Home Tag: "dental care" (Page 19)

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Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease?
18Jul
Recent research has found a potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The link is due to a specific type of bacteria – named Fusobacterium nucleatum. The study suggests this type of bacteria is very bad for us. Because of the outcome of this research, there are several oral health implications.

Recent research has found that a common type of bacteria may be the main factor behind the link between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The name of the bacteria is Fusobacterium Nucleatum (F. Nucleatum). When a person has gum disease, F. Nucleatum spreads rapidly. It affects the gums and jawbone – and can eventually result in tooth loss.

Researchers have studied F. Nucleatum for a while, but the most recent research is a troubling case – with the theory now that there is a direct link between oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Background

Gum disease is one of the most common conditions around the world. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, and can cause pain, receding gums and bone problems.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a condition that is based around a steep cognitive decline, which can greatly impact a person’s life. Research shows that approximately 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have Alzheimer’s Disease [1].

There are countless types of bacteria. Many are unfortunately bad for us – including F. Nucleatum. Bacteria can combine with acid and sugar to cause tooth decay, and is also linked to gum disease.

F. Nucleatum is seen as an especially bad bacteria. For example, past research has shown that F. Nucleatum is linked to conditions like Colorectal Cancer and the premature delivery of babies [2].

The Research

The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience [3]. It was completed by scientists at Tufts University, Massachusetts.

The researchers sought to see the impact F. Nucleatum had on gum disease, and to see if it could be connected to Alzheimer’s Disease [3]. To achieve this, the researchers induced several mice with F. Nucleatum, before tracking the development of the bacteria.

The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in an abnormally-rapid spread of microglial cells – which are immune cells in the brain that are usually responsible for removing damaged neurons and infections whilst helping to maintain the general health of the central nervous system [3].

However, this over-supply of microglial cells resulted in an increased inflammatory response [3]. This was the worrying part for researchers – who mentioned that chronic inflammation is already known to be a key factor in the cognitive decline that occurs in those with Alzheimer’s Disease [3].

The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in the mice having poorer memory and thinking skills [3]. While the researchers emphasized that they weren’t saying F. Nucleatum directly causes Alzheimer’s Disease, they did mention the impact that oral health plays in this sequence [3].

As gum disease is worsened by exposure to F. Nucleatum, for those that suffer, there is an increased risk that their inflammation will worsen – resulting in a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s Disease [3].

What this means

The findings of this research are worrying. But the research does show how important looking after our mouth is. By having excellent oral hygiene, we are able to clean our mouth, and keep bacteria at bay.

The researchers suggested that treating gum disease in those who have early stage Alzheimer’s Disease could potentially slow the progression of the cognitive condition [3].

Jake Chen – a Professor of Periodontology at Tufts University – led the study [4]. He commented on the findings. He said that “testing for bacterial load and degree of symptoms could one day become a way to measure the effects of F. Nucleatum and manage treatment to slow progression of both periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s” [4].

Moreover, Chen’s team spoke about potentially looking at drug targets that could target the inflammation caused by F. Nucleatum. By doing so, Chen believes it will be possible to slow the spread and progression of both gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].

Chen’s laboratory have designed a small molecule called adipoAI, which has anti-inflammatory properties [4]. Chen aims to complete a study which will determine what impact this molecule could have on gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].

Moreover, past research is also relevant here. Previous research found that adults with missing teeth (commonly caused by gum disease) had a 1.48 times higher chance of cognitive impairment than the general population [5].

Hopefully, the research will show more people the importance of looking after their mouth. Oral health is crucial, and by taking care of our oral health, it can be excellent for our physical health too.

Thinking points…

1) Gum disease is a very damaging condition, but crucially, it is avoidable! One of the worst elements of gum disease is that many people do not realise they have the condition. Early detection is very important. The easiest way to see if you have gum disease is to attend a dental clinic for a regular check-up – your dentist will be able to give you an overview of your overall oral health. Therefore, we recommend you book an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone with Alzheimer’s Disease? The findings of this article are especially important for those in the early stages of the condition – as good oral healthcare does appear to be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Therefore, consider showing them this article, and urge them to visit their local dentist for a check-up. It could help them hugely!

