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Does Praising Children on Brushing Their Teeth Have a Positive Effect on Their Oral Health? - Taradale Dental
20Dec
A new study has found that there are significant benefits derived from parents congratulating and praising their children’s tooth-brushing. As a result, the researchers have argued that parents should take more of an active role with their children’s oral health. Overall, this can help with strengthening the oral health of their children.

A study released by American researchers has found that when parents praise their children for and whilst brushing their teeth, that their oral health subsequently benefits.

The research analyzed how the actions of parents affected their children. There were interesting findings. As a result, there are many lessons to be learned.

Background

It is important for children to brush their teeth from a young age. By getting used to a toothbrush from a young age, it can instill good habits that can be lifelong [1]. As a result, they are likelier to enjoy lifelong strong oral health.

Past research has shown that it is crucial for parents to show interest in their children’s oral health [2]. Moreover, they should set a good example for their children by having strong oral hygiene themselves.

What the Research involved

The study was completed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University and the Santa Fe Institute [3]. This triumvirate of institutions sought to analyze the daily toothbrushing habits of three year old’s.

The study involved 81 three year old’s who were learning to brush their teeth. The researchers wanted to include families from multiple demographics in order to get a broad picture of the situation. As a result, the participants came from many different ethnicities, American states and different social classes, which was judged by household income [3].

The data used in the study was collected over a 16-day period. In these 16 days, parents submitted videos of their children’s nightly toothbrushing. Parents were instructed to let their child brush their teeth themselves [3].

When reviewing the footage, researchers looked at the persistence of the child, and any talk from parents. Moreover, the researchers looked especially for any praise that the parent was giving their child [3].

Finally, parents also completed daily surveys throughout the 16 days. This survey asked the parents to self-assess their stress levels, how their child was sleeping (including the duration), and how their child’s mood was [3].

The Results

The researchers were able to make a number of conclusions from the study. Firstly, they found that the persistence of children in brushing their teeth fluctuated from day-to-day [3].

Most interestingly, those that received praise from their parents were more likely to brush their teeth for longer, and show improved moods [3]. Therefore, it becomes clear that praising a child while they are brushing their teeth is very helpful.

For parents that gave less or infrequent praise to their children, it correlated with shorter toothbrushing times. Also, in what may be unrelated, these children typically had less or more interrupted sleep [3].

What this means

Perhaps the most important finding from this study is that parents have a very important role to play in their children’s oral health. Specifically, praising children whilst they brush their teeth is important.

The researchers found that praise such as “good job”, “good girl/boy” and “very good” were all very helpful [3]. Any sort of praise seems to be helpful.

The authors did point out that there were some limitations with their study. For instance, the authors stated it didn’t give a worldwide view. Instead, it had a western slant. Moreover, the authors acknowledged that further studies were needed to confirm their findings. For instance, a bigger sample size could be helpful.

Allyson Mackey is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She commented on the findings [4]. Mackey said that “fluctuations in parent praise relate to fluctuations in child persistence” [4]. Mackey remarked that this clearly showed the importance of parental praise of children while toothbrushing.

Thinking points…

  • 1) Have you got a young child? If so, there is a lot to learn from this study. For instance, think to yourself, do you praise them while they brush their teeth? If not, this study shows it could be very beneficial!
  • 2) Remember that as a child grows up, including in their teenage years, parents should always show an interest in the oral health and brushing habits of their children. This isn’t something that should stop after a few years.
  • 3) There is a lot of research that shows it is important for adults to set a good example to their children when it comes to oral health. This includes going for regular check-ups yourself, looking after your own teeth, and attending the dentist with children when they have a check-up. With this in mind, have you scheduled your next dental check-up?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients 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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

