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Category: Oral Health

Canadian Government Invests in the Future of Dental Care: What Is Involved?
26Oct
The Canadian Government have announced through its Canadian Institutes of Health Research organization that they are committing $2million to support improved research into oral health science. The hope is that this investment will improve dental health for Canadians. The announcement has been met with positive reactions.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has announced a large investment of $2million into supporting Canada’s national research network to advance research in oral health science and ultimately improve dental care for Canadians [1].

The importance of oral health cannot be understated. It is closely linked with physical health. For example, research has showed that people with oral health conditions like gum disease are at a higher risk of developing conditions like Arthritis, Diabetes and Cardiovascular conditions [2].

Therefore, this investment will be very positive for Canadians, who will hopefully benefit from the enhanced research in years to come.

Announcement

The announcement was made by Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont. Bendayan’s announcement was also linked to the Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos [1].

They announced that an investment of $2million over five years will take place [1]. The money will be used to support Canada’s research into improving oral health science.

The funds will be assigned to The Network for Canadian Oral Health Research (NCOHR), which is a group of various institutions, hospitals and healthcare providers [1].

They are all teaming to find new discoveries, launch new projects and strengthen existing techniques and methods of improving and maintaining oral health.

The network will be using some of the funds to support the training of the next generation of oral health workers and researchers. They have committed to focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion [1].

Partnership with Statistics Canada

Moreover, some of the investment will be used in forging a partnership with Statistics Canada. The CIHR will partner with Statistics Canada to develop an oral health data platform that will assist with research and policy development [1].

This platform will be used to display data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Therefore, this will allow researchers to to analyze the connection between oral and physical health further [1].

The platform will be able to help researchers and future trainees learn more about the oral health of Canadians, which can benefit overall oral health across the nation.

Reactions

Reactions to this announcement have been positive. There is a feeling that this investment will be very worthwhile, due to the long-term boost this will have on healthcare.

Jean-Yves Duclos – Minister of Health – was among those to spearhead this investment. He commented by saying that the research that the investment will make possible will help to “improve dental care by better understanding oral health conditions and developing more effective treatments” [1].

Dr. Ana Miriam Velly of the NCOHR, mentioned that “there is no healthy body without oral health” [1]. Continuing, she said that the investment will help the NCOHR to “promote and support oral health research excellence, which is critical to ensure a high level of oral health and care for all Canadians” [1].

The Good that this can do

This investment is likely to be very positive for Canadians. There is a lot of good that this can do, and it comes at an important time.

Statistics show that in 2018, almost 1 in 4 Canadians didn’t see a dental professional [3]. When a person avoids the dentist, any problems they have worsen, causing further issues.

Other barriers to dental care include a lack of awareness of oral health importance, cost and access issues. However, these issues can be tackled by enhanced investment.

This investment will run in conjunction with the national dental care plan that is due to begin imminently. This dental care plan will see the government investing over $5billion over a five-year period.

With appreciation of the importance of oral health at an all-time high, now is the perfect time for further investment into research. Consequently, the aim is for Canadians to see a marked improvement in their oral health over the forthcoming years and generations.

Thinking points…

1) The fact that the Canadian government is dedicating a large amount of funds to oral health shows how important it is. This is a good opportunity for you to take a look at your oral health, is there more you could do to improve it? Why not set yourself a target of cutting down on sugar, or flossing on a more regular basis? These are small changes that could make a very positive difference!

2) As has been mentioned, oral health is very important. In order to get an accurate overview of your oral health, make sure you regularly attend dental check-ups. You should ideally see your dentist twice a year. If any problems are present, they will be able to identify them, and suggest treatment if necessary. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment soon!

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] Canadian Institutes of Health Research. (2022). Government of Canada invests in research to improve dental care for Canadians. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2022/10/government-of-canada-invests-in-research-to-improve-dental-care-for-canadians.html. Last accessed: 21st October 2022.

[2] BBC. (2022). The silent danger of deep gum disease. Available: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220707-why-bad-teeth-are-harmful-to-your-health. Last accessed: 21st October 2022.

