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Tag: dental care

Canadian National Dental Benefit Passes Third Reading: What Now?
6Nov
The new Canadian National Dental Benefit continues to get closer. The House of Commons has passed the dental benefit bill, having gained enough backing for it to pass its third reading. While there are still some steps to go, this decision has led to excitement for many, with the bill likely to help improve the oral health of many Canadians over the next few years.

The proposed Canadian National Dental Benefit continues to get closer, with the bill clearing another hurdle recently.

Members of Parliament in The House of Commons passed the dental benefit bill, with the bill gaining the support of 172 of the 310 MP’s that voted.

While there are still some steps remaining, the dental benefit is closer to coming to fruition. Soon, qualifying families will be able to benefit from financial assistance towards dental care for their children.

Background

The dental plan is a key part of the supply and confidence agreement between the Liberals and the New Democratic Party (NDP). For the NDP, implementing the dental plan has been one of their key objectives as a political party.

The original expectation was for the dental plan to be ready by the end of 2022. However, with this not happening, the Liberals reached a compromise by initially offering a benefit program [1].

The benefit will provide assistance for dental fees for families with a household income of below $90,000 [2]. At first, those aged under 12 will benefit. Families can receive up to $650 per year towards dental care for their child [2].

While the plans are still being finalised, currently, the idea is that qualifying families will need to provide the Canada Revenue Agency with the name and address of their licensed dental practitioner, along with the month of their planned appointment [3].

Passing the third reading in the House of Commons

In the latest key moment of the process towards confirming the benefit, the bill was able to pass its third reading in the House of Commons. However, there was some opposition from the Conservatives and the Bloc.

The bill had 172 supporters – mainly from the Liberals and the NDP. 138 MP’s dissented – from the Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois party [1].

As the number of dissenters suggests, there have been some concerns raised. For example, it has been questioned whether or not now is the right time for such an investment to be made, given the rising inflation seen in recent times [4].

Andrew Scheer – Conservative House Leader – was among those unimpressed [1]. He said that by handing out cash, that the government would be contributing to inflation, and actually make the cost of living crisis worse [1].

Then, there was also the concern raised by Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux, who argued that the dental benefit is vulnerable to fraud [4]. He has told the government that robust verification methods need to be in place to protect against fraud [4].

But for the Liberals and the NDP, the positives outweighed the negatives. They were happy to support the bill, believing that it is a step in the right direction.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP – was understandably delighted. He said that “the Conservatives fought us at every chance — but we didn’t stop pushing and we’re not done fighting” [5].

Similarly, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the “legislation is off to the Senate, and Canadians are one step closer to getting this support” [5].

What next?

The benefit is getting closer. Its next step is to make its way through the Senate. Finally, it will then need to receive royal assent. Once this is done, families will be able to apply [1].

Once the benefit has been confirmed, the government will get to work on the next phase of the plan. The aim is for a full rollout of the national dental plan to be in place by 2025 [2].

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos has spoken about this. He says that “there will be a second program that will be better suited to the dental-health care that other Canadians, including the younger children, will need over time, that includes seniors, people with disabilities, people with relatively low- or middle-income ranges” [6]. We are gradually getting ever closer to the dental plan!

Thinking points…

1) This dental benefit will initially be for those aged 12 and under. It is likely to be a few years before the wider population can benefit. Therefore, it is important for us all to keep looking after our oral health. An important part of this is getting regular dental checks-ups, as this can help to ensure that your oral health is strong, and for any problems to be noticed and acted upon. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) One of the most appealing aspects of the dental benefit is the fact that existing dental fees can be very expensive. Many people struggle to afford dental fees. However, here at Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which ensures transparency and no nasty surprise costs. To find out more, or to have a conversation with us about your oral health or needs, we would love for you to get in touch with us!

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 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] Osman, L. (2022). Federal dental care benefit gets go-ahead from House of Commons. Available: https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/federal-dental-care-benefit-gets-go-ahead-from-house-of-commons-1.6128693. Last accessed: 4th November 2022.

