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Could a New Dental Lozenge Permanently Fix Tooth Sensitivity?
17Jul
Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem that causes issues for many people. In an effort to combat this problem, a team of researchers have developed a new dental lozenge, which aims to provide a permanent fix for tooth sensitivity. Their research involves a peptide-based solution, which could have a very positive impact on oral health. This research has the potential to help many people around the world.

If you were to ask a group of people what the most annoying part of eating or drinking is, it is almost certain that at least one person would mention tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity involves a tooth, or teeth, to become sensitive – typically to cold or hot food or drink. This causes discomfort and is normally a sign of a dental problem.

However, new research has helped to develop a dental lozenge that has the potential to lessen or even eliminate tooth sensitivity [1]. This discovery could transform the approach towards treating tooth sensitivity entirely.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that involves a painful sensation when a person drinks or eats something hot or cold. It doesn’t necessarily need to be anything unhealthy – with even a cold glass of water being capable of triggering the pain.

This painful sensation develops overtime, with acids (caused by sugar and bacteria) wearing away at tooth enamel. Therefore, this causes a process of demineralization, which leaves the tooth’s hard exterior defenceless, exposing the roots and nerves.

Research shows that tooth sensitivity affects at least 12% of American adults [2]. The same research found that tooth sensitivity affects those aged 18 to 44 the most [2].

Tooth sensitivity: The problem

Dentist Sami Dogan is a Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington and served as one of the authors of the research [3].

When introducing the issue, Dogan has said that in 30 years of practice, problems like cavities and dental implants have become routine. However, the main problem his patients have is teeth sensitivity [3].

Dogan says “we see patients with hypersensitive teeth, but we can’t really help them” [3]. He has pointed out that most existing treatments focus on treating the symptoms, rather than “addressing the root cause” [3]. Therefore, existing treatments do not provide a solution, instead a temporary fix is provided at best.

The Research

Because of this problem, Dogan and a team of researchers sought to find a treatment that could address the root cause of tooth sensitivity. Their findings were published in the ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Journal [1].

As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity is linked to the process of demineralization. With this in mind, the researchers sought to reverse this loss, with the belief that this could be a permanent fix for this issue. To do this, they designed their solution to be molecularly biomimetic – which made it resemble the molecular process which develops teeth [1].

The protein amelogenin is key in the natural development of human teeth [1]. The researchers used peptide, which is a derivative of emelogenin. Peptide is a short chain of amino acids [1].

The researchers tailored the peptide for it to latch onto calcium and phosphate ions, which are the main components of tooth mineral. Therefore, this combination can help to build new mineral microlayers on teeth.

Then, the researchers found that when new mineral microlayers were applied to the teeth, that this protected the tooth nerves. Therefore, this can result in tooth sensitivity either disappearing entirely or significantly lessening [1].

The research was able to produce a solution that built new mineral microlayers that are capable of penetrating deep into the tooth. Therefore, this helps to create an effective and long-lasting natural protection [1].

While having this solution is excellent, the next question concerns how it could be administered. The researchers suggested that the solution could be integrated into almost any type of product!

For example, this may include a dental lozenge – which would be their preferred approach. For upcoming trials, they aim to use lozenges at first [1].

Furthermore, the researchers also suggested that formulations like toothpaste, mouthwash, dental gels and even tooth whitening products could have the solution integrated within them [1].

What this means

These findings are very positive and exciting, especially given how many people suffer from tooth sensitivity. It is something that can put people off drinking or eating.

The researchers have high hopes for the future. They want to provide easily accessible relief for everyone worldwide that suffers from tooth sensitivity [1].

Lead author Deniz T. Yucesoy commented on the findings. Yucesoy said that the research created technology that “forms the same minerals found in the tooth, including enamel, cementum and dentin alike, which had dissolved previously through demineralization and caused sensitivity” [3].

Explaining how the sensitivity stops, Yucesoy said that “the newly formed mineral microlayers close the communication channels with the tooth nerves”, which means sensitivity “shouldn’t be an issue” due to the technology [3].