[3] Canadian Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Association Conducts Annual Days on the Hill Event. Available: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/media_room/news_releases/2022/2022_DOTH.asp. Last accessed: 21st October 2

How Will Quebec’s New Toothbrushing Program Work?
17Oct
A new toothbrushing program is due to be phased in soon across Quebec. This toothbrushing program will involve teachers supervising the toothbrushing of young children in their care. The aim of this program is to improve the oral health of a vulnerable group, and to encourage them to develop a habit of brushing their teeth regularly. However, concerns regarding the impact this will have on teachers have been put forward.

A new toothbrushing program will soon be phased in across Quebec. This program will involve teachers supervising the toothbrushing of young children under their care.

The aim of the program is to improve the oral health of young citizens of the province. It should also help to encourage them to develop good brushing techniques.

However, the program has also led to some concerns being raised. For example, there have been suggestions that raising the workload of teachers further should be avoided.

The Original Plans

In 2017, the Quebec Program for Supervised Brushing of Teeth with Fluoride Toothpaste in Educational Childcare and Elementary School was launched by the province’s Health Ministry [1].

To begin with, schools in areas that had a surplus of staff available had visits from hygienists and dental consultants [1]. These professionals educated children on toothbrushing.

However, the progress of the plan was halted due to the effects of Covid-19 [1]. But with the pandemic’s impact on education largely ceasing recently, the plan has now been updated.

Updated Plans

The new program involves asking teachers to ensure all children under the age of 4 receive a daily toothbrushing session [1]. This session would take place during regular school hours.

The guidelines suggest that the supervising teacher will be asked to check that students under their care are using an appropriate amount of toothpaste, keep their brushes in good condition and store them in a sanitary way, and at the end of brushing spit out any excess liquid [1].

Moreover, the guidelines also state that the brushing should be done in small groups [1]. Furthermore, the guidelines suggest that hand washing should be done frequently [1]. Finally, the guidelines also provide information to assist in infection control [1].

By having teachers supervise children, it will ensure that they are cleaning their teeth – something that is otherwise not guaranteed. This will benefit their oral health in the short-term.

Also, there will be long-term benefits too, as the children should learn habits that will help them throughout their life. Additionally, this should in theory reduce some of the strain on the Canadian healthcare system.

Reaction

There does appear to be a tooth decay problem in Quebec. For example, research has showed that dental caries are “highly prevalent” among children in Quebec [2]. Moreover, this is particularly a problem in rural areas of Quebec [3].

However, there have been concerns raised based on the impact it will have on teachers. The main concern is that this time-consuming routine will lessen teaching time and add an extra responsibility for teachers [1].

Heidi Yetman is the President of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers. She has mixed feelings on the subject. Yetman has commented by saying that while the plan is “a great idea”, she has cautioned that the workload of teachers shouldn’t be increased [1]. Yetman has argued that the province needs to hire people directly to implement the program.

Meanwhile, Peggy McCourt, President of the Association of Administrators of English Schools of Quebec, has said that while “no one is questioning the value and importance of ensuring that our children learn how to brush their teeth properly and that they have good oral hygiene”, she has questioned whether it is “the responsibility of the school” [1].

But the Health Ministry has shrugged off the concerns. They have said that all of the educators they contacted have agreed to the measures [1].

They have stated that “the integration of healthy dental habits into the lives of young people is a shared collective responsibility” [1].

While there are questions over responsibility, the most important thing is that the children receive the oral care that they need, one way or another. If teachers can play a part in this, that is great, but other consequences will need to be balanced.

Thinking points…

1) What do you think of this new program? If you have children, it is important to show an interest in their toothbrushing habits. This will help to remind them of the importance of oral health. Getting into a good habit at a young age can result in a lifetime of looking after teeth properly. This will hopefully result in strong oral health throughout their life.

