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How Was the Mental Health of Dental Professionals During COVID-19?
2Aug
New research has showed the impact that Covid-19 had on dental professionals. While the focus of the media has mainly been on healthcare workers in hospitals, it shouldn’t be forgotten that dentists had an important role to play. The research has showed that many dental professionals struggled with symptoms of Anxiety and Depression during the pandemic. Fortunately, the Covid-19 vaccine appeared to improve their mental health.

Covid-19 has affected billions of people around the world. Many people lost loved ones, everyone had to change their daily lifestyle, and millions of jobs were lost. But for healthcare workers – they were suddenly launched without warning into tackling a pandemic.

Most of the focus of the media has been on the welfare and wellbeing of healthcare workers in hospitals. But very little focus has been placed on dental professionals – who also played an important part in healthcare throughout Covid-19.

However, new research has looked at how the mental health of dental professionals varied during a 12-month period of the pandemic. The findings showed that many dental professionals had symptoms of Depression and Anxiety [1].

Background

Covid-19 first appeared at the end of 2019, before spreading around the world in 2020. At the time of writing, there have been over 550million cumulative cases [2]. Tragically, there have been almost 6.4million deaths around the world [2].

Under the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), routine dentistry was stopped in early 2020. But despite this, emergency dentistry continued, with those in severe oral pain still able to receive dental treatment.

Covid-19 is highly-contagious, and not everyone who carries it is aware they had the virus. Therefore, this meant it was highly likely that dental professionals would catch Covid-19, given the amount of human contact they had, and time spent in confined spaces.

This research involved looking at the symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. Symptoms of Depression include low mood, sadness, feeling hopeless, having no motivation and not getting any enjoyment out of life [3]. Meanwhile, the symptoms of Anxiety include restlessness, a sense of dread, feeling on edge, excessive worrying and physical symptoms like dizziness or shaking [4].

The Research

The mental health of most people suffered during Covid-19. This research looked at the mental health of dental professionals. Moreover, it specifically looked at whether or not the participants showed symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety [1].

The research study was published in the August issues of The Journal of the American Dental Association and The Journal of Dental Hygiene [1]. The study itself was administered by researchers from the American Dental Association (ADA) [1].

The research involved 8,902 dental healthcare workers [1]. They all took part in monthly, anonymous web-based surveys, where they would log their feelings in relation to whether or not they were exhibiting signs of the symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety [1].

The surveys took place over a 12-month period between June 2020 and June 2021 [1]. This time period was when Covid-19 was rampaging across the world, with healthcare services stretched to their capacity.

The results showed that dental professionals were affected by Covid-19 [1]. 17.7% of dental healthcare workers reported symptoms of Anxiety, while 10.7% reported symptoms of Depression [1].

The researchers found that the symptoms of Depression peaked in December 2020 [1]. The number of people with symptoms of anxiety also had high numbers in the final few months of 2020 [1].

Interestingly, the Covid-19 vaccine lessened the number of dental professionals with symptoms [1]. Healthcare workers were among the first to be offered the vaccine. However, unvaccinated dental workers who intended to be vaccinated – but had not yet received their vaccine – had noticeable anxiety, with a high mark of 20.6% of this group [1].

By the end of the study – at a time when the number of Covid-19 cases were dropping – 12.1% of dental professionals were still showing symptoms [1]. Hopefully, these numbers have lowered further in the year since the final survey.

What the research shows

Dealing with Covid-19 was clearly a significant challenge. While the threat is not yet over, case numbers have dropped significantly. The statistics above show that dental professionals faced many challenges too.

Stacey Derschewitz – Professor of Clinical Psychology at the George Washington University – commented on the findings. She said that “as the pandemic continues, it is critically important that dental health care workers continue to develop their ability to recognize and address signs and symptoms of mental health conditions within themselves and their colleagues, promote healthy work environments, reduce the impact of stress on the profession, and make supports accessible to those who are struggling emotionally” [5].

Dental professionals need to look out for one another, and take time out when they are struggling mentally. Open communication is important, and can hopefully provide dental professionals with the tools they need for improved mental health.

