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Why Is It Important To Ignore TikTok’s Dangerous Dental Braces Hack?
8Jan
A new “dental hack” on social media app TikTok is causing significant concern to dentists, amid fears that it could cause severe damage to the oral health of impressionable youngsters. The popular video shows a user using a spoon to remove their braces. This is a very dangerous activity that shouldn’t be undertaken by anyone but a trained professional.

While supposed dental “do it yourself (DIY) hacks” on TikTok are sadly nothing new, every now and then, a very damaging trend that can cause significant harm can become popular.

Recently, one particular trend has developed which has, unbelievably, promoted the idea and supposed benefits of prying off braces with a spoon.

This is just one example of many worrying TikTok trends which have led to substantial concern for dentists. Teenagers and younger people are unwittingly putting themselves at risk of developing long-term oral problems due to these hacks.

TikTok’s Dental Hacks

TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps currently. It has videos on just about any topic, with oral health no different. But not all videos are useful, with some downright damaging.

This includes videos that use the hashtag “DIY dentistry”. This hashtag brings up thousands of videos, many of which promote damaging “hacks” that viewers can do themselves to apparently improve their appearance.

These DIY hacks are targeted at young adults, teenagers and even children. Many people in this age range are highly-impressionable and very conscious of their looks – a concerning duo for oral health.

Infamous hacks put forward including filling in the spaces between teeth with dental filler, and creating a “healthy coke”, which involved using vinegar as a substitute for cola – though the acidic nature of vinegar meant it was far from “healthy”.

Moreover, other hacks have proven popular, including using bleach to whiten teeth and trying to straighten teeth using a nail file. There is so much harm that can be caused by these hacks.

A common reason behind engaging with these hacks is a concern over dental costs. But what so many don’t realise is that by engaging in these hacks, the chances are that they will end up having to go to the dentist to fix the pain that they develop.

The Dangerous Braces Hack

One hack which is currently attracting a lot of interest focuses on braces. The video shows a person prying their braces off with a spoon. Others in the comments suggested a fork could do the same.

However, this is an incredibly dangerous thing to do. By using a foreign instrument in the mouth, bacteria will be introduced into the mouth.

Moreover, the teeth can be damaged by using such vigorous actions. After all, braces are not easily pried off, so the force needed would inevitably damage the teeth.

It is important to remember that when braces are eventually removed, a trained orthodontist will use a special device to loosen the brackets. This really isn’t something that anyone other than a trained professional should do.

As much as people don’t tend to like braces, they are there for a reason! So if a person does pry off the braces, the intended benefits won’t be realized. This creates a negative cycle where they will inevitably need to use braces again, with their teeth unable to naturally correct themselves without the addition of braces.

Therefore, the action brings no benefits, and will actually cause long-term damage. Seeing such videos on TikTok can be very damaging.

Reactions

Many dentists, hygienists and doctors have made comments on these videos on TikTok, urging viewers to not copy what they see. Hopefully, this will have a positive impact.

Then there are also many comments on these videos by those who regret partaking in “DIY dentistry”, often sharing the pain they are in. This will also hopefully act as a deterrent.

Some users have defended the videos, mentioning the cost element. However, others have pointed out that there are many dental schools that offer discounted dental services.

Ben Winters is a dentist on TikTok that goes by the name of “thebentist” [1]. He has over 13million followers, and uses his platform to provide dental advice. He has said that any DIY dentistry effort “is a permanent decision”, as the “teeth are not coming back” [2].

While “lip filler can be dissolved” and “Botox goes away”, Winters has pointed out that “once you alter the shape of your teeth, that is gone forever” [2]. This shows a professional’s viewpoint on the dangers, which hopefully resonates with viewers.

The dental effects of these hacks are terrible. Trauma to the teeth and tooth decay are two very common side effects of any hack, and can lead to irreversible damage. Hopefully, impressionable youngsters will avoid engaging in such activities.