2) It is also very important to set a good example to those around you by exhibiting excellent oral hygiene. This includes avoiding sugary food and drinks where possible, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and generally looking after your mouth. An important part of this is to attend regular dental check-ups, as any problems that are present can be looked at and fixed if necessary. We strongly recommend booking an appointment 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] Sherwin, C. (2022). Teachers will soon be asked to teach toothbrushing 101 in Quebec, raising workload concerns. Available: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/teachers-will-soon-be-asked-to-teach-toothbrushing-101-in-quebec-raising-workload-concerns-1.6100000. Last accessed: 15th October 2022.

[2] Edasseri, A., Barnett, T. A., Ka, K., Henderson, M., & Nicolau, B. (2017). Oral Health–Promoting School Environments and Dental Caries in Québec Children. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 53 (5): p697-704. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.07.005.

[3] Kim, Y. N., Rouleau, L-E. B., Carnevale, F., Whiteduck, G., Chief, D., & Macdonald, M. E. (2021). Anishnabeg children and youth’s experiences and understandings of oral health in rural Quebec. Rural and Remote Health. 21 (2): p6365-6372. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22605/rrh6365.

How Have the Conservatives Reacted to Canada’s New Dental Care Plan?
9Oct
The Conservatives have questioned many aspects of the National Dental Care Plan that the Liberals and New Democratic Party have put forward. They are concerned that the plan – which is aimed at helping low and middle-income families to receive dental care – will increase inflation and worsen Canada’s economic situation. They have suggested the dental care plan should be quashed, though due to the support for the plan, it is likely that it will go ahead as scheduled.

The Conservative Party have questioned certain elements of the National Dental Care plan, which is gathering momentum ahead of its initial rollout in the next few months.

The Conservatives have voiced their opinion that the dental plan – which is aimed at helping low and middle-income families to receive dental care – will increase inflation at a time when a cost of living crisis is developing [1].

They have argued that the plan should be quashed. However, with the Liberals and New Democratic Party (NDP) in support of the plan, it is unlikely that it will be annulled

The current situation of the dental plan:

In March 2022, the Liberal Party, in conjunction with the NDP, announced the creation of a new national dental care plan [2]. This was part of the supply and confidence agreement between the NDP and the Liberals.

The Liberal Party have committed to spending $5.3billion over the next few years on the plan. The full rollout is due by 2025. The plan is aimed at those with a household income of below $90,000 [2].

However, the nature of the dental plan and its lack of direction or strategy has led to it being shrouded in controversy. In fact, the NDP have threatened to end their supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals unless the dental plan goes ahead.

Finally, an update came a few weeks ago. The Liberal Party announced that children from low and middle-income families under the age of 12 will be the first to benefit. All of the facts weren’t made clear, but it was a step in the right direction.

Moreover, the most recent update revealed that for every child under the age of 12, low and middle-income families would receive $650 per year towards dental care [2].

The Conservative Party’s Reaction

However, the dental plan hasn’t proven to be universally popular. The Conservative Party has led the disapproval of the plan [1]. They are not the only ones either.

One of the main concerns is the timing of this plan. Given that energy prices are soaring, the cost of living is increasing and gas is expensive, there have been some suggestions that this isn’t the right time to be launching this plan [1].

The Conservatives have argued that the dental plan is going to make Canada’s already fragile economy worse by increasing inflation [1]. They believe government spending should be lowered at this time, rather than having a large initiative being launched.

Conservative MP Michael Cooper has been among the most vocal in his opposition to the dental plan. Cooper argued that “the bill offers measures throwing some money here, throwing some money here, all in a desperate effort by a desperate government to make it appear that it is doing something – anything – to address the cost-of-living crisis” [1].

Moreover, MPs from the Bloc Quebecois Party have also raised concerns [1]. They have argued that there is a lack of clarity on whose jurisdiction dental care should fall under [1]. For example, in Quebec, the health system already covers the dental needs of children under the age of 10 – leading to questions on how this plan might be implemented there [3].

