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How Will a New Student Loan Forgiveness Initiative Help the Oral Health of Rural Communities?
24Feb
The Canadian Federal Government has announced a change that could have a very positive effect on the oral health of those living in rural areas in Canada.

The government has confirmed that dentists and dental hygienists who work in underserved rural or remote areas for five years will qualify for some loan forgiveness on their student debts [1].

Not only would this be very positive for dental professionals, but it would also help those who live in areas where there is a lack of access to dental care.

Dentistry in Canada’s rural areas

Canada is the world’s second largest country, spanning thousands of square kilometers. As with any large country, there are both urban and rural areas.

While there are plenty of dental clinics across Canada, accessing them can be challenging for those in rural areas.

Research has shown that poor oral health related quality of life is statistically higher in rural areas compared to urban zones [2].

Part of this is due to access to care being more difficult in rural areas. Other research has shown that rural communities have a shortage of dental workers [3].

This means that not everyone in rural or remote communities can access oral healthcare. Therefore, any initiative that can change this is sought after.

The initiative

The federal government has announced a new initiative that has the aim of persuading more dental professionals to serve rural and remote areas.

Dentists and dental hygienists that work in underserved rural or remote areas for five years will qualify for up to $60,000 and $15,000 respectively, in student loan forgiveness [1].

This forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare in rural communities. As pointed out above, this is desperately needed.

By recruiting more staff in these areas, it should mean access to care will become easier. This will hopefully result in improvements in the oral health of patients in rural or remote areas.

This will take effect from 1st November 2025. Steven MacKinnon, minister of Employment, workforce development and labour, has commented on this [1].

MacKinnon says that “providing student loan relief to health care and social service professionals working in rural and remote communities will not only help improve access to health care in these communities – it will also improve overall health outcomes and add talented workers to our community health-care networks” [1].

Student loan forgiveness

This initiative is part of upcoming changes to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations and Canada Student Loans Regulations [1].

In terms of the exact level of loan forgiveness, dentists will be eligible for up to $60,000. This will start with $8,000 in the first year and rise incrementally over the five-year period [1].

Similarly, for dental hygienists, they will be eligible for up to $15,000. This will begin with $2,000 in the first year, before rising gradually over five years [1].

These loan forgiveness rates are very appealing and represents an excellent opportunity for dentists and dental hygienists.

Dentists and dental hygienists are among those to benefit from this. Other professions that will benefit include early childhood educators, pharmacists, psychologists, teachers, midwives, social workers and physiotherapists [1].

Summary

Overall, this initiative will have a very positive impact. It will assist communities that have been traditionally underserved, provide more jobs, and improve oral health.

This initiative should hopefully lessen the disparity between the oral healthcare of those living in rural or remote areas and those living in urban areas.

By improving oral health, it can also boost the overall health and wellbeing of those in these underserved areas. Therefore, there are many positives to this announcement!

Thinking points…

1) Whether you live in an urban, rural or remote area, it is very important that you visit a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a look at your oral health in detail and provide advice. If any treatment is needed, they can come up with a treatment plan. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) We mentioned above about how some people do not have easy access to a dentist. However, here at Savanna Dental, we are located in an easily reached part of Calgary! Therefore, why not come and visit us? We would love to see you soon, you can find out more about us and our range of services on our website – https://savannadental.ca!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Oral Health. (2025). Canadian government expands student loan forgiveness to bring more dentists and hygienists to rural areas. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/governance-3/canadian-government-offers-student-loan-forgiveness-to-dentists-hygienists-in-rural-areas-1003984470/. Last accessed: 20th February 2025.

[2] Gaber, A., Galarneau, C., Feine, J. S., & Emami, E. (2017). Rural-urban disparity in oral health-related quality of life. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 46 (2): p132-142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12344.

[3] Gupta, N., & Miah, P. (2024). Imbalances in the oral health workforce: a Canadian population-based study. BMC Health Services Research. 7 (24). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11677-7.