Thinking points…

1) If you have a child or teenager, it is highly likely that they use TikTok. Therefore, they will be exposed to content like this. It is important to have regular conversations with them about their dental health. Furthermore, you can set a good example to your children by looking after your own oral health, which involves visiting a dental clinic for a regular check-up. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) It is very natural for people to not be entirely happy with the appearance of their mouth and teeth. However, it is important to not turn to the “DIY hacks” outlined in this article for assistance. Instead, it is important to leave it to professionals! For example, here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions, including teeth whitening, Invisalign and implants. We would love to have a conversation with you about treatment options, you can see more about us on our homepage https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental services.

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™a! 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] TikTok. (2023). thebentist. Available: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebentist. Last accessed: 6th January 2023.

[2] Cutler, A. (2023). No, you shouldn’t pry your braces off with a spoon: TikTok hacks making dentists cringe. Available:

The Link Between Red Wine and Stained Teeth: How Can It Be Prevented?
2Jan
Red wine is a very common drink that is enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is also known for having the undesirable effect of staining teeth. This is something we all try to avoid. Now, a dentist has discussed the link between red wine and stained teeth – and listed some methods to help prevent problems. This useful information can help many people to manage their teeth effectively.

Over the Christmas season, it is very common for us to over-indulge on food and drink. While doing this just once a year may not do much harm, it is important to exert caution during the festive season.

One of the most common things that people treat themselves to over the holiday season is red wine. But this has the undesirable, yet common effect, of staining teeth over time.

But what can be done about this? Now, a dentist has looked into this question, and has helped to explain some of the key factors that result in stained teeth [1]. This information will be very relevant to anyone who is concerned about the possibility of their teeth becoming stained.

Analysis by a professional

Uchenna Akosa is a dentist who works in tandem with Rutgers Health University Dental Associates [1]. As a dentist, Akosa has seen stained teeth first-hand, and has developed knowledge on it.

Akosa explained the link between red wine and stained teeth. She says that upon drinking red wine, “you’re encountering a triple threat to your teeth’s whiteness” [1]. This triple threat that Akosa speaks of consists of anthocynanins, tannins and acidity [1].

Akosa explains that anthocyanins are the pigments in grapes that give red wine its rich color. Meanwhile, tannins help bind the pigment our teeth. Finally, acidity refers to the acid found in wine, which etches our enamel, making it more porous and easier for the stain to stick [1].

When combined, these various threats can result in our teeth becoming discolored. While occasional consumption of wine may not cause this, consistent consumption is highly likely to cause it.

Moreover, Akosa mentions that “the strength of your enamel and how prone you are to plaque build-up is key to how much your teeth might stain” [1]. Some people are naturally more prone to plaque. This quote shows that some people will naturally be more at risk than others.

Looking at the wider picture, Akosa has acknowledged that many other foods and drinks have a similar effect [1]. She says that “anything that can stain a shirt can stain your teeth” [1]. For example, she mentions “black coffee, black tea, berries, balsamic vinegar, chocolate, sweets and smoking” as examples [1].

Moreover, she continues by saying “drinks like soda and juices harm the enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains” [1]. Clearly, there are a range of threats to our teeth.

Interestingly, in a comparison based on the impact that red wine and coffee have on staining teeth, a team of researchers in 2010 found that red wine had the more severe effect on tooth discoloration and enamel erosion [2].

Preventing stained teeth

There are things that we can all do to try and prevent stained teeth. These suggestions are from Akosa, who believes taking the following steps can limit the damage done to our teeth when drinking wine [1]:

• Akosa suggests that we should brush our teeth before, but not immediately after, drinking [1]. This is because brushing your teeth before drinking will tackle any build-up of plaque prior to consumption of wine. If you do it afterwards, the wine may contribute to a build-up of plaque in the meantime.

• Akosa also states that we shouldn’t drink white wine prior to red wine [1]. While it can be tempting to drink both, the extra acid in white wine will exacerbate the staining.

• Another useful tip Akosa provides is to drink water while drinking wine [1]. Regularly swishing your mouth with water whilst drinking wine can help to reduce the wine’s acidity and keep our mouth’s saliva levels strong. This can help to regulate our mouth’s acid levels.

