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Category: Oral Health

Is It Possible to Predict Tooth Loss? - Savanna Dental
26Jul
Tooth loss is a serious dental problem that affects many people around the world. However, new research suggests that by using machine-learning tools, that it will be possible for us to predict future tooth loss, which can help to delay, or even prevent, eventual tooth loss.

Most people view tooth loss as an inevitable part of life – something that as we grow older, becomes unavoidable.

But this isn’t necessarily the case, and recent research has showed that in the future, technological advancements mean that it is possible that we could predict tooth loss, and therefore act quickly to delay or even prevent tooth loss. This interesting research could improve the oral health of people all around the world.

Tooth loss

Tooth loss is a very difficult process to go through. Tooth loss is very common, with various studies estimating that over 175 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, with tooth loss worsening as we grow older [1].

Tooth loss is usually caused by gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), which is an incredibly common condition – with research suggesting that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [2].

Gum disease can be linked to several areas, most commonly poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing teeth properly. A high-sugar diet, untreated cavities, smoking and conditions like diabetes or arthritis are other risk factors.

Tooth loss has both physical and psychological consequences. Losing teeth can affect a person’s overall wellbeing, diet and quality of life [3]. It also has the psychological impact of affecting confidence and self-esteem [4].

Given all of these issues, the recent findings of the research is an exciting development, which could have a highly-positive effect on society.

The Study

The research was carried out by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, before being published in PLOS One [5]. The study was based around how machine learning tools fared when it came to the identification of those at risk of tooth loss.

The study compared 5 different algorithms, which included different combinations of variables, with each of the algorithms then used to screen for risk of tooth loss, including complete and incremental tooth loss [5].

As mentioned, different variables were used in the different algorithms. These variables included medical characteristics, education, race and general health conditions like diabetes.

The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey – specifically using the data of 12,000 adults from 2011 to 2014. The data was used to design and then test the five machine-learning algorithms – and subsequently compare their findings to the results of a dental examination.

The results showed that the algorithms produced more accurate results than a routine dental examination. As mentioned above, these algorithms differed based on certain characteristics and variables.

The patient’s history of attending a dentist and age were, as expected, important factors. But the algorithms were able to teach us more. A patient’s education level, employment status and income were all very relevant for predicting tooth loss.

Those from low-income and marginalized populations were already known to have high levels of tooth loss, with previous research confirming this [6]. Lack of access to dental care continues to be a significant problem for these demographics.

What does this mean for dentistry?

The results suggest that in the long-term, machine learning could help to predict tooth loss, which would protect millions from the difficulties and consequences of losing teeth.

The idea is that by predicting tooth loss early, eventual tooth loss can help to delay, or even prevent, cases of tooth loss.

Lead researcher Hawazin Elani, an Assistant Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, praised the findings, stating that the analysis proved that machine-learning models could be effective at predicting risk. Elani went on to state that machine-learning “could help to screen people all over the world”.

But these results also underline the importance of early intervention. Unfortunately, many people who need dental treatment avoid going to the dentist until they are in excruciating pain, by which time it is often too late to save their tooth, leading to removal.

This shows how vital it is to attend regular dental check-ups, as any problems can be identified and acted on quickly. Machine-learning certainly has a place in dentistry, but a regular check-up, twice a year, can help immeasurably.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

At Savanna Dental, we offer our patients a range of services. We are located in a convenient location in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and ensure that we provide our patients with a caring and comfortable experience.

The research above has shown how crucial it is to detect dental problems early. The best thing to do therefore is to attend regular dental check-ups. We recommend that our patients come to see us twice a year for a check-up.

When further treatment is required following a regular check-up, we provide many different services to fit the patient’s circumstances. These include cavity fillings, root canals, and dentures among other treatments.

Many people are put off of visiting the dentist due to the costs involved. However, our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which provides our patients with transparent and affordable costs.

As always, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks, alcohol and smoking wherever possible. Good oral hygiene is very important, and has numerous benefits, including slowing down cognitive decline(click to know more).

