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How Does Canada Rank Globally for Managing Tooth Decay?
26May
A new global report has ranked how 40 nations around the world manage tooth decay. Tooth decay causes a range of problems and its management is important, as it can lessen economic burden and promote strong oral hygiene. The results were positive for Canada. The report also provided a range of recommendations for further improvements.

A new report has been published which has analyzed and ranked how 40 countries around the world manage tooth decay [1].

Tooth decay causes significant productivity losses and problems for the workforce and the global economy. Therefore, managing tooth decay effectively is important for nations.

Canada ranked in the top three, which is very positive. However, there is room for improvement for the nation, with the aim of lessening tooth decay rates.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is the most common oral disease in the world. It affects approximately 2.3 billion people around the world [2].

Tooth decay is typically caused by factors like poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, or a lack of exposure to fluoride. It affects people all around the globe.

Bacteria in the mouth breaks down food debris or sugar, which results in acid being form. Acid breaks down enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Eventually, a cavity will develop, which results in a filling being needed.

However, tooth decay is largely preventable. Many nations do not have a preventative approach towards tooth decay, resulting in problems affecting the workforce and wider economy.

The Report

The global report was published as part of the Health Inclusivity Index, which is a research initiative by Economist Impact [1].

The report involved 40 nations from across all six inhabited continents. Some of the world’s biggest nations were included in the analysis [1].

Canada ranked third out of the 40 nations in managing tooth decay [1]. This is a positive finding, which suggests that Canada is taking oral health seriously and making steps towards lessening the damage of tooth decay.

However, Canada still loses $606 million in productivity each year due to untreated or poorly managed tooth decay [1]. So there is clearly room for improvement.

The United States finished first out of the 40 nations [1]. This is very good to see, considering the large population of the nation. Hopefully, they will continue to manage tooth decay effectively.

Switzerland finished second in the study. The United Kingdom placed fourth, with Australia finishing fifth [1]. These rankings were based on the per-person costs of managing tooth decay among those aged 12 to 65.

The report found that preventive approaches towards oral problems could achieve a 30% reduction in tooth decay for those aged 12-65 [1].

Interestingly, the report also found that tooth decay disproportionately affects those with low income.

The impact of tooth decay

The report found that tooth decay causes a significant economic burden. For example, the lifetime costs across all 40 nations are estimated to be $977.9 billion [1]. This is a staggering amount.

The report suggests that improving oral health through improved education and access to preventative care could reduce lifetime tooth decay costs by $196 billion [1].

In Canada alone, this would save $3.2 billion, according to the report. It could save the United States $34.9 billion – representing a significant saving [1].

As mentioned above, tooth decay disproportionately affects low-income individuals. Therefore, the report suggests that having a specific focus on low-income groups could almost double savings – with the report estimating that this could result in a $358 billion saving [1].

The report suggests that in Canada, targeting low-income Canadians could save $5.9 billion [1]. This could help to lessen the disparity between those with different incomes.

These are significant savings. The money saved could be used in better ways, such as improving oral health education and funding important research into oral health advancements.

Recommendations

The report provided a range of recommendations. Overall, the authors urged nations to “take a broad-based approach to preventing tooth decay” [1].

The report suggests that “raising awareness of the need for oral hygiene is essential, such as encouraging people to brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and eat a healthier diet with less foods that are high in sugar” [1].

This could be supported by wider preventive efforts like anti-smoking legislation, water fluoridation, and taxing sugary drinks [1].

But the authors state that such actions cannot be achieved solely by dentists. Instead, they argue that countries and governments need to act. Improving access to a wider range of oral professionals, like hygienists, can also help [1].

Tooth decay and other oral health problems also cause a wider problem, including their subsequent impact on physical health problems.

For example, the report found that better management of gum disease could prevent 57 million cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide. Moreover, this would generate around $250 billion in economic gains over approximately 10 years [1].

In conclusion, the report makes it abundantly clear that tooth decay causes a range of problems. Prevention is crucial and could result in huge economic savings.