• Akosa has also pointed out the usefulness of pairing cheese with wine while drinking. This is because cheese can help to stimulate saliva and reduces acidity from wine.

• Finally, Akosa has pointed out how important it is to brush your teeth correctly and attend regular dental appointments [1]. This can help to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy.

Akosa has suggested that a good brushing technique involves placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and lightly brush back and forth in short strokes [1]. Furthermore, it is important to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of teeth.

Overall, it is important to remember to enjoy yourself over the festive season – after all, it only comes around once a year. However, you can do so responsibly, and act in a way that protects and limits any damage to teeth.

There certainly seems to be a strong relationship between red wine and teeth discoloration, but as outlined above, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent problems.

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, it is very important to look after our teeth. There are many simple steps we can take to protect and strengthen our oral health. One of the most important aspects of this is to attend regular dental appointments. At these appointments, any problems can be detected, and necessary treatments planned and proposed. We strongly recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Once teeth are stained, it can be rather unsettling for many people, and affect their self-esteem. However, cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, is available! Here at Savanna Dental, we offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. We also offer consultations for those considering teeth whitening, giving you a chance to ask any questions you may have. We would love to have a discussion with you about teeth whitening, and help you on your journey to great-looking teeth!

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] Zielinski, P. (2022). How to prevent ‘wine teeth’ this holiday. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-12-wine-teeth-holiday.html/. Last accessed: 30th December 2022.

[2] Liporini, P. C. S., Souto, C. M. C., Pazinatto, R. B., Cesar, I. C. R., Augusto de Rego, M., Mathias, P., & Cavalli, V. (2010). Enamel Susceptibility to Coffee and Red Wine Staining at Different Intervals Elapsed from Bleaching: A Photoreflectance Spectrophotometry Analysis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 28 (2): p105-109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2627.

The Oral Health of Refugees: The Impact on Dental Services in Canada
26Dec
Dentists in Canada are facing a large demand for oral health services from refugees. Refugees are often arriving in Canada with poor oral health, having never received routine dental care before. This is causing many issues, but is also a shining example of how dentists are doing their best to help this vulnerable population.

The recent influx of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan has presented many problems, with many refugees arriving in Canada with severe oral health problems [1].

Therefore, dental professionals are facing an increase in demand, with many of the refugees arriving having unfortunately not received any preventative dental care in many years.

This is presenting a difficult challenge. Not only do dental professionals have a high demand, but the refugees themselves are forced to live with poor oral health, which requires treatment.

Refugees and Oral Health

Canada has a long history of providing sanctuary for refugees. Recently, the majority of refugees are coming from either Ukraine or Afghanistan, owing to the troubles in those nations.

But a problem that many refugees have is poor health, including physically, mentally and oral. Oral health is a particular concern for dental professionals, with the recent influx of refugees requiring urgent oral care set to strain the Canadian healthcare service.

For example, a study in 2019 looked at the differences between the oral health of refugees in Canada and Canadian children [2]. They found that many refugee children had never seen a dentist prior to arriving in Canada, and that they had “significantly” worse oral health than Canadian children [2].

Not all refugees are children though. A similar study – albeit based in Nova Scotia – looked at adult refugees [3]. Of the 86 recent refugee arrivals, 85% had untreated tooth decay. 98% had moderate to severe gingivitis [3].

In a sign that many people there don’t understand the seriousness of oral health, 49% of refugees considered their oral health to be good, very good or excellent [3]. Therefore, many were unaware of the need for oral health treatment.

Another study found that an added issue facing refugees is their language, cultural and financial difficulties [4]. These limit their access to and use of Canadian dental services [4].

The impact on dental services

Dr. Brad Krusky is a Pediatric Dentist operating in northeast Calgary. Krusky has had many patients coming to Canada as refugees [1]. He has been commenting on the situation, and his concerns.

“A lot of the kids come with active infections, they will come with cavities that we would normally see in kids that simply do not have access to dental care” [1]. This lays bare the issues, with many of these children having never received dental care.