This research is certainly very promising and should have a very positive impact on the oral health of patients around the world. Hopefully the solution will fulfil its potential!

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity very common. Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, don’t suffer in silence, as help is available! Make sure that you mention your tooth sensitivity at your next dental appointment so that your dentist can take a look to see if there is a problem that can be fixed. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!

2) We’ve spoken above about how there is help available for sensitive teeth. However, we need to remember that the focus should always be on prevention! One of the most effective ways of avoiding sensitive teeth is cleaning your teeth regularly and flossing. Another crucial thing to do is to attend regular dental check-ups, as this provides a dentist with a chance to take a comprehensive look at your oral health and suggest treatments if needed. Remember to book an appointment soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their 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] Yucesoy, D. T., Fong, H., Hamann, J., Hall, E., Dogan, S., & Sarikaya, M. (2023). Biomimetic Dentin Repair: Amelogenin-Derived Peptide Guides Occlusion and Peritubular Mineralization of Human Teeth. ACS Biomaterials: Science & Engineering. 9 (3): p1486-1495. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01039.

[2] Cunha-Cruz, J., Wataha, J. C., Heaton, L. J., Rothen, M., Sobieraj, M., Scott, J., & Berg, J. (2013). The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in general dental practices in the northwest United States. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 144 (3): p288-296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14219%2Fjada.archive.2013.0116.

[3] Woods, A. (2023). Dental lozenge could provide permanent treatment for tooth sensitivity. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-dental-lozenge-permanent-treatment-tooth.html. Last accessed: 13th July 2023.

Will Private Employers End Dental Coverage Soon? Government Raises Concerns
5Jun
The Canadian Federal Government has raised concerns over the potential for private employers to soon end dental coverage for employees. This is due to the potential cost-cutting measure of recommending employees use the National Dental Care Plan instead. This would push the added expense onto taxpayers, which is likely to be highly unpopular.

The Canadian Federal Government has raised its concerns over a potential, yet unforeseen, side effect of the National Dental Care Plan – which threatens to add further expense to taxpayers.

The national dental care plan has been gathering pace recently, with the rollout having begun and uptake generally steady. However, a new concern has the potential to be a setback for the plan.

The plan aims to assist those with an income of below $90,000 with financial support for dental care. But currently, the plan is just providing support for families with children aged under 12 and an income of below $70,000 – with the government providing $650 towards dental costs for those eligible.

More expenses for taxpayers?

The situation involves dental coverage offered by private employers. Currently, many private employers offer their employees dental care as part of their overall financial package [1].

However, as the cabinet expands its national dental care program, there are concerns that this large expense will end up being transferred to taxpayers [1].

The theory is that private employers may push their employees towards accessing the services provided by the national dental care plan. Therefore, instead of private employers footing the bill for dental care, the expense would be pushed onto taxpayers.

This was an unforeseen issue for policy makers. This development has the potential to lessen support for the dental plan amongst the sizeable population of taxpayers.

Discussion over concerns

In a recent meeting of the Senate Social Affairs committee, Director General Lindy Van Amburg was asked about the concerns [1]. Van Amburg agreed that it was “something we are concerned about” [1].

Van Amburg did show however that her committee are tackling the issue, saying that they “are looking at ways to make sure those who currently provide coverage will continue to do so” [1]. However, she did caution that they “will need to be very careful” when doing so [1].

The impact of Bill C-47

Bill C-47 of the Budget Implementation Act states that all employers offering dental coverage are required to report this to the Canada Revenue Agency by December 31st [1].

Van Amburg has said that this approach “recognizes employer-sponsored benefits are the largest source of dental coverage for Canadians” [1]. Moreover, she believes it will also help to solve a problem that means “currently there is no way to reliably determine who does and who does not have employment-offered coverage” [1].

Will private employers end dental coverage for employees?

It remains to be seen if private employers will seek to end dental coverage for their employees. This is of grave concern to the government, as public support for the dental plan is likely to fall if taxpayers need to pick up the expense.