Bloc MP Marie-Helene Gaudreau spoke on behalf of her party by saying that the party may “vote against a bill” [1]. However, this is not because they don’t agree with it, rather “out of a concern about respecting jurisdictions”, Gaudreau said [1].

The Conservatives are pushing for an amendment that would result in the bill being quashed. However, with the Liberals and NDP holding a majority, their amendment is unlikely to gain the support needed for it to be annulled

What this means

The dental plan has certainly been a source of discussion for some time. However, the fact that some concrete plans have been put forward shows that it is on the right path.

But opposition remains. It is certainly a difficult time for Canadians due to the cost-of-living crisis. This has led to some believing inflation will worsen, causing further problems. However, many will see the dental plan as a way of saving money whilst improving the oral health of their children.

While the dental plan is going to be expensive to rollout, it should result in long-term benefits to the oral health of Canadian citizens. Moreover, it should put less strain on the healthcare system in the long-run. As each week passes, we get closer to the unveiling of the plan

Thinking points…

1) Many people reacted to the announcement of a national dental plan with excitement. But while it may be tempting to think this means it isn’t as important to look after your oral health as before, this is incorrect! It is still very important to have excellent oral hygiene, as this can help to prevent treatment to be needed. One of the most important aspects of this is to attend regular dental check-ups – as a dentist will be able to provide you with an overview of your oral health. We recommend that you make an appointment soon!

2) What are your thoughts on the dental plan – do you think it is a positive or a negative idea? Why not discuss this with a friend or family member? Feel free to share this article with them to see what they think. It may offer you an idea of what others are thinking, which is interesting given what a complex topic it has become.

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] Osman, L. (2022). Rent support, dental cheques would be ‘eviscerated’ by inflation: Conservatives. Available: https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/rent-support-dental-cheques-would-be-eviscerated-by-inflation-conservatives-1.6093953. Last accessed: 6th October 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: 6th October 2022.


[3] Saint-Arnaud, P. (2022). Quebec reaches agreement with dentists for providing care covered by RAMQ. Available: https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-reaches-agreement-with-dentists-for-providing-care-covered-by-ramq. Last accessed: 6th October 2022.

Why Does “Positive Stress” Actually Boost Tooth Tissue Regeneration?
12Sep
Recent research has found that “positive stress” can make good changes in tooth stem cells – which can make them more resistant to injury and disease. This boosts the potential of tooth regeneration too, and could help with more extensive research into tooth regeneration in the future. These findings come after a range of areas to do with cells and teeth were examined.

Stress is often seen as something negative. However, recent research has found that “positive stress” is capable of making good changes in tooth stem cells – which can make them more resistant to injury and disease [1].

In the past, when there have been issues with our natural teeth, it is common to turn to dentures or implants. But such research suggests that regenerating our natural teeth could be a possibility.

What happens when teeth get damaged?

The main research looks at the steps taken when teeth become damaged. When a tooth gets damaged, either through injury, trauma or decay, the tissue inside the tooth can become exposed to harmful bacteria. Moreover, it becomes vulnerable to infection.

If the tissue inside the tooth becomes fully infected, there are only a few current treatments. This includes a root canal treatment or extraction. At third option can be to remove the pulp in the tooth and fill the canal with artificial materials like rubber or cement.

This third option does however pose problems – as these artificial materials dry over time. Unfortunately, this means that extraction becomes likely – which is something all dentists try to avoid.

Therefore, scientists have looked for a long time at finding ways where a teeth is able to regenerate itself, and not need any manual work from dentists to do so.

The Research

The research was completed by a team from the Hong Kong University of Dentistry. Their work has been published in the Journal of Dental Research [1].

The authors acknowledged that the usual approach towards dental pulp regeneration – which involves stem cell-based therapeutics – has its limitations [1]. This is because a tooth’s root canal is surrounded by tissue with a limited blood supply, making it a harsh environment for any cells to be viable in. Moreover, with the low oxygen levels making it almost impossible for any cell transplant to thrive in.

