Latest news with #oralhealth
The Sun
15 minutes ago
- General
- The Sun
From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month
WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have tooth decay, so this campaign promotes eating less sugar and processed food, drinking more water and visiting the dentist. And I've put some products to the test to help you smile . . . MOUTHWASH 3 IF ever there was a man who says 'teeth' it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5. The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See CHEWING GUM I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. But some do have health benefits. Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. Dentist explains risks of 'Turkey teeth' and other dentistry abroad It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn't keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury's. See TOOTHPASTE SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand's list of bestsellers in the last two years. That's because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. It is totally free from microplastics too. It tastes like bicarbonate of soda but my mouth felt really fresh after using. I liked it. It's priced at £5.95 for 75ml. See
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Fluoride to be reintroduced in Calgary water starting next month
Social Sharing Fluoride will be reintroduced in Calgary's drinking water starting June 30, about 3½ years after Calgarians voted in favour of fluoridation in the October 2021 municipal election. The fluoridation process will supplement the natural fluoride in the Bow and Elbow Rivers, bringing it to "the optimal level of 0.7 milligrams per litre," the city said in a release. That's the fluoride level recommended by Health Canada's guidance for community water fluoridation. Health Canada is one of over 90 national and international governments and health organizations that endorse the fluoridation of drinking water. Fluoride supports oral health by replenishing minerals like calcium and phosphate on the surface of teeth, making enamel stronger and more resistant to acid, bacteria and tooth decay. The University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine conducted research on the subject in 2021. It found that among Grade 2 students in Calgary and Edmonton, children in Calgary were more likely to have cavities than those living in Edmonton, where water has been fluoridated since 1967. "Fluoridation benefits the community, especially those most vulnerable and without access to dental care," said the city. Fluoride has no effect on the taste, smell or appearance of drinking water. Plan years in the making The 2021 civic election included a referendum on fluoridation, and 62 per cent of those who voted expressed support for fluoride to be reintroduced to the city's drinking water. The city's newly elected council voted in favour of it the month after the election. Calgary's water supply was first fluoridated in 1991, with fluoride being added to the city's drinking water for three decades before council voted to end the process in 2011, the year the city's existing fluoridation infrastructure reached the end of its lifecycle. The 2021 decision resulted in upgrades to the city's infrastructure beginning in 2023, nearly two years after the motion was passed, before being postponed to 2024 and then postponed to this year. Those upgrades, including installation of new fluoride equipment at the Glenmore and Bearspaw water treatment plants, came with a $28.1-million price tag — and annual costs of $1 million. "This translates into less than 10 cents per person, per month. This is already funded through council-approved water rates. There is no support from property taxes," said the city. According to Alberta Health Services, "every $1 spent on community water fluoridation can save up to $93 per person in dental treatment costs." AHS endorses water fluoridation "as a foundational public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health." Calgary joins other Alberta municipalities such as Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge that have water fluoridation. "The City of Calgary's highest priority is in delivering safe and reliable drinking water to citizens where we continue to meet or perform better than all drinking water regulations," said the city.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Calgary adding fluoride back into drinking water starting on June 30
Fluoride will officially be reintroduced to Calgary's drinking water at the end of June. In a news release Thursday, the City of Calgary announced that the long-planned addition will start on June 30. The city says it is adding fluoride back into the drinking water supply 'as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent dental cavities and improve oral health.' 'Fluoride is present in minerals and found naturally in soil, air and water. For healthy teeth, natural occurring fluoride levels in the Bow and Elbow Rivers will be supplemented to help protect against tooth decay,' the city said. 'The treatment plants will increase fluoride to the optimal level of 0.7 milligrams per litre (mg/L) as recommended by Health Canada's Guidance for Community Water Fluoridation.' The reintroduction of fluoride was approved by a plebiscite as part of the 2021 civic general election, with 62 per cent of people voting in support. The city spent $28.1 million on infrastructure costs to facilitate the reintroduction, plus additional annual costs of $1 million for operating and maintenance at both water treatment plants.