Many of these children require immediate treatment, often without realizing. Krusky says that many children “end up on antibiotics over and over again”, and that “a lot of them will end up in the hospital, in the emergency room with worse pain” [1].

History is repeating itself, with very similar events happening in the mid-2010s, when scores of Iraqi and Syrian refugees came to Canada.

Improvements are needed

Krusky has acknowledged the difficulties of the current situation, stating that “unfortunately there are better ways that we could deal with it clinically than is being done right now” [1].

The current situation involves dentists providing fixes to emergency situations. But this isn’t sustainable in the long-term, given the sheer demand not only from refugees, but also from Canadian citizens.

There is also the issue of funding. Refugees are often covered by Federal Government funding, but this is typically limited to emergency dental care, rather than ongoing care [1].

Krusky says that “in my opinion, if the funds were not directed at the individual families themselves but rather injected into the system that already exists, especially provincially, I think we’d be able to do a lot better” [1].

Dental professionals often struggle to communicate with refugee children due to the language barrier. Therefore, Krusky says that the children “don’t understand what we are doing or why we are doing” it [1].

Unfortunately, this often results in these children having a negative experience, which has the impact of them becoming afraid of the dentist in the future” [1].

Krusky has mentioned how many dentists are working for free, in a selfless effort to assist this vulnerable population [1]. This is an admirable example of the kind-hearted actions of dental professionals in Canada.

The current situation

Therefore, the overall situation is causing many problems. It is a situation that is negatively affecting multiple groups. Dental clinics are finding they are having to spend more, dentists have a high demand and Canadian citizens face longer waiting times.

While the refugees get much-needed dental care, it can also cause problems, such as resulting in the fear of the dentist, and problems needing multiple treatments.

Educational programs in schools could help the refugees to understand the importance of oral health, with newcomers especially targeted given their heightened risk of poor oral health. The aim is to improve the oral health status of everyone in Canada.

Thinking points…

1) Are you, or someone you know, a refugee? You may not have had adequate oral health treatment in your home country. But do not worry, as help is available, and can relieve pain! For example, here at Savanna Dental, our Calgary-based dental clinic has helpful staff that are used to these situations, and will be happy to assist you! Feel free to get in touch with us now!

2) Waiting times in Canada for dental services can be long, but this shouldn’t put you off of booking a check-up for your oral health. Check-ups are crucial, and provide a chance for a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health, and provide advice and treatment options if necessary. If treatment is required, then a plan can be discussed, with the aim of improving your oral health and ensuring your problems don’t worsen. We 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] Kury de Castillo, C. (2022). Alberta dentists struggle to help refugee kids with dental problems. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9357566/alberta-dentists-battle-refugee-dental-issues/. Last accessed: 22nd December 2022.

[2] Moreau, A-M., Hennous, F., Dabbagh, B., & Ferraz dos Santos, B. (2019). Oral Health Status of Refugee Children in Montreal. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 21: p693-698. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0835-1.

[3] Ghiabi, E., Matthews, D. C., & Brilant, M. S. (2014). The Oral Health Status of Recent Immigrants and Refugees in Nova Scotia, Canada. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 16: p95-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9785-9.

[4] Reza, M., Amin, M., Sgro, A., Abdelaziz, A., Ito, D., Main, P., & Azarpazhooh. (2015). Oral Health Status of Immigrant and Refugee Children in North America: A Scoping Review. Journal of Canadian Dental Association. 82: g3. PMID: 27548669.

The Canadian Dental Benefit: How Many Families Have Applied?
19Dec
Applications for the Canadian Dental Benefit are in full swing, with thousands of applications already being made. While there have been some concerns about the timing of the benefit becoming available, the early uptake should assuage any concerns. The hope is that the oral health of Canadians will improve over the coming years.

The Canadian Dental Benefit recently opened, and there has already been a strong uptake in applications, in positive news for oral health.

Within the first week of opening, 35,000 people had already applied for the benefit [1]. Considering these are the figures after just one week, there is the expectation that numbers will rise further.