[2 Tunney, C. (2022). Liberals agree to launch dental care program in exchange for NDP support. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeu-jagmeet-singh-deal-government-1.6393021. Last accessed: 4th November 2022.

[3] Osman, L. (2022). Dental-care legislation among first bills on docket as Parliament resumes. Available: https://edmontonsun.com/news/national/dental-care-legislation-among-first-bills-on-docket-as-parliament-resumes/wcm/d8f9f155-aa51-440c-8b23-52264d179c8f/amp/. Last accessed: 4th November 2022.

[4] Al Mallees, N. (2022). New dental benefit vulnerable to fraud without verification measures: PBO. Available: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/new-dental-benefit-vulnerable-to-fraud-without-verification-measures-pbo-1.6124065. Last accessed: 4th November 2022.

[5] Docto, I. (2022). Canadians are one step closer to getting a universal dental care program. Available: https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/dental-care-program-passes-parliament. Last accessed: 4th November 2022.

[6] Pangilinan, M. (2022). Officials share plans for federal dental care benefit. Available: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/ca/news/breaking-news/officials-share-plans-for-federal-dental-care-benefit-425767.aspx. Last accessed: 4th November 2022.

Canadian Government Invests in the Future of Dental Care: What Is Involved?
26Oct
The Canadian Government have announced through its Canadian Institutes of Health Research organization that they are committing $2million to support improved research into oral health science. The hope is that this investment will improve dental health for Canadians. The announcement has been met with positive reactions.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has announced a large investment of $2million into supporting Canada’s national research network to advance research in oral health science and ultimately improve dental care for Canadians [1].

The importance of oral health cannot be understated. It is closely linked with physical health. For example, research has showed that people with oral health conditions like gum disease are at a higher risk of developing conditions like Arthritis, Diabetes and Cardiovascular conditions [2].

Therefore, this investment will be very positive for Canadians, who will hopefully benefit from the enhanced research in years to come.

Announcement

The announcement was made by Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont. Bendayan’s announcement was also linked to the Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos [1].

They announced that an investment of $2million over five years will take place [1]. The money will be used to support Canada’s research into improving oral health science.

The funds will be assigned to The Network for Canadian Oral Health Research (NCOHR), which is a group of various institutions, hospitals and healthcare providers [1].

They are all teaming to find new discoveries, launch new projects and strengthen existing techniques and methods of improving and maintaining oral health.

The network will be using some of the funds to support the training of the next generation of oral health workers and researchers. They have committed to focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion [1].

Partnership with Statistics Canada

Moreover, some of the investment will be used in forging a partnership with Statistics Canada. The CIHR will partner with Statistics Canada to develop an oral health data platform that will assist with research and policy development [1].

This platform will be used to display data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Therefore, this will allow researchers to to analyze the connection between oral and physical health further [1].

The platform will be able to help researchers and future trainees learn more about the oral health of Canadians, which can benefit overall oral health across the nation.

Reactions

Reactions to this announcement have been positive. There is a feeling that this investment will be very worthwhile, due to the long-term boost this will have on healthcare.

Jean-Yves Duclos – Minister of Health – was among those to spearhead this investment. He commented by saying that the research that the investment will make possible will help to “improve dental care by better understanding oral health conditions and developing more effective treatments” [1].

Dr. Ana Miriam Velly of the NCOHR, mentioned that “there is no healthy body without oral health” [1]. Continuing, she said that the investment will help the NCOHR to “promote and support oral health research excellence, which is critical to ensure a high level of oral health and care for all Canadians” [1].

The Good that this can do

This investment is likely to be very positive for Canadians. There is a lot of good that this can do, and it comes at an important time.

Statistics show that in 2018, almost 1 in 4 Canadians didn’t see a dental professional [3]. When a person avoids the dentist, any problems they have worsen, causing further issues.

Other barriers to dental care include a lack of awareness of oral health importance, cost and access issues. However, these issues can be tackled by enhanced investment.

This investment will run in conjunction with the national dental care plan that is due to begin imminently. This dental care plan will see the government investing over $5billion over a five-year period.