We also provide some cosmetic dentistry treatments at our Calgary dental clinic, including teeth whitening.

Summary

Machine-learning definitely has the impact to positively affect the dental industry. The ability to predict tooth loss offers many benefits. Early intervention continues to be crucial in preventing tooth loss and other oral problems.

We hope that you consider visiting our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, you can find out about us and the various services we offer by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, we hope to see you soon!

  • [1] American College of Prosthodontists. (2015). Missing Teeth. Available: https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf. Last accessed: 24 July 2021
  • [2] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [3] Saintrain, M. V .d .L. & de Souza, E. H. A. (2012), Impact of tooth loss on the quality of life. Gerodontology, 29(2), pe632-e636.
  • [4] Kaur, P., Singh, S., Mathur, A., Makkar, D. K., Aggarwal, V. P., Batra, M., Sharma, A., & Goyal, N. (2017). Impact of Dental Disorders and its Influence on Self Esteem Levels among Adolescents. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: 11(4), pZC05–ZC08.
  • [5] Elani, H. W., Batista, A. F. M.M Thomson, W. M., Kawachi, I., & Filho, A. D. P. C. (2021). Predictors of tooth loss: A machine learning approach. PLOS One. 16(6): e0252873. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252873.
  • [6] Elani, H. W., Harper, S., & Thomson, W. M., Espinoza, I. L., Mejia, G. C., Ju, X., Jamieson, L. M., Kawachi, I., & Kaufman, J. S.. (2017). Social inequalities in tooth loss: A multinational comparison. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 45(3), p266– 274.
New Dental Device To Beat Obesity - Savanna Dental - Calgary Dental Clinic
5Jul
Researchers have recently developed a small dental device that has the potential to tackle the ongoing obesity epidemic. The device is placed in the mouth, and aims to boost weight loss by restricting the wearer to a liquid-only diet. Early evidence suggests this exciting development could be highly-effective.

Obesity continues to be a growing problem around the world, with various medications, mechanisms and surgeries previously being used in an attempt to tackle the problem – but nothing really has ever proven to be wholly effective, nor inexpensive.

However, a new device that targets weight loss through being placed in the mouth could be a revolutionary way of treating obesity. This device has been created based on significant research, and a study into its effectiveness produced positive results.

The device is called the “DentalSlim Diet Control”, and works by restricting the wearer of the device to a liquid-only diet, with the idea that this can lead to rapid weight loss.

What is DentalSlim Diet Control?

Researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand and the United Kingdom worked together to develop the DentalSlim Diet Control weight-loss device [1].

The device is described as an intra-oral device that is fitted by a dental professional between the upper and lower back teeth.

The device doesn’t allow the person to open their mouth more than about 2millimetres. The device therefore restricts the individual wearing the device to a liquid-based diet.

Crucially though, the device has no adverse effect on breathing, and the speech of the person wearing the device is not affected by it. The device uses small magnets with bespoke locking bolts to keep it in place.

The lead researcher from the study – Professor Paul Bunton – said that the device is “non-invasive, reversible, economical and an attractive alternative to surgical procedures”. Bunton went on to state that there were “no adverse consequences” with the device [2].

While the device might be seen as being somewhat dangerous, DentalSlim Diet Control can be released in the case of an emergency.

How effective is DentalSlim Diet Control?

While longer-term studies are needed to be assured of its effectiveness, the first study into DentalSlim Diet Control produced positive results.

A trial was done in Dunedin, New Zealand. The study involved seven healthy, albeit obese, participants. All seven adults were fitted with the device, and were then given a liquid diet for 2 weeks.

The results were positive – with the average weight loss being 6.36kg in the 2-week period. An assessment at the end of the study found that the majority of the participants were motivated to continue using the device to try and achieve further weight loss.

The Problem of Obesity

Obesity doesn’t only affect physical health, it is also associated with poor dental health, and worsening mental health.

