Home Tag: "Dentistry" (Page 28)

Tag: Dentistry

What Are the Most Effective Oral Hygiene Tools? Researchers Put the Tools to the Test! - Savanna Dental
12Oct
A recent study has sought to find out once and for all which oral hygiene tools are the best for our oral health. Mixed information exists currently on which tools are effective. The study was able to categorize each tool as being either positive, negative, or neutral to our oral health.

Looking after our oral health is incredibly important. Strong oral hygiene is the best way of avoiding painful and expensive visits to the dentist.

But many people ask which oral tools and equipment are effective, and which are not. Now, researchers from the University at Buffalo have carried out a study aiming to find this out.

Their findings are very useful. This is because it gives the public knowledge on the best ways to have strong oral hygiene. Therefore, this research helps to maximize our chances of keeping a healthy mouth.

The different tools available

There is no shortage of available tools for oral health. Therefore, it can be difficult to know which tools are the most effective. After all, it would be unrealistic to use them all.

The researchers noted that it was important to complete a study in this area. Oral health is a problematic area for so many people. Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities.

Gum disease is also major problem. Gum disease is very common, with research showing that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [1].

If cavities and gum disease are left untreated, infections, bleeding gums, tooth loss and bone problems are potential consequences.

Most people use a toothbrush, though both manual and electrical ones exist. Some people floss to remove particles of food caught between teeth.

Then there are mouthwashes, probiotics, and various ingredients that are added to oral health products. All of these areas were analyzed in this study.

The Research

The research was published in October’s issue of The Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology [2]. Researchers from the University at Buffalo carried out the study.

Moreover, the researchers put various oral hygiene tools and ingredients to the test. They used pre-existing research, different scenarios and other research methods to see the impact each intervention had on the mouth.

The results produced three different areas. Firstly, effective tools. Secondly, tools that had a somewhat positive impact, but not enough to justify their daily use. Finally, negative tools.

Effective Tools

• Toothbrush: Unsurprisingly, the gold standard of oral health is the toothbrush. The toothbrush plays a main role in oral hygiene. Both electric and manual toothbrushes were effective, with very little between the two.

• Inter-dental brushes: Inter-dental brushes that are used to floss between teeth were also praised for being highly-effective. Moreover, they are an effective way of removing anything stuck between the teeth.

• Water Pick: Water picks are an excellent way of clearing anything stuck in the teeth. They release water at a rapid rate, helping to clear any blockages. Because of this, they have proven to be popular with consumers.

• Chlorhexidine in mouthwash: Chlorhexidine can be a key ingredient of mouthwash. This study backed up previous research, which found that mouthwashes containing Chlorhexidine can result in a “moderate” reduction in gum disease [3]. However, Chlorhexidine can cause tooth discoloration with prolonged use [3].

• Cetylpyridinium: Cetylpyridinium is a compound that is used across various oral products. For instance, toothpaste, mouthwash and some lozenges. The researchers found it was very effective at reducing gum disease and preventing plaque. However, Cerylpyridinium does cause staining in a small number of users [4].

• Listerine Mouthwash: As one of the world’s most instantly-recognizable brands, it isn’t surprising that Listerine’s mouthwash products that contained essential oils were deemed effective. Furthermore, another study concluded there was “strong evidence” that Listerine was excellent for protecting against plaque and reducing gum disease [5].

Tools that have mixed evidence

While there were many positives outlined above, there were some tools and ingredients that didn’t provide enough evidence to justify their use on a daily basis.

• Scaling: Scaling is when a dentist uses a special tool to remove plaque and tartar (solid plaque) around the gum-line. They also usually do something called root planing, which aids the gums. Because of inconsistent results, the researchers did not consider this tool to be positive.

• Probiotics: The researchers found probiotics produced inconsistent results. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are consumed through a product. For instance, Yakult. Probiotics is a promising area, but it hasn’t been researched enough yet to draw conclusions. The conclusions of the authors echo the existing body of research [6].