Hopefully we will see awareness of the importance of oral hygiene improve around the world, which should result in widescale benefits to the health for the world’s population.

Thinking points…

[1] The report underlines the problems that tooth decay cause. One of the most important aspects of managing tooth decay is early intervention. The sooner that decay is spotted, the more time there is to manage its development. At dental check-ups, a dentist will check for tooth decay and provide advice on its management, or treatment if necessary. Therefore, we recommend that you book an appointment soon!

[2] The report provided many recommendations to governments and health policymakers around the world. But they also provided recommendations for the general public to prevent tooth decay. These included brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, cutting back on sugar, consuming fluoridated water, and attending regular dental check-ups. Have a think – how many of these recommendations are you following? Try to follow them all!

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] Economist Impact. (2025). Health Inclusivity Index: Examining the economics of Health Inclusivity. Available: https://impact.economist.com/projects/health-inclusivity-index/inclusivity-topics/health-inclusivity-and-economy. Last accessed: 23rd May 2025.

[2] FDI World Dental Federation. (2021). About Oral Health. Available:

What Role Could Dental Clinics Play in Vaccine Uptake in Children?
19May
Childhood vaccinations have been steadily declining in recent years. While numerous reasons have been put forward to explain this, health professionals have said a decline in non-emergency visits to medical facilities is a leading cause. Therefore, to reverse this decline in uptake, there has been research into the possibility of dental clinics playing a role in vaccination uptake.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, federal data has revealed that childhood vaccinations have been declining. Health professionals have attributed this predominantly to a decline in non-emergency visits to medical facilities due to the pandemic.

But with vaccinations being important in terms of protecting people and the wider public from serious diseases, a decline in their use can cause substantial societal problems.

Now, in an effort to reverse the trend, research has looked into the possibility of dental clinics playing a role in the uptake of childhood vaccinations [1].

Declining vaccination rates

The World Health Organization say that vaccines “reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection” [2].

Immunization is seen as a global health success story and has been lifesaving for millions of people. Some conditions and diseases, such as smallpox, have been eradicated through vaccines. Incidences of other diseases have reduced significantly due to vaccinations.

Childhood vaccinations were common practice for several decades. But in recent years, the number of children being vaccinated has been lowering [3].

This is believed to be in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as less children have been accessing non-emergency visits to medical facilities. Moreover, vaccine misinformation, concerns over the side effects of some of the Covid-19 vaccines, and arguments over bodily autonomy have all played a role in falling immunization numbers.

The most contentious vaccine has been the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine – known as the MMR vaccine. Vaccine sceptics have associated the MMR vaccine with the onset of Autism, though the scientific consensus is that no such connection exists [4].

In the United States, The first dose of the MMR vaccine was missed by 22 million children in 2023, a rise from 19.3 million in 2019 [2].

Local outbreaks of Measles have become common in recent years, with this believed in part to be due to the falling vaccination rates. The state of Texas is currently battling with an outbreak [5].

In an effort to improve vaccination rates, it has been suggested that dental clinics could assist. It is a proposition which could have a very positive impact.

A role to play for dental clinics

A team of academics sought to assist in this effort by hypothesizing that an integration between medical and dental care could be helpful. Their findings have been published in the Pediatrics journal [1].

The team explained that children over the age of 9 generally visit the dentist more than the medical providers that would typically administer routine vaccinations [1].

They set up a study that took place between June 2021 and May 2023. The study was based in family health centers in Colorado, which meant dental care and vaccines could be administered in one location [1].

These family health centers were key to medical-dental integration as the researchers explained that a medical assistant could administer a vaccine straight after a dental check-up [1].

Furthermore, the researchers noted that this approach allowed dentists to access the electronic health record system that is used by wider health professionals – meaning that they could view a patient’s immunization record [1].

The researchers found that this integrated model resulted in a 5% increase in vaccines given in 2021 compared to 2020. This was particularly impressive given the restrictions caused by Covid-19 at the time.

