Tag: savanna dental

The results of a recent poll have produced some worrying statistics. Over 1,800 parents answered a poll about the oral health and hygiene habits of their children. While there were some positive findings, the results suggest that there is room for significant improvement in the oral hygiene habits of many children.

Children are facing dental issues on an increasing basis. While in the past issues such as cavities only affected adults, dental clinics are seeing an ever-increasing number of children present with tooth decay.

Many potential causes of this have been put forward, including poor diet, inadequate brushing, a lack of dental clinic visits, and scepticism of fluoride.

In fact, a new national poll has suggested that more than one in three children have faced problems like tooth decay and cavities over the past two years [1].

About the national poll

The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, which is part of the University of Michigan, commissioned a national poll based around children’s oral health [1].

The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. In August 2024, a randomly selected group of with at least one child aged 1-17 were asked a series of questions [1].

The poll received responses from 1,801 parents, which represents a number that can provide useful insights into the oral health of children [1].

The poll asked parents questions pertaining to the oral health of their children. The results were quite concerning and provide an explanation for the growing dental issues in children.

Oral hygiene poll results

The first section of the poll focused on six oral hygiene practices. These refer to the daily activities a child should do to protect their teeth.

In arguably the most concerning finding, only 3 in 5 parents said that their child regularly brushes their teeth twice a day [1]. Toothbrushing twice a day should be a bear minimum, as irrespective of anything that happens throughout the day, at least this ensures a child’s teeth will receive protection from fluoride twice a day.

Moreover, when brushing, it is important to clean for at least two minutes, so that all areas of the mouth can be sufficiently cleaned. The results showed that only 59% of parents said their children brushes for at least two minutes [1].

Aside from brushing teeth twice a day, using a mouthwash or fluoride rinse throughout the day can be helpful. 22% of parents said that their children did this daily [1].

Eating sugary snacks is common in childhood. But something that can limit damage to the teeth is to rinse the mouth with water following consuming anything sugary, as this can help to regulate acid levels in the mouth. Just 15% of parents said that their children do this [1].

35% of adults said that their child cleans their tongue, with 23% saying that their child flosses [1]. While tongue cleaning and flossing isn’t essential in childhood, they should be encouraged, as they are important activities in adulthood.

So none of these six areas received particularly strong results. Only 20% of children according to the poll engage in 4-6 of these practices. Ideally this number would be significantly higher.

41% of children complete 2-3 practices, whilst 38% report 0-1 practices [1]. These results suggest that very few children are engaging in the recommended oral hygiene practices.

Dental problems poll results

The second part of the poll asked the parents about any dental problems that their child had experienced. Similar to the above, there were some worrying results.

36% of parents reported that their child had experienced dental problems relating to oral hygiene in the last two years [1]. Furthermore, this included cavities/tooth decay (29%), discolored/stained teeth (7%), tooth sensitivity (6%), and gum problems (3%) [1].

Interestingly, these results were directly linked to the oral hygiene practices mentioned earlier. 44% of children whose parents reported completing 0-1 practices had dental problems, compared to 31% for those completing 2-3 practices, and 28% for those performing 4-6 practices [1].

There were other findings too. 36% of parents said that they had noticed their child has bad breath [1]. This was especially prevalent in the group that engaged in 0-1 oral hygiene practices.

In some positive news, 85% of parents addressed the issue of bad breath, with interventions including going to the dentist, increasing the frequency of brushing, using mouthwash or changing their diet [1].

In terms of recent visits to the dentist, 89% of parents said their last visit to a dental clinic came within the past year [1]. This was a positive finding, with dental check-ups being crucial!

7% of parents said that the visit was between 1 and 2 years ago, and 4% said that their child’s last visit was over 2 years ago [1].

What does this mean?

The oral health of children is crucial. Good oral hygiene habits in childhood can set up a strong foundation for the future. Therefore, it is important that parents emphasize to their children the importance of looking after their teeth.

Completing the various hygiene practices outlined above can be helpful. Oral health also impacts physical health, which further underlines the importance of oral health for children.

Building oral hygiene practices into a daily routine can be helpful. Moreover, regular visits to a dental clinic for a check-up should be encouraged.

By looking after their teeth, it can help children to avoid oral pain, build oral hygiene skills for the future, and allow them to spend more time learning and having fun.

Thinking points…

1) Are you a parent? If so, remember the importance of following the six oral hygiene practices mentioned above. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, cleans their tongue, flosses gently, uses mouthwash and rinses their mouth with water following sugary snacks. By following these practices, you can help their oral health!