Research shows that 1.9billion adults worldwide are overweight, with 650million people obese. Moreover, weight-related illnesses result in approximately 2.8million deaths per year [3].

Worryingly, estimates suggest that 57% of the world’s adult population will be either overweight or obese by 2030 [4].

Obesity contributes towards conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gallstone disease, arthritis and more.

Many people turn to gastric bypass surgery in an attempt to lose weight, though long-term effectiveness of this surgery is still undetermined [5].

Others choose to use specific diet plans like intermittent fasting(click here to know more), low-carbohydrate or plant-based(click here to know more). Some even resort to taking dangerous pills that are marketed as miracle weight loss pills on rogue websites.

But the specific diets mentioned above require consistency and commitment in order to see results, and therefore often do not work [6].

Often, obesity causes psychological problems too such as self-esteem problems and potential embarrassment. It can also be associated with the binge-eating element of the eating disorder Bulimia, or the activity of over-eating that is seen in some cases of Depression.

Effects of obesity on dental health

Obesity is most-commonly caused by a poor diet. A poor or unbalanced diet would typically feature food and drink that are high in sugar, fat and calories.

A poor diet can cause gum disease, while sugary foods can wear down the enamel of a tooth. Over time, a cavity will form, which then requires a filling. If left untreated, the mouth can eventually become infected.

Lower levels of obesity would certainly benefit dental professionals, with the rising obesity levels causing a large increase in the work that needs to be carried out. Supply has been unable to keep up with demand in recent months.

What effect could DentalSlim Diet Control have?

The early signs are very positive. By ensuring that a person can only have a liquid diet, the number of calories being consumed can be limited.

While some have questioned whether or not a liquid diet can be nutritious enough, studies show that when used correctly, that a liquid diet can indeed be healthy [7].

Furthermore, surgeries like gastric bypass surgery are very costly, and highly unpleasant to go through.

Therefore, DentalSlim Diet Control can be a very effective device in tackling obesity. The study’s lead researcher Professor Paul Brunton describes “compliance” as the “biggest barrier to successful weight loss”. The nature of DentalSlim Diet Control would ensure that this wouldn’t be an issue.

It is recommended that the device would be used primarily by those that need to lose weight before a surgery, or for those with a long-term condition like diabetes. If needed, users can repeatedly go through phases of wearing and then not wearing the device.

But it could also be used by anyone aiming to lose weight. Weight loss has been shown to result in better self-esteem, longer life expectancy, and better general health and wellbeing [8].

From a dental perspective, such a device would also surely have positive effects. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a “dental disaster”(click here to know more)– which has resulted in enormous levels of untreated oral problems and gum disease in recent months. Because of this, there is a huge demand for dental services. Preventing a sugary diet can lessen the chance of many needing dental procedures.

What we offer our patients at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we offer our patients a range of services. We provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for our patients in a convenient location within Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

It is important for us all to adopt strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, having a nutritious diet, and attending regular dental check-ups – usually at least twice a year.

Early detection of any oral problems is important. Therefore, attending regular check-ups is of significant importance. Any problems that are found can be treated effectively. The sooner that problems are spotted, the easier they can be treated.

Whenever further treatment is needed for our patients, we provide a tailored treatment plan that fits their circumstances, whilst giving them a voice in their treatment.

Among the services offered at Savanna Dental include regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and dentures among other services. We also offer some cosmetic dentistry treatments too, such as teeth whitening.

Our Calgary-based dental practice also adheres to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means we offer affordable and transparent care to our patients.

Summary

Obesity continues to be a big problem, and has a clear link to poor oral health. Whether or not the DentalSlim Diet Control will prove to be effective in the long-term remains to be seen. However, it could have a revolutionary effect.

Regardless of its effectiveness, we all need to continue to practice excellent oral hygiene. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! Click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the range of services and treatments that we offer our patients.