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] NHS Choices. (2021). Alzheimer’s Disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.

[2] Meng, Q., Gao, Q., Mehrazarin, S., Tangwanichgapong, K., Wang, Y., Huang, Y., Pan, Y., Robinson, S., Liu, Z., Zangiabadi, A., Lux, R., Papapanou, P. N., Guo, E., Wang, H., Berchowitz, L. E., & Han, Y. W. (2021). Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity. EMBO Reports. 22 (e52891). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202152891.

[3] Wu, H., Qiu, W., Zhu, X., Li, X., Xie, Z., Carreras, I., Dedeoglu, A., Van Dyke, T., Han, Y. W., Karimbux, N., Tu, Q., Cheng, L., & Chen, J. (2022). The Periodontal Pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum Exacerbates Alzheimer’s Pathogenesis via Specific Pathways. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 14 (912709). DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.912709.

[4] Tufts University. (2022). Studying the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-link-gum-disease-alzheimer.html. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.

[5] Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Plassman, B. L., & Wu, B. (2021). Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009.

Researchers Create New Treatment for Stopping Tooth Decay: Will It Work?
27Jun
Researchers in China have created a new treatment using a combination of agents and nanoparticles which is aimed at preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay continues to affect billions of people, so a treatment that claims to prevent it is promising. The treatment aims to stop the production of acidic substances and bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, this helps improve oral health.

New research has led to the creation of a treatment which aims to help prevent tooth decay. The research has the potential to have an excellent impact on the oral health of billions of people.

The treatment, which is the result of a mix of agents and nanoparticles, aims to stop the production of acidic substances and bacteria in the mouth.

By stopping the production of these harmful substances, the mouth will be less vulnerable to tooth decay. Therefore, this would hopefully lessen the number of cavity fillings that people require.

Tooth decay

This research is aimed at preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay results in the development of cavities in teeth, which require a filling to prevent further damage.

Tooth decay affects so many people around the world – from children to older adults. It is often caused by having too much sugary food and drink [1]. Moreover, poor oral hygiene will also often result in the development of cavities [1].

Bacteria and acid in the mouth – caused by food, drink, and other items placed in the mouth, also contribute to cavities. Therefore, dentists always preach the importance of eating healthily.

The Research

The researchers sought to find out if their treatment could help to prevent tooth decay. The researchers came from the Fujian Institute of Research. Their findings were published in the Chemical Engineering journal [2].

There was a special focus on preventing a specific type of bacteria caused Streptococcus mutans – which is known for its ability to survive in acidic environments, causing damage to the teeth and gums [2].

When there is too much bacteria, a “biofilm” is created, where teeth and gums become covered in bacteria and other microorganisms [2]. Therefore, bacteria can be very problematic.

The researchers developed their treatment using a few different substances. They loaded Rose Bengal – an antibacterial agent – onto Copper-doped Zinc Peroxide nanoparticles [2].

The researchers then sampled the use of their treatment on rodents [2]. Their combination was shown to be very effective. They found the nanoparticles were able to quickly produce hydrogen peroxide when exposed to the mouth. This helped to neutralise the acidic biofilm [2].

The treatment was able to kill large numbers of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth too [2]. Therefore, this had the effect where it became difficult for bacteria to build up – preventing tooth decay.

The combination of substances was effective at stopping the production of acidic substances and the formation of biofilm [2]. Overall, the findings suggested the treatment was highly effective.

Implications

The study produced very positive results. The results showed that a treatment of copper-doped Zinc Peroxide and Rose Bengal can be very effective for bacteria-based conditions [2].

Professor Chen Zhuo of the Fujian Institute, commented on the findings [3]. He said that an application of their treatment “effectively inhibited the occurrence and severity of dental caries without harmful effects on the body” [3].