The hope is that oral health among younger people in China will improve significantly in the years to come, as the full positives of this benefit are felt.

What is the Canadian Dental Benefit?

The dental benefit was officially launched on 1st December 2022. This was a key part of the Canadian government’s commitment to assisting citizens through the current cost of living crisis.

The benefit is for families with a child or children under the age of 12 – that are either low or middle-income families that do not have private insurance [2]. Eligible families can receive up to $650 per child each year to assist with the cost of dental care.

This arrangement is a short-term compromise that forms part of the Canadian National Dental Plan. This is a plan between the New Democratic Party and the ruling Liberal Party – as part of their supply and confidence agreement.

The long-term aim is to provide assistance to all Canadian citizens, rather than just children. This should result in a vast improvement in the oral health of Canadians.

Early Uptake in Applications

There has been a very positive response to the benefit. Within just a week of applications opening, there have been 35,000 applications [1]! This represents a very strong start to the plan.

The figure came in a meeting at the House of Commons. A question from an opposition member asked how many people had applied, following concerns over the timing of the plan, and the cost to the government and taxpayer.

Social Development Minister Karina Gould said that 35,000 people had applied for the benefit [1]. This helped to ease concerns over the plan from the opposition.

This is a very strong figure. The numbers are expected to rise further in the coming weeks. Moreover, as the benefit opens up to more people, more applications are expected to come in.

The government has said that they expect to receive approximately 500,000 applications for the benefit program [1].

Claiming the Benefit

If you wish to join the 35,000 existing applications, you can apply through the Canadian Revenue Agency [3].

Families need to provide the name of the child’s dentist or dental hygienist, the date or month of the appointment and employer information. As mentioned, there are other eligibility requirements, mainly around family income.

These are certainly positive times for Canadian oral health. We will hopefully see an improvement over the next few years, especially in children.

Thinking points…

1) The Dental Benefit has certainly proven popular so far. One reason behind this is the cost of dental care in Canada. However, here at Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are fully transparent and trustworthy. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic soon!

2) In the forthcoming years, the National Dental Plan will be launched. While this is exciting, anyone who is planning on waiting for the plan to be created before going to the dentist is running a very high risk. Remember, dental problems don’t get better on their own, and will actually worsen over time. Therefore, it is important to continue to attend dental appointments in the interim. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic soon for a check-up, why not book an appointment now!

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 [clinic], 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 child dental benefit has seen 35,000 applications in first week: minister. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9333855/canada-federal-child-dental-benefit/. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

[3] Government of Canada. (2022). Canadian Dental Benefit How to apply. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

Canadian Dental Care Benefit Applications Are Now Open: What Is the Latest?
12Dec
The Canadian Revenue Agency has announced that applications have opened for the new national dental benefit. Low-income families will be able to claim up to $650 per year towards dental care for each qualifying child. This will be very helpful for a huge range of people across Canada, and should improve the nation’s oral health.

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced that after a long wait, parents are now able to apply for the new children’s dental benefit [1].

This is the result of a program put forward by the Liberal Party, backed by the New Democratic Party (NDP). Moreover, this benefit forms part of the Canadian government’s assistance with the recent rise in the cost of living.

The dental benefit will be very useful for low-income families across Canada. This is the first part of a wider national dental care plan that is due to be implemented in full by 2025.

What is the dental benefit?

This dental benefit is the result of the initial approach of the Canadian government towards a nationwide dental care plan. As the dental care plan isn’t quite ready, the benefit comes as a compromise for a short-term plan [2].

The overall plan forms part of the supply and confidence agreement between the NDP and the Liberals. Improved dental care has been one of the most important policies of the NDP since it was founded.

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

The Canadian Revenue Agency require anyone who wishes to claim the benefit to provide them with the name and address of their licensed dental practitioner, as well as the date of their appointment [3].

The latest updates

Applications opened, and within a day, thousands of applications had been put in [1]. This is very positive news, and suggests that the benefit will be very popular.