Thinking points…

1) While many people had their dental care interrupted during Covid-19, routine dentistry has recommenced, and it is therefore a good time to attend a dental clinic. We recommend attending a check-up, especially as some problems may have developed while routine dentistry was halted. Consider booking an appointment now!

2) Covid-19 impacted the mental health of many people. Remember to check-in with your friends and family, especially those who may be particularly struggling. Moreover, remember too that when seeing your dentist – that they will have been through a lot, and to respect them throughout your visit.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.

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.

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

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Eldridge, L. A., Estrich, C. G., Guerenlian, J. R., Battrell, A., Lynch, A., Vujicic, M., Morrisey, R., Derschewitz, S., Geisinger, M. L., & Araujo, M. W. B. (2022). US dental health care workers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 153 (8): p740-749. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.02.011.

[2] World Health Organization. (2022). WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available: https://covid19.who.int/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[3] NHS. (2019). Symptoms – Clinical depression. Available https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/symptoms/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[4] NHS. (2018). Symptoms – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/symptoms/. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

[5] American Dental Association. (2022). Dentists and Dental Hygienists on Early Front Lines of COVID-19 Report Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression. Available: https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/dentists-and-dental-hygienists-on-early-front-lines-of-covid-19-report-symptoms-of-anxiety. Last accessed: 29th July 2022.

Could New Technology Automatically Create Highly Accurate False Teeth?
25Jul
Missing teeth affect many of us, especially the elderly. It is important for any replacement tooth to simulate the exact characteristics of the original tooth. When we seek an implant or dentures, the dentist will go through a time-consuming design process. But now, researchers have developed technology using artificial intelligence, which could result in improved accuracy and success of false teeth – potentially improving the oral health of millions of people.

Having missing teeth presents a range of problems – including our appearance, the process of chewing, and our ability to bite, among other issues. Elderly people are typically affected the most.

Missing teeth is usually down to severe tooth decay or gum disease. However, trauma is also a possible cause. Either way, most people seek treatment for the problem.

The most common solution is to get either dentures or implants. These false teeth are time-consuming to create however, and unfortunately do not always work as intended for patients – owing to design issues.

But now, a team of researchers have found that Artificial Intelligence could greatly improve the accuracy and effectiveness of false teeth, which could herald a new era of better false teeth.

Missing teeth and their impact

Missing teeth can have a big impact on life. For example, research has showed that those with teeth missing have a poorer quality of life, self-esteem and wellbeing [1].

While most people will replace a missing tooth with either an implant or dentures, there are issues. For example, both treatments are costly, and accessing dental services remains challenging for many.

Moreover, for those that choose not to replace a missing tooth, it can result in many problems. For example, it can affect the mouth’s appearance, how we chew, cause jawbone muscle problems, biting difficulties and even impact the teeth around it [2].

But even for those who can get implants and dentures, they present their own potential problems. It is crucial for false teeth to resemble the patient’s original tooth closely. Therefore, this helps to keep functions in the mouth the same.

However, a big problem in dentistry currently is how time-consuming it is to design appropriate dentures and implants in order to ensure they are suitable for the patient. If they are not designed adequately, they can cause discomfort and problems for the patient [2].

Now though, researchers have looked at how artificial intelligence could revolutionize this process and improve both the accuracy and time spent while designing the false teeth.

The Research

Researchers from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong and colleagues at the Chu Hai College of Higher Education, worked together to complete the research. Subsequently, their work was published in the journal PLOS ONE [3].

The researchers sought to find out if the use of artificial intelligence could result in an improvement in the accuracy and performance of dentures and implants [3]. They hoped that they could eventually automate the design of individualized false teeth.

Their motivation was to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and improve the patient experience and outcomes. Ultimately, the aim of false teeth is to provide a solution to the permanent issue of tooth loss.

The researchers used technology based on 3D Generative Adversarial Network – a type of artificial intelligence [3]. The aim was to train the technology to be able to automatically create a design of false teeth.

The technology was tested on 175 participants from the University of Hong Kong [3]. They provided teeth models which were then inputted into the technology. This gave the technology a wide range of knowledge that it could use to gain an understanding of each tooth, its texture and ideal measurements.