For oral health, the findings are very positive. This treatment – which could potentially be used in the form of a toothpaste – could aid the prevention of bacteria building up. Therefore, tooth decay should lessen, causing fewer dental problems.

Thinking points…

1) Tooth decay is clearly a big problem, and many people are actually unaware that they have decaying teeth. Therefore, it is crucial to see a dentist for a check-up on a regular basis. By seeing your dentist, they can check for any problems or signs of decay, and offer advice where necessary. We recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) This article talks about bacteria in the mouth. It is important to remember that anything we put in our mouth – from food to drink to even our nails, results in bacteria entering the mouth. Think about your habits, is there anything you can do to lessen the level of bacteria entering your mouth? If you’re worried about this, we recommend talking to your dentist, who can offer practical advice. Why not make contact 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] NHS. (2022). Tooth Decay. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/. Last accessed: 24th June 2022.

[2] Zhang, Y., Liu, W., Huang, Y., Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Chen, Z. (2022). Bacterial biofilm microenvironment responsive copper-doped zinc peroxide nanocomposites for enhancing chemodynamic therapy. Chemical Engineering Journal. 446 (3):137214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.137214.

[3] Chinese Academy of Sciences. (2022). Researchers propose new strategy for prevention and treatment of dental caries. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-strategy-treatment-dental-caries.html. Last accessed: 24th June 2022.

Why Is the Conflict in Ukraine Affecting Root Canal Dental Treatments?
13Jun
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is having a substantial effect on multiple areas all over the world. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is not immune from its impact. Now, there are concerns that shortages caused by the conflict could impact dentistry – with more complex interventions like root canal treatments being affected.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is causing many issues around the world. While some of these effects – such as the emerging humanitarian crisis engulfing the country – are visible, other effects are not.

Among the areas that have been negatively impacted is the worldwide healthcare system. Unfortunately, the dental industry is also being affected by the consequences of the conflict.

Ukraine and Russia – the two countries involved in the conflict – are huge exporters of key commodities, including some items and materials that are used in healthcare.

Therefore, dental treatments are among the areas to be affected. More complex procedures like root canal treatments are likely to be the worst affected.

Commodity Issues

Towards the end of February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has been going on for several months, with the Russian offensive met by strong resistance from the Ukrainian military.

As a result, the world has been impacted enormously. There have been concerns over a potential nuclear war, record high gas prices and a range of shortages. Therefore, many industries have been impacted – including the dental industry.

Russia and Ukraine are key exporters of some commodities. For example, in this case, the key resources are Ammonium Nitrate and Natural Gas [1]. But international sanctions, transport issues and procurement struggles has led to shortages. As a result, accessing these commodities has become more difficult.

When the above commodities are refined, they can produce two gases which are vital for the healthcare system. These are Nitrous Oxide (known as Laughing Gas) and Helium [1]. Both of these are used in millions of healthcare procedures each day.

Other Healthcare shortages

The Covid-19 pandemic had disastrous effect on worldwide supply chains, causing huge shortages [2]. These shortages have now been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

Since the invasion began, even more shortages have been reported. For example, baby formula, medication, and contrast dye used in diagnostic scans are among the current shortages. As a result of the contrast dye shortage, potentially life-saving scans are having to be rationed in some states – a dire situation [1].

The impact on dentistry

Nitrous Oxide is primarily used in dentistry for complex procedures or surgeries. Unfortunately, around 40% of Ammonium Nitrate – which is needed for Nitrous Oxide – comes from Russia [1].

Root canal treatments are used to treat an infection in the tooth. It involves a dentist removing infected soft tissue inside the tooth – known as the pulp [3]. Because of the invasive nature of a root canal treatment, as well its long procedure time, it can cause anxiety and concern from patients [1].

When patients are anxious, nervous or distressed, they can be offered a sedative – such as Nitrous Oxide. However, because of the shortages, less sedatives are expected to be available. This may result in less people wanting to undergo root canal treatment.