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
A Dentist's Perspective on Water Fluoridation
I am a pediatric dental specialist who respects fluoride's historical role in advancing public oral health but who now questions the appropriateness of systemic fluoridation in contemporary clinical practice ('The Folly of Investigating Fluoride Toothpaste,' Letters, May 20). The public-health rationale for fluoridating municipal water was compelling in the mid-20th century, when alternative methods of delivery were limited. That's no longer the case. Children now routinely receive fluoride through toothpastes and professionally administered topical treatments—interventions that are effective, safe and tailored to individuals without systemic exposure. Systemic fluoride, however, enters the circulatory system and accumulates in osseous tissue. An expanding body of research has associated chronic ingestion with skeletal fluorosis, diminished bone resilience and elevated fracture risk. These findings are no longer theoretical abstractions: Geriatric and adolescent fracture rates are surging, and orthopedic practices in numerous regions have reported exponential growth, suggesting a possible link to cumulative fluoride burden.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Desert Kids Dental Continues to Provide HealthyStart® Program for Long-Term Pediatric Wellness in Las Vegas
"Dr. Sandra Thompson at Desert Kids Dental in Las Vegas, NV." Desert Kids Dental, a trusted kids dentist serving Las Vegas communities has long offered the HealthyStart® program to support children's oral development and overall health. Desert Kids Dental, a trusted kids dentist serving Las Vegas communities including Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills, has long offered the HealthyStart® program to support children's oral development and overall health. Under the experienced care of Dr. Sandra Thompson, this non-invasive treatment continues to help children achieve better sleep, healthier airways, and properly aligned smiles—all without braces or surgery. What Is the HealthyStart® Program? The HealthyStart® system is a series of soft, comfortable oral appliances designed to address sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children. Worn primarily at night, the appliance gently guides the growth of the jaws, expands the airway, and aligns teeth as they develop. This early intervention can prevent the need for future orthodontic treatment while also improving sleep and behavior. Dr. Sandra Thompson and her team have successfully used HealthyStart® to support children struggling with mouth breathing, snoring, grinding, bedwetting, or signs of ADHD—all of which are often linked to undiagnosed sleep issues. By identifying these concerns early, Desert Kids Dental provides families with effective tools to promote both oral health and overall well-being. Why Families in Las Vegas Choose HealthyStart® Non-Invasive & Drug-Free: No surgery or medications—just gentle guidance through custom-fit oral appliances. Better Sleep = Better Behavior: Improved breathing at night can lead to better focus, mood, and learning during the day. Supports Natural Tooth Alignment: Guides teeth into their ideal position during growth, often eliminating the need for braces. Addresses the Root Cause: Focuses on airway development and jaw positioning, not just symptoms. Leading Care from a Dedicated Kids Dentist Dr. Sandra Thompson is known throughout Las Vegas as a compassionate, knowledgeable kids dentist who focuses on preventive care and whole-child wellness. Her commitment to offering advanced solutions like HealthyStart® reflects the clinic's broader mission—to give every child the healthiest start possible. At Desert Kids Dental, families find a supportive environment where concerns are heard, children feel safe, and early intervention is always the goal. Whether it's a routine checkup or a comprehensive evaluation for airway health, Dr. Thompson ensures each treatment plan is tailored to the child's needs. Serving Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills Located conveniently in Northwest Las Vegas, Desert Kids Dental continues to be a trusted choice for families across Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills. Parents looking for a reliable kids dentist who offers innovative, child-friendly solutions find peace of mind knowing their child's growth and development are supported at every stage. Desert Kids Dental also offers a wide range of pediatric dental services—from cleanings and fluoride treatments to sealants and restorative care. The integration of the HealthyStart® program reflects the clinic's belief in treating the root causes of dental and developmental concerns, not just the symptoms. Book Your Child's HealthyStart® Evaluation If your child shows signs of restless sleep, difficulty breathing at night, or crowded teeth, it may be time to schedule a consultation. Desert Kids Dental offers comprehensive evaluations to determine if the HealthyStart® program is right for your child. For families searching for a trusted kids dentist in Las Vegas, Desert Kids Dental remains a leading provider of expert pediatric care and early developmental support. Media Contact Company Name: Desert Kids Dental Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Phone: 702-660-7099 Address: 9859 W Deer Springs Way STE 110 City: Las Vegas State: NV 89149 Country: United States Website:
