​The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) helps shape oral health policies across Canada. Through its annual "Days on the Hill" event, the CDA engages directly with federal decision-makers, advocating for integrating oral health into national public health agendas. This initiative ensures that dental care remains a significant topic in governmental discussions.

In addition to advocacy, the CDA develops comprehensive position statements that clarify various dental health issues. These statements, grounded in evidence-based research, address topics ranging from adopting new technologies to the association between periodontal and systemic diseases. By offering these guidelines, the CDA assists dental professionals in delivering informed patient care.

Collaboration with governmental bodies further amplifies the CDA's impact. By informing key decision-makers about matters affecting dentistry and public oral health, the association influences policies that enhance all Canadians' access to dental care. This cooperative approach underscores the CDA's commitment to improving national oral health standards.

Through dedicated advocacy, insightful policy development, and strategic collaboration, the CDA continues to shape the landscape of oral health care in Canada, ensuring it remains a priority within the broader public health framework.

​Cracked teeth are common dental issues caused by accidents, poor dental care, or genetics. Preventive measures can reduce the risk of this problem.

Chewing hard foods is a major cause of cracked teeth. Items such as ice and hard candies can weaken or damage teeth. Avoiding these items and opting for softer alternatives is advisable. Cutting tough or chewy foods into small pieces before eating can also lower the risk of cracking teeth and make foods easier to eat.

Bruxism, the habit of clenching or grinding teeth, contributes to fractures and other dental problems. Many people grind their teeth during sleep. A leading cause of bruxism is stress. Practices such as yoga and meditation can help manage stress. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed may reduce the frequency of grinding.

Strengthening teeth with fluoride toothpaste can also help prevent cracks. Fluoride protects against decay and reinforces tooth structure, reducing the likelihood of fractures. Many fluoride toothpastes are available to meet this need.

​From November 18 to November 24, 2023, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) joined the world in marking World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week. The week is dedicated to spreading awareness of AMR and its negative effects on health care.

AMR is a state whereby bacteria in the body grow resistant to antibiotics because of excessive use of prescriptions. The result is that antibiotics become ineffective for treating infections.

The theme for AMR Awareness Week 2023 was “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together.” CDA launched a social media campaign on Nov. 18 to inform people about AMR and the importance of preventing it. The campaign also shared resourceful information with dental practitioners and patients about responsible antibiotic use.

AMR is a big problem in the world today. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in 2019, 1.27 million people died globally of drug resistant bacteria. While antibiotics do save lives, their unnecessary or excessive use contributes to AMR.

CDA encourages dentists and other medical practitioners to follow appropriate health care guidelines when prescribing antibiotics. For patients, CDA encourages them to take antibiotics only if prescribed by a physician. If a physician does prescribe them, patients should always complete the dosage as recommended. Practicing good oral health will further reduce the occurrence of oral infections, reducing the need to take antibiotics.

​With a history that dates back to 1868, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) supports member dental professionals throughout the Canadian Province of Ontario. Its membership base extends to more than 90 percent of practicing Ontario dentists.

The ODA publishes three member publications. The Rise of the Ontario Dental Association is a book that tells the story of the ODA from its very beginning. Taking the ODA into the future, The Composite is a weekly newsletter distributed electronically. Topics covered in the newsletter range from organization elections and leadership matters to weighing in on the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The third and perhaps most significant of the ODA’s publications is the award-winning Ontario Dentist.

Ontario Dentist offers helpful articles on topics that span the fields of clinical care and practice management. It strives to drive dental diagnosis and treatment forward by publishing case reports such as 2023’s “Multidisciplinary Management for the Rehabilitation of a Patient with Osteosarcoma of the Jaws.”

Oral cancer refers to cancer that affects any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, roof of the mouth, cheek linings, or tongue. It is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of about 54 percent.

One of the reasons oral cancer has such a low survival rate is late diagnosis. If patients saw their dentists more frequently and their oral cancer was diagnosed earlier, their chances of survival would rise. Some of the symptoms of oral cancer include sores on the mouth that do not heal, lumps inside the mouth, mouth pain, white or red patches inside the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.

Not all mouth cancers are preventable. However, there are actions people can take to lower their risk of developing the cancer. The first is quitting smoking. Multiple studies have linked tobacco use to oral cancer. If a person regularly drinks as well as smokes, their risk of oral cancer is 15 times higher than non-users of both products.

Excessive sun exposure is another risk factor. People should stay protected from harsh ultra violet rays by staying in shade when it is very sunny outside. Lip products with sunscreen also help.