The team enjoyed particular success with an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. Impressively, the vaccination rate at eligible visits increased from 5.3% in 2021 to 13.9% in 2023 [1].

In the study, any patient that was attending a dental check-up that was eligible for the HPV vaccine had the chance to have the vaccine on the same day [1].

The researchers noted that the HPV vaccine can be challenging to administer or talk about due to the sexual nature of the virus [1]. Therefore, they were particularly pleased with these results.

The researchers concluded that an approach of integrating medical and dental appointments could be highly effective for vaccine uptake.

Summary

Overall, a “one-stop shop” approach to dentistry and vaccinations can clearly be effective. In this example, vaccination rates rose strongly.

With vaccination numbers in children falling in recent years, this approach of integration could help to reverse this trend. Therefore, this would help to protect more people from these terrible conditions and diseases.

Jessica Jack is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine. She served as the lead researcher and commented on the results.

Jack said that “there are many hoops to jump through, but it could be a great way to increase access to vaccines” [6].

Continuing, Jack said that the key question going forward for the “next phase of medical-dental integration” is “can we get standalone dental practices to get this up and running” [6].

If this is possible, then there could be widescale improvements in vaccine uptake. Increased vaccine uptake can protect millions and save countless lives.

Thinking points…

[1] This research is further evidence of the connection between physical and oral health. Many people don’t realize, but dentists are trained to spot the signs of some physical health conditions during check-ups. Therefore, it is crucial to attend a dental check-up not just for your oral health, but your wider health too! At a check-up, a dentist will be able to assess your oral health and look for the signs of physical health problems too. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

[2] Do you have any children? If so, this research shows how useful childhood dental visits are. By taking children to dental appointments from a young age, it means that they will get into good habits that will hopefully serve them well in future life. Just like adults, they should attend a dental check-up at least once every six months. Why not book a check-up 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[TM]! 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] Jack, J. L., Stein, A. B., Podewils, L. J. (2025). Improving Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Administration Using Medical-Dental Integration. Pediatrics. 155 (4): e2024066639. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-066639.

[2] World Health Organiation. (2023). Vaccines and immunization. Available: https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization. Last accessed: 16th May 2025.

[3] Hill, H. A., Yankey, D., Elam-Evans, L. D., et al. (2024). Decline in Vaccination Coverage by Age 24 Months and Vaccination Inequities Among Children Born in 2020 and 2021 – National Immunization Survey-Child, United States, 2021-2023. MMWR: Morbidity and mortality weekly report. 73 (38): p844-853. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7338a3.

[4] DeStefano, F., & Shimabukuro, T. T. (2019). The MMR Vaccine and Autism. Annual Review of Virology. 6 (1): p585-600. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-virology-092818-015515.

[5] Texas Health and Human Services. (2025). Measles Outbreak – May 16, 2025. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025. Last accessed: 17th May 2025.

[6] Mason, K. (2025). To increase childhood vaccine uptake, researchers look to dental visits. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-childhood-vaccine-uptake-dental.html. Last accessed: 16th May 2025.

What Is the Current State of Dental Health in Canada for Those Aged 50 to 64?
12May
It has been announced that Canadians aged 55 to 64 can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This means that a large cohort has now become eligible for the plan. But what do the statistics say about the oral health of this age group? Now, with newly released data, we can see where the different strengths and weaknesses lie for the oral health of this age group.

In a landmark moment, Canadians aged 55 to 64 can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), with Prime Minister Mark Carney confirming this [1].

This marks a large cohort of people that can receive dental care under the federal plan. It also demonstrates the recently elected federal government’s commitment towards oral healthcare in Canada.

With the CDCP continuing its expansion, and with the most recent federal election behind us, now is a good chance to take a look at the current state of dental health in Canada for this age group.

Using data provided by Statistics Canada, there are a series of statistics available that show where the strengths and weaknesses lie in Canada’s oral healthcare system for those aged 50-64 [1].

A lack of dental coverage

The need for further dental assistance for this age group is demonstrated by the lack of dental coverage.