  • [1] Brunton, P. A., Ratnayake, J., Bodansky, H. J., Mei, L., Veerasamy, A., & Hall, R. (2021). An intraoral device for weight loss: initial clinical findings. British Dental Journal. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3081-1.
  • [2] University of Otago. (2021). Researchers develop world-first weight loss device. Available: https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago830110.html. Last accessed: July 3rd 2021.
  • [3] Hirwar, R., & Mondal, P. R. (2019). Prevalence of obesity in India: A systematic review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 13 (1), p318-321.
  • [4] Kelly, T., Yang, W., Chen, C. S., Reynolds, K., & He, J. (2008). Global burden of obesity in 2005 and projections to 2030. International Journal of Obesity. 32 (1), p1431-1437.
  • [5] Sansone, R. A., McDonald, S., Wiederman, M. W., & Ferreira, K. (2007). Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Survey of Primary Care Physicians. The Journal of Treatment & Prevention. 15 (2), p145-152.
  • [6] Haemmingsson, E., Johansson, K., Eriksson, J., Sundstrom, J., Neovius, M., & Marcus, C. (2012). Weight loss and dropout during a commercial weight-loss programme including a very-low-calorie diet, a low-calorie diet, or restricted normal food: observational cohort study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 96 (3), p953-961.
  • [7] Brown, M. R., Klish, W. J., Hollander, J., Campbell, M. A., & Forbes, G. B. (1983). A high protein, low calorie liquid diet in the treatment of very obese adolescents: long-term effect on lean body mass, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 38 (1), p20–31.
  • [8] Haslam, D. W., & James, W. P. T. (2005). Obesity. The Lancet. 366 (9492), p1197-1209.
Canadian Federal Government Urged to Take Action Over Sioux Lookout’s “Dental Crisis” - Savanna Dental
29Jun
The Sioux Lookout region is in the midst of a “dental crisis”, according to a local health authority. The federal government has subsequently been urged to intervene and provide much-needed support to the area. The region is home to a large indigenous population – a group that has long-faced difficulties in accessing healthcare.

The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) have called on the federal government to step in and provide help for a situation that they have described as a “dental crisis” [1].

The SLFNHA have frequently levelled allegations of a lack of care from the government towards the Sioux Lookout region in recent years.

Sioux Lookout has a large indigenous population, and this situation is arguably indicative of a wider problem for indigenous people in terms of trying to access dental care.

Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout is a region in Northwestern Ontario, with a population of around 5,000. Many people know the area as a summer holiday destination, or as a location with many rivers and beaches.

But the region is also home to a large proportion of indigenous people [2]. The indigenous people have a long history in the region, dating back hundreds of years.

Sioux Lookout has a large demand for healthcare services, though these needs are rarely met, with healthcare resources in the area stretched – especially dental services [3].

The Crisis

As mentioned, the SLFNHA have called the current oral health situation in Sioux Lookout a “dental crisis”.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on dental services across Canada, with the Sioux Lookout area amongst the worst hit areas.

In line with government guidance and advice, dental services were restricted to emergency and urgent needs only throughout much of 2020 due to Covid-19.

The problems have got so bad in Sioux Lookout, that one resident actually died after their dental infection was not treated properly, leading to an eventual death through sepsis [4].

Dr. Terri Farrell is the medical director of the SLFNHA, and she stated that the death was “preventable”, and was caused by the “appalling lack of dental services for the communities served by SLFNHA” [4].

Farrell went on to say that hundreds of children “are in pain” and “becoming malnourished due to an inability to eat” – something caused by a growing waitlist for dental operations for children in the area [4].

The struggles facing indigenous people

As mentioned, Sioux Lookout has a large proportion of indigenous people. Dr. Farrell is correct in stating that there are problems facing children in the area, which is contributing to the dental crisis.

These problems have been long-standing too, but exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. A 2004 study found approximately 70% of indigenous children living on reserves in Canada have experienced tooth decay by the time they turn 3 years old, a number that increases to 87% by the time they have turned 5 [5].

These results were backed up by the findings of a 2010 study, which concluded that 86% of First Nations children between the ages of 3 and 5 have experienced a form of tooth decay [6].

