Tag: dental care

The Federal Government have announced their new budget, with the announcement of an increase in funding for dental care resulting in widespread joy from oral health professionals. The funding will increase to $13billion over the next five years. Moreover, this will form part of the new national dental care plan. Further details about this plan have also been released.

Dentists have applauded the Federal Government’s decision to increase funding for dental care as part of their 2023 Federal budget.

The government have committed to increase funding for the National Dental Care Plan to $13billion over the next five years, beginning in the 2023-24 year [1].

This is another example of how the government is contributing to dental care in Canada, following the creation of the temporary national dental benefit at the end of 2022.

Dental care in Canada

Compared to many countries, the standard of dental care in Canada is strong. But with many requiring treatment each year, further work is needed to improve oral health.

Almost two-thirds of Canadians have a form of dental insurance [2]. But those that don’t face large hospital bills, A&E visits and intense dental pain.

However, the national dental benefit which was launched at the end of 2022 sought to provide more access to dental care for children from families with a low-middle income.

This is just a temporary measure though, with a wider and more comprehensive plan due to be in place by 2025. This new plan will offer support to a wider range of people, rather than just children.

Given the large demand for dental services in Canada and rising population numbers, having an increase in funding was deemed to be crucial by some politicians.

The increase in funding

The government have announced their 2023 Federal budget [1]. As part of this, they have provided more details on how the eventual national dental care plan will look.

The projected cost is much higher than the ruling Liberal Party first estimated. The final program is now due to cost $13billion over five years [1]. This is a big increase on the $5billion they had originally earmarked for the program. The aforementioned temporary benefit will be phased out by June 2024 [3].

This year, eligibility for the benefit will extend to those under the age of 18, seniors and people with disabilities [3]. Those hoping to access the benefit will still need to meet the low-middle income criteria and not have insurance.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said that “by the end of 2023, we will begin rolling out a dental-care plan for what will eventually be up to nine million uninsured Canadians” [3].

The update was praised by leader of the New Democratic Party – Jagmeet Singh – who has been a long-term advocate for improved access to dental care in Canada. This was one of the most important aspects of the Liberal/NDP confidence-and-supply deal.

Singh said that “I think Canadians are going to be happy” with this announcement [3]. He also commended his party’s work on the issue, saying that “we forced the government to do this” [3].

However, politicians in the Conservative Party largely criticized the budget increase. Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the NDP, saying that they are “bankrupting households” and “forcing seniors to choose between heating and eating” [3].

Amidst criticism, Freeland admitted that the plan “does cost a lot of money”, but said that the increased cost was a “necessary expansion of healthcare” [3].

How have dentists reacted?

Understandably, dentists were delighted with the news. Dr. Lynn Tompkins – President of the Canadian Dental Association – praised the “historic investment” [1]. She suggested that the budget highlighted the “government’s continued commitment” towards improving the oral health of Canadians [1].

Moreover, Tompkins said that the “CDA has long advocated for targeted investments to improve access to oral health care” – with access being a key issue [1]. Furthermore, Tompkins said that this new budget will “yield even more long-term gains in oral and overall health” [1].

Meanwhile, Dr. David Lim of the British Columbia Dental Association said that his organization is “encouraged that the federal government recognizes the link between oral health and overall health” [1]. The topic of the link between oral and overall health is very important. Hopefully, the increased budget will mean this link is known by more people.

In other news that has pleased dentists, the Liberals have suggested that $23million should be put aside over the next two years to collect better data on oral health, which could help to make better informed decisions when implementing the dental plan.

Overall, this is very positive news, with the hope now that oral health across Canada will strengthen in the years to come. This should result in strong health improvements too across the nation for future generations.

Thinking points…

1)This is exciting news for many people around Canada! For those without insurance, getting dental care has been very difficult. But this new plan should assist with accessing and financing dental care. However, it is important to not wait until it arrives, instead you should attend a dental clinic regularly to have a check-up on your oral health. We recommend you make an appointment now!

2)We discussed above about how many people find the dentist too expensive. But no one should suffer with pain in silence. 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 means that our prices are fair, fully transparent, and reliable. To find out more about us, you can visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you visit our Calgary dental clinic 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] Oral Health. (2023). Dentists Praise Expansion of Dental Care in Federal Budget. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/dentists-praise-expansion-of-dental-care-in-federal-budget-1003972601/. Last accessed: 31st March 2023.