With appreciation of the importance of oral health at an all-time high, now is the perfect time for further investment into research. Consequently, the aim is for Canadians to see a marked improvement in their oral health over the forthcoming years and generations.

Thinking points…

1) The fact that the Canadian government is dedicating a large amount of funds to oral health shows how important it is. This is a good opportunity for you to take a look at your oral health, is there more you could do to improve it? Why not set yourself a target of cutting down on sugar, or flossing on a more regular basis? These are small changes that could make a very positive difference!

2) As has been mentioned, oral health is very important. In order to get an accurate overview of your oral health, make sure you regularly attend dental check-ups. You should ideally see your dentist twice a year. If any problems are present, they will be able to identify them, and suggest treatment if necessary. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment soon!

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 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] Canadian Institutes of Health Research. (2022). Government of Canada invests in research to improve dental care for Canadians. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2022/10/government-of-canada-invests-in-research-to-improve-dental-care-for-canadians.html. Last accessed: 21st October 2022.

[2] BBC. (2022). The silent danger of deep gum disease. Available: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220707-why-bad-teeth-are-harmful-to-your-health. Last accessed: 21st October 2022.

[3] Canadian Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Association Conducts Annual Days on the Hill Event. Available: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/media_room/news_releases/2022/2022_DOTH.asp. Last accessed: 21st October 2

How Will Quebec’s New Toothbrushing Program Work?
17Oct
A new toothbrushing program is due to be phased in soon across Quebec. This toothbrushing program will involve teachers supervising the toothbrushing of young children in their care. The aim of this program is to improve the oral health of a vulnerable group, and to encourage them to develop a habit of brushing their teeth regularly. However, concerns regarding the impact this will have on teachers have been put forward.

A new toothbrushing program will soon be phased in across Quebec. This program will involve teachers supervising the toothbrushing of young children under their care.

The aim of the program is to improve the oral health of young citizens of the province. It should also help to encourage them to develop good brushing techniques.

However, the program has also led to some concerns being raised. For example, there have been suggestions that raising the workload of teachers further should be avoided.

The Original Plans

In 2017, the Quebec Program for Supervised Brushing of Teeth with Fluoride Toothpaste in Educational Childcare and Elementary School was launched by the province’s Health Ministry [1].

To begin with, schools in areas that had a surplus of staff available had visits from hygienists and dental consultants [1]. These professionals educated children on toothbrushing.

However, the progress of the plan was halted due to the effects of Covid-19 [1]. But with the pandemic’s impact on education largely ceasing recently, the plan has now been updated.

Updated Plans

The new program involves asking teachers to ensure all children under the age of 4 receive a daily toothbrushing session [1]. This session would take place during regular school hours.

The guidelines suggest that the supervising teacher will be asked to check that students under their care are using an appropriate amount of toothpaste, keep their brushes in good condition and store them in a sanitary way, and at the end of brushing spit out any excess liquid [1].

Moreover, the guidelines also state that the brushing should be done in small groups [1]. Furthermore, the guidelines suggest that hand washing should be done frequently [1]. Finally, the guidelines also provide information to assist in infection control [1].

By having teachers supervise children, it will ensure that they are cleaning their teeth – something that is otherwise not guaranteed. This will benefit their oral health in the short-term.

Also, there will be long-term benefits too, as the children should learn habits that will help them throughout their life. Additionally, this should in theory reduce some of the strain on the Canadian healthcare system.

Reaction

There does appear to be a tooth decay problem in Quebec. For example, research has showed that dental caries are “highly prevalent” among children in Quebec [2]. Moreover, this is particularly a problem in rural areas of Quebec [3].

However, there have been concerns raised based on the impact it will have on teachers. The main concern is that this time-consuming routine will lessen teaching time and add an extra responsibility for teachers [1].

Heidi Yetman is the President of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers. She has mixed feelings on the subject. Yetman has commented by saying that while the plan is “a great idea”, she has cautioned that the workload of teachers shouldn’t be increased [1]. Yetman has argued that the province needs to hire people directly to implement the program.