The study showed that artificial intelligence technology was capable of reconstructing the shape of a naturally healthy tooth – which were those of the participants [3]. Therefore, it was also able to automate the process of designing false teeth with high accuracy [3].

The new approach only requires a digital model of a patient’s mouth to function. Impressively, the technology can learn the features of a patient’s individual teeth [3]. It can then generate a false tooth design that will look and act like the missing tooth [3].

What this means

By making the process of designing false teeth automated, it could have a great impact on dentistry. For example, patients would have better fitting false teeth, increasing their comfort. Getting more individualized treatment would ensure longer lasting teeth.

Meanwhile, dentists could see more patients, due to the fact that they would need to spend less time in designing false teeth. This is a situation which would benefit all parties.

Dr. Walter Lam took part in the research [2]. He commented on the findings by saying that the technology will “facilitate the treatment workflow for dentists in replacing a missing tooth, as the preparation and fitting process will require minimal time, and a patient will not need to stay at the clinic for long hours” [2].

This overall case is another example of how artificial intelligence is proving beneficial to dentistry. Hopefully as time goes on, the technology will be widely implemented, resulting in a range of benefits.

Thinking points…

1) It is important to remember that it is possible to avoid losing teeth. The best way of doing this is to ensure that you take great care of your oral health. As part of this, you should make sure that you attend regular dental check-ups. Any problems will be able to be addressed, with a treatment plan created if needed. We recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) Do you, or someone you know, have poor-fitting dentures? If so, it is important to not suffer in silence. Treatment is always available, and at the very least, a dental professional may be able to make practical suggestions to increase comfort. By seeing a dental professional, any treatment options can be discussed. Why not make an appointment with a dentist 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 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 dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website.

References

[1] Gerritsen, A. E., Allen, P. F., Witter, D.J., Bronkhorst, E., & Creugers, N. HJ. (2010). Tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. 8 (126). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-8-126

[2] The University of Hong Kong. (2022). AI-designed single molar dental prostheses. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-ai-designed-molar-dental-prostheses.html. Last accessed: 22nd July 2022.

[3] Chau, R. C. W., Chong, M., Thu, K. M., Chu, N. S. P., Koohi-Moghadam, M., Hsung, R. T-C., McGrath, C., & Lam, W. Y. H. (2022). Artificial intelligence-designed single molar dental prostheses: A protocol of prospective experimental study. PLOS ONE. 17 (6): e0268535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0268535.

Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease?
18Jul
Recent research has found a potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The link is due to a specific type of bacteria – named Fusobacterium nucleatum. The study suggests this type of bacteria is very bad for us. Because of the outcome of this research, there are several oral health implications.

Recent research has found that a common type of bacteria may be the main factor behind the link between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The name of the bacteria is Fusobacterium Nucleatum (F. Nucleatum). When a person has gum disease, F. Nucleatum spreads rapidly. It affects the gums and jawbone – and can eventually result in tooth loss.

Researchers have studied F. Nucleatum for a while, but the most recent research is a troubling case – with the theory now that there is a direct link between oral health and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Background

Gum disease is one of the most common conditions around the world. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums, and can cause pain, receding gums and bone problems.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a condition that is based around a steep cognitive decline, which can greatly impact a person’s life. Research shows that approximately 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have Alzheimer’s Disease [1].

There are countless types of bacteria. Many are unfortunately bad for us – including F. Nucleatum. Bacteria can combine with acid and sugar to cause tooth decay, and is also linked to gum disease.

F. Nucleatum is seen as an especially bad bacteria. For example, past research has shown that F. Nucleatum is linked to conditions like Colorectal Cancer and the premature delivery of babies [2].

The Research

The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience [3]. It was completed by scientists at Tufts University, Massachusetts.

The researchers sought to see the impact F. Nucleatum had on gum disease, and to see if it could be connected to Alzheimer’s Disease [3]. To achieve this, the researchers induced several mice with F. Nucleatum, before tracking the development of the bacteria.

The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in an abnormally-rapid spread of microglial cells – which are immune cells in the brain that are usually responsible for removing damaged neurons and infections whilst helping to maintain the general health of the central nervous system [3].

