transparent and competitive costs to our patients. If you want to find out more about us, we recommend visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca! We have a range of services we can offer, and would love to speak soon!

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] Osman, L. (2022). Liberals plan temporary solution to dental care program, sources say. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9044847/liberals-temporary-dental-care-solution/. Last accessed: 12th August 2022.

[2] Tunney, C. (2022). Liberals agree to launch dental care program in exchange for NDP support. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeu-jagmeet-singh-deal-government-1.6393021. Last accessed: 12th August 2022.

[3] Osman, L. (2022). Federal government seeks industry input for national dental care program. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9014597/federal-government-industry-input-national-dental-care/. Last accessed: 12th August 2022.

New research has showed the impact that Covid-19 had on dental professionals. While the focus of the media has mainly been on healthcare workers in hospitals, it shouldn’t be forgotten that dentists had an important role to play. The research has showed that many dental professionals struggled with symptoms of Anxiety and Depression during the pandemic. Fortunately, the Covid-19 vaccine appeared to improve their mental health.

Covid-19 has affected billions of people around the world. Many people lost loved ones, everyone had to change their daily lifestyle, and millions of jobs were lost. But for healthcare workers – they were suddenly launched without warning into tackling a pandemic.

Most of the focus of the media has been on the welfare and wellbeing of healthcare workers in hospitals. But very little focus has been placed on dental professionals – who also played an important part in healthcare throughout Covid-19.

However, new research has looked at how the mental health of dental professionals varied during a 12-month period of the pandemic. The findings showed that many dental professionals had symptoms of Depression and Anxiety [1].

Background

Covid-19 first appeared at the end of 2019, before spreading around the world in 2020. At the time of writing, there have been over 550million cumulative cases [2]. Tragically, there have been almost 6.4million deaths around the world [2].

Under the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), routine dentistry was stopped in early 2020. But despite this, emergency dentistry continued, with those in severe oral pain still able to receive dental treatment.

Covid-19 is highly-contagious, and not everyone who carries it is aware they had the virus. Therefore, this meant it was highly likely that dental professionals would catch Covid-19, given the amount of human contact they had, and time spent in confined spaces.

This research involved looking at the symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Symptoms of Depression include low mood, sadness, feeling hopeless, having no motivation and not getting any enjoyment out of life [3]. Meanwhile, the symptoms of Anxiety include restlessness, a sense of dread, feeling on edge, excessive worrying and physical symptoms like dizziness or shaking [4].

The Research

The mental health of most people suffered during Covid-19. This research looked at the mental health of dental professionals. Moreover, it specifically looked at whether or not the participants showed symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety [1].

The research study was published in the August issues of The Journal of the American Dental Association and The Journal of Dental Hygiene [1]. The study itself was administered by researchers from the American Dental Association (ADA) [1].

The research involved 8,902 dental healthcare workers [1]. They all took part in monthly, anonymous web-based surveys, where they would log their feelings in relation to whether or not they were exhibiting signs of the symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety [1].

The surveys took place over a 12-month period between June 2020 and June 2021 [1]. This time period was when Covid-19 was rampaging across the world, with healthcare services stretched to their capacity.

The results showed that dental professionals were affected by Covid-19 [1]. 17.7% of dental healthcare workers reported symptoms of Anxiety, while 10.7% reported symptoms of Depression [1].

The researchers found that the symptoms of Depression peaked in December 2020 [1]. The number of people with symptoms of anxiety also had high numbers in the final few months of 2020 [1].

Interestingly, the Covid-19 vaccine lessened the number of dental professionals with symptoms [1]. Healthcare workers were among the first to be offered the vaccine. However, unvaccinated dental workers who intended to be vaccinated – but had not yet received their vaccine – had noticeable anxiety, with a high mark of 20.6% of this group [1].

By the end of the study – at a time when the number of Covid-19 cases were dropping – 12.1% of dental professionals were still showing symptoms [1]. Hopefully, these numbers have lowered further in the year since the final survey.

What the research shows

Dealing with Covid-19 was clearly a significant challenge. While the threat is not yet over, case numbers have dropped significantly. The statistics above show that dental professionals faced many challenges too.

Stacey Derschewitz – Professor of Clinical Psychology at the George Washington University – commented on the findings. She said that “as the pandemic continues, it is critically important that dental health care workers continue to develop their ability to recognize and address signs and symptoms of mental health conditions within themselves and their colleagues, promote healthy work environments, reduce the impact of stress on the profession, and make supports accessible to those who are struggling emotionally” [5].

Dental professionals need to look out for one another, and take time out when they are struggling mentally. Open communication is important, and can hopefully provide dental professionals with the tools they need for improved mental health.

Thinking points…

1) While many people had their dental care interrupted during Covid-19, routine dentistry has recommenced, and it is therefore a good time to attend a dental clinic. We recommend attending a check-up, especially as some problems may have developed while routine dentistry was halted. Consider booking an appointment now!

2) Covid-19 impacted the mental health of many people. Remember to check-in with your friends and family, especially those who may be particularly struggling. Moreover, remember too that when seeing your dentist – that they will have been through a lot, and to respect them throughout your visit.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offer 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] Eldridge, L. A., Estrich, C. G., Guerenlian, J. R., Battrell, A., Lynch, A., Vujicic, M., Morrisey, R., Derschewitz, S., Geisinger, M. L., & Araujo, M. W. B. (2022). US dental health care workers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 153 (8): p740-749. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.02.011.

