Tag: dental care

A new Indigenous Dental Degree program has been announced as part of a collaboration between a range of organizations. The degree program is the first of its type, and will take place at three different locations across Saskatchewan. Moreover, there will be a focus on the recruitment of Indigenous students – as part of a wider effort to improve access to healthcare for this vulnerable group. The news has led to widespread support.

A new Indigenous Dental Therapy Degree program has been announced, which will offer new opportunities to indigenous people – a group that has traditionally been vulnerable.

The new program will be a collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Dentistry, the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Northlands College, and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic. It is the first program of its type.

There will also be significant investment by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Initial details of the program have been announced. The program should improve healthcare for indigenous people.

Challenges in healthcare for indigenous people

Indigenous people are often seen as a vulnerable group. 1.7million people in Canada identify as being indigenous. This population face many barriers to accessing healthcare, including discrimination [1].

Oral health is particularly an area of concern. For example, statistics show that approximately 87% of indigenous children in Canada have experienced tooth decay by the time they have turned 5 [2].

Due to these concerns, ISC are investing $2.1million to support a new generation of dental therapists in the aim of providing enhanced oral health services to indigenous people [3].

Statistics like the above show that there is a strong demand for oral health services for indigenous people. Therefore, improved training programs are desperately needed.

Moreover, it is also needed nationally. The National School of Dental Therapy of Canada closed in 2011, ending dental therapy education in Canada [3]. As a result, this has deepened access to healthcare issues.

The program

The new dental therapy program is due to launch in March 2023. It is a program that has been almost 5 years in the making – with planning starting many years ago [3].

The program will consist of six terms. The aim is to accept around 21 students onto the course [3]. Furthermore, the enrolees will have the chance to study either at Northlands College, the University of Saskatchewan, or Saskatchewan Polytechnic [3].

The students will be taught essential dental therapist skills. The aim is for them to become qualified dental therapists – with the potential to train to be a dentist in the future.

They will be taught a range of skills, including how to perform restorative dental work like fillings, extractions and other preventive services [3]. There is a high demand for such services.

Students will also have access to six state-of-the-art virtual simulators – which will aid their education and provide them with exposure to life-like situations [3].

Comments

The announcement has generated support from many organisations. Indigenous people are likely to be the group that benefits the most from this new program.

It has led to the Honourable Patty Hadju – Minister of Indigenous Services – to remark that the new program will pave “the way for a new generation of oral health professionals” for indigenous people [4].

Moreover, Doug Brothwell – Dean of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Dentistry – said that the program will “create the ideal workforce to serve the indigenous peoples and communities” [3].

This is a very positive announcement, and should result in improved oral health services for indigenous people. Improving access to oral health services will also have a great impact on this vulnerable group, which can help to enhance their quality of life.

Thinking points…

1) We mentioned earlier in this article about how some people get tooth decay at a young age. Tooth decay at any age is an issue. But tooth decay isn’t always visible, and you’ll need a professional dentist to give their opinion. Therefore, you should remember to attend regular check-ups when possible, and have excellent oral hygiene. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

2) Do you know anyone who could benefit from this program? If so, why not share this article with them – they will have a chance to look into the program further, and possibly apply. We can all do our bit to support indigenous people, and this is a good way of helping! Consider sharing this now!

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 dental problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs.

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 also 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] Nelson, S. E., & Wilson, K. (2018). Understanding barriers to health care access through cultural safety and ethical space: Indigenous people’s experiences in Prince George, Canada. Social Science & Medicine. 218 (1), p21-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.09.017.

[2] Lawrence, H. P., Romanetz, M., Rutherford, L., Cappel, L., Binguis, D., & Rogers, J. B. (2004). Oral Health of Aboriginal Preschool Children in Northern Ontario. PROBE. 38 (4), p172-190.

[3] Ratzlaff, B. (2022). Indigenous dental training program aims to improve care access in Saskatchewan. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/8861975/dental-therapy-program-indigenous-saskatchewan/. Last accessed: 22nd May 2022.

[4] Indigenous Services Canada. (2022). Government of Canada supports Indigenous Dental Therapy program launching at University of Saskatchewan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2022/05/government-of-canada-supports-indigenous-dental-therapy-program-launching-at-university-of-saskatchewan.html. Last accessed: 28th May 2022.

Researchers have concluded that the way our immune system “learns” from previous threats may actually have a negative impact on areas like inflammation. The researchers used gum disease to investigate their theory. They found that the inflammation caused by gum disease ends up having a negative effect on physical health, and can actually worsen future inflammation-based conditions.

Our immune system is a remarkable thing. It fights diseases, protects us from viruses and can detect any issues that may compromise our safety and overall health.

The various battles that the immune system encounters results in it developing a “memory” of sorts to protect us in the future from similar threats.

This is mostly great for our overall health. But this also has the negative impact of the immune system sometimes responding to something that it determines to be a threat – even if it isn’t.

For example, when the immune system is challenged by an internal driver like chronic inflammation, it can result in a misguided immune system response.