The problems don’t just apply to children. Indigenous people all across Canada face barriers to getting much-needed healthcare. Studies show that these barriers include racism, discrimination and cost [7].

With 1.7million people in Canada identifying as indigenous, this is clearly a problem that affects a huge amount of people. The dental crisis means that a huge number of people are in desperate need of dental operations.

Response

The federal government has stated that they are working with the SLFNHA and other health partners to try and support and improve dental services in the area.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is an organisation that is responsible for the management of policies relating to the indigenous population of Canada.

The ISC have been heavily criticised by the SLFNHA, who have stated that the ISC have backtracked on a plan to create a new dental clinic in Sioux Lookout [4].

The ISC have defended themselves however, pointing to a recent increase in service levels, including providing care to over 7,000 patients in the region from November 2020 to June 2021 [8].

The problems caused by poor oral health

As mentioned above, there is a large oral health problem facing this region. Oral health problems are not just limited to this part of Canada though, with professionals stating that the dental industry is facing a “dental disaster”(click here to read more).

Covid-19 has led to regular dentist appointments to be suspended, with urgent and emergency cases prioritized. This has meant many people will have undetected dental problems.

Poor oral health can cause a range of problems, including cavities, gum disease, and potentially even mouth cancer.

It is therefore very important for us to all brush our teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, have a nutritious diet, and attend regular dental check-ups – typically a minimum of two per-year.

What we offer our patients at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we provide a range of services suited to the needs of our patients. We provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for our patients in a convenient location within Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Among the services offered at Savanna Dental include regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and dentures among other services. We also offer some cosmetic dentistry treatments too, such as teeth whitening.

Through regular check-ups, problems can be detected and treated accordingly. When further treatment is needed, we provide a tailored treatment plan to our patients, and ensure that they have a voice in their treatment options.

Our Calgary-based dental practice also adheres to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients. With cost being a barrier to accessing dental services for many people, having full knowledge of fees ahead of an appointment can be very useful.

Summary

Sioux Lookout is facing a very difficult dental health situation, with these problems being replicated across Canada. As we gradually return to normal life, the aim is to provide the much-needed oral care to the Canadian population.

We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! We care deeply about our patients, and our staff are always on-hand to help. Click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the range of services and treatments we provide our patients with.

Pride Month: How Does Savanna Dental Support LGBTQ+ Patients? - Savanna Dental
22Jun
Those who identify as LGBTQ+ face many challenges, including in the dental industry. With June being International Pride Month, here at Savanna Dental, we would like to affirm our support for the LGBTQ+ community – with the aim of providing a highly-inclusive and welcoming dental clinic for all of our patients.

With June being Pride Month, it is an opportunity for companies across all industries to review the current status of LGBTQ+ rights, and to see what improvements can be made to increase inclusivity.

This is especially important in the dental industry, as oral health is crucial for everyone. Unfortunately, not every place of business is respectful of those who identify as LGBTQ+. But with the dental industry being essential to overall health, it is important for dentists to be allies to LGBTQ+ interests.

Here at Savanna Dental, we place great emphasis on inclusivity, and encourage patients of all genders, race and religion to visit our Calgary-based dental practice.

There are challenges facing those who identify as LGBTQ+ in the dental industry, which forms part of the wider societal stigma towards the LGBTQ+ community [1].

LGBTQ+ in dentistry

Despite societal improvements, a stigma against the LGBTQ+ community remains. Stonewall – the organisation that supports LGBTQ+ rights – found that 1 in 7 LGBTQ+ people avoid seeking healthcare due to fear of discrimination by healthcare workers [2].

LGBTQ+ people are highly likely to have mental health problems that can affect dental health [3]. For instance, those with depression may overeat sugary and unhealthy foods, or those with an eating disorder may damage their teeth by regular vomiting while “purging” following a “binge”.

Moreover, statistics show that those in the LGBTQ+ community are also more likely to smoke than heterosexuals [4], which increases their chances of developing oral problems such as oral cancer or periodontal disease.