Meanwhile, Peggy McCourt, President of the Association of Administrators of English Schools of Quebec, has said that while “no one is questioning the value and importance of ensuring that our children learn how to brush their teeth properly and that they have good oral hygiene”, she has questioned whether it is “the responsibility of the school” [1].

But the Health Ministry has shrugged off the concerns. They have said that all of the educators they contacted have agreed to the measures [1].

They have stated that “the integration of healthy dental habits into the lives of young people is a shared collective responsibility” [1].

While there are questions over responsibility, the most important thing is that the children receive the oral care that they need, one way or another. If teachers can play a part in this, that is great, but other consequences will need to be balanced.

Thinking points…

1) What do you think of this new program? If you have children, it is important to show an interest in their toothbrushing habits. This will help to remind them of the importance of oral health. Getting into a good habit at a young age can result in a lifetime of looking after teeth properly. This will hopefully result in strong oral health throughout their life.

2) It is also very important to set a good example to those around you by exhibiting excellent oral hygiene. This includes avoiding sugary food and drinks where possible, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and generally looking after your mouth. An important part of this is to attend regular dental check-ups, as any problems that are present can be looked at and fixed if necessary. We strongly recommend booking an appointment right away!

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 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] Sherwin, C. (2022). Teachers will soon be asked to teach toothbrushing 101 in Quebec, raising workload concerns. Available: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/teachers-will-soon-be-asked-to-teach-toothbrushing-101-in-quebec-raising-workload-concerns-1.6100000. Last accessed: 15th October 2022.

[2] Edasseri, A., Barnett, T. A., Ka, K., Henderson, M., & Nicolau, B. (2017). Oral Health–Promoting School Environments and Dental Caries in Québec Children. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 53 (5): p697-704. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.07.005.

[3] Kim, Y. N., Rouleau, L-E. B., Carnevale, F., Whiteduck, G., Chief, D., & Macdonald, M. E. (2021). Anishnabeg children and youth’s experiences and understandings of oral health in rural Quebec. Rural and Remote Health. 21 (2): p6365-6372. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22605/rrh6365.

Why Does “Positive Stress” Actually Boost Tooth Tissue Regeneration?
12Sep
Recent research has found that “positive stress” can make good changes in tooth stem cells – which can make them more resistant to injury and disease. This boosts the potential of tooth regeneration too, and could help with more extensive research into tooth regeneration in the future. These findings come after a range of areas to do with cells and teeth were examined.

Stress is often seen as something negative. However, recent research has found that “positive stress” is capable of making good changes in tooth stem cells – which can make them more resistant to injury and disease [1].

In the past, when there have been issues with our natural teeth, it is common to turn to dentures or implants. But such research suggests that regenerating our natural teeth could be a possibility.

What happens when teeth get damaged?

The main research looks at the steps taken when teeth become damaged. When a tooth gets damaged, either through injury, trauma or decay, the tissue inside the tooth can become exposed to harmful bacteria. Moreover, it becomes vulnerable to infection.

If the tissue inside the tooth becomes fully infected, there are only a few current treatments. This includes a root canal treatment or extraction. At third option can be to remove the pulp in the tooth and fill the canal with artificial materials like rubber or cement.

This third option does however pose problems – as these artificial materials dry over time. Unfortunately, this means that extraction becomes likely – which is something all dentists try to avoid.

Therefore, scientists have looked for a long time at finding ways where a teeth is able to regenerate itself, and not need any manual work from dentists to do so.

The Research

The research was completed by a team from the Hong Kong University of Dentistry. Their work has been published in the Journal of Dental Research [1].

The authors acknowledged that the usual approach towards dental pulp regeneration – which involves stem cell-based therapeutics – has its limitations [1]. This is because a tooth’s root canal is surrounded by tissue with a limited blood supply, making it a harsh environment for any cells to be viable in. Moreover, with the low oxygen levels making it almost impossible for any cell transplant to thrive in.

The team instead used a technique where they modified the cells genetically, yet altered them to include a responsive state for low oxygen conditions – causing “stress” [1]. Therefore, this could theoretically help the cells to survive in the environment described above.