For example, statistics show that almost 66% of Canadians have either private or public dental insurance, though 27.8% of those aged 50 to 64 do not have any coverage at all [1].

This is concerning and suggests that many people in this age group do not receive adequate dental care, or no dental care at all. Therefore, some people have not had a dental appointment for several years.

Pain and avoiding food

Another concerning statistic revolves around issues with eating and pain. Due to oral health problems, some people resort to avoiding certain foods. Others experience persistent pain.

The statistics show that 20.2% of the 50 to 64 age group avoid eating certain foods due to mouth problems [1]. This marks an increase compared to the national average of 15.6%.

Women are likelier than men to have this problem, with 22.3% of women reporting avoiding food, compared to 18% of men [1].

In terms of pain, unfortunately some people live with persistent oral pain. This disproportionately affects the 50-64 age group, with 25.2% of this group experiencing this, which is higher than the 21.6% national average [1].

Having no teeth

A significant oral health problem is edentulism – also known as not having any natural teeth. This is normally due to extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or trauma.

Unsurprisingly, the highest rate of edentulism is among those aged 65 and older, with 13.8% of people in this group afflicted [1].

However, 2.3% of those aged 50 to 64 also have no natural teeth remaining [1]. Therefore, it still affects this age group.

Fortunately, options are available, including dentures and implants. While these are reactive measures, they can still be a strong solution.

Signs of improvement

But despite the negatives, there are some positives too. This involves high rates of flossing, brushing, and visiting a dentist among this group.

The statistics show that approximately 30% of Canadians floss five or more times per week. However, in the 50-64 age group, this is 38.3%, with women (43.1%) particularly performing well [1].

Moreover, almost 74% of people in the 50-64 age group reported brushing at least twice daily. Again, this is higher than the national average of 70% [1].

Perhaps the most positive statistic is that an impressive 76.7% of Canadians aged 50-64 visit a dental professional at least once per year [1]. This is an improvement on the national average.

Finally, only 0.4% of those aged 50-64 have never visited a dental professional, which is below the national average [1]. This is positive to see, as seeing a dentist regularly is crucial!

Provincial differences

The data also provides some interesting insights into how the various provinces rank. Unsurprisingly, provinces that have high density levels tend to perform well – with there typically being strong supply in such areas [1].

However, in provinces with more rural areas, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan, the statistics are typically less positive [1].

This is unsurprising though, given the well-established oral health disparity that exists between urban and rural areas in Canada [2].

Summary

So while there is room for improvement in the 55-64 age bracket, hopefully the CDCP will help to alleviate some of the concerns.

With this age bracket now receiving care, the focus will now turn to the younger group’s eligibility for the plan. Carney has provided some positive news.

Carney has said that “in the coming weeks, applications will open to Canadians aged 18-54” [3]. Continuing, he says that “because of this plan, millions of people can now afford to see a dentist — some for the first time in decades. Soon, millions more will get that same care” [3].

So dental healthcare continues to go in the right direction in Canada. The new government seems to care a lot about dental care, with the early signs being positive.

Hopefully, with more and more people becoming eligible for care, we will see a concerted improvement in oral health across Canada.

Thinking points…

[1] Regardless of your age, one of the most important aspects we mentioned above is attending regular dental check-ups! At a check-up, a dentist can provide advice on your oral health, check for any problems, and suggest treatment if needed. It is important to attend a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] The statistics show that edentulism – or not having any natural teeth – affects many people. There are treatments available for this though, with dental implants being a great solution for many people. Implants are artificial teeth that look natural, are long-lasting, and can improve your self-esteem. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a free dental implant consultation for our patients! For further details and to book an appointment, please see our website – https://savannadentalclinic.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] Statistics Canada. (2025). Selected indicators of oral health in Canada. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2024028-eng.htm. Last accessed: 9th May 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] Oral Health. (2025). Mouth pain keeps some from eating — here’s what the dental data says as CDCP opens to Canadians 55 to 64. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/mouth-pain-keeps-some-from-eating-heres-what-the-dental-data-says-as-cdcp-opens-to-canadians-55-to-64-1003986452/. Last accessed: 9th May 2025.