2) Additionally, as a parent you can set a good example to your children by attending a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. By doing this, it underlines the importance of oral health to your children. You should attend a check-up at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Mott Poll. (2025). Oral hygiene is key to healthy smiles. Available: https://mottpoll.org/reports/oral-hygiene-key-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 14th February 2025.

The health and wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn child is a key focus of health organizations. While there is often an emphasis on physical and mental health, it is crucial that oral health is not overlooked. Oral health should be a key consideration, and is linked to the overall health of both the mother and her child.

Pregnancy is a very stressful, albeit exciting time in a woman’s life. As well as looking after themselves, they also need to think about their unborn child.

The physical and mental health of the mother are rightfully focused on. However, one area of health which is often overlooked in pregnancy is oral health.

The importance of oral health during pregnancy is a key message that has been put forward by the European Federation of Periodontology – an organization that promotes oral health awareness [1].

Pregnancy and oral health

When a woman is pregnant, research shows that they are more vulnerable to developing gum disease and cavities [2].

Morning sickness, hormonal changes and sugary cravings contribute to this. These are all common experiences in pregnancy for many women.

In fact, research shows that up to 75% of pregnant women have Gingivitis – which is a mild form of gum disease [2]. Some develop Periodontitis – a severe form of gum disease.

Moreover, past research has suggested a connection between gum disease and birth complications such as a premature birth or low birth weight exists [3].

Comments from the European Federation of Periodontology

The importance of pregnant women’s oral health has been discussed by Nicola West, who is the secretary general of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) [1].

West explained some of the issues facing pregnant women, saying that “during pregnancy, increased hormonal levels can affect the way that the body reacts to dental plaque, leading to swollen and bleeding gums” [1].

Continuing, West said that “untreated gum disease during pregnancy can lead to serious health risks, affecting both the mother and the child” [1].

President-elect of the EFP – Tali Chackartchi – has also been discussing the importance of pregnant women’s health. She has placed particular focus on gum disease.

Chackartchi says that “if gingivitis or periodontitis is diagnosed, it can be treated safely during pregnancy” [1]. Moreover, she says that “in fact, the risks of not treating the condition are more significant” [1].

Additionally, Chackartchi has said that many patients of hers have said that they’ve lost a tooth with every pregnancy they have had [1]. This underlines the potential damage.

Another message that the EFP supports is to address any issues at an early stage, as this can boost both maternal and fetal health.

Chackartchi has said that for those who are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, should be aware of the connection between oral health and the health of their baby [1].

The EFP have been trying to raise awareness of the importance of pregnant women’s oral health. They have been urging oral health professionals to adopt a more personalized and holistic approach towards pregnant women [1].

What pregnant women can do

While it is important for everyone to attend the dentist regularly, this is even more important for pregnant women.

It is recommended that pregnant women visit a dental clinic in both their second and third trimester. Because of the high potential for problems, increasing the frequency of visits is advisable.

Aside from this, brushing their teeth at least twice a day is crucial. Accompanying this with flossing is also important.

Furthermore, in cases where a pregnant woman has been sick – which is common – cleaning the teeth soon afterwards helps to neutralize harmful acid in the mouth.

Trying to avoid sugary cravings can also protect oral health. Having sugar-free gum and water close by can reduce the desire for unhealthy and sugary food and drink.

Summary

Overall, it is important for pregnant women to place focus on their oral health. After all, a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy pregnancy and child.

Hopefully, this effort to increase awareness of the importance of pregnant women’s oral health will have a positive impact.

Oral health professionals also have a role to play. By placing extra focus on pregnant women’s oral health, they can contribute to the improved health of their patients.

Such actions can have a positive impact on the mother and their baby, and hopefully sets the foundation for a long and healthy life.

Thinking points…

1) Whether you are pregnant or not, oral health remains crucial! Therefore, remember to attend regular dental check-ups, as these can help your oral health significantly. Any problems will be identified by a dentist, and treatment can be arranged to stop the problem worsening. We recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Do you have any family members or friends that are currently pregnant? If so, this article can be a helpful reminder to them of the importance of looking after their oral health. You could send this article to them now – it could be really helpful! Or, why not share it on your social media accounts?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] European Federation of Periodontology (2025). Healthy mouth, healthy baby: Experts emphasize oral health for expectant mothers. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-healthy-mouth-baby-experts-emphasize.html. Last accessed: 30th January 2025.

[2] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Talking to Pregnant Women about Oral Health. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html. Last accessed: 30th January 2025.