  • [1] Atarbashi-Moghadam, F., & Atarbashi-Moghadam, S. (2018). Tooth Brushing in Children. Journal of Dental Materials and Techniques. 7 (4): p181-184.
  • [2] Poutanen, R., Lahti, S., Tolvanen, M., & Hausen, H. (2006). Parental influence on children’s oral health-related behavior. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 64 (5): p286-292.
  • [3] Leonard, J. A., Lydon-Staley, D. M., Sharp, S. D. S., Hunter, Z., Liu, A., Park, A. T., Bassett, D. S., Duckworth, A. L., & Mackey, A. P. (2021). Daily fluctuations in young children’s persistence. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13717.
  • [4] Society for Research in Child Development. (2021). ‘Good job brushing your teeth!’ Study shows parent praise might encourage children’s persistence. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-good-job-teeth-parent-children.html. Last accessed: 19th December 2021.
Is There a Connection Between Types of Bacteria and the State of Gum Disease? - Savanna Dental
13Dec
Recent research has found that a “bacterial signature” exists, which enables scientists to be able to mark a shift from healthy teeth and gums to gum disease. In practice, this will be able to help dentists in knowing the stage of gum disease that a patient is at. Therefore, they will be able to provide improved advice and more accurate treatment.

Japanese researchers from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) have found a “bacterial signature” exists. This refers to the researchers finding that they can mark the point that a patient can shift from having healthy teeth and gums to gum disease.

Gum disease continues to affect so many people. As a result, any research that can help prevent, or at least slow the onset of, gum disease, is highly desirable.

In practice, if this research is confirmed as accurate, then dentists and their patients could benefit from increased insight into gum disease and better treatment plans.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a very common condition. For example, statistics show that around 90% of the world’s population has a form of gum disease [1].

There are different stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is seen as a rather mild form of gum disease. Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease.

Gum disease involves inflammation of the gums. This is caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria. Plaque develops over a period of time, eventually wearing down tooth enamel. Consequently, tooth decay will develop, hastening gum disease.

An eventual consequence of gum disease is tooth loss, due to the bones around the teeth being too weak. Studies have shown that many bacteria types contribute to bone loss in gum disease [2].

Bacteria is another area of concern for the health of the mouth. Some bacteria can be good for breaking down food. However, the majority of bacteria is bad, and will contribute to gum disease.

Research

Researchers from the TMDU carried out the research, which was published in the journal mSystems [3]. Their study involved 21 patients.

The researchers took plaque samples from three sites within the mouths of the 21 patients. All 21 participants had been diagnosed with periodontal disease [3].

The three sites included one area that was “healthy”, one area that showed signs of gingivitis, and another area that clearly had periodontitis [3].

Researchers then interpreted the results by using a special technique called “metatranscriptomic” analysis [3]. This determined the different types of bacteria at each site.

The results showed that there were indeed clear differences in the level of bacterial composition between the three different sites [3].

Certain types of bacteria that are known to be associated with gum disease were, as predicted, higher in the areas with periodontal disease [3]. For instance, these included eubacterium nodatum and filifactor alocis [3].

What this means

By reviewing these three different sites, researchers were able to identify the key differences between them. Moreover, they were also able to review how different bacteria types affected each area [3].

This enabled the researchers to come up with a “bacterial signature” that should help dentists to identify early signs of gum disease, and provide more accurate recommendations for those who already show signs of gum disease. Finally, it could also help to slow the onset of gum disease.

Lead researcher Takashi Nemoto commented on the findings [4]. He suggested that the changes they observed between each site showed the “shift from health to periodontitis is accompanied by changes in both the structure and the complexity of the bacterial network” [4].

Nemoto said that previous studies had “explored differences in bacterial communities in healthy mouths or those affected by gingivitis or periodontitis” [4]. However, the research from the TMDU was innovative as it analysed how such “communities changed during progression from health to periodontitis” [4].

Researchers continue to find ways to tackle gum disease. Because of how common it is, there is no shortage of effort being put in to trying to improve treatment outcomes.