What Has a New Poll Revealed About the Oral Health and Hygiene Habits of Children?
17Feb
The results of a recent poll have produced some worrying statistics. Over 1,800 parents answered a poll about the oral health and hygiene habits of their children. While there were some positive findings, the results suggest that there is room for significant improvement in the oral hygiene habits of many children.

Children are facing dental issues on an increasing basis. While in the past issues such as cavities only affected adults, dental clinics are seeing an ever-increasing number of children present with tooth decay.

Many potential causes of this have been put forward, including poor diet, inadequate brushing, a lack of dental clinic visits, and scepticism of fluoride.

In fact, a new national poll has suggested that more than one in three children have faced problems like tooth decay and cavities over the past two years [1].

About the national poll

The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, which is part of the University of Michigan, commissioned a national poll based around children’s oral health [1].

The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. In August 2024, a randomly selected group of with at least one child aged 1-17 were asked a series of questions [1].

The poll received responses from 1,801 parents, which represents a number that can provide useful insights into the oral health of children [1].

The poll asked parents questions pertaining to the oral health of their children. The results were quite concerning and provide an explanation for the growing dental issues in children.

Oral hygiene poll results

The first section of the poll focused on six oral hygiene practices. These refer to the daily activities a child should do to protect their teeth.

In arguably the most concerning finding, only 3 in 5 parents said that their child regularly brushes their teeth twice a day [1]. Toothbrushing twice a day should be a bear minimum, as irrespective of anything that happens throughout the day, at least this ensures a child’s teeth will receive protection from fluoride twice a day.

Moreover, when brushing, it is important to clean for at least two minutes, so that all areas of the mouth can be sufficiently cleaned. The results showed that only 59% of parents said their children brushes for at least two minutes [1].

Aside from brushing teeth twice a day, using a mouthwash or fluoride rinse throughout the day can be helpful. 22% of parents said that their children did this daily [1].

Eating sugary snacks is common in childhood. But something that can limit damage to the teeth is to rinse the mouth with water following consuming anything sugary, as this can help to regulate acid levels in the mouth. Just 15% of parents said that their children do this [1].

35% of adults said that their child cleans their tongue, with 23% saying that their child flosses [1]. While tongue cleaning and flossing isn’t essential in childhood, they should be encouraged, as they are important activities in adulthood.

So none of these six areas received particularly strong results. Only 20% of children according to the poll engage in 4-6 of these practices. Ideally this number would be significantly higher.

41% of children complete 2-3 practices, whilst 38% report 0-1 practices [1]. These results suggest that very few children are engaging in the recommended oral hygiene practices.

Dental problems poll results

The second part of the poll asked the parents about any dental problems that their child had experienced. Similar to the above, there were some worrying results.

36% of parents reported that their child had experienced dental problems relating to oral hygiene in the last two years [1]. Furthermore, this included cavities/tooth decay (29%), discolored/stained teeth (7%), tooth sensitivity (6%), and gum problems (3%) [1].

Interestingly, these results were directly linked to the oral hygiene practices mentioned earlier. 44% of children whose parents reported completing 0-1 practices had dental problems, compared to 31% for those completing 2-3 practices, and 28% for those performing 4-6 practices [1].

There were other findings too. 36% of parents said that they had noticed their child has bad breath [1]. This was especially prevalent in the group that engaged in 0-1 oral hygiene practices.

In some positive news, 85% of parents addressed the issue of bad breath, with interventions including going to the dentist, increasing the frequency of brushing, using mouthwash or changing their diet [1].

In terms of recent visits to the dentist, 89% of parents said their last visit to a dental clinic came within the past year [1]. This was a positive finding, with dental check-ups being crucial!

7% of parents said that the visit was between 1 and 2 years ago, and 4% said that their child’s last visit was over 2 years ago [1].

What does this mean?

The oral health of children is crucial. Good oral hygiene habits in childhood can set up a strong foundation for the future. Therefore, it is important that parents emphasize to their children the importance of looking after their teeth.

Completing the various hygiene practices outlined above can be helpful. Oral health also impacts physical health, which further underlines the importance of oral health for children.

Building oral hygiene practices into a daily routine can be helpful. Moreover, regular visits to a dental clinic for a check-up should be encouraged.

By looking after their teeth, it can help children to avoid oral pain, build oral hygiene skills for the future, and allow them to spend more time learning and having fun.

Thinking points…

1) Are you a parent? If so, remember the importance of following the six oral hygiene practices mentioned above. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, cleans their tongue, flosses gently, uses mouthwash and rinses their mouth with water following sugary snacks. By following these practices, you can help their oral health!

2) Additionally, as a parent you can set a good example to your children by attending a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. By doing this, it underlines the importance of oral health to your children. You should attend a check-up at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Mott Poll. (2025). Oral hygiene is key to healthy smiles. Available: https://mottpoll.org/reports/oral-hygiene-key-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 14th February 2025.

Why Is Oral Health of Extra Importance for Pregnant Women?
3Feb
The health and wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn child is a key focus of health organizations. While there is often an emphasis on physical and mental health, it is crucial that oral health is not overlooked. Oral health should be a key consideration, and is linked to the overall health of both the mother and her child.

Pregnancy is a very stressful, albeit exciting time in a woman’s life. As well as looking after themselves, they also need to think about their unborn child.

The physical and mental health of the mother are rightfully focused on. However, one area of health which is often overlooked in pregnancy is oral health.

The importance of oral health during pregnancy is a key message that has been put forward by the European Federation of Periodontology – an organization that promotes oral health awareness [1].

Pregnancy and oral health

When a woman is pregnant, research shows that they are more vulnerable to developing gum disease and cavities [2].

Morning sickness, hormonal changes and sugary cravings contribute to this. These are all common experiences in pregnancy for many women.

In fact, research shows that up to 75% of pregnant women have Gingivitis – which is a mild form of gum disease [2]. Some develop Periodontitis – a severe form of gum disease.

Moreover, past research has suggested a connection between gum disease and birth complications such as a premature birth or low birth weight exists [3].

Comments from the European Federation of Periodontology

The importance of pregnant women’s oral health has been discussed by Nicola West, who is the secretary general of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) [1].

West explained some of the issues facing pregnant women, saying that “during pregnancy, increased hormonal levels can affect the way that the body reacts to dental plaque, leading to swollen and bleeding gums” [1].

Continuing, West said that “untreated gum disease during pregnancy can lead to serious health risks, affecting both the mother and the child” [1].

President-elect of the EFP – Tali Chackartchi – has also been discussing the importance of pregnant women’s health. She has placed particular focus on gum disease.

Chackartchi says that “if gingivitis or periodontitis is diagnosed, it can be treated safely during pregnancy” [1]. Moreover, she says that “in fact, the risks of not treating the condition are more significant” [1].

Additionally, Chackartchi has said that many patients of hers have said that they’ve lost a tooth with every pregnancy they have had [1]. This underlines the potential damage.

Another message that the EFP supports is to address any issues at an early stage, as this can boost both maternal and fetal health.

Chackartchi has said that for those who are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, should be aware of the connection between oral health and the health of their baby [1].

The EFP have been trying to raise awareness of the importance of pregnant women’s oral health. They have been urging oral health professionals to adopt a more personalized and holistic approach towards pregnant women [1].

What pregnant women can do

While it is important for everyone to attend the dentist regularly, this is even more important for pregnant women.

It is recommended that pregnant women visit a dental clinic in both their second and third trimester. Because of the high potential for problems, increasing the frequency of visits is advisable.

Aside from this, brushing their teeth at least twice a day is crucial. Accompanying this with flossing is also important.

Furthermore, in cases where a pregnant woman has been sick – which is common – cleaning the teeth soon afterwards helps to neutralize harmful acid in the mouth.

Trying to avoid sugary cravings can also protect oral health. Having sugar-free gum and water close by can reduce the desire for unhealthy and sugary food and drink.

Summary

Overall, it is important for pregnant women to place focus on their oral health. After all, a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy pregnancy and child.

Hopefully, this effort to increase awareness of the importance of pregnant women’s oral health will have a positive impact.