The research involved the root canal of a human tooth fragment being implanted into mice. The root canal was altered using the technique above. The researchers observed the mice, after 28 days they witnessed that tissue formation had occurred [1].

This research was able to show that such a technique appears to work. By adapting some elements in tooth stem cells, the stress was able to boost the regeneration of the tooth [1].

The researchers concluded that this positive stress could result in tooth stem cells becoming more resistant to disease and injury [1]. This would clearly have an excellent impact on teeth.

What this means

Overall, this research has been able to show that positive stress can have a positive impact on tooth stem cells, and can help to improve survival of teeth, and also play a potential role in tissue regeneration.

Dr. Dissanayaka is Assistant Professor in Oral Biosciences at Hong Kong University of Dentistry. He commented “former research has revealed that our cells possess (a) number of adaptive mechanisms for stress” [2].

But by pre-conditioning the cells genetically, this “significantly enhanced the dental hard tissue formation within the regenerated pulp tissue” – Dissanayaka says [2]. Continuing, he says that “tooth stem cells have an inherent capacity to survive under stress” [2].

Looking ahead, the authors aim to identify drugs that could be used in clinical tissue regeneration. This, along with the research carried out above, will help the team to form new strategies to improve the potential of tooth stem cells.

Thinking points…

1) The idea of tooth regeneration is certainly exciting. However, as always, the focus should be on prevention rather than treatment. The best way of preventing dental issues is to have strong oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and eating healthily. Another hugely important aspect of strong oral health is to have regular dental check-ups. We should have a check-up at least twice a year, why not book an appointment now?

2) It is important to remember that unlike many parts of the body, a tooth won’t automatically recover if it becomes damaged. Despite the regenerative topics outlined above, it isn’t something we will see overnight. It can be tempting to avoid visiting the dentist if you are in pain, as you may think it isn’t necessary. But if you leave problems untreated, they will only get worse. Therefore, if you do need treatment, do ensure that you book in an appointment!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Han, Y., Koohi-Moghadam, K., Chen, Q., Zhang, L., Chopra, H., Zhang, J., & Dissanayaka, W. L. (2022). HIF-1α Stabilization Boosts Pulp Regeneration by Modulating Cell Metabolism. Journal of Dental Research. 101 (10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F00220345221091528.

[2] University of Hong Kong. (2022). Dentistry study shows how ‘positive stress’ can boost tooth tissue regeneration. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-09-dentistry-positive-stress-boost-tooth.html. Last accessed: 10th September 2022.

What Causes Bad Breath and What Can We Do About It?
28Aug
Bad breath is something that affects many of us – and we often don’t realize it either. There are many causes of bad breath – most of which are avoidable. Fortunately, there are a range of ways of improving our breath, which include dental treatment, improved oral hygiene and keeping hydrated.

Bad breath is a difficult thing to live with – and for some people, it is a huge problem that affects them socially and mentally.

One of the main issues of bad breath is that most of us can’t smell our own breath. Therefore, if it is bad, we are reliant on others telling us. But this isn’t an easy topic to broach, and often the problem is not brought up.

Bad breath, especially in the morning, is very common. For example, it is believed that around 60million Americans have chronic bad breath [1].

If you have bad breath, it is important to look at potential causes. Fortunately, there are many ways of improving bad breath, with dental interventions typically the most effective.

What causes bad breath?

The main cause of bad breath is the effects of bacteria in the mouth. Bacterial by-products from anything that enters the mouth create a concoction that cause a foul odour to emit from mouth. In many cases, it can make it smell like rotten eggs [2].

The main emitter of this foul odour is the tongue. This is where the majority of bacteria latch to. After all, the back of tongue is pounced upon by bacteria, as it is able to feed on dead cells, saliva proteins and fluids from untreated gum disease.

Eventually, the bacteria builds up to the extent where our breath becomes impacted. With the tongue placed in a way that it automatically emits out of our mouth, bad breath is inevitable if the tongue is in poor condition.