Senator Sharon Burey asked if “there are any provisions or mechanisms” that the government could put in place to stop private employers stopping dental coverage. Furthermore, there have been suggestions that the Canadian Parliament could step in to force employers to keep their plans.

However, this would not be possible, as such matters are left to individual provinces and territories. Therefore, it is not within the federal government’s jurisdiction to make such laws or requirements.

Van Amburg has said that her team are looking at ways to track any cases of employers revoking their dental coverage. But putting this into practice is likely to be challenging.

It will be necessary to wait and see how private employers around Canada respond to these latest developments. If a trend develops where many private employers do revoke dental coverage, it will place pressure on the federal government to implement a strategy to stop this from happening further.

Thinking points…

1) Whether you have dental coverage or not, the same rule applies – oral health is very important! It is crucial that you have regular dental check-ups, as these will provide you with advice for your oral hygiene and information on how your oral health is. A dentist will also be able to look out for any signs of physical health problems. We recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Does your employer provide dental coverage? You could discuss this article and its implications with your family and friends. It would remind them of the importance of oral health – you would actually be helping their oral health! Moreover, it could also kick-start a conversation about the prospect of employer dental coverage ending. Why not share this article now and discuss it with those around you?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their 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] Oldcorn, C. (2023). Trudeau gov’t concerned companies may end dental, move to gov’t dental plan. Available: https://www.westernstandard.news/news/trudeau-gov-t-concerned-companies-may-end-dental-move-to-gov-t-dental-plan/article_a0b761be-fbd3-11ed-a076-b7cc0b59ad42.html. Last accessed: 2nd June 2023.

New Dental Care Plan: Did the Treasury Board “Act in Bad Faith”?
14May
A recent labour board ruling has found that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith by delaying negotiations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada in regards to the new dental care plan. This has led to accusations that the progress of this plan has been stalled intentionally. However, the Federal Government have now announced that it is appealing the ruling.

The Federal Government has announced that it is appealing a recent labour board ruling that found the Treasury Board acted in bad faith due to recent indiscretions with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

The finding was that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith by delaying negotiations regarding a new dental care plan with PSAC [1]. This allegation has resulted in debate and discussion regarding the situation.

The Ruling

In June 2022, PSAC filed a complaint against the Treasury Board [1]. This complaint came almost six months after the union approached the government to begin negotiations about the dental plan.

At the end of March, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board made a ruling that found that the Treasury Board had violated a section of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act [1].

The ruling stated that the Treasury Board had violated the aforementioned act by not agreeing to start negotiations for the renewal of the national dental plan while it pursued a benchmarking study on the topic at the time [1].

The implication is that the Treasury Board didn’t act fairly through their actions. However, this version of events is being challenged by the federal government.

Government’s appeal

The government have lodged an appeal against the ruling with the Federal Court of Appeal [1]. In their application, the government has stated that the Treasury Board invited PSAC to partake in the dental plan study on multiple occasions last May.

The Treasury Board has since said that the government has completed the benchmarking study – which is a contentious topic that has caused some problems.

Moreover, they state that the union declined this and instead filed a complaint that the government was failing to bargain in good faith with them [1]. Clearly, the government have a different set of events.

Continuing, the application of the government stated that the labour board rendered an “unreasonable decision” through its finding that “there was a breach of the duty to bargain in good faith” [1]. Moreover, the government also argued that it was unreasonable for the labour board to believe it was their jurisdiction to hear such a complaint.

PSAC’s response

PSAC have since said that its goal from the beginning was to get the Treasury Board to negotiate an update to the dental plan. Given that it represents almost 200,000 federal public service workers, this is understandable. Furthermore, they claim that the government has intentionally stalled this process [1].

PSAC has said that they contacted the government in an effort to arrange talks on the subject, but has not heard back [1]. The two sides seem to be at an impasse.

Impact on the dental care plan

Martin Potvin is the spokesperson for the Treasury Board. He commented on the situation, stating that the board “are committed to working towards a modernized Public Service Dental Care Plan that is science and evidence-based and supports employee wellness in a manner that is fair for employees and for all Canadians [1].