The team instead used a technique where they modified the cells genetically, yet altered them to include a responsive state for low oxygen conditions – causing “stress” [1]. Therefore, this could theoretically help the cells to survive in the environment described above.

The research involved the root canal of a human tooth fragment being implanted into mice. The root canal was altered using the technique above. The researchers observed the mice, after 28 days they witnessed that tissue formation had occurred [1].

This research was able to show that such a technique appears to work. By adapting some elements in tooth stem cells, the stress was able to boost the regeneration of the tooth [1].

The researchers concluded that this positive stress could result in tooth stem cells becoming more resistant to disease and injury [1]. This would clearly have an excellent impact on teeth.

What this means

Overall, this research has been able to show that positive stress can have a positive impact on tooth stem cells, and can help to improve survival of teeth, and also play a potential role in tissue regeneration.

Dr. Dissanayaka is Assistant Professor in Oral Biosciences at Hong Kong University of Dentistry. He commented “former research has revealed that our cells possess (a) number of adaptive mechanisms for stress” [2].

But by pre-conditioning the cells genetically, this “significantly enhanced the dental hard tissue formation within the regenerated pulp tissue” – Dissanayaka says [2]. Continuing, he says that “tooth stem cells have an inherent capacity to survive under stress” [2].

Looking ahead, the authors aim to identify drugs that could be used in clinical tissue regeneration. This, along with the research carried out above, will help the team to form new strategies to improve the potential of tooth stem cells.

Thinking points…

1) The idea of tooth regeneration is certainly exciting. However, as always, the focus should be on prevention rather than treatment. The best way of preventing dental issues is to have strong oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and eating healthily. Another hugely important aspect of strong oral health is to have regular dental check-ups. We should have a check-up at least twice a year, why not book an appointment now?

2) It is important to remember that unlike many parts of the body, a tooth won’t automatically recover if it becomes damaged. Despite the regenerative topics outlined above, it isn’t something we will see overnight. It can be tempting to avoid visiting the dentist if you are in pain, as you may think it isn’t necessary. But if you leave problems untreated, they will only get worse. Therefore, if you do need treatment, do ensure that you book in an appointment!

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] Han, Y., Koohi-Moghadam, K., Chen, Q., Zhang, L., Chopra, H., Zhang, J., & Dissanayaka, W. L. (2022). HIF-1α Stabilization Boosts Pulp Regeneration by Modulating Cell Metabolism. Journal of Dental Research. 101 (10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F00220345221091528.

[2] University of Hong Kong. (2022). Dentistry study shows how ‘positive stress’ can boost tooth tissue regeneration. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-09-dentistry-positive-stress-boost-tooth.html. Last accessed: 10th September 2022.

Is Water Fluoridation an Environmentally Friendly Approach to Preventing Tooth Decay?
5Sep
Following a thorough study, researchers have found that water fluoridation is the most environmentally friendly approach to preventive dental care. There are a range of measures that are recommended to combat tooth decay, with water fluoridation commonly used. In an age where all industries are aiming to improve their environmental footprint, these results affirm the usefulness of water fluoridation.

Across all industries, there is a big focus on sustainability and the environmental impact that industry output has. Healthcare is no exception. In dentistry, efforts are being made to improve the environmental footprint.

Therefore, researchers have been searching for ways to improve processes in dentistry, in order to aid the effort against the climate change crisis.

As part of this overall goal, a recent study looked at various preventive measures against tooth decay in dentistry, with the aim of finding which method was the most environmentally friendly. The research produced interesting results.

Background

Tooth decay affects a huge number of people. Tooth decay impacts the healthcare industry due to a very high demand for treatment. But fortunately, there are many preventive measures – including fluoride toothpaste and a fluoride varnish.

However, water fluoridation is another preventive measure that is used in some countries. In fact, water fluoridation is widely regarded as one of the most effective healthcare interventions of the 20th Century [1].

Water fluoridation involves a small concentration of fluoride being added to the public water supply. Fluoride is a crucial ingredient for teeth, and helps to strengthen them. Studies have consistently linked water fluoridation to strong reductions in cavities [2].