It is therefore very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This can help improve our breath. Another contributing factor to bad breath is food particles being left behind. Flossing can greatly improve this issue.

Then there are also other places for unhealthy bacteria to thrive in. These include spaces between broken fillings, holes in teeth (cavities) and pockets in the gums that form due to gum disease.

Many people find that their breath is particularly bad when they first wake up. Saliva flow stops or at least slows when we sleep. Therefore, with little saliva, our mouth dries. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications too [2]. Moreover, some people breathe through mouth rather than nose while asleep, worsening the problem.

Other causes of bad breath that are worth looking out for include strong-flavoured foods like curry, onion and garlic. Smoking tobacco is another common cause.

Things you can do

There are many easy and practical fixes. Chewing sugar free gum throughout the day and keeping the mouth hydrated with water can be very helpful.

Avoiding tobacco and strong-smelling foods also helps. If you do have these foods, using a mouth rinse afterwards can be helpful.

But the easiest way to avoid bad breath is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

But, there is only so much that we can all do. Sometimes, there are deeper causes, which is when a dentist can help.

What can a dentist do?

Attending a dental check-up can be very helpful. This gives a dentist the chance to look at the state of your oral health, and recommend treatment if necessary.

They are also able to locate anything that is contributing to the bad breath – for instance broken fillings, cavities and pockets in the gums. They can provide treatment when needed, which may help to improve our breath.

Your dentist may give you suggestions that can help with bad breath – including cleaning or scraping your tongue. This can be particularly helpful for bad breath.

By attending regular dental check-ups, it will ensure that your teeth remain in strong condition. This is the best way of preventing bad breath.

Thinking points…

1) Taking care of our oral health is so important! Not only can it help to prevent bad breath, but it can also have many other benefits. Therefore, make sure you have excellent oral hygiene – including brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and as we mentioned earlier, consider using a tongue scraper. Ensure too that you attend dental check-ups regularly, as this will give your dentist a chance to look for any issues. Consider booking an appointment now!

2) While it isn’t an easy topic to bring up, if you know someone who has bad breath, consider having a quiet word with them. You could share this article with them, or recommend some of the practical fixes that are mentioned above. Most importantly, try to persuade them to book a dental appointment, as these can help a lot for overall oral health, including bad breath. While they may not appreciate your comments in the short-term, they will be thankful in the long run.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Colgate Professional. (2009). Bad Breath: Do You Have It? You May Not Know You Do. Available: https://www.colgateprofessional.com/patient-education/halitosis/bad-breath-do-you-have-it. Last accessed: 27th August 2022.

[2] Weerakoon, A. (2022). Why does my breath smell bad, and what can I do about it?. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-08-bad.html. Last accessed: 27th August 2022.

How Was the Mental Health of Dental Professionals During COVID-19?
2Aug
New research has showed the impact that Covid-19 had on dental professionals. While the focus of the media has mainly been on healthcare workers in hospitals, it shouldn’t be forgotten that dentists had an important role to play. The research has showed that many dental professionals struggled with symptoms of Anxiety and Depression during the pandemic. Fortunately, the Covid-19 vaccine appeared to improve their mental health.

Covid-19 has affected billions of people around the world. Many people lost loved ones, everyone had to change their daily lifestyle, and millions of jobs were lost. But for healthcare workers – they were suddenly launched without warning into tackling a pandemic.

Most of the focus of the media has been on the welfare and wellbeing of healthcare workers in hospitals. But very little focus has been placed on dental professionals – who also played an important part in healthcare throughout Covid-19.

However, new research has looked at how the mental health of dental professionals varied during a 12-month period of the pandemic. The findings showed that many dental professionals had symptoms of Depression and Anxiety [1].

Background

Covid-19 first appeared at the end of 2019, before spreading around the world in 2020. At the time of writing, there have been over 550million cumulative cases [2]. Tragically, there have been almost 6.4million deaths around the world [2].

Under the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), routine dentistry was stopped in early 2020. But despite this, emergency dentistry continued, with those in severe oral pain still able to receive dental treatment.