[3] Srinivas, S. K., & Parry, S. (2012). Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Time to Move On?. Journal of Women’s Health. 21 (2): p121-125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2011.3023.

New research has looked at the impact that ultra-processed foods have on the development of jaws in children. The researchers were looking to find out if a high intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to dental deformities. The results show the importance of children having a nutritious and vitamin-rich diet.

Looking after teeth and gums is very important for children. In doing so, they can get into positive habits which should boost their oral health for life.

However, many children have a diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which – according to new research – is having a very negative impact on the oral health of children, specifically the development of their jaws [1].

Moreover, the research has also linked a diet high in UPFs in children with dental deformities [1]. This is concerning and underlines the importance of children having a healthy diet.

Ultra-processed foods

Over the last few centuries, the human diet has changed significantly. Originally, the hunter-gatherer diet was commonplace. This diet was typically high in meat and plant-based foods.
However, in recent years, humans have typically shifted away from this diet. Scientists have cautioned against poor and non-nutritious diets.

This research involved UPFs. UPFs are foods that have been highly processed and contain ingredients that would typically not be involved in home cooking.

For example, UPFs include foods like ice cream, sausages, confectionery, crisps, some breakfast cereals, carbonated drinks and biscuits among others [2].

UPFs often contain preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners and artificial colors [2]. Because UPFs usually contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar, they increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks [2].

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from the Catholic University of Valencia in Spain. Their findings were published in the Children journal [1].

The research team focused on the diets of 25 children aged 3 to 5. They wished to explore the connection between the level of UPFs in the children’s diet and jaw development, dental structures, and skull shape [1].

A parent of the 25 children were asked to complete surveys on the habits and diet of their children [1]. This allowed the researchers to find out the percentage that UPFs made up of the calorific intake of the children.

The researchers then analysed the data. They compared UPF intake with the jaw development and dental structures of the children [1].

Interestingly, they found that diets high in UPFs have a negative impact on children’s jaw development [1]. This is because such diets limit the chewing activity which stimulates bone growth, strengthens muscles in the face, and contributes towards proper dental alignment [1].

Moreover, the team found that UPFs can lead to developmental issues in the jaws of children. Therefore, this could cause dental deformities like buck teeth.

Those with a high intake of UPFs were also more likely to lack natural gaps in the mouth. This can cause substantial problems when adult teeth grow, as there typically isn’t the space for them to grow fully [1].

They noted that an epidemic of jaw shrinkage has been happening for the last few hundred years, but that this has accelerated over the last two decades. Therefore, this is resulting in increased usage of braces, more crooked teeth, and other dental deformities [1].

The researchers did note that further research – preferably with a larger sample size – will be needed to solidify these findings [1].

Summary

Overall, the research provided clear findings. UPFs have a direct impact on jaw development in children, and can cause long-term problems.

The results were explained by co-author of the study – Dr. Laura Marques Martinez, who said that “chewing solid, fibrous foods like fruits, vegetables, or natural proteins is essential for healthy jaw development” [3].

Continuing, Martinez said “these foods help prevent malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth, and promote proper formation of dental arches”, whilst UPFs “fail to adequately engage the jaw muscles, leading to underdeveloped bone structures” [3].

Therefore, it is critical that parents provide their children with nutritious diets which provide fresh, healthy and non-processed foods.

This can help children to develop their jaw muscles properly, aiding their oral health, general wellbeing, and overall health in the long-term.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have children? It is important for adults to set a good example to children in terms of looking after their oral health. A good way of doing this is to bring your children with you to your dental appointments, as it will show them the importance of caring for their teeth. We suggest attending the dentist at least twice a year. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) These findings are concerning. If you know any parents with young children, this research is especially relevant to them. Therefore, you could share this article with them, as it will remind them of the importance of the diet of their children. Why not share this article on your social media accounts now?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Gordillo, P. B., Martinez, L. M., Garcia, C. B., & Miralles, E. G. (2024). Relationship between Nutrition and Development of the Jaws in Children: A Pilot Study. Children. 11 (2): 201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020201.

[2] British Heart Foundation. (2024). Ultra-processed foods: how bad are they for your health?. Available: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/ultra-processed-foods. Last accessed: 18th January 2025.

[3] Donnelly, L. (2025). Ultra-processed foods ‘could leave children with buck teeth’. Available: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/12/ultra-processed-foods-children-buck-teeth-valencia-study/. Last accessed: 18th January 2025.