It does appear to have slowed down the progress of the dental plan. David Orfald of the labour board suggested that “because the parties have not been able to commence negotiations, they have not been able to engage in the rational dialogue they need to complete the renewal of the plan” [1].

What will happen next?

By lodging their appeal, the government is looking for an order to be made that sets aside the labour board’s original finding. They firmly believe that the Treasury Board did not act in bad faith [1].

PSAC remain adamant in their belief that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith. However, we will need to wait for the result of the appeal before any conclusions can be drawn.

There is currently no timeframe on when the Federal Court of Appeal will hear this case. Therefore, discussions and disagreements may be commonplace for some time.

Thinking Points

[1] The national dental care plan is proving to be a topic that is attracting substantial conversation. While we wait for the specific details of the plan to be worked out, it is important to not neglect your oral health in the meantime! Remember to attend dental appointments regularly as this will ensure your oral health is strong! Check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and provide treatment options if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] One of the potential causes of a lack of access to dental care concerns cost. Therefore, it is useful to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, this ensures that our prices are reliable, competitive and transparent. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon – find out more about us by visiting our website at the following link https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their 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] Morrison, C. (2023). Federal government appealing labour board ruling on dental plan negotiations between PSAC, Treasury Board. Available: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/feds-appealing-labour-board-ruling-on-dental-plan-negotiation-delays. Last accessed: 12th May 2023.

How Do Canadians Feel About Oral Healthcare in Canada?
17Apr
A new report has found that Canadians largely feel positive towards oral healthcare in Canada. Positives included the number of Canadians attending a dental clinic, strong frequency of visits and improvements in many areas compared to results from 2020. However, there were some negative findings which will provide policy makers with areas to improve upon going forward.

A new report conducted by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) has looked into how Canadians feel about the current oral healthcare situation across the nation.

This is a particularly relevant report, given how there has been a lot of change in oral healthcare within the last year. For example, the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions and the new Canadian Dental Benefit have changed the landscape of dentistry.

There are plenty of positive findings in the report. However, there are also some areas of concern which the CDHA and policy makers will aim to remedy in order to improve attitudes and opinions towards oral healthcare in the future.

The Report

The report was carried out with Abacus Data. It questioned 2,000 Canadians aged 18 and over on a variety of topics within oral healthcare in Canada.

Respondents were selected from across a wide range of ages, genders, demographics and regions in order to try and simulate a picture that represented the entirety of the Canadian population [1].

The positives

Arguably the main positive was the finding that 9 in 10 Canadians feel comfortable in attending a dental appointment [1]. This is despite lingering concerns about Covid-19.

As mentioned above, there have been several changes in oral healthcare in recent times, making this report important. For example, the Canadian Dental Benefit was launched under six months ago. Moreover, a larger National Dental Plan is gradually being implemented. In positive news, 80% of those surveyed supported the plan [1].

Frequency of visits was positive too. When respondents were asked when the last time was that they had accessed dental care, 49% responded “within the last 6 months” [1]. This suggests that almost half of Canadians are attending the dentist at least twice a year.

The report found that 7 in 10 Canadians visit an oral health professional at least once a year [1]. This was mainly for routine check-ups and exams. While this is somewhat low and isn’t an entirely positive finding, this still represents a good amount. It shows that the majority of Canadians do recognize the importance of oral health.

Moreover, 1 in 3 Canadians under the age of 30 have booked an appointment with a dental hygienist in the last year [1]. Dental hygienists can perform more specialized care and a deeper look at oral health. Additionally, 85% of Canadians that visited a dental hygienist say that they discussed oral health techniques – a 15% rise since 2020 [1]. Therefore, dental hygienist-related findings are very positive.

There are also signs that Canadians are feeling very positive about the future of oral healthcare in the country. For instance, the report found that 87% of Canadians believe the upcoming National Dental Care Plan will improve access to dental care services in Canada [1].