However, this over-supply of microglial cells resulted in an increased inflammatory response [3]. This was the worrying part for researchers – who mentioned that chronic inflammation is already known to be a key factor in the cognitive decline that occurs in those with Alzheimer’s Disease [3].

The researchers found that exposure to F. Nucleatum resulted in the mice having poorer memory and thinking skills [3]. While the researchers emphasized that they weren’t saying F. Nucleatum directly causes Alzheimer’s Disease, they did mention the impact that oral health plays in this sequence [3].

As gum disease is worsened by exposure to F. Nucleatum, for those that suffer, there is an increased risk that their inflammation will worsen – resulting in a higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s Disease [3].

What this means

The findings of this research are worrying. But the research does show how important looking after our mouth is. By having excellent oral hygiene, we are able to clean our mouth, and keep bacteria at bay.

The researchers suggested that treating gum disease in those who have early stage Alzheimer’s Disease could potentially slow the progression of the cognitive condition [3].

Jake Chen – a Professor of Periodontology at Tufts University – led the study [4]. He commented on the findings. He said that “testing for bacterial load and degree of symptoms could one day become a way to measure the effects of F. Nucleatum and manage treatment to slow progression of both periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s” [4].

Moreover, Chen’s team spoke about potentially looking at drug targets that could target the inflammation caused by F. Nucleatum. By doing so, Chen believes it will be possible to slow the spread and progression of both gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].

Chen’s laboratory have designed a small molecule called adipoAI, which has anti-inflammatory properties [4]. Chen aims to complete a study which will determine what impact this molecule could have on gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease [4].

Moreover, past research is also relevant here. Previous research found that adults with missing teeth (commonly caused by gum disease) had a 1.48 times higher chance of cognitive impairment than the general population [5].

Hopefully, the research will show more people the importance of looking after their mouth. Oral health is crucial, and by taking care of our oral health, it can be excellent for our physical health too.

Thinking points…

1) Gum disease is a very damaging condition, but crucially, it is avoidable! One of the worst elements of gum disease is that many people do not realise they have the condition. Early detection is very important. The easiest way to see if you have gum disease is to attend a dental clinic for a regular check-up – your dentist will be able to give you an overview of your overall oral health. Therefore, we recommend you book an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone with Alzheimer’s Disease? The findings of this article are especially important for those in the early stages of the condition – as good oral healthcare does appear to be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Therefore, consider showing them this article, and urge them to visit their local dentist for a check-up. It could help them hugely!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offer many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.

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.

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

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] NHS Choices. (2021). Alzheimer’s Disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.

[2] Meng, Q., Gao, Q., Mehrazarin, S., Tangwanichgapong, K., Wang, Y., Huang, Y., Pan, Y., Robinson, S., Liu, Z., Zangiabadi, A., Lux, R., Papapanou, P. N., Guo, E., Wang, H., Berchowitz, L. E., & Han, Y. W. (2021). Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity. EMBO Reports. 22 (e52891). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202152891.

[3] Wu, H., Qiu, W., Zhu, X., Li, X., Xie, Z., Carreras, I., Dedeoglu, A., Van Dyke, T., Han, Y. W., Karimbux, N., Tu, Q., Cheng, L., & Chen, J. (2022). The Periodontal Pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum Exacerbates Alzheimer’s Pathogenesis via Specific Pathways. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 14 (912709). DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.912709.

[4] Tufts University. (2022). Studying the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-link-gum-disease-alzheimer.html. Last accessed: 16th July 2022.

[5] Qi, X., Zhu, Z., Plassman, B. L., & Wu, B. (2021). Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on Tooth Loss With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.009.

Is the Dental System of Aotearoa New Zealand Failing Children?
11Jul
A group of oral specialists have urged multiple stakeholders to take action regarding the declining oral health of children in Aotearoa New Zealand. The specialists have found that a huge number of children have tooth decay – capable of causing oral damage. Certain groups are more vulnerable than others, with multiple changes needing to be made.

A group of oral health specialists have said that urgent changes need to be made to combat the declining dental health of children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

However, the specialists have mentioned that the problem is too large for just one service to solve. Instead, they have urged multiple stakeholders across Aotearoa New Zealand to act together to improve this dire situation.

