Category: Dental Care

Teledentistry is a growing area that involves the use of technology to provide virtual dental care. While teledentistry was used – albeit briefly – pre-pandemic, Covid-19 resulted in a huge rise in its use. With routine dentistry being suspended during Covid-19, teledentistry proved to be very effective. Now, a new report has looked into teledentistry.

Teledentistry refers to the use of technology like computers or phones, for the purpose of receiving virtual dental care. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular.

During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, Teledentistry was heavily used. Teledentistry typically involves a live video chat between a patient and their dentist, or using email to provide key pictures or information regarding a problem the patient has.

A new report has looked into the use of teledentistry in the United States. It has found that it is capable of producing positive results. However, there have been some concerns [1].

Dental industry in Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic is believed to have started in December 2019, and caused mass disruption around the world. The dental industry was particularly hit hard.

At the time of writing, the World Health Organization (WHO) have reported there have been 6.9million deaths from the virus [2].

In 2020, the WHO announced that all non-emergency and routine dentistry should be suspended. Therefore, only those requiring urgent dental care received treatment [3]. This meant that millions missed scheduled dental check-ups. Unfortunately, some have not returned to a dental clinic since.

In this time, tooth decay and gum disease have become more common in some populations [4]. Moreover, as minor issues weren’t treated, many such issues have morphed into more serious ailments. For example, for those that needed a routine cavity filling, the delay meant that some needed a root canal treatment.

With people unable to get routine dental appointments, alternative arrangements were made. Among these alternatives was teledentistry – which has been the subject of a recent report.

The Report

The Oral Health Workforce Research Center (OHWRC) have produced a report that has looked in detail at teledentistry and its use in the Covid-19 pandemic [1]. The OHWRC is part of the University at Albany.

The OHWRC noted that dental clinics identified teledentistry as a way of providing dental services during the Covid-19 pandemic [1]. This provided dental clinics with a way of reaching their patients – in the absence of face-to-face services.

To begin with, the authors noted some of the concerns that were associated with teledentistry [1]. Given that dentistry involves physical procedures, the authors pointed out that many people were concerned about a lack of quality in virtual consultations when compared with face-to-face encounters [1].

They also noted that there were concerns over the costs in terms of infrastructure and software. Other concerns included those about if patients would accept a virtual appointment [1].

However, these concerns were seemingly cast aside, with the researchers finding that teledentistry was effective through answers to interviews and surveys into the topic.

They found that the majority of participants in the interviews expressed an interest in continuing to provide teledentistry services [1]. Many found that despite initial reservations, teledentistry proved simple to facilitate.

One of the main benefits was the increased access to dental care that teledentistry provided [1]. This had a range of benefits – especially for those with mobility difficulties, who would typically struggle to make it to face-to-face dental appointments.

The researchers also demonstrated the rise of teledentistry. In fact, they found that by April 2020, the use of teledentistry had increased to almost 60 times the level of use from April 2019.

Interestingly, by August 2020, which was when dental offices started to reopen, teledentistry remained very popular [1]. Its popularity has remained since then.

Looking to the future

The researchers hope that teledentistry can continue to be popular, despite routine dentistry being used again. They have confidence that this will be the case, based on how many people found teledentistry to be effective over the pandemic.

They concluded that teledentistry can serve a huge range of functions effectively, including triage, consultation, diagnosis, referral, follow-ups and health education [1].

However, they have pointed out that a significant barrier that limits the reach of teledentistry is the various laws and regulations of each state. For example, some states do not authorize the use of teledentistry [1].

But while there are barriers in place, the overall findings were positive. There are many strengths associated with teledentistry. Going forward, its popularity is expected to remain.

Thinking points…

1) Some people haven’t yet made a dental appointment since Covid-19. If you are one of these people, remember to book a check-up as soon as possible! It is important to spot any problems early on. A check-up will allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health and make suggestions if needed. Therefore, remember to book soon!

2) Teledentistry has been around for a while, but its popularity has only recently exploded. Can you think of anyone who might be interested in teledentistry? If so – why not send them this article to them! Teledentistry can be particularly useful for those with dental fear or anxiety. We recommend sharing the article now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

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. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! 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] Oral Health Workforce Research Center. (2023). Teledentistry Adoption and Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Available: https://www.chwsny.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OHWRC-Teledentistry-During-COVID-19_2023_Final.pdf. Last accessed: 14th September 2023.

[2] World Health Organization. (2023). WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available: https://covid19.who.int/. Last accessed: 14th September 2023.

[3] Rivas, K. (2020). Amid coronavirus, avoid nonessential dental care, WHO says. Available: https://www.foxnews.com/health/who-coronavirus-avoid-nonessential-dental-care. Last accessed: 14th September 2023.

[4] Lyu, W., & Wehby, G. L. (2022). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s oral health and oral health care use. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 153 (8): p787-796. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.02.008.