Thinking points…

  • 1) A bad habit that many people have is nail-biting or chewing on a pen lid. Did you know that these habits involve bacteria coming into the mouth? Anything that goes into our mouths will include bacteria. What habits can you cut out?
  • 2) As this study shows, it is important for gum disease to be picked up on early. At a check-up, a dentist can help to identify if you have signs of gum disease and give advice. Consider making an appointment!
  • 3) If you are particularly concerned about gum disease, or know that you have gum disease, are you aware of scaling and root planing? These treatments involve a deep clean of the gums, and is known to be an effective way of improving gum health.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients 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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

  • [1] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [2] Tominari, T., Sanada, A., Ichimaru, R., Matsumoto, C., Hirata, M., Itoh, Y., Numabe, Y., Miyaura, C., & Inada, M. (2021). Gram-positive bacteria cell wall-derived lipoteichoic acid induces inflammatory alveolar bone loss through prostaglandin E production in osteoblasts. Scientific Reports. 11 (13353). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92744-5.
  • [3] Nemoto, T., Shiba, T., Komatsu, K., Watanabe, T., Shimogishi, M., Shibasaki, M., Koyanagi, T., Nagai, T., Katagiri, S., Takeuchi, Y., & Iwata, T. (2021). Discrimination of Bacterial Community Structures among Healthy, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis Statuses through Integrated Metatranscriptomic and Network Analyses. mSystems. 6 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mSystems.00886-21.
  • [4] Tokyo Medical & Dental University. (2021). That’s so meta(transcriptomics): Distinctive bacterial taxonomic and functional profiles in mouth disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-metatranscriptomics-distinctive-bacterial-taxonomic-functional.html. Last accessed: 10th December 2021.
What Is the Relationship Between COVID-19 and Oral Health? - Savanna Dental
6Dec
Covid-19 continues to cause significant problems all around the world. One particular area that has been impacted is oral health. There is a strong connection between oral health and Covid-19. As a result, there are many areas within oral health that can affect Covid-19. Consequently, there are things we can all educate ourselves on.

Covid-19 has caused a range of deaths, economic issues and mental health problems in the last two years, ever since its onset.

While areas like the economy and politics get the main headlines, there are some industries that have been hugely impacted, yet neglected by the media. One of these areas is oral health.

Oral health is linked with Covid-19. Problems with oral health can worsen Covid-19 symptoms, while dental clinics can also be a source of contamination. Altogether, this makes oral health an essential area in the overall battle against Covid-19.

Covid-19

The first outbreak of Covid-19 is believed to have been at the end of December 2019. Since then, numbers have rocketed, causing havoc around the world.

The World Health Organization’s most recent statistics show that there have been over 250 million cases worldwide, and over 5 million deaths because of the virus [1].

The highly-contagious nature of Covid-19 has made it difficult to contain. For example, healthcare settings are among the locations that have been associated with transmission of the virus.

Covid-19’s effect on oral health

Covid-19 and oral health are intrinsically linked. This is no surprise, considering that oral health affects physical health. A publication made in the Biomedicines journal has taken a comprehensive look at the relationship between Covid-19 and oral health [2].

A big issue that affects oral health is the nature of how Covid-19 can be passed on. Covid-19 spreads through transmission of droplets in the air [2]. Furthermore, a person can also contract it through contact with infected surfaces. Moreover, it is also possible to transmit the disease by aerosols.

All of the above pose a big issue for dental clinics. For example, aerosols are generated by most dental procedures [2]. This can result in dental clinics being hotbeds of Covid-19 transmission. As a result, dentists, other dental professionals and patients are at an increased risk of catching Covid-19 [2].

Then there is also the problem of gum disease. A study from earlier in 2021 showed that those with gum disease were three times likelier to develop more severe symptoms from Covid-19 than those without gum disease [3][4]. This is linked to the inflammation caused by gum disease.

The onset of Covid-19 has also hastened oral health problems. For instance, routine appointments have been cancelled, with only urgent care being offered. Consequently, tooth decay and gum disease levels have been rising. Because of the delays in routine appointments, the President of the FDI World Dental Federation has referred to the current situation as “a dental disaster” [5].