Approximately 35% of the world’s population has access to fluoridated water [3]. But it has proven to be a controversial subject. Many countries have outright banned its use, while many others are unable to provide easy access to fluoridated water.

The Research

The research was a collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and the University College London, United Kingdom [4]. Subsequently, their work was published in the British Dental Journal [4].

The researchers looked to quantify the environmental impact that water fluoridation of the public water supply has for a 5-year-old child over a one-year period [4]. In the United Kingdom – where the study took place – water fluoridation is rather common.

They intended to compare this to the environmental impact of more traditional approaches like fluoride varnishes and regular toothbrushing programs [4]. This would allow them to see which preventive approach is the best environmentally.

In order to quantify the impact of the three approaches, the research team conducted a “Life Cycle Assessment” [4]. To do so, the researchers carefully measured the combined travel, weight and amounts of all products and processes involved in the three preventive programs mentioned above [4].

Then, the researchers inputted their data into a specialized computer program called OpenLCA [4]. Therefore, this provided the researchers with information, figures and statistics pertaining to environmental outputs of each of the preventive measures.

The results showed that water fluoridation had the lowest environmental impact of all three measures [4]. This was the key finding of the research, and shows that water fluoridation has a strong environmental impact when compared to other methods.

Moreover, the researchers also found that water fluoridation had the best return of investment, which is important for councils and governments to weigh up when deciding on legislation relating to water fluoridation [4]. Therefore, such results are useful.

The researchers concluded that after balancing out clinical effectiveness, environmental sustainability and cost implications – that water fluoridation should be the preventive measure of choice [4].

What this means

This research has showed the potential impact that water fluoridation can have. Not only is it highly effective, but it also has a strong environmental impact as well.

With the world in the midst of a so-called “climate crisis”, such findings could be very important. Water fluoridation seems to present a cost-effective and efficient way for governments to lower their environmental footprint, whilst lessening tooth decay.

But sadly, water fluoridation continues to be a controversial topic. This has resulted in many nations avoiding its use. Yet research results like the above could result in a change of opinion.

This research though does show the benefits of water fluoridation. At the very least, for those who do have access to fluoridated water, they have added protection against tooth decay.

Thinking points…

1) This study is a useful reminder of the benefits that fluoride can bring. Not everyone is in an area where the public water supply is fluoridated. If you don’t have access, remember that it is important to always use a fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to attend regular dental check-ups, as this will provide your dentist with a chance to examine your mouth, and suggest treatment if necessary. Why not book an appointment now?

2) If you do have access to fluoridated water, it is important to not get complacent. Just because you have fluoridated water, this doesn’t replace the need for strong oral hygiene, regular cleaning and flossing, and attending dental appointments. If you haven’t seen your dentist for a while, it is especially important to book a check-up, as any problems can be detected. Importantly, continue to practice excellent oral hygiene!

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] Murthy, V. H. (2015). Community Water Fluoridation: One of CDC’s “10 Great Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century”. Public Health Reports. 130 (4): p296-298. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F003335491513000402.

[2] Slade, G. D., Grider, W. B., Maas, W. R., & Sanders, A. E. (2018). Water Fluoridation and Dental Caries in U.S. Children and Adolescents. Journal of Dental Research. 97 (10): p1122-1128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0022034518774331.

[3] Iheozor-Ejiofor, Z., Worthington, H. V., Walsh T., O’Malley, L., Clarkson, J. E., Macey, R., Alam, R., Tugwell, P., Welch, V., & Glenny, A-M. (2015). Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 18 (6): CD010856. DOI: https:/www.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub2.

[4] Duane, B., Lyne, A., & Ashley, P. (2022). The environmental impact of community caries prevention – part 3: water fluoridation. British Dental Journal. 233: p303-307. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4251-5.

What Causes Bad Breath and What Can We Do About It?
28Aug
Bad breath is something that affects many of us – and we often don’t realize it either. There are many causes of bad breath – most of which are avoidable. Fortunately, there are a range of ways of improving our breath, which include dental treatment, improved oral hygiene and keeping hydrated.