ADA’s Virtual Forum for LGBTQ+ access to dentistry

An important date for the dental industry is June 23rd – with the forum “Amplifying Voices: An Open Forum on LGBTQ+ Community and the Dental Profession” taking place.

The event has been organised by the American Dental Association (ADA), and is scheduled for June 23rd at 7:00pm Central. This virtual event will take place over Zoom, and can be accessed by clicking on this link.

This forum will involve a panel of senior dentists and dental professionals who identify as LGBTQ+. The event will examine the current relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the dental industry. Attendees will be educated on methods of bolstering the dental profession’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community [5].

The ADA have organised this forum in conjunction with Houston Equality Dental Network, which is an organisation that aims to raise awareness to the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in dentistry [6].

One of the founders of the Houston Equality Dental Network is Dr. Alex Barrera, who will be among the panellists at the event. He has stated “as health care and dentistry continue to make progress, the only way we can have true equality is through the allyship of all of our colleagues and those in leadership positions [6].”

Barrera went on to correctly say that “it is only with continued awareness, education and celebration that we can come together to ensure that the world is a safer and happier place for all.”

The measures we take at Savanna Dental to support LGBTQ+

Here at Savanna Dental, we put significant effort into ensuring that we adopt an LGBTQ+-friendly approach. We make sure that we are respectful of all of our patients, and use appropriate language when interacting with the LGBTQ+ community.

We know that our patients expect a strong relationship with our staff, and expect to be treated courteously. As part of our duty of care to our patients, we treat everyone without any form of discrimination.

We hope to form long-term rapports between staff and patient, with research showing that trust, open communication and patient involvement all crucial elements of achieving this [7]. Therefore, we aim to implement these key areas with our patients.

What we offer our patients at Savanna Dental

Whatever your sexual orientation, gender, race, age or religion, here at Savanna Dental, we will be happy to help. We are an inclusive dental practice, and welcome everyone to our clinic.

We are based in a convenient area of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Our dental clinic offers a vast range of services – from regular check-ups, to cavity fillings, and more complex procedures such as root canals or dentures. We also offer some cosmetic dental services too.

We always advise our patients to attend regular check-ups (at least two a year), while maintaining strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drink where possible. These measures help to protect our teeth and gums.

When treatment is required, we provide each patient with a treatment plan that suits their individual needs and circumstances. We also adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients.

Summary

There remains room for improvement for the dental industry in terms of strengthening the relationship between dentists and the LGBTQ+ community. Here at Savanna Dental, we aim to champion LGBTQ+ rights.

We hope you will visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! We provide a courteous and comfortable patient experience, and always welcome new patients. Click here to visit our website https://savannadental.ca, where you can see the different services that we offer at our dental clinic.

Have Scientists Really Created Candy that Can Repair and Whiten Your Teeth? - Savanna Dental
15Jun
Scientists from the University of Washington have developed a lozenge that supposedly has the potential to repair our tooth enamel and even whiten teeth over time. Clinical trials are due to be launched soon, in a development that could improve oral health enormously.

The majority of us will admit to having a sweet tooth. Chocolate, candy, fizzy drinks – they taste good; but their high sugar content comes at a cost – with significant harm being done to our teeth whenever they are consumed.

But in an exciting development, scientists from the University of Washington have potentially found that a specially-designed lozenge – similar to a mint – could actually regrow our enamel.

In the past, the focus has always been on preserving enamel, rather than restoring it. Scientists and researchers have spent decades trying to find a way of restoring enamel [1], which would have a huge benefit on the world’s oral health.

Enamel is the hard surface of a tooth that gradually wears down over time when exposed to sugary foods and drinks and harmful bacteria. When it wears down, it exposes dentine – which is yellow in colour.

The University of Washington’s Research

Scientists from the University of Washington recently provided a press release which provided key information on their plans and their discovery [2]. This work has been going on for several months.

The scientists have said that they have developed an experimental lozenge that has the potential to regrow teeth enamel, strengthen our teeth and even whiten them at the same time!