Then there has been the economic impact of Covid-19 too, which further affects oral health. This is because dental care is rarely considered to be “essential” care around the world. For instance, in Canada, dental care is not part of the Medicare healthcare system. Therefore, it is very difficult to find the money to pay for dental fees for the millions of people that have been financially impacted by Covid-19.

Covid-19 has also been known to cause a dry mouth [6]. Dry mouth is a big problem in oral health. Because dry mouth deprives the mouth of saliva, it makes it much easier for harmful bacteria to reside on the tooth and gums, which can speed up tooth decay.

What can we all do?

Covid-19 clearly impacts oral health. Moreover, a person’s oral health can also affect both their chances of contracting Covid-19, and the severity of symptoms that they may experience.

The findings of the journal article show the importance of strong oral hygiene. As a result, it is of the utmost importance to use an oral hygiene routine that will ensure teeth are protected.

Avoiding gum disease is very important too. The research shows that gum disease can worsen symptoms of Covid-19. Good oral hygiene, along with a healthy, balanced diet, can help to protect against gum disease.

Dental clinics have also been urged by the researchers to get patients to use mouth rinses including oral antiseptics before any operation [2]. Consequently, the researchers found that this can reduce transmission rates [2]. This can help to improve the safety of dental clinics.

Thinking points…

  • 1) What changes to your diet can you make to lessen your chances of developing gum disease?
  • 2) Are you aware that normal dentistry has resumed? As a result, have you booked a check-up?
  • 3) Gum disease can be problematic. Have you ever considered booking in for a scaling and root planning session, which can help protect against gum disease?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients 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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

Does Oral Health During Pregnancy Affect the Risk of Birth Complications? - Savanna Dental
29Nov
Recent research has found that strong oral health during pregnancy is associated with a reduced chance of poor pregnancy outcomes. For instance, these outcomes include premature and underweight birth. Therefore, it is very important for pregnant women to have strong oral hygiene during pregnancy. As a result, this will increase the chances of a healthy birth.

A recent study has shown that strong oral health during pregnancy appears to reduce the risk of a premature birth, or a baby being born underweight.

Premature births can lead to adverse long-term problems for babies. They account for around 1 in 10 births around the world [1]. As a result, anything that can be done to reduce the chances of this happening is desirable.

The research shows that regular dental checks, treatment of gum inflammation and dental cleaning are all areas that can reduce the chances of a negative outcome at birth.

Background

This research took into account multiple areas of oral health. It is well established that oral health has a big impact on physical health. This includes having an impact on pregnancy.

This study places emphasis on gum disease. Gum disease is a very common condition. For instance, research shows that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [2].

Gum disease involves a person’s gums becoming swollen or infected. This is normally caused by a build-up of plaque. Plaque is usually caused by a high-sugar diet. The inflammation associated with gum disease is a big problem.

Periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease, has already been shown to be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes [3].

Poor pregnancy outcomes involve premature birth and a low birth weight. 15.5% of all deliveries are born with a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg), and almost 11% of babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks) [4].

The Research

Researchers from the University of Sydney carried out a study that was recently published in the Journal of Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry [5].

The study took the form of a meta-analysis that took into account multiple studies. The study involved 1,031 patients that had given birth. A connection between oral health treatment and birth type was sought [5].

The researchers found that there was a connection between good oral health and positive birth outcomes for more than 600 women, a sizable amount [5].

The researchers found that treating gingivitis (gum inflammation that leads to bleeding gums) during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of premature or underweight births [5].

Explaining the results

Joerg Eberhard, a Professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Dentistry, explained the science behind the results [4].

Eberhard noted that if gum disease is treated during pregnancy, “the risk of a baby being born preterm is reduced by approximately 50%” [4]. Furthermore, Eberhard stated that “the birthweight increases around 100 grams in babies” [4]. The link is clear.

Eberhard said that the hormonal changes during pregnancy meant pregnant women were “more susceptible” to gingivitis [4]. He said that up to 75% of pregnant women are affected [4].