Another finding that was positive concerned sources of dental news. The report found that 70% of Canadians learn about oral health news from their dentist [1]. In an age where the internet is full of sensationalized articles and fake news, it is promising to see that many are using the most reliable source of all – a dental professional.

The negatives

However, while there are plenty of positives, there were some negatives. The report found that the number of Canadians with dental health benefits has actually decreased since 2020, with 32% of Canadians reporting having coverage [1]. This is a reduction from 40% in 2020 [1].

Moreover, the majority of Canadians feel that access to dental care in Canada is a severe problem for seniors [1]. This is a vulnerable population and it is critical that their needs are taken into account. Perceived problems included financial constraints, restricted mobility and a lack of awareness of the importance of oral health among this population [1].

There is also clearly a legacy being left behind by Covid-19. Despite the restrictions imposed as a result of the global pandemic being loosened in recent times, 1 in 4 Canadians report that their access to dental care continues to be different compared to pre-pandemic [1].

Then there was the finding that 3% of the respondents said that they were “not at all comfortable” in attending a dental appointment for reasons that had nothing to do with Covid-19 [1]. This shows that some people have strong reasons for not wanting to attend a dental clinic.

The future

The CDHA hope that the widening of the dental benefit and creation of the eventual National Dental Plan will result in more people benefiting from improved access to oral healthcare.

The CDHA, Canadian Dental Association and relevant policy makers will also surely attempt to implement changes based on the findings in this report.

They will hope that by doing so, future reports and surveys will produce an increased number of positive findings. Ensuring that Canadians are happy with oral healthcare is very important, with continuous improvements being made in recent years aiding this.

Anne Caissie, the President of the CDHA, was pleased with the findings, but highlighted that improvements are still needed [2]. Caissie said that the findings “show that Canadians acknowledge the need for improved access to oral health care services in this country” [2].

Furthermore, acknowledging the costs involved, Caissie mentioned that “access to care, especially for vulnerable populations, should not come down to the ability to pay” [2]. There is room for improvement, but there are many positives to take away from this report.

Thinking points…

1) The report found that some people believe there are financial constraints when trying to access dental care. With this in mind, it is useful for you to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our prices are fully transparent, competitive and reliable. You can find out more about us by looking on our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon!

2) An important finding was the frequency in which Canadians are visiting their dentist. We recommend that you attend a dental clinic for a check-up at least twice a year. This ensures that your dentist can get a thorough understanding of your oral health, provide advice, and identify problems if they exist. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment right away!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

[1] The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. (2023). Public Perceptions of State of Oral Health in Canada. Available: https://files.cdha.ca/profession/policy/public_opinion_survey_results_2023.pdf. Last accessed: 14th April 2023.

[2] The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. (2023). New Study Reveals Canadians’ Views on Strengths and Gaps in Oral Health Care Access. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/new-study-reveals-canadians-views-on-strengths-and-gaps-in-oral-health-care-access-1003972901/. Last accessed: 14th April 2023.

How Many Children Has Canada’s Interim Dental Benefit Helped So Far?
20Feb
The Canadian Dental Benefit has attracted a lot of interest, with many children already benefiting from the new plan. While the plan is just an interim benefit, it is already having a positive effect. Now, The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos and The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier have commented on the progress of the benefit.

The Canadian Federal Government’s dental benefit has been active for a few months now, and continues to achieve a strong uptake.

In the latest update, the Government have announced that the benefit has already helped more than 200,000 children – representing an excellent amount!

What is the Dental Benefit?

TThe benefit was rolled out on December 1st, with the intention of improving access to oral healthcare for children under the age of 12.
The benefit is for low or middle-income families with a child or children under the age of 12 [2]. Eligible families can receive up to $650 per child each year to assist with the cost of dental care.

The benefit is only a short-term measure, which came as a result of a compromise between the ruling Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party. The benefit forms part of their supply and confidence agreement.

Applications for the benefit can be made through the Canadian Revenue Agency [3]. The Agency outline during the application the information that is needed.