Oral health professionals also have a role to play. By placing extra focus on pregnant women’s oral health, they can contribute to the improved health of their patients.

Such actions can have a positive impact on the mother and their baby, and hopefully sets the foundation for a long and healthy life.

Thinking points…

1) Whether you are pregnant or not, oral health remains crucial! Therefore, remember to attend regular dental check-ups, as these can help your oral health significantly. Any problems will be identified by a dentist, and treatment can be arranged to stop the problem worsening. We recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Do you have any family members or friends that are currently pregnant? If so, this article can be a helpful reminder to them of the importance of looking after their oral health. You could send this article to them now – it could be really helpful! Or, why not share it on your social media accounts?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] European Federation of Periodontology (2025). Healthy mouth, healthy baby: Experts emphasize oral health for expectant mothers. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-healthy-mouth-baby-experts-emphasize.html. Last accessed: 30th January 2025.

[2] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Talking to Pregnant Women about Oral Health. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html. Last accessed: 30th January 2025.

[3] Srinivas, S. K., & Parry, S. (2012). Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Time to Move On?. Journal of Women’s Health. 21 (2): p121-125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2011.3023.

How Will the ACFD’s New Dental Program Help the Oral Health of Canadians?
27Jan
An exciting new program has been announced by the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (AFCD). The program aims to help Canadian citizens and internationally trained permanent residents in Canada to achieve licensure in a quicker and cheaper way. The program should have a very positive impact on the oral health of Canadians.

The Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) has introduced a new program, which could have a very positive impact on the oral health industry in Canada [1].

The program is called the Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada (BTDPC), with applications opening in February 2025 [1].

The hope is that its impact will hopefully be seen over the next several years, aiding the oral health of several generations of Canadians.

The Program

The AFCD’s program offers the chance for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are internationally trained dentists to secure licensure in Canada [1].

Licensure refers to the process where a healthcare professional becomes licensed to practice. Therefore, licensure in dentistry in Canada provides a healthcare professional with the certification and confirmation to practice oral healthcare.

Moreover, the program is also open to those that have graduated from a recognized but non-accredited four-year university dental program [1].

The BTDPC will be offered in three locations across Canada. The University of Alberta, Dalhousie University, and l’Université Laval in Alberta, Nova Scotia and Québec respectively [1].

Dalhousie University issued a press release, stating that this program offers a “quicker and cheaper” pathway to licensure [2].

Furthermore, they state that the program “will provide a third pathway to licensure, in addition to passing the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) exams or securing a place in an advanced-standing program at a Canadian dental school” [2].

Therefore, there are a range of benefits provided by the program. It is likely that there will be a large number of applicants. Applications for the BTDPC will open on February 1st 2025 [1].

The location that each participant of the BTDPC will train at will be confirmed during the application process. The aim is for all participants to complete the program within eight months [1].

In terms of qualifications, participants will need to have passed the NDEB’s Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge and Assessment of Clinical Judgment within the last three years [1].

The fees for the 2025-2026 cohort will involve a $250 application fee, a $500 assessment fee, and a $10,000 fee for training [1].

The AFCD will be running the program initially for two years. Then, they will evaluate the program and decide if adjustments are required.

Why will this be good for Canada?

This program should prove beneficial in many ways. Above all, it will offer many participants a highly-rewarding career in oral health.

Those that successfully pass the course will be able to launch a career in the industry – such as being a dentist or dental hygienist.

This is important, as there is a shortage of workers in the dental industry in Canada. In fact, Lynn Tomkins, President of the Canadian Dental Association, stated that there was a shortage of almost 5,000 dental assistants alone, and this doesn’t even take into account dentists themselves [3].

This is even more pronounced in rural areas. Those living in rural areas often have to travel significant distances to see a dentist.

As a result of this poor access, combined with high costs, many people are not visiting the dentist regularly. For example, a 2023 study found that only 65% of Canadians had seen a dental professional in the previous 12 months [4].

Therefore, having more dentists should help to lessen this issue, and provide healthcare for more people in the country.