Researchers have looked into the overall process of inflammation, with a specific focus on gum disease. Therefore, this research is very important for oral health.

Background

Some of the authors in this study had previously worked together on research into the “memory” of the immune system. They found that the immune system is capable of memorizing past threats, which helps it to become more responsive to new threats [1].

A trained and responsive immune system is mainly a positive thing. However, this isn’t always the case, as the immune system can sometimes misinterpret supposed threats.

The researchers focused on gum disease in this study. Gum disease is one of the most common dental disorders, with research finding that 47.2% of adults aged 30 and over in the United States have some form of gum disease [2].

Therefore, any research into gum disease can be very useful. A common problem with gum disease is that most people do not realize the impact that gum disease has on our physical health.

The Research

The research was completed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine. Their findings were then published in the journal Cell [3].

The research sought to find out the impact gum disease has on the immune system in terms of future interactions with inflammatory-based conditions.

At first, the researchers exposed a mouse to gum disease. Within a week, some of the cells in the mouse expanded in the bone marrow [3].

The researchers found that the immune system of the mouse was capable of handling the periodontal disease [3]. Therefore, there were limited changes in the cells initially.

However, the researchers soon found that the cells appeared to have memorized the inflammation they were exposed to [3]. Therefore, the researchers found that when triggered by inflammation in the future, the immune system would react differently.

The mouse that was exposed to gum disease then had some cells transplanted to mice that had never previously been exposed to gum disease [3]. A few months later, the mice were exposed to collagen antibodies – which triggered arthritis. Arthritis is also associated with inflammation.

To act as a control, cell transplants were also conducted between mice without any form of gum disease and a group of separate mice [3]. This would allow the researchers to compare findings.

The researchers found that the mice that received the cells from mice with gum disease developed more severe arthritis when compared to mice that received cells from mice that were free of gum disease [3].

Overall, the researchers said that this showed the link between inflammatory conditions. The idea was that this study essentially replicated a bone marrow transplant [3]. The mouse with gum disease acted as a donor, with the healthy mice being the recipient.

The researchers were able to conclude that the mice that received a transplant from the group of mice with gum disease were predisposed to more severe arthritis [3].

Impact on dentistry

This research shows the impact that oral health can have on physical health. If these findings were applied to humans – it would show that those with gum disease are vulnerable to severe arthritis. Furthermore, they would also put those receiving a bone marrow transplant from them at heightened risk of inflammatory conditions.

Professor George Hajishengallis, one of the researchers, talked about the impact of these findings on dentistry. “I’m proud for the field of dentistry that this work, with significance to a wide range of medical conditions, began by investigating oral health”, Hajishengallis said [4].

The researchers also spoke of the wider impact these findings may have. They noted that their conclusions could result in a reconsideration of how bone marrow donors should be selected in the future [4]. The conclusions suggest that some bone marrow donors may unwittingly place their recipient at higher risk of inflammatory disorders.

Thinking points…

1) So many of us suffer from gum disease. As this research shows, gum disease does have a big impact on physical health. Treatments are available though for gum disease – including scaling and root planing. If you do have gum disease, it may be worth discussing treatment options with your dentist at your check-up. Consider booking an appointment today!

2) While you may not think you are at risk of gum disease, the truth is that we all are. A common theme in the news is that gum disease has a big impact on physical health. Therefore, if possible, preventing gum disease is crucial. The easiest way to do this is to have excellent oral hygiene, and attend regular dental check ups. We would recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides a warm welcome and comfortable experience to its patience whenever needed.

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on your 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] Hajishengallis, G., & Chavakis, T. (2021). Local and systemic mechanisms linking periodontal disease and inflammatory comorbidities. Nature Reviews Immunology. 21: p426-440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-00488-6.

[2] Eke, P. I., Dye, B. A., & Wei, L. (2012). Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. Journal of Dental Research. 91 (10): p914-920. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034512457373.

[3] Li, X., Wang, H., Yu, X., Saha, G., Kalafati, L., Ioannidis, C., Mitroulis, I., Netea, M. G., Chavakis, T., & Hajishengallis, G. (2022). Maladaptive innate immune training of myelopoiesis links inflammatory comorbidities. Cell. (Pre-publication issue).DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.03.043.

[4] Baillie, K. U. (2022). How one inflammatory disorder exacerbates another. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-inflammatory-disorder-exacerbates.html. Last accessed: 29th April 2022.

Research has shown that certain foods result in types of bacteria in our mouths that are known to contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. These foods are those with a high sugar and high glycemic level. Moreover, as well as impacting oral health, they also impact our physical health. The results of this research reaffirm the importance of eating healthily and having excellent oral hygiene.

Recent research has looked into the impact that the foods we eat have on the bacteria in our mouths. The collective group of bacterium in our mouths is called the oral microbiome.

Moreover, the research has then considered how the oral microbiome affects our overall health. This includes both oral health and our wider physical health.