The latest update

TThe update came from The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos and The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier [1]. Duclos is the Minister of Health, while Lebouthillier is the Minister of National Revenue.
They said that the benefit has already helped “more than 200,000 children get brighter smiles and healthier teeth” [1].

The latest update also acknowledged the importance of oral health for children. They mentioned that oral health is “an essential factor to good overall health and quality of life” [1].

Moreover, they remarked that “children with healthy teeth and gums miss less school resulting in better grades” [1]. Furthermore, they stated that having access to quality oral healthcare meant that “pain and infections, potential problems with eating, speaking, playing, or learning” could be prevented [1].

The duo pointed out the range of positives that this benefit is providing children. The figure of 200,000 children represents a very good amount. Though the hope is that more children will benefit in the coming months.

The full-term dental benefit

TAs mentioned, this is only an interim dental benefit. The long-term aim will be for a more comprehensive national dental benefit, which is due to be in place by 2025.
This would mean that the wider public – including adults – would become eligible for the benefit. The hope is that this will result in an improvement in oral health for millions.

Duclos and Lebouthillier mentioned this. They stated that they are working on a “long-term Canada-wide dental care program to make quality oral health care within reach for families who need it most” [1].

It is great to see that there has already been many children positively affected by the interim dental benefit. This is hopefully a sign that Canada’s oral health will be improving markedly soon!

Thinking points…

T1) In the coming months, we are expecting to hear more about the long-term national dental benefit plan. But while this is something to look forward to, in the interim, we can’t afford to neglect any current problems there are. Therefore, it is very important to continue to attend regular dental appointments. These offer a great chance for a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment right away!

2) One of the reasons behind the strong uptake in this benefit is the cost of dental care in Canada – which is prohibitive for many people. However, here at Savanna Dental, we are pleased to say that our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are fully transparent, reliable and trustworthy. We would love you to visit us in our Calgary dental clinic soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

TSavanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their 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

T[1] Government of Canada. (2023). Message from the Minister of Health and the Minister of National Revenue. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/02/message-from-the-minister-of-health-and-the-minister-of-national-revenue.html. Last accessed: 16th February 2023.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 16th February 2023.

[3] Government of Canada. (2022). Canadian Dental Benefit How to apply. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Last accessed: 16th February 2023.

What Is the Long-Term Impact of Water Fluoridation on Children’s Oral Health?
21Nov
Recent research has found that Water Fluoridation has a positive impact on the long-term oral health of children. The research took place over a seven-year period. The results showed that those exposed to water fluoridation typically have stronger oral health than those who are not exposed to it. Therefore, these findings evidence the benefits of water fluoridation.

Recent research has analyzed the long-term impact that water fluoridation has on the oral health of children. The research took place over a seven-year period, and largely produced promising findings.

In positive news, the research team found that exposure to water fluoridation resulted in a “modest” benefit to the dental health of children [1].

What is Water Fluoridation?

Water fluoridation refers to the process of adding a small concentration of Fluoride into the public water supply [2].

Fluoride has been praised for instigating a strong reduction in cavities [3]. Furthermore, it is seen as a crucial ingredient in oral health, and can help keep our teeth strong.

However, water fluoridation is a controversial topic that has caused heated debate. For example, many countries have banned its use. Controversies involve the ethics of water fluoridation, the dangers of over-exposure to fluoride and the issue over a lack of choice.

How did the Research work?

The research was led by the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Now, their findings have been published in the Public Health Research journal [1].

This was an important study, as it presented researchers with a chance to complete a first-of-its-kind study, which produced a contemporary review of the effects of the initiation of a water fluoridation scheme in the UK since fluoride toothpaste became widely available in the 1970s [1].

The study assessed the dental health of two cohorts of young children over a six year period. The children were based in two parts of Cumbria – a county in England. In 2013 fluoride was reintroduced to the water supply [1].

One group, consisting of 1,144 participants, were born after 2013 [1]. Therefore, these were five/six years of age by the conclusion of the study.