What Factors Influence the Effectiveness of Clear Aligners?
5May
Clear aligners are incredibly popular and have provided millions of people with improvements to their teeth’s positioning and appearance. But while most people have positive treatment outcomes, this isn’t always the case. Now, a research team has sought to create a standardized approach that can increase the chances of all patients receiving excellent treatment outcomes.

Clear aligners continue to grow in popularity and are becoming increasingly common. In fact, they are transforming orthodontic care.

Clear aligners work discreetly to slowly align teeth that are misaligned – known as malocclusion. They have transformed the appearance of many people’s teeth.

However, some challenges do exist with clear aligners, and they are not always effective. There are some factors that can impact their effectiveness.

Now, new research has looked into creating an approach that ensures more predictable results and strong treatment outcomes.

Clear Aligners

The global market for clear aligners has been growing significantly in recent years. The global market size was an estimated $6.51 billion in 2024 [2].

Clear aligners are custom made to fit the exact measurements of a patient’s teeth. Then over time, aligners apply consistent pressure to guide teeth into their ideal location.

As mentioned, clear aligners aim to fix misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth not only affect the appearance of a person’s teeth, but they also impact the functioning of teeth. This can cause difficulties in eating and swallowing in some cases.

The process of aligning takes time, but can produce very effective results. Unfortunately, not everyone will see an improvement in their appearance.

Because clear aligners rely on elastic forces to work, this can complicate complex corrections. Their effectiveness also requires a patient to follow instructions. Moreover, anatomical limitations can further impact their effectiveness [1].

The challenges mentioned above have, according to researchers, necessitated the need for a standardized approach towards clear aligners to ensure better results.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from Sichuan University in China. Their findings have been published in the International Journal of Oral Science [1].

The researchers were aiming to create a standardized approach, which involved coming up with a consensus on best practices [1].

The researchers noted through their analysis that there are strengths and weaknesses to clear aligners. Predicting movements like molar distalization and expansion were praised as strengths [1].

However, the researchers noticed during their analysis that mechanical elements had some limitations. For example, these included torque control and extrusion [1].

The researchers developed a tool called CAT-CAT, with CAT standing for “clear aligner treatment” [1]. This tool grades cases into four levels of difficulty – easy, moderate, difficult, and challenging [1].

Therefore, this tool can be used by clinicians to plan treatment for their patients. Depending on the level of challenge that a patient’s teeth present, a different strategy can be followed [1].

For example, in complex – or ‘challenging’ – cases, the model recommends staged movements, mini-implants and overcorrection designs [1].

Furthermore, the researchers have emphasized the importance of making specific considerations for every patient. Adolescent growth potential and existing gum health should be monitored closely [1].

The researchers also suggest that 3D modelling should be used when possible, as this can enhance precision and personalize treatment to produce optimum results [1].

Overall, the researchers were pleased to reach a consensus. This consensus has the potential to have a large impact and should offer a framework for clinical aligner use worldwide [1].

The researchers believe that the CAT-CAT tool can help to tailor treatments, reduce trial and error approaches, and improve treatment outcomes [1]. Therefore, their work has numerous benefits for everyone involved.

Summary

The researchers hope that their analysis of different tooth movements and solutions for common complications can result in improvements in patient outcomes.

Professor Wenli Lai was one of the authors of the study and has commented on the findings. Lai says that “our consensus provides a roadmap for clinicians to navigate complexities,” which can lead to “predictable and efficient outcomes” [3].

Continuing, Lai said that “by integrating advanced digital planning and patient-specific strategies, we can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology” [3].

The researchers hope that they can further refine and develop the CAT-CAT tool in the future. They have proposed utilizing artificial intelligence-driven planning as a future area of development [3].

This is a very positive development. A critical part of any clear aligner treatment is the patient’s experience. By producing a standardized approach, this should improve the results for patients.