Bad breath is a difficult thing to live with – and for some people, it is a huge problem that affects them socially and mentally.

One of the main issues of bad breath is that most of us can’t smell our own breath. Therefore, if it is bad, we are reliant on others telling us. But this isn’t an easy topic to broach, and often the problem is not brought up.

Bad breath, especially in the morning, is very common. For example, it is believed that around 60million Americans have chronic bad breath [1].

If you have bad breath, it is important to look at potential causes. Fortunately, there are many ways of improving bad breath, with dental interventions typically the most effective.

What causes bad breath?

The main cause of bad breath is the effects of bacteria in the mouth. Bacterial by-products from anything that enters the mouth create a concoction that cause a foul odour to emit from mouth. In many cases, it can make it smell like rotten eggs [2].

The main emitter of this foul odour is the tongue. This is where the majority of bacteria latch to. After all, the back of tongue is pounced upon by bacteria, as it is able to feed on dead cells, saliva proteins and fluids from untreated gum disease.

Eventually, the bacteria builds up to the extent where our breath becomes impacted. With the tongue placed in a way that it automatically emits out of our mouth, bad breath is inevitable if the tongue is in poor condition.

It is therefore very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This can help improve our breath. Another contributing factor to bad breath is food particles being left behind. Flossing can greatly improve this issue.

Then there are also other places for unhealthy bacteria to thrive in. These include spaces between broken fillings, holes in teeth (cavities) and pockets in the gums that form due to gum disease.

Many people find that their breath is particularly bad when they first wake up. Saliva flow stops or at least slows when we sleep. Therefore, with little saliva, our mouth dries. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications too [2]. Moreover, some people breathe through mouth rather than nose while asleep, worsening the problem.

Other causes of bad breath that are worth looking out for include strong-flavoured foods like curry, onion and garlic. Smoking tobacco is another common cause.

Things you can do

There are many easy and practical fixes. Chewing sugar free gum throughout the day and keeping the mouth hydrated with water can be very helpful.

Avoiding tobacco and strong-smelling foods also helps. If you do have these foods, using a mouth rinse afterwards can be helpful.

But the easiest way to avoid bad breath is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

But, there is only so much that we can all do. Sometimes, there are deeper causes, which is when a dentist can help.

What can a dentist do?

Attending a dental check-up can be very helpful. This gives a dentist the chance to look at the state of your oral health, and recommend treatment if necessary.

They are also able to locate anything that is contributing to the bad breath – for instance broken fillings, cavities and pockets in the gums. They can provide treatment when needed, which may help to improve our breath.

Your dentist may give you suggestions that can help with bad breath – including cleaning or scraping your tongue. This can be particularly helpful for bad breath.

By attending regular dental check-ups, it will ensure that your teeth remain in strong condition. This is the best way of preventing bad breath.

Thinking points…

1) Taking care of our oral health is so important! Not only can it help to prevent bad breath, but it can also have many other benefits. Therefore, make sure you have excellent oral hygiene – including brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and as we mentioned earlier, consider using a tongue scraper. Ensure too that you attend dental check-ups regularly, as this will give your dentist a chance to look for any issues. Consider booking an appointment now!

2) While it isn’t an easy topic to bring up, if you know someone who has bad breath, consider having a quiet word with them. You could share this article with them, or recommend some of the practical fixes that are mentioned above. Most importantly, try to persuade them to book a dental appointment, as these can help a lot for overall oral health, including bad breath. While they may not appreciate your comments in the short-term, they will be thankful in the long run.

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] Colgate Professional. (2009). Bad Breath: Do You Have It? You May Not Know You Do. Available: https://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/halitosis/bad-breath-do-you-have-it. Last accessed: 27th August 2022.

[2] Weerakoon, A. (2022). Why does my breath smell bad, and what can I do about it?. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-08-bad.html. Last accessed: 27th August 2022.