[2] Statistics Canada. (2018). Health Fact Sheets: Dental Care, 2018). Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2019001/article/00010-eng.htm. Last accessed: 31st March 2023.

[3] Osman, L. (2023). Budget 2023 expands dental-care program, but expected cost balloons to $13B. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9585059/budget-2023-dental-care-program/. Last accessed: 31st March 2023.

Further research into the topic of Water Fluoridation has recently taken place. The research sought to find out if a lack of access to fluoridated water impacted oral health in children. When compared with children that did have access to fluoridated water, there were concerning findings.

Water Fluoridation is often considered a controversial subject, but research has consistently shown that its impact on children’s oral health is very positive.

The results of further research into the topic has recently been released, which looked at the oral health of children that have no access to fluoridated water [1].

Background

Water fluoridation refers to the action of adding a small concentration of Fluoride to the public water supply [2]. This is done as a means of protection from cavities, with research showing a strong connection between fluoridated water and less tooth decay [2].

Fluoride is a key ingredient in toothpaste. Therefore, by adding it in small concentrations to the public water supply, the intention is to assist in protecting teeth.

However, water fluoridation can be a controversial topic. For example, its use is banned in many countries, mainly due to concerns of potential over-exposure to fluoride, the ethics behind adding something to the public water supply and the lack of choice given to citizens [3].

Water fluoridation was first introduced in Australia in 1953 [4]. Given the size of Australia, not all parts of the nation have access to fluoridated water.

The Research

A team of researchers from La Trobe University carried out a new study. Subsequently, the findings were published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health [1].

The research involved looking at the state of Victoria – a vast state located in south-eastern Australia. They found that one-third of rural towns in the state that have populations of over 1,000 do not have access to fluoridated water [1].

The study involved looking at the oral health profiles of rural towns that did not have water fluoridation. Indicators like preventable hospitalisations due to dental conditions, tooth decay levels and filled or missing teeth were all noted [1].

Then, these levels were then compared with the state average of Victoria – whose large cities and towns nearly all have access to fluoridated water. The idea was to then compare the figures.

The results showed a clear disparity between the two data sets – with the authors noting a “significant” difference between non-fluoridated and fluoridated areas [1].

Overall, the main finding was that those in non-fluoridated areas had much higher than average preventable hospital admissions linked to oral health in children aged 0-9 years [1].

Additionally, more than 50% of children aged 0-12 living in these non-fluoridated towns had above average rates of decayed, missing and filled teeth. This percentage rose to 78% for children aged 0-5 [1].

This clearly shows that water fluoridation has a big impact. The above statistics show that children of all ages in non-fluoridated areas immediately have disadvantages in terms of their oral health in comparison to children in fluoridated areas.

The researchers found that this lack of water fluoridation meant that almost 150,000 residents across 203 towns were having their teeth impacted. Furthermore, children were impacted the most [1].

Author comments

The authors were concerned at these findings. Lead author Dr. Virginia Dickson-Swift discussed the findings. She urged officials to take action, saying that water fluoridation is “supported by overwhelming scientific evidence” [4].

Continuing, Dickson-Swift said that water fluoridation is “internationally recognized as one of the most successful public health interventions over the past 20 years, supported by groups like the World Health Organization and the Australian Dental Association” [4].

Moreover, Dickson-Swift also pointed out that water fluoridation is a “cost-effective and equitable initiative” [4]. The authors point out that for every dollar spent on fluoridation, $7-$18 is saved in avoidance of treatment costs [4].

Given the benefits involved, there is hope that local governments will advocate for improved access to water fluoridation. The statistics emanating from this study certainly show there is a clear disparity in oral health that should be addressed quickly.

Thinking points…

1) If you do have access to fluoridated water, this doesn’t mean you can neglect your oral health. While fluoridated water certainly assists with oral health, it can’t replace strong oral hygiene, which includes regular toothbrushing and flossing. Remember too to regularly visit a dental clinic for a check-up, as this will provide a dentist with the chance to review your oral health. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Not everywhere has access to fluoridated water. You can always contact your local utility company for information on the public water supply, including information on if it is fluoridated or not. You may also share this article and these findings with anyone you know that has doubts about water fluoridation. Why not also discuss this article with your immediate family and friends, and see what you all think about the topic!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna 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

[1] Dickson-Swift, V., Crocombe, L., Bettiol, S., & Bracksley-O’Grady, S. (2023). Access to community water fluoridation in rural Victoria: It depends where you live…. The Australian Journal of Rural Health. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12973.