Gum disease releases bacteria into the blood stream, which can reach the placenta. As a result, the baby is directly impacted.

On a positive note, Eberhard said that “treatment for gingivitis is very easy to perform and is inexpensive and accessible” [4]. Therefore, this condition can be treated, if pregnant women are worried about these findings.

What does good oral health involve?

Throughout the study, “good oral health” is frequently mentioned. But some wonder what exactly “good oral health” involves.

To begin with, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, typically after meals. Flossing regularly and using mouthwash are other areas that you can use as part of your regular dental hygiene process.

It is very important as well to visit the dentist for a regular check-up. We generally recommend that our patients visit us at least once every six months. Any problems that are identified can then be treated. For instance, this involves treating gum disease.

Avoiding sugary drinks and snacks, alcohol and smoking can all help too. This should reduce the level of plaque build-up. Therefore, this can decrease the chances of gum disease developing.

Ultimately, the aim for any pregnancy is a healthy delivery, which will hopefully result in a long and prosperous life. As a result, looking after our oral health can definitely help with this, underlining its importance.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients 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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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

Does Obesity Worsen Gum Disease? - Savanna Dental
23Nov
A recent study has found a clear link between obesity and gum disease. While the link between these two areas has been evidenced before, underlying causes have not been previously established. But this new study appears to show that chronic inflammation caused by obesity is the key reason behind eventual gum disease.

Obesity is a common issue, with growing numbers of people considered to be “obese”. Obesity can be defined as a person that has an above-average accumulation of fat. Moreover, they will be overweight.

The problem of obesity has been referred to as an “epidemic”, due to the range of issues that obesity can cause [1]. One such issue is oral health.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo were seeking to improve their understanding of the relationship between obesity and gum disease.

There is some pre-existing research that shows a link between obesity and gum disease [2]. However, the underlying causes behind this haven’t been determined in the past. Therefore, the researchers were hoping to delve deeper into this area.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common condition. For example, statistics show that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [3].

Gum disease can be prevented. The condition typically involves a person’s gums becoming swollen or infected, which is usually caused by a build-up of plaque. Furthermore, plaque gradually wears down tooth enamel, leading to oral problems.

A common cause of plaque is a high-sugar diet. Moreover, a high-sugar diet is associated with obesity. Therefore, obesity can increase the risk of gum disease.

Bone loss is a very common symptom of gum disease. One such complication of gum disease is tooth loss. Tooth loss can occur when the bone deteriorates to the extent where it is unable to support a tooth. Losing teeth can negatively impact a person’s mental health [4].

The Research

The recent research was carried out by researchers at the University at Buffalo. Subsequently, the research was published in the Journal of Dental Research. [5].

The researchers used two groups of mice for their study. They hoped to see the differences caused by giving the two groups alternate diets.

One group had a low-fat diet which drew 10% of energy from fat. However, the second group of mice had a high-fat diet that drew 45% of energy from fat. Consequently, the groups were fed these diets for 4 months [5].

The researchers were able to conclude from the study that the high-fat diet did have a strong impact on the oral health of the mice [5]. Moreover, chronic inflammation was a key cause of this.

The researchers found that excessive inflammation from obesity causes a rise in the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) [5]. MDSCs are a group of immune cells that aim to fight illnesses. However, when this happens, the MDSCs develop into many different cell types, including a cell class named osteoclasts, which breaks down bone tissue [5].

The high-fat diet group experienced more obesity, more inflammation and an increase of MDSCs when compared to the low-fat diet group [5]. Therefore, the high-fat diet group developed more osteoclasts, resulting in increased bone loss and gum disease [5].

What this research means

These findings reaffirm the link between obesity and gum disease. But the conclusions drawn are very useful as they show deeper reasoning behind the findings. For instance, the impact that MDSCs cause.

The research shows that obesity can cause chronic inflammation. The chronic inflammation then leads to an increase in MDSCs. Subsequently, gum disease worsens through increased bone loss.