• Tea-tree oil, green tea mouthwashes: Tea-tree oil and green tea are ingredients that are being added to many products. Because of their properties as being natural, they are popular. However, the researchers found they provided limited effectiveness.

• Hexetidine: Hexeditine is an antibacterial ingredient that is primarily used in mouthwash products. Oraldene is the most well-known brand including hexetidine. However, when the researchers tested it, the results weren’t too positive.

The Negative

The researchers only found that one key ingredient produced negative results. This was Triclosan.

Triclosan is very effective for reducing plaque and gum disease. However, Triclosan has been linked to reproductive defects and some forms of cancer.

Consequently, Triclosan has been removed from the majority of toothpastes. The findings of the authors backup existing research [7].

What does this study show us?

This study shows the importance of strong hygiene. It shows that we can keep things simple by using a few different products. Therefore, there is no need to make things too complex.

All of the areas deemed effective should be used regularly. For instance, mouthwash products with the aforementioned ingredients can be used as an adjunct to using a toothbrush and inter-dental brush.

As a result, Eva Volman, an author of the study, said she hoped the evidence from the study was “comprehensive, readable and uniquely helpful to all oral health professionals, as well as patients” [8].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

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

Above all, 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.

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 dental clinic in Calgary Savanna Dental! You can read more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [2] Volman, E. I., Stellrecht, E., & Scannapieco, F. A. (2021). Proven Primary Prevention Strategies for Plaque-Induced Periodontal Disease – An Umbrella Review. Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology. 23 (4).
  • [3] Worthington, H., Riley, P., James, P., Parnell, C., Harding, M., Lamont, T., Cheung, A., & Whelton, H. (2017). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 (3): p1-194.
  • [4] Addy, M., Mahdavi, S. A., & Loyn, T. (1995). Dietary staining in vitro by mouthrinses as a comparative measure of antiseptic activity and predictor of staining in vivo. The Journal of Dentistry. 23 (2): p95-99.
  • [5] Alshehehri, F. A. (2018). The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: A systematic review. Saudi Dental Journal. 30 (1): p2-6.
  • [6] Meurman, J. H., & Stamatova, I. V. (2018). Probiotics: Evidence of Oral Health Implications. Folia Medica. 60 (1): p21-29.
Singh Continues Ndp’s Pledge to Subsidize Dental Costs, but Will It Work?
27Sep
The NDP’s leader Jagmeet Singh has said that his party will continue their pledge towards subsidizing dental costs for those without insurance. This long-running idea continues to enjoy support, though it has also caused many questions, mainly around the source of the money needed for such a program.

Ahead of the 2021 Canadian Federal Election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stated that his party would implement a federal program aimed at lowering dental costs.

The federal program would be based around subsidizing dentistry costs for Canadian citizens without insurance. This is an important issue, as a sizeable number of Canadians do not have insurance.

Singh referred to oral health a one of Canada’s “biggest divides” because of how those with limited income were being “left high and dry” in the current situation [1]. Having a healthy income is something that obviously isn’t applicable to everyone.

The NDP and Dental Care

The NDP have gradually grown in popularity in recent years. Dental care reform has been a consistent area that they have focused on.

They made a pledge ahead of the 2019 election which involved providing free dental care to low-income individuals [2]. This plan was then developed and altered ready for the 2021 election.

The 2021 plan formed part of the NDP’s election pledge. Singh said that anyone that received under $90,000 per year would benefit from his plan.

Those earning between $60,000 and $90,000 per year would have part of their dental expenses covered. Moreover, those that earn below $60,000 would be fully covered in the plan [1].

As part of their calculations, the NDP estimated that 6.5million Canadians would benefit from their program. As a result of the plan, the average family would save $1,200 in dental fees each year [1].

Could the NDP’s plan work?

The NDP’s idea has already had its validity studied. A 2020 report by the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated an upfront cost of $3billion for the Government [3]. Furthermore, this would be followed with a $1.5billion cost per year [3].