Regular check-ups are crucial, as they allow a dentist the chance to assess their patient’s oral health and identify any problems that need addressing.

With the BTDPC program having numerous benefits, it is likely that its introduction will have a highly positive impact on Canadians for many years to come.

Thinking points…

1) We mentioned above about how many people don’t have easy access to a dentist. Well, here at Savanna Dental, we are located in an easily-reached part of Calgary! We would love you to come and visit us, and to see the wide range of services we offer our patients. You can find out more about us on our homepage – https://savannadental.ca!

2) At the end of the article, we touched on the importance of attending dental appointments regularly. As mentioned, they provide a dentist with the chance to look at their patient’s oral health in detail. If issues arise, these can be resolved. You should attend the dentist at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Oral Health. (2025). ACFD launches pilot program for foreign-trained dentists to gain licensure in a ‘cheaper, quicker’ way. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/acfd-launches-pilot-program-for-foreign-trained-dentists-to-gain-licensure-in-a-cheaper-quicker-way-1003983890/. Last accessed: 24th January 2025.

[2] Bell, C. (2025). Announcing a new path for licensure in Canada for internationally-trained dentists. Available: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/dentistry/news-events/news/2025/01/21/announcing_a_new_path_for_licensure_in_canada_for_internationally_trained_dentists.html. Last accessed: 24th January 2025.

[3] Dangerfield, K. (2023). Canada has a dental assistant shortage. Experts worry it’ll only get worse. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9631941/dentist-assistant-shortage-canada/. Last accessed: 24th January 2025.

[4] Statistics Canada. (2024). More than one-third of Canadians reported they had not visited a dental professional in the previous 12 months, 2022. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231106/dq231106a-eng.htm. Last accessed: 24th January 2025.

How Are Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Dental Deformities in Children?
20Jan
New research has looked at the impact that ultra-processed foods have on the development of jaws in children. The researchers were looking to find out if a high intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to dental deformities. The results show the importance of children having a nutritious and vitamin-rich diet.

Looking after teeth and gums is very important for children. In doing so, they can get into positive habits which should boost their oral health for life.

However, many children have a diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which – according to new research – is having a very negative impact on the oral health of children, specifically the development of their jaws [1].

Moreover, the research has also linked a diet high in UPFs in children with dental deformities [1]. This is concerning and underlines the importance of children having a healthy diet.

Ultra-processed foods

Over the last few centuries, the human diet has changed significantly. Originally, the hunter-gatherer diet was commonplace. This diet was typically high in meat and plant-based foods.
However, in recent years, humans have typically shifted away from this diet. Scientists have cautioned against poor and non-nutritious diets.

This research involved UPFs. UPFs are foods that have been highly processed and contain ingredients that would typically not be involved in home cooking.

For example, UPFs include foods like ice cream, sausages, confectionery, crisps, some breakfast cereals, carbonated drinks and biscuits among others [2].

UPFs often contain preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners and artificial colors [2]. Because UPFs usually contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar, they increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks [2].

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from the Catholic University of Valencia in Spain. Their findings were published in the Children journal [1].

The research team focused on the diets of 25 children aged 3 to 5. They wished to explore the connection between the level of UPFs in the children’s diet and jaw development, dental structures, and skull shape [1].

A parent of the 25 children were asked to complete surveys on the habits and diet of their children [1]. This allowed the researchers to find out the percentage that UPFs made up of the calorific intake of the children.

The researchers then analysed the data. They compared UPF intake with the jaw development and dental structures of the children [1].

Interestingly, they found that diets high in UPFs have a negative impact on children’s jaw development [1]. This is because such diets limit the chewing activity which stimulates bone growth, strengthens muscles in the face, and contributes towards proper dental alignment [1].

Moreover, the team found that UPFs can lead to developmental issues in the jaws of children. Therefore, this could cause dental deformities like buck teeth.

Those with a high intake of UPFs were also more likely to lack natural gaps in the mouth. This can cause substantial problems when adult teeth grow, as there typically isn’t the space for them to grow fully [1].