The study focused on the impact that sugary foods have. It is already known that such foods are linked to tooth decay. However, the researchers sought to investigate in further detail.

Background

Bacteria inevitably gets into our mouths. Every time we eat, chew, drink or even bite a nail, bacteria enters. In fact, over 700 types of bacteria have been identified in the oral cavity, with humans typically having over 50 types in their mouths at any one time [1].

But not all bacteria is necessarily bad. However, many types of bacteria can be damaging, and are often linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

It is already known that bacteria can also have some physical health consequences. For example, a recent study found that some types of oral bacteria can be linked to hypertension problems in later life [2].

The research focuses on sugary foods and high glycemic foods. The Glycemic index is a system that shows the rates that different foods are broken down in the body [3].

Foods that are high in the glycemic index cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Therefore, these foods can be considered unhealthy. For example, high glycemic foods include sweets, doughnuts, soft drinks, baked goods and white bread among others [3].

The research

The research was conducted by scientists from the University at Buffalo. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Scientific Reports journal [4].

The researchers sought to investigate whether carbohydrates and sugar were associated with certain oral bacteria. They used a sample of 1,204 women. The data used came courtesy of the Women’s Health Initiative [4].

Samples from the women were taken. These samples were taken from subgingival plaque – which is bacteria that occurs under the gums. This is important, as this is the bacteria that isn’t visible, and is often neglected [4].

Most studies use saliva as a sample. But by using subgingival plaque, the researchers would get a clearer picture of what was causing gum issues [4].

The researchers also analyzed eating habits, and then cross-referenced these habits with the types of bacteria found in the samples. Therefore, this allowed the researchers to get an overall picture of the impact that certain foods had.

The results showed that a higher intake of sugary and high glycemic foods appears to influence oral health. Furthermore, the authors also suggested that these foods appear to have a long-term impact on health outcomes in older women [4].

Overall, the researchers concluded that a bacteria named Strteptoccus mutans – which is known to contribute to tooth decay and cardiovascular disease – was present strongly in those with poor diets [4].

Moreover, the researchers also found a type of bacteria called leptotrichia, which has been associated with gingivitis – a form of gum disease – in the past [4].

Other types of bacteria that hadn’t previously been thought to contribute to oral health problems were also found. However, the researchers suggested these types of bacteria may now need further research [4].

What this means

The researchers were able to show how eating certain types of food impacted the oral microbiome. There are clearly consequences for oral health and overall physical health.

Therefore, these results emphasize the importance of having excellent oral hygiene and trying to eat healthily wherever possible. After all, we all want to avoid harmful bacteria in our mouth.

Amy Millen, Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions, commented on the findings of the team [5]. Millen said that the researchers placed specific emphasis on glycemic foods, as this was “not well studied in relation to the oral microbiome” [5].

Millen also said that “as more studies are conducted looking at the oral microbiome”, that the researchers could infer more “about how diet relates to the oral microbiome and periodontal disease” [5]. Such findings can be very helpful in trying to help improve oral health.

Thinking points…

1) The research above shows the potential damage of sugary foods and high glycemic foods. Now take a look at your diet – do you consume foods like this? If so, try and cut down wherever possible! Because of the damage it can do, it places emphasis on the need to attend regular check-ups at your dentist. Therefore, we recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Remember that oral health problems are avoidable. It is important to have excellent oral hygiene. Part of this is to ensure that you attend your dental clinic for a check-up at least twice a year. Then if you do have any problems, they can be easily addressed and acted upon. Consider attending your dentist soon, as this is the best way of caring for your oral health.

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 implants.

It is important for dental problems to be addressed early. Any oral-based problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan.

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 Dentala also 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] Paster, B. J., Olsen, I., Aas, J. A. & Dewhirst, F. E. (2000). The breadth of bacterial diversity in the human periodontal pocket and other oral sites. Periodontology. 2006 (42): p80–87. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2006.00174.x.

[2] LaMonte, M. J., Gordon, J. H., Diaz-Moreno, P., Andrews, C. A., Shimbo, D., Hovey, K. M., Buck, M. J., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Oral Microbiome Is Associated With Incident Hypertension Among Postmenopausal Women. Journal of the American Heart Association. 11 (6): e021930. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.121.021930.

[3] NHS. (2018). What is the glycaemic index (GI)?. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/what-is-the-glycaemic-index-gi/. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.

[4] Millen, A. E., Dahhan, R., Freudenheim, J. L., Hovey, K. M., Li, L., McSkimming, D. I., Andrews, C. A., Buck, M. J., LaMonte, M. J., Kirkwood, K. L., Sun, Y., Murugaiyan, V., Tsompana, M., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Dietary carbohydrate intake is associated with the subgingival plaque oral microbiome abundance and diversity in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Scientific Reports. 12 (2643). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-06421-2.

[5] Hill, D. J. (2022). Carbs, sugary foods may influence poor oral health, study finds. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-carbs-sugary-foods-poor-oral.html. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.