Some have asked where the money needed for this program would come from. Singh has said that the NDP would fund the program by introducing a 1% tax on households with wealth of over $10million.

The NDP’s plan would address long-term problems in the dental industry of Canada. Research shows that in a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians visited a dentist, with 23% being put off from visiting a dental clinic due to cost [4].

However, Singh’s plan hasn’t been popular with fellow parties. In June, a motion put forward by the NDP relating to dental costs was voted down in the House of Commons [5]. Similar results may also follow.

Will the NDP keep this policy for the future?

It is likely that the NDP will continue this policy in upcoming elections because of its popularity among voters, many of whom would benefit from this program.

The 2021 election policy included slight modifications on the 2019 policy. Moreover, we can expect another slight alteration by the time of the next federal election, scheduled for October 2025 at the latest.

The NDP have been enjoying an uplift in support over recent years, and will hope that by the next election, that they will be able to challenge for more seats. Dental care is likely to continue to be an important part in the NDP’s overall policies.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer our patients a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We always recommend that our patients visit our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for an important regular dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments, for instance cavity fillings and root canals, that can effectively restore oral health.

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

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 dental clinic in Calgary Savanna Dental! You can read more about us by visiting our website https://savannadental.ca.

Large Study Shows the Current State of Oral Health Around the World - Savanna Dental
13Sep
A recent study has provided an overview of the current state of oral health around the world. There were both positives and negatives arising from the survey. While many suffer with oral health problems, a surprising amount of people said they had no such issues. Worryingly though, many are not aware of the link between oral health and physical health. The study found several trends that will aid future research.

A recent study has provided an interesting insight into the overall state of oral health around the world. The study took place across 15 countries. It provided an overall status of wellbeing, habits, desires and the concerns of oral health.

The research found that there are many positives in the oral health of study participants, but some worrying areas too. The findings also showed the impact that Covid-19 has had on oral health.

The Study

The research was carried out by the oral healthcare company Sunstar. They used 15,000 respondents, with 1,000 people from each of the 15 countries interviewed.

The respondents were all aged 18-65. There were an equal number of males and females. All respondents were asked a range of questions relating to their oral health.

There were six European representatives – the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Netherlands. In the Americas, the countries partaking were Mexico, USA, Argentina and Brazil. Then there were five Asian countries, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

The research is called the 2021 Globally Healthy Thinking Report. The full report is available to see on Sunstar’s website, which you can access by clicking here [1]. You can also see a brief snapshot of the key results by clicking here [2].

Key Findings

We all know the importance of oral health. Having strong oral hygiene is important, which includes attending regular check-ups and brushing teeth at least twice a day.

Yet the results show that not everyone brushes their teeth twice every day. Those from Indonesia recorded the lowest percentage for brushing teeth twice a day, with 45% of respondents saying that they didn’t. Those that forgot to brush their teeth the least were Germans – with 80% of respondents saying that they always brushed twice a day. Reasons for not brushing teeth included forgetting, wanting to go straight to bed, being in a rush, or simply not being bothered [1].

In terms of oral problems, the most common issue was tooth sensitivity [1]. Tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath were among other common problems.

Thailand had the most oral health problems, with only 1 in 10 respondents having no issues to report [1]. This backs up earlier research, which has showed that Thailand has seen the quality of life of their citizens lower due to poor oral health [3]. The United Kingdom appeared to have the best oral health, with 40% of respondents stating they had no problems with their teeth [1].

Gum disease affects Italians the most, and the French the least. Oral health problems often cause bad breath, with those from Japan suffering the most with this; 34% of Japan’s respondents reported having bad breath. Those in Brazil had the least at 8% [1].

Such problems are sometimes caused, or at least aggravated by, poor habits. Smoking has a negative impact on oral health [4]. 27% of Spaniards and Germans admitted to smoking. Worryingly, only 39% of Singaporeans realised smoking was bad for their dental health. Conversely, 76% of respondents of Argentina said they knew smoking affected dental health [1].