Background

Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of providing publicly funded dental care for children and young people [1]. This is something that many countries offer. In fact, an increasing number of nations are turning to such a model, with Europe’s Spain among the most recent to take steps towards this [2].

Despite this, dental decay is the most common non-communicative disease among children in Aotearoa New Zealand [1]. However, certain groups across the nation fare worse.

For example, the Māori and Pasifika people, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those without access to community water fluoridation are most affected [1].

By the time children become teenagers, 5.6% of Māori people have experienced dental decay [1]. 70% of Pasifika people have experienced tooth decay – underlining the terrible situation facing some people [1].

The report

A group of oral specialists provided a report on the current situation. It was led by Senior Lecturer in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Otago – Dr. Dorothy Boyd [1].

Dr. Boyd has been particularly concerned about the damage tooth decay does to children. She says that “all children deserve to eat, sleep, learn and play without dental pain and oral infection” [3].

But the report found that a “tsunami” of childhood caries is developing [1]. The dental system in Aotearoa New Zealand is under significant pressure – including long waiting times, lack of communication between different care sectors, and disparities in healthcare access across the country [1].

The report highlighted the issue of disparities in healthcare across the country as something particularly important [1]. This disparity has led to some children having better access to dental treatment than others.

Other issues include how certain demographics live in poverty, meaning travelling to dental clinics can be difficult. Then there are also those who live in areas without fluoridated public water [1]. Therefore, there are many factors at play here.

So what can be done?

The authors of the report have said that action should be taken as soon as possible [1]. They have argued that the prevention of poor oral health will require efforts from the Government, health professionals, society, businesses and the public [1].

Dr. Boyd has identified this moment as “an opportunity for radical change” [3]. Continuing, she mentioned that as a society, “it is time for us to demand that our children are protected from harm” [3].

Boyd has said that practical changes include government legislation, increased parental responsibility for children’s oral health and less marketing of unhealthy foods to children [1].

Furthermore, Dr. Boyd suggested that there needs to be an improvement in the affordability of healthy food, fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushes [1]. The belief is that such efforts can help to improve the situation. Therefore, these recommendations should be taken into account by many groups.

Thinking points…

1) This article primarily focuses on children. However, the findings are still relevant for adults – and show the importance of our oral health. Therefore, we should all remember to have excellent oral hygiene. As part of this, it is important to attend a dental clinic for a regular check-up. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment right away!

2) Do you have any children? If so, think about this article – is there anything you can do to improve your children’s oral health? Maybe you could supervise them cleaning their teeth and encourage a healthy diet. But most importantly, remember to take them to regular dental check-ups. Consider booking an appointment for them soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any issues can be identified at check-ups. If further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan that is suited to their needs. Early detection helps to prevent the problem getting worse.

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.

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

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Boyd, D. H., Moffat, S. M., Foster Page, L. A., & Kura Lacey, J. (2022). Oral health of children in Aotearoa New Zealand—time for change. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03036758.2022.2069826.

[2] Right Casa. (2022). Spanish Government Offers Children Free Dental Care. Available: https://rightcasa.com/spanish-government-offers-children-free-dental-care/. Last accessed: 8th July 2022.

[3] University of Otago. (2022). Dental system failing children, urgent change needed according to oral specialists. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-07-dental-children-urgent-oral-specialists.html. Last accessed: 8th July 2022.

Could New X-Ray Software Lead to Better Dental Care?
4Jul
New software from a company named Overjet aims to take the guesswork out of dentistry, and provide dentists with a more accurate depiction of a patient’s oral health. This software will enable more accurate treatment decisions to be made. Moreover, treatment outcomes and the overall experience for patients should improve. Therefore, this software has the potential to have a very positive impact on dentistry.

New software from a company named Overjet could result in improved accuracy in terms of interpreting X-rays in dentistry. Their new software represents an exciting development in dentistry.

A problem that has existed in dentistry for many years is that there is an element in guesswork when it comes to X-rays. Dentists often have limited time to interpret X-rays, knowing their patient is sat right next to them, with others waiting outside.

But now, this new software can have a positive impact on oral health. Improved software can lead to dentists making more informed decisions, leading to better treatment outcomes.