Covid-19 is highly-contagious, and not everyone who carries it is aware they had the virus. Therefore, this meant it was highly likely that dental professionals would catch Covid-19, given the amount of human contact they had, and time spent in confined spaces.

This research involved looking at the symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Symptoms of Depression include low mood, sadness, feeling hopeless, having no motivation and not getting any enjoyment out of life [3]. Meanwhile, the symptoms of Anxiety include restlessness, a sense of dread, feeling on edge, excessive worrying and physical symptoms like dizziness or shaking [4].

The Research

The mental health of most people suffered during Covid-19. This research looked at the mental health of dental professionals. Moreover, it specifically looked at whether or not the participants showed symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety [1].

The research study was published in the August issues of The Journal of the American Dental Association and The Journal of Dental Hygiene [1]. The study itself was administered by researchers from the American Dental Association (ADA) [1].

The research involved 8,902 dental healthcare workers [1]. They all took part in monthly, anonymous web-based surveys, where they would log their feelings in relation to whether or not they were exhibiting signs of the symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety [1].

The surveys took place over a 12-month period between June 2020 and June 2021 [1]. This time period was when Covid-19 was rampaging across the world, with healthcare services stretched to their capacity.

The results showed that dental professionals were affected by Covid-19 [1]. 17.7% of dental healthcare workers reported symptoms of Anxiety, while 10.7% reported symptoms of Depression [1].

The researchers found that the symptoms of Depression peaked in December 2020 [1]. The number of people with symptoms of anxiety also had high numbers in the final few months of 2020 [1].

Interestingly, the Covid-19 vaccine lessened the number of dental professionals with symptoms [1]. Healthcare workers were among the first to be offered the vaccine. However, unvaccinated dental workers who intended to be vaccinated – but had not yet received their vaccine – had noticeable anxiety, with a high mark of 20.6% of this group [1].

By the end of the study – at a time when the number of Covid-19 cases were dropping – 12.1% of dental professionals were still showing symptoms [1]. Hopefully, these numbers have lowered further in the year since the final survey.

What the research shows

Dealing with Covid-19 was clearly a significant challenge. While the threat is not yet over, case numbers have dropped significantly. The statistics above show that dental professionals faced many challenges too.

Stacey Derschewitz – Professor of Clinical Psychology at the George Washington University – commented on the findings. She said that “as the pandemic continues, it is critically important that dental health care workers continue to develop their ability to recognize and address signs and symptoms of mental health conditions within themselves and their colleagues, promote healthy work environments, reduce the impact of stress on the profession, and make supports accessible to those who are struggling emotionally” [5].

Dental professionals need to look out for one another, and take time out when they are struggling mentally. Open communication is important, and can hopefully provide dental professionals with the tools they need for improved mental health.

Thinking points…

1) While many people had their dental care interrupted during Covid-19, routine dentistry has recommenced, and it is therefore a good time to attend a dental clinic. We recommend attending a check-up, especially as some problems may have developed while routine dentistry was halted. Consider booking an appointment now!

2) Covid-19 impacted the mental health of many people. Remember to check-in with your friends and family, especially those who may be particularly struggling. Moreover, remember too that when seeing your dentist – that they will have been through a lot, and to respect them throughout your visit.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Eldridge, L. A., Estrich, C. G., Guerenlian, J. R., Battrell, A., Lynch, A., Vujicic, M., Morrisey, R., Derschewitz, S., Geisinger, M. L., & Araujo, M. W. B. (2022). US dental health care workers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 153 (8): p740-749. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.02.011.

[2] World Health Organization. (2022). WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available: https://covid19.who.int/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[3] NHS. (2019). Symptoms – Clinical depression. Available https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/symptoms/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[4] NHS. (2018). Symptoms – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/symptoms/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[5] American Dental Association. (2022). Dentists and Dental Hygienists on Early Front Lines of COVID-19 Report Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression. Available: https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/dentists-and-dental-hygienists-on-early-front-lines-of-covid-19-report-symptoms-of-anxiety. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.