So how does it work? The lozenges are coated with a genetically-engineered peptide. In easier to understand language, this is essentially a mint coated with a specially-designed protein building block.

The idea is that these building blocks will bind to the user’s teeth, which will involve a tiny layer of fresh enamel being added to the teeth. Over time, this will allow tooth enamel to regrow.

The peptide used comes from something called amelogenin, which is an important protein in teeth enamel. Phosphorus and calcium ions are also ingredients within the lozenge.

Researchers have suggested that two lozenges a day can rebuild enamel, while one per day can enable a healthy layer of enamel to be maintained. The researchers have suggested the lozenge will be suitable for both adults and adolescents.

Tooth whitening benefits

One of the most exciting parts of this news is that these lozenges would help to whiten our teeth. We all aspire to have pearly white teeth, though this is something that in the modern age is hard to maintain naturally.

Many people resort to purchasing teeth whitening strips in an effort to whiten their teeth. While this can work effectively, in some cases these whitening strips can actually do more harm than good [3].

One of the most important things when considering cosmetic dental work is to use a reputable provider that meets all relevant safety regulations. There is significant hope in the future that these lozenges will be able to whiten teeth.

But in the meantime, here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments, including professional teeth whitening! Whitened teeth can be achieved in just one visit, providing effective results.

Dental veneers and dental bonding are two other options that can improve the appearance of our teeth. These are other cosmetic treatments that we provide at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental.

Will the lozenges work?

Currently, it is too early to state whether or not these lozenges will be effective. While this is certainly an exciting development, this is far from the first time a “miracle solution” in dentistry has been promoted [4].

The next step is for clinical trials to be held. They will be launched soon as a way of testing out the lozenges in a real-life situation. This will take time, but hopefully the results will be positive.

Researchers have tested the lozenge with success on extracted human teeth and live rats and mice.

While the lozenges are the current focus of scientists – the long-term plan is to create a toothpaste for over-the-counter use, and potentially a gel. But there is no clear timetable on this.

The potential of this development is enormous, with poor oral health resulting in gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Poor oral health continues to be a big problem around the world, with research showing that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of periodontal disease [5].

What should we do for our oral health?

The most important thing we can do for our dental health is to attend regular check-ups. The earlier that problems are detected, the higher chance of treatment not becoming too complex.

When left untreated, what can start as a cavity that requires a standard filling can turn into a more complicated problem, which may require a more complex procedure like a root canal.

It is therefore important to adopt strong oral health, which involves brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and making healthy decisions in our personal lives such as avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake.

Our diet is also important. We recently discussed on our blog about the link between a deficiency in Vitamin C and gum disease(click here to read more)– which highlights the importance of a nutritious and balanced diet.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

We have a dental clinic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Here at Savanna Dental, we provide our patients with a comfortable and caring environment. We recommend that our patients attend check-ups approximately once every six months.

We provide a range of services for when treatment is required after a regular check-up. In each case, we provide personalised advice to each patient, and ensure we provide them with treatment that fits their individual circumstances.

Here at Savanna Dental, we adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients across our wide range of services.

Summary

Dentistry continues to made great strides in research, and this latest development certainly has the potential to dramatically improve oral health for people all over the world.

But it is important to remember that having strong oral hygiene is the best course of action to take, regardless of any future developments.

We recommend that you take a look at our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca where you can find out more information about us and the services we offer at our Calgary dental clinic.

the NDP's Pledge for Dental Care in Canada - Savanna Dental
8Jun
Dental care in Canada continues to be a topic of debate. In a recent development, the NDP has filed a motion aimed at improving access to dental care for those who are unable to afford dental care. There is a strong need for an improvement in access for dental care across Canada.

Dental care in Canada is a rather controversial subject and is often a talking point during political party addresses.

Now, Canada’s fourth biggest political party – the New Democratic Party (NDP) – is making an effort to improve access to dental care among Canada’s low-income citizens.