This shortage is therefore causing concern in healthcare. It is important to remember that dental clinics typically do have other sedatives available, but supplies are normally limited.

Regardless of potential shortages, dental clinics will aim to continue providing root canal and other complex treatments. This shouldn’t stop the overall goal of providing effective and efficient treatments for patients around the world.

Thinking points…

1) This article talks about root canal treatments. They aren’t pleasant procedures, but fortunately – they can normally be avoided through strong oral hygiene. As part of having a strong oral hygiene routine, you should ensure you see your dentist regularly for a check-up. If there are any problems that need addressing, your dentist will be able to spot them and suggest treatment if necessary. Therefore, this will prevent problems worsening – we recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) Maybe some of you reading this will be awaiting, or are in need of, root canal treatment. It can be tempting to avoid the dentist when you are scared ahead of a procedure. However, it is important that you go ahead and get the root canal treatment done. Unfortunately, dental problems won’t go away, and the longer you leave it for, the more damage will be done. Try to attend the appointment and if needed, discuss taking a sedative with your dentist.

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] Tahir, D. (2022). Why the war in Ukraine might make root canals more difficult. Available:https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-war-ukraine-root-canals-difficult.html. Last accessed: 11th June 2022.

[2] NHS. (2022). Root canal treatment. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/root-canal-treatment/. Last accessed: 10th June 2022.

[3] Cohen, J., & van der Meulen Rodgers, Y. (2020). Contributing factors to personal protective equipment shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive Medicine. 141 (106263). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106263.

Do Mouth Problems Cause Eating Difficulties for the Elderly?
7Jun
New research has found that eating problems are common among the elderly, especially in those with a poor appetite and lack of teeth. The problems include swallowing, chewing and general appetite difficulties. These eating problems are linked to oral health. Therefore, this research shows again the importance of good oral health.

New research has looked into eating problems, which is very common among older adults. The study has analyzed eating problems among those aged 75 and older.

Eating problems are inherently linked to oral health. The study found that poor appetite, chewing problems, swallowing and denture-related eating difficulties were very common.

This study shows the importance of good oral health. By having strong oral health, it gives us a decreased chance of having eating problems in the future.

Background

The mouth plays a crucial part in our overall health. For example, disregarding our oral health can result in mouth problems like gum disease and cavities.

Then, the mouth is also important for chewing and swallowing. In turn, these are crucial areas for overall health. Without eating properly, our overall health will worsen.

To have a balanced diet, it is important to be able to eat, chew and swallow as intended. This all points towards the importance of general oral health.

The study

The research outlined above was part of the ongoing Nutrition, Oral Health and Medication study at the University of Eastern Finland. Subsequently, the findings were reported on in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dental Research [1].

The study involved 250 people aged 75 and older who resided in Eastern Finland. Finland is well-known for its high quality of life. For example, the organisation Social Progress Index, which measures quality of life across 160 countries, says Finland is the 2nd best country in the world to live [2]. Therefore, those partaking in this study come from a nation where health and life expectancy are strong.

The participants were interviewed by health professionals including a pharmacist, clinical nutritionist and a dental hygienist [2]. This allowed the authors to get a strong picture of the participants.

The researchers aimed to find out the extent and causes of eating problems. Eating problems were divided into four areas:

• Loss of appetite

• Chewing problems

• Swallowing problems

• Eating problems relating to teeth or dentures

What were the results?

There were some interesting findings. The findings were rather worrying, and shows that oral health is certainly an area which needs to be improved upon.

Nearly 30% of the participants reported having a poor appetite [1]. 20% of the participants had chewing problems. Furthermore, 14% had swallowing difficulties. Finally, almost 20% reported eating problems relating to teeth or dentures [1].

The researchers noted that nearly all of those with issues had a poor nutritional diet – according to the Clinical Nutritionist [1]. Moreover, they also had a decreased food intake compared to those without problems [1].

Those with no teeth had further problems. For instance, this group had a higher chance of chewing issues and general oral health problems [1].