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said that the start was a sign that the “benefit is going to help lots of families” [1]. Duclos has been among those championing this benefit.

Moreover, Duclos spoke about the current dental care situation in Canada, saying that for many Canadians, dental costs are “simply out of reach” [1]. Duclos hopes that the government will have a “long-term program in place” for dental care soon [1].

The NDP’s leader Jagmeet Singh – a long-time advocate for improved access to dental care – was pleased with the outcome [1]. He said that the NDP will “keep fighting to make sure all Canadians can access comprehensive dental care as part of our health-care system” [1].

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced criticism for creating the benefit at a time where the healthcare system is already overstretched. However, he reasoned that the benefit was needed as the current situation means that “parents either don’t send their kids to the dentist or have to make impossible choices about what not to buy for their kids if they’re going to send them to the dentist” [1].

Continuing, Trudeau then pointed out that such a situation shouldn’t be the case in Canada, saying “particularly because we know that oral health is an intrinsic part of overall health” [1].

The aim continues to be for a long-term program to be in place soon. Eventually, the benefit dental care plan will fall under a public insurance program, rather than an individual benefit – making it easier to access [1].

How to apply

The Canadian government have produced a useful “how to apply” page on their website, which you can access at the following page: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html [4].

The current claim period is October 1st 2022 to June 30th 2023. You should apply using the CRA, which can be done at the above page [4].

The CRA require parents to keep receipts for six years [4]. Payments are usually processed within 5 business days.

It has taken a long time, but the dental benefit has now launched. Further elements of the overall plan will be released in the coming months.

Thinking points…

1) The creation of this dental benefit acknowledges that dental costs can be high. However, here at Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are transparent and reliable. We would love to see you visit our Calgary dental clinic! To find out more, or to have a conversation regarding your oral health, get in touch with us!

2) Do you have a child that could be aided by this dental benefit? If so, details on how to apply are outlined above. But this doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels, as we need to all have excellent oral hygiene in order to keep our dental health strong. As part of this, it is important to attend regular check-ups, as this provides the opportunity for a dental professional to analyze your oral health. We recommend booking a check-up 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] The Canadian Press. (2022). Applications open for dental care benefits touted by Liberals as inflation relief. Available: https://www.cp24.com/news/applications-open-for-dental-care-benefits-touted-by-liberals-as-inflation-relief-1.6176362. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

[3] Government of Canada. (2022). Canada Dental Benefit. Validating your application. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply/validation.html. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

[4] Government of Canada. (2022). Canada Dental Benefit. How to apply. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Last accessed: 9th December 2022.

What Impact Does Psychological Talking Therapy Have on Oral Health?
5Dec
A thesis has looked at the impact that psychological talking therapy can have on the oral health of a group of young adults. It was found that this treatment had a very positive impact on oral health. Therefore, there is a high probability that talking therapy could be used more in combination with oral health interventions in the future.

A recent thesis has examined the impact that psychological therapy has, when combined with dental advice, on the oral health of a group of 16–25-year-olds [1].

Young adults with caries are at high risk of further oral health problems. However, action can be taken, which can assist in modifying unhealthy behaviours.

But there are challenges when helping patients in this category, as support and treatment is not always successful. But this thesis looked to see if psychological treatment could be a useful treatment tool [1].

About the author

Jennie Hagman is a practicing dentist in Sweden. Her recent thesis was about odontological psychology [1].

Psychology is something that is increasingly being looked at in oral health. For example, past studies have found that psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, can have a positive impact on oral health [2].

Hagman suggested that young adults aged 18-25 are a vulnerable age group. She reasoned that during this age range, many move away from home, become employed and therefore become responsible for their finances [3].

Moreover, this also coincides with having to pay for healthcare. As dental care is typically rather expensive, many people opt for infrequent dental consultations [3]. However, this can take a toll on oral health.

What makes this worse is that this age group often has a high-sugar diet, may smoke and/or vape [3]. This is obviously a very negative combination for oral health.