They noted that an epidemic of jaw shrinkage has been happening for the last few hundred years, but that this has accelerated over the last two decades. Therefore, this is resulting in increased usage of braces, more crooked teeth, and other dental deformities [1].

The researchers did note that further research – preferably with a larger sample size – will be needed to solidify these findings [1].

Summary

Overall, the research provided clear findings. UPFs have a direct impact on jaw development in children, and can cause long-term problems.

The results were explained by co-author of the study – Dr. Laura Marques Martinez, who said that “chewing solid, fibrous foods like fruits, vegetables, or natural proteins is essential for healthy jaw development” [3].

Continuing, Martinez said “these foods help prevent malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth, and promote proper formation of dental arches”, whilst UPFs “fail to adequately engage the jaw muscles, leading to underdeveloped bone structures” [3].

Therefore, it is critical that parents provide their children with nutritious diets which provide fresh, healthy and non-processed foods.

This can help children to develop their jaw muscles properly, aiding their oral health, general wellbeing, and overall health in the long-term.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have children? It is important for adults to set a good example to children in terms of looking after their oral health. A good way of doing this is to bring your children with you to your dental appointments, as it will show them the importance of caring for their teeth. We suggest attending the dentist at least twice a year. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) These findings are concerning. If you know any parents with young children, this research is especially relevant to them. Therefore, you could share this article with them, as it will remind them of the importance of the diet of their children. Why not share this article on your social media accounts now?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Gordillo, P. B., Martinez, L. M., Garcia, C. B., & Miralles, E. G. (2024). Relationship between Nutrition and Development of the Jaws in Children: A Pilot Study. Children. 11 (2): 201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020201.

[2] British Heart Foundation. (2024). Ultra-processed foods: how bad are they for your health?. Available: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/ultra-processed-foods. Last accessed: 18th January 2025.

[3] Donnelly, L. (2025). Ultra-processed foods ‘could leave children with buck teeth’. Available: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/12/ultra-processed-foods-children-buck-teeth-valencia-study/. Last accessed: 18th January 2025.

What Is More Effective After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Opioids or Non-Opioids?
13Jan
Following wisdom tooth removal, pain management is important. Painkillers typically play a role post-surgery. Recent research has looked at which is most effective – opioids or non-opioids. This research is helpful, and can advise dentists on the most effective method of treating post-surgery pain.

As many people can attest to, wisdom tooth removal can be challenging. It typically involves pain and normally requires a few days for recovery.

Managing the pain involved in wisdom tooth removal is important. There are many different painkillers available, from over-the-counter medicines to prescription only pills.

Those that are recovering from wisdom tooth removal will often choose between opioids and non-opioids. Many believe that due to the strong nature of opioids, that they are more effective.

However, this may not actually be the case. Now, new research has looked into which is more effective for post-surgical pain – opioids or non-opioids [1].

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is a very common dental procedure. Most humans have four wisdom teeth – which develop later than the rest of the teeth.

They are the teeth furthest to the back of the mouth, and are commonly referred to as the “third molars.” They usually grow during teenage years [2].

Wisdom teeth often require no treatment at all, and just naturally exist. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not grow properly.

For example, the tooth might not have enough space to come into the mouth fully, or they may be partly covered by the gums. Problems with wisdom teeth can cause pain, gum disease and tooth decay [2].

While wisdom tooth removal is very straightforward, it can cause pain post-procedure. Therefore, pain management is important to ensure comfort during recovery.

Pain management

Non-opioid painkillers are typically available over the counter. For example, these include Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil).

While taking these painkillers daily in the long-term isn’t advisable, they are very effective at treating a range of conditions. These include headaches, colds, sore throats and dental pain.

These painkillers are not addictive, and side effects are rare. However, this is completely different for opioid painkillers.

Opioids are high-strength painkillers. Well-known opioids include Morphine, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone. Unfortunately, they cause a range of side effects, and are addictive [3].

In fact, research shows that the mortality rate of opioid addicts is approximately 6 to 20 times higher than that of the general population – underlining the potential harm [3].