Those with existing oral health problems were also likelier to report problems with chewing and swallowing [1]. Participants with toothache or denture issues were also likelier to report having eating problems [1].

It is also worth mentioning that the researchers found a clear link between taking multiple prescribed medications and oral health-related eating problems [1]. This may be linked to dry mouth – which is a common side effect of many medicines.

What this study shows

This study underlines the importance of oral health. It also shows that we should get into good oral health habits from a young age, as it will help us in the future. After all, we only get one set of teeth in adulthood!

Annina Salmi, one of the authors, discussed the findings [3]. Salmi said “in this study, loss of appetite was the most common finding, suggesting that eating problems are multifaceted” [3].

Looking to the future, Salmi said that “it is important for older people to maintain good oral health because it affects eating” [3].

Thinking points…

1) It is so important to get into good oral health habits during adulthood to aid your mouth’s health in your later years. Therefore, it is crucial to brush your teeth regularly and try to avoid sugary food and drink. Most importantly, it is vital that you attend a dental clinic at least twice a year for a check-up. Any problems can be identified and treated early – resulting in an enhanced chance of treatment success. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) This study mentions the impact that our diet has on both our oral and overall health. Take a moment to think about your diet – is it nutritious? It may be worth speaking to a dentist about your diet, as they can discuss any actions that may be harming your teeth. A regular check-up would be a good starting point for this. Why not book one now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary Dental Clinic that provide their patients with advice, a comfortable experience and treatment to improve oral health where 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] Salmi, A., Komulainen, K., Nihtila, A., Tihonen, M., Nykanen, I., Hartikainen, S., & Suominen, A. L. (2022). Eating problems among old home care clients. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. (Pre-publication release). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.585.

[2] Social Progress Index. (2021). 2021 Social Progress Index Map: Finland. Available: https://www.socialprogress.org/?tab=2&code=FIN. Last accessed: 4th June 2022.

[3] University of Eastern Finland. (2022). Eating problems are common among older home care clients. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-problems-common-older-home-clients.html. Last accessed: 4th June 2022.

New Indigenous Dental Degree Program Announced: How Will It Work?
30May
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.

The State of America’s Oral Health 2022: What Were the Key Findings?
15May
The 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report has been released, with the findings suggesting Americans are caring more about their oral health, and recognizing its importance. Visits to dentists have risen, and most children have had improved access to dentistry. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the link between oral health and physical health, which has caused some concern.

Delta Dental have released the 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report. The yearly report presents a nationwide view of the opinions and behaviours relating to oral health.

The findings were mainly positive. For example, most respondents were clearly aware of the importance of oral health. Moreover, more routine dentistry appointments were attended. Furthermore, there were less oral health issues for children [1].

However, there is a degree of concern over the lack of knowledge that most had in terms of of the link between physical and oral health [1]. This is an area that healthcare professionals hope will improve in the next year.

About the report

This annual report has become a very useful way of reviewing the overall state of oral health in the United States. It is commissioned by Delta Dental – the largest dental insurance provider in the US, with 83million Americans insured with them [1].

The research was conducted between the 19th and 28th of January by Material – a global insights and strategy consultancy [1]. The research involved American adults and parents of children aged 12 and younger.

Overall, they received responses to surveys from 1,027 Americans aged 19 and over. Additionally, there were 1,172 participants that were parents of children aged 12 and younger [1].

The report asked the respondents a range of questions which allowed them to self-assess their oral health and general oral hygiene [1]. The responses were then collated and analysed.

The Key Positive Findings

The conclusions drawn from the report were largely positive. The most promising finding was that 92% of adults and 96% of parents consider their oral health to be “very or extremely important” to their overall health [1].

Another pleasing aspect was the number of people attending the dentist. 89% of children attended the dentist in 2021, along with 72% of adults [1]. Both have risen when compared to 2020. 94% of adults in the survey signalled their intention to visit the dentist this year [1].