Other actions people can take to reduce their risk of oral cancer is to eat more vegetables and fruits and have dental checkups every six months. Practicing safe sex is also important. People with multiple sexual partners or those who practice oral sex are at higher risk of contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to oral cancer.

​Aging causes changes in cells, tissues, and organs, which impact every body part, including the teeth and gums. These shifts can contribute to dental problems, such as tooth sensitivity, in older adults.

With age, teeth can become more sensitive due to worn enamel or receding gums. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can reduce discomfort. Moreover, enamel erosion or the gradual process of enamel erosion increases the sensitivity and susceptibility of the teeth. Older adults should cut down on their consumption of acidic food and drink.

Cavities due to dry mouth also affect older adults. Reduced saliva impairs natural defenses against tooth decay. Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production. Regular dental checkups help identify and manage cavities early.

Older adults also have a heightened risk of oral cancer. Regular dental visits can detect any issues. Seniors should closely look for any changes, such as sores or tumors in the mouth. 

Furthermore, jaw joint problems can develop as individuals age and cause pain. Seniors should avoid chewing too aggressively on hard foods and consider more mild jaw workouts.

​Having a loose tooth as an adult is not an anticipated event associated with a visit from the tooth fairy but a sign that something is wrong. When a tooth loosens in the socket, the first thing to do is switch one’s diet and focus on soft foods. Keep the area clean, not by normal brushing or flossing, but by regularly rinsing with warm water until you can schedule an appointment with a dental practitioner.

If the cause of the loose tooth is trauma, such as a blow to the face, the dentist may be able to set up a splint that enables the tissue and ligament to heal naturally. In other cases, advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, is at issue. This involves pockets forming between teeth and gums that harbor bacteria and lead to an infection that harms ligament, gun, and bone tissue. The positive news is that, even in later stages, gum disease often responds to treatment and can be curable. Other causes of loose teeth include bruxism, teeth grinding, and temporarily elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy.

If deep cleaning and splints do not offer a ready repair pathway, consider discussing advanced treatments such as tissue and bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and flap surgery with a dentist.

Finally, one of the most common temptations with loose teeth is to wiggle them a bit to determine the extent of the looseness. Unfortunately, this only exposes the tooth to more bacteria and risks further detachment, so avoid doing this.

​Dental professionals treat an array of patients, including those who use wheelchairs. Dental practices can take several steps to accommodate the patients.

First, Canadian dental offices should adhere to regulations established by the Accessible Canada Act. It notes that organizations must install ramps and handrails in entryways and interior spaces that are large enough to promote wheelchair mobility.

Depending on the comfort level of the patient and the specific procedures needed, dental staff must decide if they will transfer patients from the wheelchair into a dental chair. Dentists can transfer patients by hand or use special equipment such as a hoist. After the transfer, a patient might need physical adjustments to assume a comfortable and practical position for the visit. Chair adjustments and additional cushions can aid in this positioning.

If patient concerns or practical restrictions make transferring to a dental chair difficult or impossible, a dentist can treat patients in their wheelchairs. The right equipment allows dental professionals to take X-rays and carry out treatment.

Maintaining good dental health presents unique difficulties for the elderly. Regular dental visits are especially important for older adults. These visits identify dental issues early. Dentists can also check the fit and condition of dentures at these appointments.

Medications and health conditions often cause dry mouth, a common issue among seniors that can lead to dental problems. Seniors should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day if their health permits. Chewing sugar-free gum or using saliva substitutes can also help alleviate symptoms.

Reduced mobility or dexterity can make dental hygiene difficult. Under such circumstances, an electric toothbrush might help since it cleans teeth with less effort. Seniors should also consider using water flossers, interdental brushes, or floss holders.

​A broken or chipped tooth can occur at any stage of life. Accidents such as falls, impacts, or biting down on hard objects can cause damage. If your tooth breaks or chips, schedule a non-emergency visit with your dentist to address the issue.

You can immediately manage the situation and reduce discomfort before seeing a dentist. These first-aid tips can help stabilize the condition until professional care is available.

Start by preserving any fragments of the broken tooth. The fragments might be used for temporary restoration if the break is clean. Place the pieces in a container with milk or saline to keep them moist and protected.

If the tooth has been completely knocked out, handle it carefully by holding the crown (top part) rather than the roots. Rinse it gently with lukewarm water, but avoid scraping or touching the roots. This precaution increases the chances of the dentist re-implanting the tooth into its socket.

If you have bleeding, rinse your mouth with cold water and apply gentle pressure to the affected area with gauze or tissue. Apply a cold compress outside your cheek near the injured area to manage swelling and pain.