Canada’s public healthcare system has neglected dental care for several years, though recent developments suggest that this might soon change.

The statistics in Canada are alarming – with the cost of dental care providing a significant barrier to the wider population accessing the treatment that they badly need.

The NDP’s Vision

The NDP’s leader Jagmeet Singh has consistently voiced his support for an improvement in access to dental care.

In 2019, Singh said “no one should have to deal with the pain or lifelong damage of going without dental care”. He went on to state “millions of Canadians don’t have any dental coverage at all” [1].

Singh remains vocal in his support for further access to dental care. Just last week, the NDP MP Jack Harris put forward a motion in the House of Commons, which asked the Federal Government to create a dental care plan for uninsured Canadian families with a household income of less than $90,000 [2].

The motion was seconded by MP Don Davies. However, with the NDP being Canada’s fourth-largest party, there will be difficulty in implementing this plan, though these steps may be part of a long-term change.

This plan would involve a fund being distributed across the Canadian provinces. The provinces would then need to arrange coverage for families with a low-income, and arrange reimbursements with dentists.

The NDP have suggested that a sliding scale could be used, with either full or partial dental costs being covered – the exact amount of which would depend on household income.

The NDP have pointed out that this amounts to 4.3million Canadians – a colossal amount. Despite the costs involved in this plan, the NDP have justified their proposal by highlighting that emergency room-based dental emergencies cost taxpayers at least $155million annually [3].

Research has long-shown that an income-related inequality exists in Canada in relation to receiving dental care [4].

The Worrying Statistics

There are several alarming statistics that suggest there is a strong need for change. One study found that 16.5% of the Canadian population have declined recommended dental treatment on the basis of cost [5].

Recent statistics suggest that many Canadians are badly in need of help that they can’t afford. A study showed that in a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians visited a dentist, with 23% of Canadians being put off from visiting the dentist due to the cost involved [6].

Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to dental care being largely disregarded, which has created “a dental disaster”, according to the President of the FDI World Dental Federation [7].

Poor oral hygiene (including avoiding regular dental check-ups) can cause gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Eventually, treatment will be required.

Poor oral health is also linked to physical health problems, and can also cause mental distress – both of which add further strain to Canada’s healthcare system.

The NDP have suggested that the most marginalized people – “indigenous people, children, single parent families, young workers, women and low-income Canadians” – are those that are worst affected by the current format [2].

These statistics appear to back up the arguments put forward by the NDP, and shows the need for lower dental costs in Canada.

Savanna’s commitment to cost

Our dental clinic Savanna Dental is located in Calgary, Alberta. We are based in a convenient area of Calgary, and care deeply about our patients.

Looking on a more localised level, research in 2012 found that over 90% of Calgary residents have decayed, missing or filled teeth – which shows the importance of regular visits to the dentist [8].

With Calgary’s population largely needing oral health improvements, and concerns existing over costs – it is useful for the population to be aware that our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental adheres to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients across our wide range of services.

For those with concerns regarding the cost of dental care, the Alberta Dental Fee Guide provides accurate information on the nature of costs, and what is involved in each treatment type.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of services. It is important to remember that with good oral hygiene, a nutritious diet and avoiding certain foods and drinks, most dental problems are preventable.

But when problems do arise, it is important for them to be treated as soon as possible. We cannot understate the importance of early detection. If left untreated, what might start out as a small filling may morph into a problem that requires a more complex procedure like a root canal.

Therefore, attending regular dental check-ups (at least twice a year) is very important. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and avoiding sugary snacks are all important measures to protect our oral health.

When treatment is required, we provide a personalised treatment plan for each patient, and ensure that they receive a high standard of care at all times.

Summary

While it is unknown if the NDP’s motion will secure much support, there does appear to be a growing realisation that the current dental care system in Canada is potentially unsustainable in the long-term.

But for now, it is crucial to maintain strong oral health. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! We are always happy to welcome new patients, and look forward to providing them with a courteous and comfortable experience. Click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the range of services we provide.