Keith Kirkwood, a Professor of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo, commented on the findings [6]. He said that while the relationship between the level of obesity and gum disease is clear, “the mechanisms that underpin the links between those conditions were not completely understood” [6].

The underlying causes behind this connection are now better known. As a result, this evidence confirms the need to eat a healthy diet wherever possible to avoid obesity and the resulting problems. For instance, we should try and eat fruit, vegetables, a balanced diet, and avoid sugary foods and drink wherever possible.

Having a healthy lifestyle alongside a balanced diet is important. This can reduce the chances of obesity. Therefore, our oral health should remain protected.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients 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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

  • [1] Karels, A. J., & Cooper, B. R. (2007). Obesity and Its Role in Oral Health. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 5 (1): p1-5.
  • [2] De Castilhos, E. D., Horta, B. L., Gigante, D. P., Demarco, F. F., Peres, K. G., & Peres, M. A. (2012). Association between obesity and periodontal disease in young adults: a population-based birth cohort. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 39 (8): p717-724.
  • [3] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [4] Kaur, P., Singh, S., Mathur, A., Makkar, D. K., Aggarwal, V. P., Batra, M., Sharma, A., & Goyal, N. (2017). Impact of Dental Disorders and its Influence on Self Esteem Levels among Adolescents. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: 11(4), pZC05–ZC08.
  • [5] Kwack, K. H., Zhang, L., Sohn, V., Maglaras, R., Thiyagarajan, R., & Kirkwood, K. L. (2021). Novel Preosteoclast Populations in Obesity-Associated Periodontal Disease. Journal of Dental Research. (Pre-publication). Available: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211040729.
  • [6] University at Buffalo. (2021). Study: Obesity Raises the Risk of Gum Disease by Inflating Growth of Bone-Destroying Cells. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/study-obesity-raises-the-risk-of-gum-disease-by-inflating-growth-of-bone-destroying-cells-1003963199/. Last accessed: 19th November 2021.
Can Lines on Children’s Teeth Help Predict Mental Disorders in Adulthood? - Savanna Dental
15Nov
Mental health conditions continue to cause difficulty and misery to millions of people around the world. It has proven difficult to predict whether or not certain individuals are likely to develop a mental disorder. However, new research suggests that factors relating to oral health may actually be a useful tool in predicting children at risk of mental disorders.

Recent research has found that the thickness of growth marks in deciduous (baby) teeth could potentially help to identify children at risk of mental health conditions.

Mental health disorders are difficult to live with. Treating disorders can be challenging. But the general consensus is that the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances are of successful treatment [1]. As a result, early identification is crucial.

The research argues for the creation of a tool to recognize children that have been exposed to adversity or trauma. These areas are a risk factor for psychological problems. The tool involves analyzing teeth.

Mental Health

Mental health disorders are very common. For instance, in the US, around 1 in 4 adults suffer from a mental disorder in any given year [2]. This shows the sheer level of numbers that mental health services need to treat.

Mental health conditions include Depression, Anxiety and eating disorders. More severe conditions include Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

These conditions can be debilitating. One of the main issues behind mental health disorders is that the causes are unknown. Therefore, any study that involves potential causes of mental health disorders can be very valuable.

The onset of mental health conditions appear to be linked to several factors. These include genetics, environmental factors and childhood trauma. However, further research is required to determine this.

Background: Growth Lines

This research involves “growth lines” on teeth. Also known as the striae of Reitzus, these are lines or bands that are present for some people in tooth enamel [3]. They can appear on both adult and baby teeth.

The research compiled is the result of years of work. The research was led by Erin C. Dunn. She works as a Social and Psychiatric Epidemiologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital unit.

Dunn has a special interest in childhood trauma, which is known to be a major risk factor for mental health conditions [4]. She is particularly interested in the timing of adverse events and the subsequent impact they have. For instance, if trauma during a particular time of childhood has a very harmful effect [5].