Thinking points…

[1] As discussed above, clear aligners are incredibly popular and are very effective. One of the best-known and popular clear aligner brands is Invisalign™. Invisalign™ offers a range of benefits, with these aligners straightening teeth over time, with their clear colour meaning that they are often unnoticeable. Here at our Calgary based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free Invisalign™ consultations! We would love to have a discussion with you about this, to find out more and to book a free consultation, you can visit our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

[2] In terms of your overall oral health, it is important to remember that irrespective of if you have straight or misaligned teeth – it is crucial to look after your oral health! Therefore, make sure you take strong care of your teeth. One aspect of this involves attending the dentist regularly for a dental check-up. At a check-up, a dentist can take a thorough look at your mouth and provide you with advice and information. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!

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] Wang, Y., Long, H., Zhao, Z., et al. (2025). Expert consensus on the clinical strategies for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. International Journal of Oral Science. 17 (19). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-025-00350-2.

[2] Grand View Research. (2024). Clear Aligners Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Age (Adults, Teens), By Material (Polyurethane, Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), By End-use, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 – 2030. Available: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/clear-aligners-market. Last accessed: 2nd May 2025.

[3] Chinese Academy of Sciences. (2025). From aesthetics to precision: How clear aligners are transforming orthodontic care. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-aesthetics-precision-aligners-orthodontic.html. Last accessed: 2nd May 2025.

Why Is It Important To Ignore TikTok When It Comes to Filing Teeth?
28Apr
A worrying trend on TikTok has emerged which involves so-called ‘influencers’ promoting filing teeth to achieve an improved smile. With many impressionable teenagers using the app, there are concerns that many people are unknowingly putting their teeth at significant risk of harm. Instead, seeking help from a professional dentist for cosmetic dentistry is important.

TikTok is one of the most widely used social media platforms. It features videos on just about any topic, from clips of old TV shows to cute animal videos, the app has almost anything you can think of.

Among the most popular videos on the app revolve around beauty and cosmetic treatments. Unfortunately, the app contains some harmful information and so-called tutorials when it comes to perceived teeth problems.

One of the biggest issues currently concerns a worrying trend of ‘influencers’ on the app filing teeth in an effort to make their smile look more complete [1]. Unfortunately, this is leading impressionable teenagers and young adults to put their teeth at serious risk of harm as they seek to copy what they see on the app.

Therefore, it is very important to ignore such trends and instead seek professional help from a dentist if anyone wishes to change the appearance of their teeth or smile.

Concerning trends

As of February 2025, TikTok has around 1.59 billion active monthly users, making it one of the world’s most popular social media platforms [2].

As mentioned, there are a huge range of videos on teeth and smiles. This is part of a wider trend of what has been called “DIY Dentistry” – which involves influencers on the app showing allegedly easy, low-cost and safe ways of improving the appearance of their teeth.

However, these methods are typically dangerous and often result in negative results, trauma to the teeth, pain, and emergency room visits.

Among the concerning trends have been using bleach to whiten teeth, sticking tooth gems to teeth, “healthy” cola, adding lemon juice to water, and even using tooth replacement kits. These trends all risk significant damage to the teeth.

With TikTok being particularly popular among teenagers and young adults, these trends are even more concerning, due to this group being very impressionable and likelier to engage in these concerning practices.

This is even more so the case given that young people often struggle with self-esteem issues and are exposed to many people with supposedly ‘perfect’ teeth.

The new trend of tooth filing

Now, a new trend has emerged. This trend involves users promoting the action of filing their teeth to achieve a straighter looking smile [1].

This often involves people using a nail file to file jagged edges off their teeth [1]. While this may seem innocuous to some, it is actually very risky.

Filing teeth unprofessionally often results in enamel either being exposed or even destroyed. This can lead to the nerves becoming exposed.

This can become a dental emergency and will cause excruciating pain for anyone. Moreover, the damage is often only reversable through expensive treatments.

Dentists and filing teeth

Teeth can be filed, but it should only ever be done by a professional dentist. Dentists occasionally file a tooth’s enamel, but they do so in a very conservative way and is typically only reserved for evening out a smile [1].