X-rays in dentistry

X-rays actually date back to 1895! However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that they were first used in dentistry [1]. Since then, they have become a main fixture in dental clinics.

X-rays provide images of a patient’s teeth. This allows a dentist to evaluate the oral health of their patient. These X-rays result in dentists being able to identify things like cavities, tooth decay and impacted teeth [2].

Once X-rays have been completed, they will appear on the computer used by the dentist. However, these computers aren’t specialized for radiology. Therefore, dentists need to interpret X-rays themselves.

This creates a situation where different dentists may have differing opinions on what treatment should be chosen. Software that improves this situation is badly needed, which is where Overjet comes in.

About Overjet

Overjet is a company that used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and annotate X-rays for dentists and insurance providers [3]. Overall, this allows for consistent results across X-rays, effectively removing guesswork for dentists.

To create their software, the company analyzed millions of X-rays which had been used by dental practices around the United States [3]. Then, using AI, the company were able to find consistencies across the millions of X-rays, along with other insights and information. As a result, Overjet have been able to create an strong understanding of X-rays.

The software works simply. X-rays are imported onto a computer, before Overjet’s software annotates and colours the X-rays automatically. The colours will show the overall health of each tooth. For example, Overjet’s software can show the exact level of bone loss, the severity of cavities and more in each tooth [3].

Overjet’s software is also capable of incorporating historical information about each patient, aiding dentists in identifying areas in the mouth that are worsening quicker than other areas [3]. This all provides dentists with strong insights into their patient’s oral health.

Overjet has recently been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to detect cavities in dental care [3]. Moreover, they have also gained approval by the FDA to quantify bone levels in X-rays – which can help dentists to spot the signs of gum disease [3].

The benefits this could have

There is no shortage of benefits that Overjet’s software can have on dentistry. Overjet’s core aim is to improve patient care by providing dentists with more accurate depictions of X-rays [3].

Wardah Inam is the co-founder of Overjet. Inam spoke of how dentists can have differing takes on conditions and their treatment choices [3]. For example, a cavity can be treated with a filling, a crown, a root canal, a bridge and more [3].

Therefore, when patients hear different things from multiple dentists, it can become confusing. Dentists make decisions based on milometers, with very little margin for error. But these X-rays can provide patients with more consistent and accurate results – regardless of the dentist involved [3].

Overjet’s software can also improve the patient experience. By providing clear and coloured annotations, dentists can visually show their patients what is happening in their mouth, which allows them to explain why they are recommending certain treatments.

Inam commented on the software created by her and co-founder Alexander Jelicich [3]. “It’s about moving toward more precision medicine, where we have the right treatments at the right time”, she commented [3].

Continuing, Inam said that this is “where technology can help” [3]. “Once we quantify the disease, we can make it very easy to recommend the right treatment”, Inam stated [3].

Looking ahead to the future, Inam has said that “our mission at Overjet is to improve oral health by creating a future that is clinically precise, efficient, and patient-centric” [3]. Overjet are hoping to integrate their tools directly into dental clinics. Software can easily be added to dental clinics.

Overall, these various areas can greatly improve the patient experience. It will result in better and more accurate treatment outcomes, and is another example of how AI can benefit the dental industry. This software would be very useful for dentists and patients alike.

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned, an X-ray is a very important part of dentistry, given all that it shows dentists. X-rays are a routine element of regular dental check-ups. Therefore, this shows the importance of a regular dental check-up. By seeing your dentist regularly, they can check your overall oral health. We highly recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) It could be a while before this software is implemented at dental clinics. When you next visit your dentist, don’t be afraid to ask for them to explain what the X-ray is showing. By taking an interest in decisions around your treatment, you will be significantly more informed, allowing you to choose the treatment option that is best for you and your circumstances.

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] Forrai, J. (2007). History of X-ray in dentistry. Revists De Clínica E Pesquisa Odontológica. 3 (3): p205-211. ISSN: 1807-5274.

[2] Frank, C. (2018). Dental X-Rays. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-x-rays. Last accessed: 1st July 2022.

[3] Winn, Z. (2022). Taking the guesswork out of dental care with artificial intelligence. Available: https://news.mit.edu/2022/overjet-dental-artificial-intelligence-0624. Last accessed: 1st July 2022.