Explaining the science of growth lines, Dunn has spoken about how “teeth create a permanent record of different kinds of life experiences” [5]. Dunn continued, “this includes exposure to sources of physical stress” [5].

This physical stress affects dental enamel and results in “growth lines” within the teeth. These lines will form based on childhood experiences. The thicker the growth lines are, the more stressful life the child appears to have had [5].

Dunn has developed a hypothesis that proposes the width of one specific variety of growth line, called the neonatal line, could indicate whether or not a child’s mother experienced psychological stress during pregnancy or the early life of the child.

The Research

The research was published in the JAMA Network Open by researchers at the Harvard University-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital [6].

To test her hypothesis, Dunn led a team that analyzed 70 canine baby teeth from 70 different children from the United Kingdom [6]. Moreover, these teeth had naturally fallen out between the ages of 5 and 7.

The mothers of the 70 children had been issued with a questionnaire during their pregnancy and soon after the birth of their child [6]. They were questioned on four factors that are known to affect child development. These were stressful pre-birth events, a history of psychological problems in the mother, neighborhood quality (for instance, poverty level, crime and safety) and the level of social support [6].

The results of these questionnaires were compiled. A microscope was then used to measure the width of the neonatal line [6]. The size of these lines were then correlated against the answers to the questionnaires to reach conclusions.

The results showed that Dunn’s hypothesis was correct. Mothers that had severe psychiatric problems, and those that experienced even mild psychological symptoms in the later stages of pregnancy were likelier to have children with thicker neonatal lines [6].

Conversely, mothers that received strong social support in the immediate aftermath of pregnancy resulted in thinner neonatal lines [6]. Similarly, children from “safe” neighborhoods had thinner neonatal lines [6].

What this research means

This research suggests that there is a clear link between childhood adversity and thick neonatal lines. Therefore, oral health can be a key indicator of potential psychological problems in the future.

Dunn said that the cause of neonatal lines isn’t entirely known. But she believed it was due to how high levels of the stress hormone cortisol is created when a mother is experiencing psychological symptoms [5]. As a result, this may interfere with the cells that create enamel.

Dunn also proposed that systemic inflammation is another candidate for causing growth lines [5]. It does appear that one consistency is psychological problems, and the impact they have on the lines.

In regards to next steps, Dunn is looking to further her research. Therefore, Dunn is hoping to replicate these findings in a bigger study [5]. Consequently, she has the long-term aim of introducing her hypothesis into a clinical setting [5].

Such an approach would have oral benefits for many, with growth lines becoming less common. Moreover, it could also have mental health benefits. In conclusion, this research serves as a reminder of the importance of looking after children, including their oral health.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides a warm, welcome, and comfortable experience to their patients.

We recommend that our patients 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.

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Jurewicz, I. (2015). Mental health in young adults and adolescents – supporting general physicians to provide holistic care. Clinical Medicine. 15 (2): p151-154.
  • [2] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Mental Health Disorder Statistics. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics. Last accessed: 11th November 2021.
  • [3] Brand, R. W., & Isselheard, S.E. (2018). Anatomy of Orofacial Structures. 8th ed. New York: Elsevier Health Sciences.
  • [4] Cuellar, A. (2021). Preventing and Treating Child Mental Health Problems. Policies to Promote Child Health. 25 (1): p111-134.
  • [5] Gower, T. (2021). Baby teeth may be window to child’s risk of mental health disorders. Available: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/11/baby-teeth-may-help-identify-kids-at-risk-for-mental-disorders/. Last accessed: 11th November 2021.
  • [6] Mountain, R. V., Zhu, Y., Pickett, O. R., Lussier, A. A., Goldstein, J. M., Roffman, J. L., Bidlack, F. B., & Dunn, E. C. (2021). Association of Maternal Stress and Social Support During Pregnancy With Growth Marks in Children’s Primary Tooth Enamel. JAMA Network Open. 4 (11): e2129129.