While the medicine Metformin is mainly used in the treatment of Diabetes, recent research has looked at its impact on Periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that impacts many people around the world. Treatment options are limited. But the use of metformin appeared to have a positive impact on periodontitis, with the suggestion that it could become a treatment option in the future.

Periodontitis is a debilitating condition to live with, and can also be exacerbated by numerous conditions, oxidative stress and bacterial changes. Given how easily periodontitis can be exacerbated, treating the condition early is crucial.

There are some treatment options currently. However, these all have limited effectiveness. But now, new research has looked into how the medication Metformin interacts with the numerous areas that can worsen periodontitis [1].

Background

This research was based on the condition Periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease. Gum disease is incredibly common, with over half of American adults having the condition [2].

Treatment for gum disease is limited, with scaling and root planing the most common treatments. These involve a dental professional using a special dental instrument to remove the build up of tartar below the gums and removing plaque from tooth surfaces.

The research also involved Metformin – which is a medicine used to predominantly treat Type 2 Diabetes [3]. Metformin works by lowing blood sugar levels and makes the body respond better to insulin.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers from Chongqing Medical University in China. Their findings were published in the Genes & Diseases journal [1].

The research team sought to find out how metformin would interact with certain cells. There was an interest in how periodontitis would progress when the metformin was introduced [1].

To find out, the research team induced a mouse with periodontitis. Then, metformin was introduced. Subsequently, the research team reviewed the progress of the condition over a period of time [1].

Interestingly, it was found that metformin had a positive impact in numerous areas. Overall, the progress of the rodent’s periodontitis stalled due to the metformin [1].

One benefit that the researchers found was that the metformin helped to reduce the breakdown of bones – known as alveolar bone resorption [1]. This extends to the periodontal tissues – making them more resilient against outside interferences like gum disease.

Another benefit included the metformin being capable of inhibiting oxidative stress [1]. This refers to an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body – which causes damage to the organs. Specifically, metformin was able to lessen oxidative stress levels in the periodontal tissues. Therefore, this was a very positive result.

The anti-inflammatory effects of metformin were also crucial towards lessening the problems from periodontitis [1]. With inflammation being a key element of periodontitis, this particular finding didn’t come as a surprise to the researchers.

What this means

The findings were very positive, with the researchers finding that metformin had a number of benefits in terms of treating periodontitis. The rodent responded positively, with the belief that humans would respond in the same way.

However, when commenting, the research team said that while their study presented “compelling evidence on the protective role of metformin in periodontitis, further research is needed” [4]. This is because this is a rather small study – and so it is difficult to make comprehensive conclusions.

But the researchers commented that they were “optimistic” that their findings will “pave the way for more comprehensive studies” on the relationship between metformin and the bigger picture of periodontitis [4]. Furthermore, they hope that this will ultimately lead “to more effective treatment options” [4].

Given that many people suffer from diabetes and periodontitis, there is hope that in the future, metformin could help patients with both conditions. Therefore, this could improve treatment outcomes for both conditions.

While further research is certainly needed before any conclusions can be made, the initial signs are positive. Metformin definitely appears to have a positive impact, with the chance that it could become a key drug in the treatment of periodontitis in the future.

Thinking points…

1) Gum disease is a very common condition to have. As discussed in the research above, metformin could potentially be used in the future in the treatment of gum disease. However, in the present day, treatment options do exist – with root planing and scaling two common options. If you do have gum disease, we recommend talking to your dentist about your treatment options at your next appointment!

2) Earlier in the article, it was mentioned how important it is for gum disease to be treated early on. The easiest way for gum disease to be detected is through dental check-ups. Therefore, remember to attend a dental clinic at least twice per year. If a dentist does spot signs of gum disease, then they can provide information to help you halt its development. We recommend booking a check-up right away!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

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. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! 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] Sun, B., Ying, S., Ma, Q., Li, H., Li, J., & Song, J. (2023). Metformin ameliorates HMGB1-mediated oxidative stress through mTOR pathway in experimental periodontitis. Genes & Diseases. 10 (2): p542-553. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.003.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Periodontal Disease. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html. Last accessed: 16th August 2023.

[3] NHS. (2022). About metformin. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/metformin/about-metformin/. Last accessed: 16th August 2023.

[4] Chongqing Medical University. (2023). New study explores the role of metformin in ameliorating oxidative stress in periodontitis. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-explores-role-metformin-ameliorating-oxidative.html. Last accessed: 16th August 2023.

Gum Disease is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Monitoring the progression of the condition – from mild to severe forms – can be challenging for dentists, making treatment difficult. However, a research team has recently used an algorithm to track changes in gum disease. The aim is that this will result in a long-term improvement in treating gum disease.

Gum Disease is a condition that continues to pose many problems for patients and healthcare providers alike, with the issue growing in recent years.

One of the main issues with gum disease is the pace in which it can change. Following the progression of gum disease can be challenging. But, in an effort to combat this problem, a research team has developed a computer algorithm which could result in better gum disease progression tracking [1].