Researchers Create New Treatment for Stopping Tooth Decay: Will It Work?
27Jun
Researchers in China have created a new treatment using a combination of agents and nanoparticles which is aimed at preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay continues to affect billions of people, so a treatment that claims to prevent it is promising. The treatment aims to stop the production of acidic substances and bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, this helps improve oral health.

New research has led to the creation of a treatment which aims to help prevent tooth decay. The research has the potential to have an excellent impact on the oral health of billions of people.

The treatment, which is the result of a mix of agents and nanoparticles, aims to stop the production of acidic substances and bacteria in the mouth.

By stopping the production of these harmful substances, the mouth will be less vulnerable to tooth decay. Therefore, this would hopefully lessen the number of cavity fillings that people require.

Tooth decay

This research is aimed at preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay results in the development of cavities in teeth, which require a filling to prevent further damage.

Tooth decay affects so many people around the world – from children to older adults. It is often caused by having too much sugary food and drink [1]. Moreover, poor oral hygiene will also often result in the development of cavities [1].

Bacteria and acid in the mouth – caused by food, drink, and other items placed in the mouth, also contribute to cavities. Therefore, dentists always preach the importance of eating healthily.

The Research

The researchers sought to find out if their treatment could help to prevent tooth decay. The researchers came from the Fujian Institute of Research. Their findings were published in the Chemical Engineering journal [2].

There was a special focus on preventing a specific type of bacteria caused Streptococcus mutans – which is known for its ability to survive in acidic environments, causing damage to the teeth and gums [2].

When there is too much bacteria, a “biofilm” is created, where teeth and gums become covered in bacteria and other microorganisms [2]. Therefore, bacteria can be very problematic.

The researchers developed their treatment using a few different substances. They loaded Rose Bengal – an antibacterial agent – onto Copper-doped Zinc Peroxide nanoparticles [2].

The researchers then sampled the use of their treatment on rodents [2]. Their combination was shown to be very effective. They found the nanoparticles were able to quickly produce hydrogen peroxide when exposed to the mouth. This helped to neutralise the acidic biofilm [2].

The treatment was able to kill large numbers of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth too [2]. Therefore, this had the effect where it became difficult for bacteria to build up – preventing tooth decay.

The combination of substances was effective at stopping the production of acidic substances and the formation of biofilm [2]. Overall, the findings suggested the treatment was highly effective.

Implications

The study produced very positive results. The results showed that a treatment of copper-doped Zinc Peroxide and Rose Bengal can be very effective for bacteria-based conditions [2].

Professor Chen Zhuo of the Fujian Institute, commented on the findings [3]. He said that an application of their treatment “effectively inhibited the occurrence and severity of dental caries without harmful effects on the body” [3].

For oral health, the findings are very positive. This treatment – which could potentially be used in the form of a toothpaste – could aid the prevention of bacteria building up. Therefore, tooth decay should lessen, causing fewer dental problems.

Thinking points…

1) Tooth decay is clearly a big problem, and many people are actually unaware that they have decaying teeth. Therefore, it is crucial to see a dentist for a check-up on a regular basis. By seeing your dentist, they can check for any problems or signs of decay, and offer advice where necessary. We recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) This article talks about bacteria in the mouth. It is important to remember that anything we put in our mouth – from food to drink to even our nails, results in bacteria entering the mouth. Think about your habits, is there anything you can do to lessen the level of bacteria entering your mouth? If you’re worried about this, we recommend talking to your dentist, who can offer practical advice. Why not make contact 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] NHS. (2022). Tooth Decay. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/. Last accessed: 24th June 2022.

[2] Zhang, Y., Liu, W., Huang, Y., Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Chen, Z. (2022). Bacterial biofilm microenvironment responsive copper-doped zinc peroxide nanocomposites for enhancing chemodynamic therapy. Chemical Engineering Journal. 446 (3):137214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.137214.

[3] Chinese Academy of Sciences. (2022). Researchers propose new strategy for prevention and treatment of dental caries. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-strategy-treatment-dental-caries.html. Last accessed: 24th June 2022.