[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] Generation95 Staff. (2021). Water Fluoridation Debate: Should Fluoride Be Added to Public Water?. Available: https://www.generation95.com/water-fluoridation-debate-should-fluoride-be-added-to-public-water/. Last accessed: 10th March 2023.

[4] La Trobe University. (2023). Lack of fluoride in rural areas impacting children. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-lack-fluoride-rural-areas-impacting.html. Last accessed: 10th March 2023.

Recent research has found that there appears to be a link between Sleep Apnea and oral health problems. Sleep apnea affects many people, but as well as posing a risk to physical health, it also impacts oral health. The research suggests those with sleep apnea are more prone to oral health problems, which is important knowledge to have.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common condition which affects people in their sleep. In worrying but important news, research suggests that the condition is linked to low bone strength in adults [1].

This has an impact on our oral health, as when bones become more brittle, they are easier to break, chip or crack. Therefore, those who have sleep apnea should take extra care with their oral health.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that involves a person’s breathing stopping and starting while they sleep [2]. They will also typically snore loudly and frequently wake up during the night.

Someone with sleep apnea may also feel tired during the day. It can cause low levels of oxygen in the body, inflammation, heart disease and high blood pressure [2]. Therefore, it can become a dangerous condition.

Treatment is available, and it is a common condition. However, it is a condition that impacts health in many ways – including our oral health.

The Research

The research was conducted by the University at Buffalo [1]. Subsequently, their work was published in The Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice [1].

The research involved 38 adults participating. Half of the adults had a diagnosis of sleep apnea, while the other half didn’t [1]. This provided the researchers with two distinct groups to compare.

Then, the researchers used a type of X-ray called “cone beam computed tomography” [1]. This was done as a way of measuring bone density in the head and neck of the participants.

They were specifically looking at the left and right lateral regions of the 1st cervical vertebrae and dens of the 2nd cervical vertebrae [1]. The researchers wanted to see how these two groups compared, and notice any patterns.

In order to ensure that the results were not skewed, the researchers controlled their findings for age, sex and weight [1]. This ensured valid results that would be relevant to the wider public.

The scans showed that the participants with sleep apnea had significantly lower bone-mineral density compared to those without the condition [1].

This is concerning, with the authors pointing out that from a dental perspective, a lower bone-mineral density can cause teeth to become loose, dental implants to fail and teeth to become more brittle.

What this means

This research shows that it is very important for individuals with sleep apnea to pay more attention to their oral health, as they become more prone to dental problems.

Thikriat Al-Jewair, an Associate Professor of Orthodontics and senior author of this study, commented on the findings [3]. She says that the findings “offers new evidence” on the connection between sleep apnea and low bone-mineral density, with the study due to “have several implications for orthodontic treatment” [3].

Furthermore, Al-Jewair says that the techniques employed in this study could “become an integral part of daily orthodontic practice and could be used as a screening tool for low bone-mineral density” [3]. Therefore, this would allow dental professionals to inform patients of potential bone-mineral density problems.

Aside from oral health, having a low bone-mineral density can be a sign of Osteoporosis, which involves the bones becoming weak and brittle. This can have physical health implications like increased risk of fractures.

The authors of the study did caution that further research, including with larger sample sizes, is needed [1]. Nevertheless, these are important findings, and highlight the importance of those with sleep apnea taking extra care with their oral health.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have sleep apnea? If so, this is an important article for you, as it shows the potential risks to your oral health. This research shows that you should take extra care with your oral health. We would recommend telling your dentist about your condition, as this can guide their treatment plan for you. You could do so at your next appointment!

2) While many of us don’t have sleep apnea, it is important to remember that we can’t become comfortable with our oral health. We all need to ensure that we have strong oral hygiene. A crucial part of this is to attend a dental clinic for regular check-ups. These check-ups allow a dentist to perform a thorough assessment of your oral health, and recommend treatment if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna 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

[1] Daljeet, M., Warunek, S., Covell, D. A., Monegro, A., Giangreco, T., & Al-Jewair, T. (2022). Association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and bone mineral density in adult orthodontic populations. The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2022.2142724.

[2] NHS. (2022). Sleep apnoea. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/. Last accessed: 3rd February 2023.

[3] Robinson, M. (2023). Obstructive sleep apnea tied to weaker bones and teeth in adults. Available: https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2023/01/bone-density-sleep-apnea.html. Last accessed: 3rd February 2023.