Filing is done carefully, and is only ever limited to the superficial enamel layer of the tooth, thus not exposing any nerves and maintaining the health of the tooth.

But as mentioned, this isn’t routinely done by dentists. This is because of the risks involved with filing teeth.

Enamel does not self-repair. When our teeth emerge in childhood, enamel-making cells automatically die [1]. So once enamel is penetrated, other layers of the teeth are uncovered.

The enamel will not regrow. So when a tooth’s enamel is breached and not sealed with a filling, the tooth’s nerve can become exposed. The person will experience throbbing pain.

Safe ways of changing the look of teeth

The most important factor when looking into changing the appearance of teeth is to ensure that only a professional dentist carries out the work.

It is understandable that people want to change the appearance of their teeth – this is why cosmetic treatments are so popular. It is very normal to seek minor corrections.

Braces are a very effective treatment. They can move teeth, helping to reposition the teeth, jaws and cheeks. Many people have braces in their younger years, but some adults opt for them.

This is especially the case in the rise of clear aligners like Invisalign™, which discreetly straightens teeth without needing wires or brackets like fixed braces.

Whitening teeth kits also exist. But it is important to only purchase these through legitimate websites or dentists, in order to ensure the ingredients are safe. Improving the shade of teeth is highly sought after.

Existing amalgam fillings can be changed to composite fillings, offering a whiter and more natural look to the filling. Bonding can also help to improve the shape of teeth. Moreover, while they are an expensive option, veneers can also be very effective.

It is important to discuss your options with a dentist. They will be able to advise and come up with a treatment plan if needed.

Overall, we need to remember to look after our teeth. Ignoring harmful trends is important and can help to protect your teeth. By doing so, it can help to maintain and contribute towards strong oral health.

Thinking points…

[1] We mentioned above about the popularity of clear aligners like Invisalign™. Invisalign™ offers a range of benefits, with these aligners straightening teeth over time, with their clear colour meaning that they are often unnoticeable. Here at our Calgary based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free Invisalign™ consultations! Therefore, you can come and have a discussion with us, where we can discuss your options. To find out more and to book a free consultation, you can visit our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

[2] Do you have children that regularly use TikTok? Unfortunately, it is possible that they are exposed to harmful content like this. It might be worth having a conversation with them to warn them of the damages of “DIY dentistry.” You could even show them this article; it will make them aware of the importance of leaving tooth corrections to professionals!

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] Weerakoon, A. (2025). Want straighter teeth or a gap between? Don’t believe TikTok—filing them isn’t the answer. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-straighter-teeth-gap-dont-tiktok.html. Last accessed: 25th April 2025.

[2] Statista. (2025). Most popular social networks worldwide as of February 2025, by number of monthly active users. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/. Last accessed: 25th April 2025.

How Have Scientists Grown Human Teeth in a Lab for the First Time?
20Apr
New research has led to teeth being grown in a laboratory for the first time. This landmark moment could have a big impact on dentistry and potentially offer a new treatment for those with missing teeth. While further research is needed, this is a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to find a way to get teeth to repair and regenerate themselves.

Our teeth are one of the most important parts of our body. Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, teeth can fall out or be extracted. Currently, for those missing teeth options are limited.

However, this may soon change, as in an exciting announcement, scientists from the United Kingdom have announced that they have grown human teeth in a lab for the first time [1].

This is an incredible finding, which could have wide-ranging implications for the future of oral health. It could result in lab-grown teeth being able to replace natural human teeth.

Background

Adults typically have 32 teeth. Teeth have a wide variety of roles, as well as obviously helping us eat, they help us to talk and even breathe.

Unfortunately, it is rather common for adults to lose one or more teeth. This could be due to extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or trauma.

In fact, research shows that in the United States, the average number of natural teeth left by the time someone makes it to the age of 64 is 23.4 [2]. Therefore, tooth loss affects a range of people.

Dental implants and dentures have offered solutions in the past. While they are effective, they can also be costly, which stops some people from accessing this treatment.