[2] World Health Organization. (2022). WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available: https://covid19.who.int/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[3] NHS. (2019). Symptoms – Clinical depression. Available https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/symptoms/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[4] NHS. (2018). Symptoms – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/symptoms/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[5] American Dental Association. (2022). Dentists and Dental Hygienists on Early Front Lines of COVID-19 Report Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression. Available: https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/dentists-and-dental-hygienists-on-early-front-lines-of-covid-19-report-symptoms-of-anxiety. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

Recent research has found a potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The link is due to a specific type of bacteria – named Fusobacterium nucleatum. The study suggests this type of bacteria is very bad for us. Because of the outcome of this research, there are several oral health implications.

Recent research has found that a common type of bacteria may be the main factor behind the link between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The name of the bacteria is Fusobacterium Nucleatum (F. Nucleatum). When a person has gum disease, F. Nucleatum spreads rapidly. It affects the gums and jawbone – and can eventually result in tooth loss.

Researchers have studied F. Nucleatum for a while, but the most recent research is a troubling case – with the theory now that there is a direct link between oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Background

Gum disease is one of the most common conditions around the world. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, and can cause pain, receding gums and bone problems.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a condition that is based around a steep cognitive decline, which can greatly impact a person’s life. Research shows that approximately 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have Alzheimer’s Disease [1].

There are countless types of bacteria. Many are unfortunately bad for us – including F. Nucleatum. Bacteria can combine with acid and sugar to cause tooth decay, and is also linked to gum disease.

F. Nucleatum is seen as an especially bad bacteria. For example, past research has shown that F. Nucleatum is linked to conditions like Colorectal Cancer and the premature delivery of babies [2].

The Research

The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience [3]. It was completed by scientists at Tufts University, Massachusetts.

The researchers sought to see the impact F. Nucleatum had on gum disease, and to see if it could be connected to Alzheimer’s Disease [3]. To achieve this, the researchers induced several mice with F. Nucleatum, before tracking the development of the bacteria.

The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in an abnormally-rapid spread of microglial cells – which are immune cells in the brain that are usually responsible for removing damaged neurons and infections whilst helping to maintain the general health of the central nervous system [3].

However, this over-supply of microglial cells resulted in an increased inflammatory response [3]. This was the worrying part for researchers – who mentioned that chronic inflammation is already known to be a key factor in the cognitive decline that occurs in those with Alzheimer’s Disease [3].

The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in the mice having poorer memory and thinking skills [3]. While the researchers emphasized that they weren’t saying F. Nucleatum directly causes Alzheimer’s Disease, they did mention the impact that oral health plays in this sequence [3].

As gum disease is worsened by exposure to F. Nucleatum, for those that suffer, there is an increased risk that their inflammation will worsen – resulting in a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s Disease [3].

What this means

The findings of this research are worrying. But the research does show how important looking after our mouth is. By having excellent oral hygiene, we are able to clean our mouth, and keep bacteria at bay.

The researchers suggested that treating gum disease in those who have early stage Alzheimer’s Disease could potentially slow the progression of the cognitive condition [3].

Jake Chen – a Professor of Periodontology at Tufts University – led the study [4]. He commented on the findings. He said that “testing for bacterial load and degree of symptoms could one day become a way to measure the effects of F. Nucleatum and manage treatment to slow progression of both periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s” [4].

Moreover, Chen’s team spoke about potentially looking at drug targets that could target the inflammation caused by F. Nucleatum. By doing so, Chen believes it will be possible to slow the spread and progression of both gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].

Chen’s laboratory have designed a small molecule called adipoAI, which has anti-inflammatory properties [4]. Chen aims to complete a study which will determine what impact this molecule could have on gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].

Moreover, past research is also relevant here. Previous research found that adults with missing teeth (commonly caused by gum disease) had a 1.48 times higher chance of cognitive impairment than the general population [5].

Hopefully, the research will show more people the importance of looking after their mouth. Oral health is crucial, and by taking care of our oral health, it can be excellent for our physical health too.

Thinking points…

1) Gum disease is a very damaging condition, but crucially, it is avoidable! One of the worst elements of gum disease is that many people do not realise they have the condition. Early detection is very important. The easiest way to see if you have gum disease is to attend a dental clinic for a regular check-up – your dentist will be able to give you an overview of your overall oral health. Therefore, we recommend you book an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone with Alzheimer’s Disease? The findings of this article are especially important for those in the early stages of the condition – as good oral healthcare does appear to be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Therefore, consider showing them this article, and urge them to visit their local dentist for a check-up. It could help them hugely!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offer 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] NHS Choices. (2021). Alzheimer’s Disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.

[2] Meng, Q., Gao, Q., Mehrazarin, S., Tangwanichgapong, K., Wang, Y., Huang, Y., Pan, Y., Robinson, S., Liu, Z., Zangiabadi, A., Lux, R., Papapanou, P. N., Guo, E., Wang, H., Berchowitz, L. E., & Han, Y. W. (2021). Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity. EMBO Reports. 22 (e52891). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202152891.

[3] Wu, H., Qiu, W., Zhu, X., Li, X., Xie, Z., Carreras, I., Dedeoglu, A., Van Dyke, T., Han, Y. W., Karimbux, N., Tu, Q., Cheng, L., & Chen, J. (2022). The Periodontal Pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum Exacerbates Alzheimer’s Pathogenesis via Specific Pathways. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 14 (912709). DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.912709.

[4] Tufts University. (2022). Studying the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-link-gum-disease-alzheimer.html. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.

[5] Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Plassman, B. L., & Wu, B. (2021). Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009.