The United States has been battling an opioid epidemic in recent years. In 2017, President Donald Trump declared the epidemic as a public health emergency [4]. Problems have continued in subsequent years.

Due to their potential harm, health organizations have made recommendations against their use in many cases. However, dentists rank among the leading prescribers of opioids.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Their findings have been published in the Journal of the American Dental Association [1].

Following wisdom tooth removal, dentists often provide their patients with a prescription for opioids. In fact, 8.9 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2022 by dentists in the United States [1].

For many patients, when being prescribed an opioid for dental pain, this will be their first introduction to these medicines. As discussed earlier, they have a high potential for abuse.

The research involved more than 1,800 patients [1]. These patients all had a wisdom tooth removed, before being split into two groups.

The first group were prescribed a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Meanwhile, the second group were prescribed the opioid hydrocodone and acetaminophen [1].

The patients were asked to rate various outcomes – including pain levels, sleep quality and general satisfaction – over the week post-surgery [1].

Interestingly, the results overwhelmingly found that non-opioids were more effective in the vast majority of situations [1].

Pain is at its highest in the two days immediately after surgery. The non-opioid group reported less pain during this period [1].

Throughout the week, those in the non-opioid group reported better sleep quality and less interference with daily activities during the week [1].

Moreover, the patients in the opioid group had double the chance of requiring a “rescue” pain medication when compared to the non-opioid group [1].

Overall, those in the non-opioid group experienced less pain, better sleep, and higher satisfaction with treatment. Therefore, the findings produced very clear results.

Author comments

The findings suggest that opioids are not necessary for the post-surgery treatment of wisdom tooth removal. Due to the risks associated with opioid use, this is a very positive conclusion.

By only prescribing non-opioids, this can reduce the risk of addiction to these powerful painkillers. Non-opioids are also typically significantly cheaper.

This is also consistent with the American Dental Association’s recommendation for dentists to avoid opioids as a first-line pain treatment for opioids [5].

Cecile Feldman is the dean of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and served as the lead author of the study. She was delighted with the findings, calling it “a landmark study” [5].

Continuing, Feldman said that “the results actually came in even stronger than we thought they would” [5]. Moreover, Feldman exclaimed that the study’s results show “there is no reason to be prescribing opioids” outside of “special situations” [5].

The researchers hope that these findings will result in change occurring in the prescribing practices of dentists. Prescribing non-opioids is safer, and as the research here has showed – is more effective.

Furthermore, the researchers are hoping to carry out further studies into dental pain. For example, they will be looking to see if the same results apply to other dental procedures, like root canal treatments [5].

Thinking points…

1) Are you concerned about your wisdom teeth? Maybe they haven’t grown properly, food is getting stuck near them, or you have pain in the area. If so, you should mention this to your dentist at your next check-up, so that they can take a look at the area. We recommend visiting the dentist at least twice per year. We recommend making an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone that has an upcoming tooth extraction? If so, you could send this article to them. This article is useful as it can show them that they should opt for a non-opioid pain management schedule. This would help to keep them safe and help them to recover more effectively. Why not send the article now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Feldman, C. A., Fredericks-Younger, J., Desjardins, P. J., et al. (2025). Nonopioid vs opioid analgesics after impacted third-molar extractions. The Journal of The American Dental Association. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2024.10.014.

[2] NHS. (2024). Wisdom tooth removal. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/. Last accessed: 11th January 2025.

[3] Hser, Y-I., Evans, E., Grella, C., Ling, W., & Anglin, D. (2015). Long-Term Course of Opioid Addiction. Harvard Review of Psychiatry. 23 (2): p76-89. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000052.

[4] Oliphant, J. (2017). Trump declares national emergency on opioid abuse. Available: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-opioid-idUSKBN1AQ2AW. Last accessed: 11th January 2025.

[5] Smith, A. (2025). Non-opioid pain relievers beat opioids after dental surgery, trial shows. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-opioid-pain-relievers-opioids-dental.html. Last accessed: 11th January 2025.