Much fewer parents reported that their children had experienced oral health issues throughout the year, when compared to recent years [1]. The researchers noted that this correlated with the finding that 92% of children visited the dentist for preventive reasons, rather than purely reactive reasons – up from 81% in 2020 [1].

The scale of the impact of Covid-19 on oral health continues to be realised. 55% of adults believe that Covid-19 has resulted in them making their oral health more of a priority [1].

Moreover, 63% of adults report paying closer attention to their oral habits due to Covid-19 [1]. Similarly, 74% of parents report paying closer attention to their children’s oral habits due to Covid-19 [1].

With more parents paying attention to the oral health of their children since Covid-19, it is unsurprising to see that many parents are worried about how oral health issues could affect their children. 70% of parents reported being concerned that poor oral health would have a poor impact on their child’s overall confidence [1].

The Key Negative Findings

However, despite the positives, there were some negatives. The researchers asked those who did not attend the dentist what the main barrier to dental care was. Unsurprisingly, the biggest issue was not being able to afford the cost of treatment [1].

Other barriers to oral healthcare also existed. For instance, other common barriers included lack of dental insurance, not wanting to visit a dental clinic during Covid-19 and having a fear of the dentist [1].

The main concern though of the researchers was how there was limited knowledge of the link between oral health and physical health [1]. This is an area that the researchers aim to address in the year ahead.

Many respondents did not realize that some medical conditions are linked to poor oral health. Only 38% of respondents knew about the link between oral health and strokes, with 37% knowing about the link with high blood pressure, and 36% being aware of the diabetes link [1].

As mentioned, this shows that there is room for improvement. But the researchers were pleased to report that 90% of adults said that they were interested in learning about oral health’s critical connection to overall health [1].

What this means

The findings are mainly positive, and compared to the last report, Americans do seem to be taking their oral health more seriously. Of course, with routine dentistry having been suspended due to Covid-19, it is natural that accessing dental services is easier now.

But the findings do show that there is room for improvement in terms of increasing awareness of the impact of oral health on physical health, and vice versa.

James W. Hutchison is the President & CEO of the Delta Dental Plans Association. He commented on the findings of the report [2]. He said that while most “understand that oral health is critically important to overall health”, many “don’t fully realize the ways oral health is linked to serious health issues” [2].

Hutchison stated that “unfortunately, this lack of understanding isn’t surprising, as people often think of the mouth and body as two distinct parts” [2]. He went on to say that his organisation aims “to partner with the public on their journey to better health”, which they aim to achieve by elevating “awareness of the essential role of oral health” [2].

It is now a case of waiting to see what progress is made over the next year in terms of overall oral health. It certainly seems that things are moving in the right direction, but that there is room for improvement.

Thinking points…

1) It is positive to see that Americans are aware of the importance of oral health. One of the most important parts of oral health is a simple check-up. A check-up allows a dentist to provide an overall summary of a patient’s oral health, and provide advice and guidance. If any problems are found, they can be acted on and treated. We recommend attending a check-up at least twice a year – why not book now!

2) If you stop and think about your oral health and hygiene – how would you answer the questions discussed in this article? Consider taking on board some of the key findings of this report – such as the link between oral and physical health. If you need some information, help or advice with your oral health, consider speaking with your dentist about this – they’ll be happy to help!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides advice, comfortable experience and treatment to improve the oral health of its patients, where 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] Delta Dental Plans Association. (2022). The 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report. Available: https://www.deltadental.com/content/dam/ddpa/us/en/press-releases/DDPA_State%20of%20Oral%20Health%20Report_2022-Release.pdf. Last accessed: 13th May 2022.

[2] Delta Dental Plans Association. (2022). New Delta Dental report finds many are unaware of connection between poor oral health and serious medical conditions (but 9 in 10 want to learn more). Available: https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/new-delta-dental-report-finds-many-are-unaware-of-connection-between-poor-oral-health-and/article_e307ea8e-e7fa-5dd2-997d-669baa5e37eb.html. Last accessed: 13th May 2022.