The other group had been born in 2008 or 2009. There were 1,192 children in this group. Therefore, this cohort were aged 10 or 11 by the conclusion of the study [1].

Adopting such an approach ensured that one group would be exposed purely to fluoridated water. However, the other group would have reached the age of 5 before being introduced to fluoridated water.

This arrangement would ensure that the researchers would be able to compare the oral health of the two groups.

To measure the results, dental teams carried out regular dental examinations on the children [1]. Moreover, pictures were taken. These images were blinded to the fluoridation status of each participant to remove any potential issue of bias.

The Results

The results were interesting. In the cohort that had been exposed to fluoridated water, 17.4% of the children had decayed, filled or missing milk teeth [1].

However, in the cohort that had not benefitted from water fluoridation, 21.4% of the children had decayed, filled or missing milk teeth [1].

Therefore, there was a 4% reduction in teeth problems – with those in areas with water fluoridation having less problems [1].

These results are unsurprising, and are consistent with other findings. For example, in general, since fluoride was first introduced 40 years ago, the number of children affected by tooth decay has fallen dramatically [1].

The impact on the NHS

Dental fees are not free, unlike the majority of healthcare in the United Kingdom. However, free dental care is available for pregnant women and those on a low-income.

But dental pain often results in people seeking help in Accident & Emergency departments, rather than dental clinics. Consequently, this costs the United Kingdom’s NHS a substantial amount [4].

Therefore, another positive finding with this study was that the researchers believed that water fluoridation was a cost-effective way of reducing some of the money spent on dental caries by the NHS – which equates to around £1.7billion per year [5].

Author Comments

The authors of the research commented on the findings. They noted that tooth decay is typically worse in disadvantaged groups and vulnerable populations [5].

With this in mind, Professor Mike Kelly noted that “health inequalities are a feature of all societies, including the UK” [5]. Continuing, he said that “the most disadvantaged communities and the excess number of children having general anesthetics each year still needs to be addressed” [5].

Therefore, Kelly said that there is a “need to continually look at measures which can help prevent the unnecessary burden of pain and suffering” of this group [5].

But the authors were slightly surprised that the amount in difference between the two groups wasn’t higher than 4% [5]. There seemed to be a general expectation that water fluoridation’s impact would be more noticeable.

Summary

This is a positive finding. Water fluoridation does appear to have a strong effect on the oral health of children. Childhood is a crucial time for oral health, as they can get into strong habits that can carry them through life.

These findings may result in more of an uptake of water fluoridation – both around the United Kingdom and further abroad.

Thinking points…

1) It is important as adults to set a good example to children. As part of this, we should ensure that we demonstrate strong oral hygiene in front of them, which includes brushing frequently. This will help children to get into good habits that can help their oral health throughout life. A crucial part of oral health is to visit a dentist for a check-up at least twice a year. We recommend booking one soon!

2) As this research shows, fluoride is very important for oral health. Therefore, at a minimum, remember to use fluoridated toothpaste. As well as this, remember to try and avoid sugar where possible. If you need some advice on your oral health, or have any questions about it, why not have a discussion with your dentist? They will be able to assist you and help where possible.

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 very important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink can be helpful.

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, teeth whitening and Invisalign[TM]! 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] Goodwin, M., Emsley, R., Kelly, M. P., Sutton, M., Tickle, M., Walsh, T., Whittaker, W., & Pretty, I. A. (2022). Evaluation of water fluoridation scheme in Cumbria: the CATFISH prospective longitudinal cohort study. Public Health Research. 10 (11). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3310/SHMX1584.

[2] 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.

[3] 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.

[4] Nsubuga, J. (2017). People who go to A&E with toothaches are ‘costing NHS up to £18m a year’. Available: https://metro.co.uk/2017/01/07/people-who-go-to-ae-with-toothaches-are-costing-nhs-up-to-18m-a-year-6367655/. Last accessed: 18th November 2022.

[5] Addelman, M. (2022). Study sheds new light on benefits of water fluoridation to children. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-11-benefits-fluoridation-children.html. Last accessed: 18th November 2022.