Other common habits that people wished they could stop were drinking “staining drinks”, coffee, tea and eating sweets. Jaw-clenching and teeth grinding were other common problems [1].

Sadly, most people were unsatisfied with the appearance of their smile. Social media has been criticized for giving a false impression of what teeth should look like. It has also made more people conscious of their appearance [5].

As a result, many people said they wanted to have cosmetic makeovers. Netherlands was the happiest with their teeth, with 18% saying they didn’t want cosmetic treatment [1]. Just 5% of those from Thailand, Italy, Spain and Brazil said they didn’t want any cosmetic work [1]. The most popular cosmetic treatments requested were tooth whitening and straighter teeth [1]. Others included veneers and bonding.

Covid-19 has had a big impact on oral health. In fact, the World Health Organization talked about Covid-19 causing a “dental disaster”. Part of this was due to missed appointments and subsequent untreated issues. Exact numbers differed from country to country. 44% of Argentinians said they missed dental appointments during the pandemic. Yet only 12% of those in Japan did [1].

Problems like tooth sensitivity have become more problematic. 25% of American respondents experienced tooth sensitivity. Indonesia was the highest at 45% [1].

In more positive news, Covid-19 has led to improvements in brushing teeth. 27% of those profiled said they brushed their teeth more often than pre-pandemic [1].

What these results show

The authors of the study had mixed conclusions. They said that it was positive that many people were keeping their mouth healthy. But there were some worries, primarily because many didn’t understand the link between oral health and physical health.

Out of the many problems, there are also easy solutions. For instance, many were concerned with bad breath, but regular brushing, flossing and tongue brushing can help this.

Germany and the United Kingdom frequently finished highest in many categories. It is no coincidence that Germany and the United Kingdom had the highest rank in terms of visiting the dentist twice a year. The percentages were Germany at 45% and the United Kingdom at 42% [1].

While Canadian citizens did not take part in the research, the conclusions remain relevant. It shows the importance of visiting the dentist often and using excellent oral hygiene. It also shows we should try to cut out bad habits.

The authors stated that the level of dental decay and gum disease are “most certainly” associated with lifestyle choices. For instance, smoking, diet and alcohol consumption are areas we should aim to avoid.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.

Dental problems should be addressed early and can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting more severe. So, if further treatment is needed after a routine check-up, we give our patients 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.

If you ever need any dental advice, our team at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental will be happy to assist. This can include advice on treating bad breath, reviewing your diet, and any other dentistry-related guidance.

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

Summary

This report produced very interesting results. It shows that there is room for improvement in dental health around the world. However, there are many positives too. We should all take notice of the results. They serve as a reminder to adopt excellent oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly and eat healthily.

We would love for you to visit our dental clinic soon! To read more about us and for other information, have a browse around our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We hope to see you soon!

  • [1] SUNSTAR. (2021). Global Healthy Thinking Report: 2021 Oral Health Awareness Survey. Available: https://www.sunstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sunstar-Global-Healthy-Thinking-Report-2021.pdf. Last accessed: 10th September 2021.
  • [2] SUNSTAR. (2021). Global Healthy Thinking Report. Available: https://www.sunstar.com/healthy-thinking-report/oral-survey-2021/. Last accessed: 10th September 2021.
  • [3] Sombateyotha, K., & Mahaweerawat, U. (2017). Oral Health Status and Oral Impact on Daily Performance in Elderly in Northeastern Region Thailand. European Journal of Sustainable Development. 6(2), p240-244.
  • [4] Miller, W. J., & Locker, D. (2007). Smoking and Oral Health Status. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. 73(2), p155-165.
  • [5] Rekawek, P., Wu, B., & Hanna, T. (2021). Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures, Social Media, and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery: Use of Trends for the Modern Practice. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 79(4), p739-740.