Therefore, having other alternatives is desirable. Scientists have been trying for a long time to grow teeth in a laboratory. Now, there appears to have been a development.

The Research

The research was carried out by King’s College London in the United Kingdom. Their findings were published in the ACS Macro Letters journal [1].

Scientists at King’s College London have been exploring the potential of lab-grown teeth for over a decade [1]. They were finally able to make a breakthrough recently.

Currently, when a tooth becomes decayed, a filling is used. However, fillings weaken tooth structure over time and rarely last forever [1]. Implants can be used when whole teeth are missing, but they do not restore natural tooth function either.

Therefore, the aim has always been to get teeth to repair and regenerate themselves naturally [1].

But finding the exact environment and conditions needed to grow teeth in a lab has proven challenging. This has now seemingly changed.

The researchers have been able to introduce a special type of material that enables cells to communicate between each other [1]. Therefore, this means that one cell can ‘tell’ another cell to start differentiating into a tooth cell [1].

Incredibly, this means that the environment of growing teeth is mimicked. Therefore, scientists can recreate the process of tooth development in a laboratory [1].

The new material releases the signals that the cells use to communicate with each other slowly over time, rather than all at once [1]. This has proven to be a key reason for the success of this research, as this replicates what happens naturally.

The material takes the form of a hydrogel. In this study, the researchers prepared the hydrogel by mixing gelatin precursors that had been modified either with tetrazine or norbornene moieties [1].

The researchers were able to conclude that lab-grown teeth made from a patient’s own cells could integrate seamlessly into the mouth and repair themselves like a natural tooth [1].

Summary

This advancement marks the outcome of considerable research. It is a very important update and has the potential to have a big impact on dentistry.

It effectively means that in the future, humans may be able to replace lost teeth with a natural tooth using their own cells. This would be very positive and help those with missing teeth.

Xuechen Zhang of the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences of King’s College London, was the lead researcher. He commented on the findings [3].

Zhang said “lab-grown teeth would naturally regenerate, integrating into the jaw as real teeth. They would be stronger, longer lasting, and free from rejection risks, offering a more durable and biologically compatible solution than fillings or implants” [3].

The researchers pointed out that the next big challenge will be to work out how to get teeth from the laboratory to the mouth of patients [1]. But the good news is that the research suggests that teeth can integrate well into mouths.

Xuechen spoke about this challenge and said that the team “have different ideas to put the teeth inside the mouth,” which includes “transplanting the young tooth cells at the location of the missing tooth and let them grow inside [the] mouth” [3].

Furthermore, Xuechen said “alternatively, we could create the whole tooth in the lab before placing it in the patient’s mouth,” though he noted that “for both options, we need to start the very early tooth development process in the lab” [3].

While further research is needed, this is an exciting development and underlines the potential that research into regenerative dentistry can yield.

Thinking points…

1) This is a very exciting update and underlines the great work that scientists are producing. However, if you look after your teeth, hopefully you won’t need to worry about lab-grown teeth! A good way of aiding your oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, a dentist can take a thorough look at your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!

2) While we wait for further progress on lab-grown teeth, there is a useful and effective alternative available for missing teeth – dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth that look and act like a real tooth. They look natural, are easy to fit, and tend to last many years. Here at Savanna Dental, we offer a free dental implant consultation for our patients. To find out more and to book an appointment, please see our website – https://savannadentalclinic.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] Zhang, X., Negrini, N. C., Correia, R., et al. (2024). Generating Tooth Organoids Using Defined Bioorthogonally Cross-Linked Hydrogels. ACS Macro Letters. 13 (12): p1620-1626. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00520.

[2] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2022). Tooth Loss in Adults (Age 20 to 64). Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/adults. Last accessed: 17th April 2025.

[3] Volponi, A. A. (2025). Lab-grown teeth might become an alternative to fillings following research breakthrough. Available: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/lab-grown-teeth-might-become-an-alternative-to-fillings-following-research-breakthrough. Last accessed: 17th April 2025.