It is also known that people in this age group are at a high risk of developing mental health problems [4]. Therefore, Hagman was interested in seeing how talking therapy treatment could impact oral health.

The Research

Hagman’s thesis involved a study in Västra Götaland – a region in Sweden, Europe [1]. In general, the oral health of Swedish adults is strong.

However, Hagman notes that this state of good oral health is not consistent across various locations, age groups and socioeconomic statuses [1]. Certain groups have worse oral health.

The study involved 135 young adults in the Västra Götaland area. These adults all had a high incidence of caries – the dental term for decayed teeth, which in some cases amounts to requiring a cavity filling [1].

During the study, all 135 were given standardized oral health information through public dental care [1]. However, half were also given psychological treatment too [1].

This involved half of the group having regular talking therapy. It used a style of therapy called “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” (ACT) (1). This is a type of therapy that involves a therapist helping a patient to change harmful patterns of thoughts and behaviours that seem to prevent us from living an enjoyable life [5].

The therapy involved the therapist and patient working together to identify the value and importance of good oral health. Furthermore, other focuses included acceptance, and commitment to the aim of improving harmful oral health habits [1].

The results showed that the group that received ACT had a very positive response [1]. An immediate response was seen, with oral health quickly improving.

For example, the group that received therapy had an improvement in the quality and quantity of toothbrushing [1]. Moreover, their use of floss, toothpicks and fluoride also increased [1].

This was in contrast to the group that only received dental advice. They had lower rates of quality and quantity of toothbrushing, along with rates of flossing and the use of toothpicks [1].

Interestingly, the author pointed out that women benefited more than men from the ACT treatment [1]. This could be an important consideration going forward, if therapy becomes a common part of oral health treatment.

Conclusions

The results showed that ACT had a very beneficial effect on the group. It is certainly positive to see the effect that talking therapy can have, and it shows that therapy could be used in cases where oral health is poor.

Usually, when people have poor oral health, dentists will spend time giving them advice on how they can improve their dental health. But this doesn’t always work.

Therefore, having an approach aside from advice is useful. As a result, this thesis suggests that therapy could be a suggestion made by dentists for patients with oral health problems.

Hagman said that her findings “show that there’s a need to develop effective methods and techniques to promote oral health, and that theory-based methods aimed at modifying people’s behavior can potentially enhance self-care and oral health alike” [3].

Thinking points…

1) We mentioned earlier in the article that those aged between 16 and 25 are in a vulnerable position when it comes to oral health. If you, or someone you know, is in this age range, remember it is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. As part of this, a crucial element of strong oral health is attending regular dental check-ups. These check-ups allow a dentist to provide an overview of your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Have you considered attending talking therapy? While it may not be for everyone, therapy is known for having positive psychological effects. However, this study also suggests it can have a positive impact on oral health. Therefore, you may wish to consider attending therapy, as it can have a positive impact on multiple areas of your life. Why not have a discussion about this with your dentist at your next check-up?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patient with a wide range of dental services.

It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide our patients with advice, and look for any problems. If problems are found, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Hagman, J. (2022). Young adults and oral health – Oral health behaviors and an intervention for better oral health. Gothenburg University Library: Doctoral Thesis. Available: https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/72051.

[2] Zhang, Q., Zhang, J., Ran, W., Yu, S., & Jin, Y. (2020). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on kinesiophobia and oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders, study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 99 (47): e23295. ISBN: 978-91-8009-784-0.

[3] University of Gothenburg. (2022). Young adults with caries can improve their oral health. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-11-young-adults-caries-oral-health.html. Last accessed: 2nd December 2022.

[4] Burns, J. M., Durkin, L. A., & Nicholas, J. (2009). Mental Health of Young People in the United States: What Role Can the Internet Play in Reducing Stigma and Promoting Help Seeking?. Journal of Adolescent Health. 45 (1): p95-97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.12.006.

[5] Mental Health General. (2022). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Everything You Need to Know. Available: www.mentalhealthgeneral.com/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-everything-you-need-to-know. Last accessed: 3rd December 2022.