Therefore, this could help patients receive more targeted and relevant care. Similarly, it would also provide dentists with more insight into the oral health of their patients.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an oral health condition which involves the gums becoming red, swollen and sore [2]. Furthermore, the gums often become inflamed and pain often follows. Mild gum disease is called Gingivitis, with severe gum disease known as Periodontitis.

If left untreated, gum disease can eventually develop to the extent where bone loss requires tooth removal. Gum disease is caused by a build-up plaque. Moreover, plaque develops when sugary food and drink e.g., candy or soft drinks are consumed over a length of time.

Gum disease is very common. For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older and 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have some form of gum disease [3].

Because gum disease can develop over a long period of time, it is difficult for dentists to track its progression. This causes problems where advice given can become outdated quickly.

The Research Methodology

Recently, a research team sought to find out ways of tracking progression of gum disease. The team consisted of researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Their findings were published in the Diagnostics journal [1].

The research was focused on periodontitis – the most serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause many unpleasant symptoms. For example, this includes the gums pulling away from the teeth, bone loss and the teeth loosening.

The research team used data from a study that took place at Indiana University between 2009 and 2014, which involved 28,908 patients [1]. These patients visited the dentist multiple times and all received a comprehensive oral evaluation during the above period of time.

To form the computer algorithms, the researchers used Python libraries including Pandas, TensorFlow and PyTorch [1]. Moreover, a natural language tool kit was used to test the algorithms. A confusion matrix was used as part of a manual review process.

Any changes were observed using electronic dental records [1]. Then, these records were extracted and combined with clinical notes made by dentists of the patients.

Results

Next, the algorithms were used to track typical progression changes. Having such a huge dataset allowed the researchers to make many conclusions. Then, the patients were split into three cohorts – those that had no change in their gum disease, those whose gum disease had worsened, and those who had seen an improvement [1].

The results showed that 72% of patients did not have a change in their disease status between their first and last visits [1]. This represents a large number, and suggests gum disease is managed successfully by many patients.

The researchers suggested that most patients in this category will have received preventive treatments regularly [1]. Therefore, the researchers reasoned that this would have prevented disease progression, as seen in the data.

However, 13% of patients did see their gum disease progress in a negative way [1]. The researchers suggested that factors that may have played a role in this was poor oral hygiene, smoking or inflammatory systemic diseases [1].

Promisingly, some patients were able to see an improvement. 11% of patients’ gum disease improved [1]. The researchers suggested this group had often received an early diagnosis – aiding treatment. This may have involved enhanced oral hygiene after being diagnosed with the condition [1].

Author comments

The research team were delighted with the results, finding that the algorithm had a 99% accuracy rate. Therefore, they were able to conclude that their findings were accurate.

The team were especially pleased with the finding that early detection of gum disease can result in an improvement in oral health. Thankam Thyvalikakath, author and staff member at the Regenstrief Institute, said that the findings showed that “if caught at an early stage”, gum disease “is reversible” [4].

Looking at how the findings could impact dentistry, Thyvalikakath said that the algorithm would enable dentists to track the disease through “periodontal charting data contained in a patient’s electronic dental record”, aiding “diagnosis and hope” [4]. Also, she said that approximately 90% of dental practices in the United States use electronic dental records – meaning widespread adoption would be possible [4].

The researchers suggested that in the future, if access to the required data was possible, the algorithm would be able to take into account the impact that physical health conditions have [4]. This would provide dentists with enhanced information on at-risk patients. Because of this, those at risk could receive more targeted treatment.

These are positive findings. Any advancements in the treatment of gum disease are welcomed – given how many people suffer from the condition. The hope is that research like this will be able to assist dentists in providing excellent treatment outcomes for patients.

Thinking points…

1) One of the key findings of this research is the importance of early detection of oral issues. Therefore, this underlines the importance of attending regular dental appointments – ideally once every six months. Check-ups allow a dentist the chance to have a thorough look at your oral health and look for any problems. If there are problems, then treatment can be organized. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

2) Gum disease can be a difficult condition to live with. We need to make sure we look after our oral health – including the gums. Small changes can help – this may include consuming less sugar or avoiding tobacco. Moreover, for more advanced gum disease, treatment options include root planing and scaling. You can discuss your gums at your next dental appointment.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

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. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! 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] Patel, J. S., Kumar, K., Zai, A., Shin, D., Willis, L., & Thyvalikakath, T. P. (2023). Developing Automated Computer Algorithms to Track Periodontal Disease Change from Longitudinal Electronic Dental Records. Diagnostics. 13 (6): 1028. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13061028.

[2] NHS. (2022). Gum disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/. Last accessed: 3rd August 2023.

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Periodontal Disease. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html. Last accessed: 3rd August 2023.

[4] Regenstrief Institute. (2023). Tracking periodontal disease to improve diagnosis and treatment. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-tracking-periodontal-disease-diagnosis-treatment.html. Last accessed: 3rd August 2023.