Category: Dental Care

Recent studies have found that dental professionals do not readily have access to their patients’ complete health record. This potentially causes problems, and can mean proper precautions are not taken into consideration ahead of dental treatment. Other research found that linking medical and dental records was possible, could be easily implemented – and very effective in terms of improving treatment outcomes.

In order to provide the best levels of care for their patients, dental professionals would need to have access to each person’s complete electronic health record. This would include prescriptions, laboratory test results and other useful information.

By doing so, dental professionals could provide safe care for the patient, prevent some dental conditions and provide strong treatment outcomes. But unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Instead, dental professionals have limited information about the overall health of their patients. Recent studies have shown that this is causing many problems, and that it would be highly effective if dental professionals did have access to full patient health records.

The Current State

Currently, dental professionals do not readily have access to the electronic health records of patients. Instead, they just have internal records. Therefore, they have very little idea on the overall health of each patient – they are reliant on their patients to provide details on their own health.

One study that was completed in the last month looked at how the current system works. The study was completed by the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Dentistry [1].

They looked at a range of dental clinics to see how, or if, they accessed their patients’ electronic health records. The findings were rather worrying. They determined overall that in most cases, the records aren’t available to dental professionals [1].

They found that in the rare cases where dental clinics do have access to health records, that they don’t receive the answers in a timely manner [1]. For example, the researchers found that information requested to Hospitals or other general health facilities typically arrived 7-10 days after it had first been requested [1]. However, 30% of the requests analyzed took even longer [1].

Lead author of the study, Thankam P. Thyvalikakath of the Regenstrief Institute, commented on the findings [2]. He stated that a dental professional “may need to confirm a list of medical considerations; for example, that there is no contraindication to a patient sitting in a chair for a lengthy procedure or whether a patient is taking any medication that could put them at risk for excessive bleeding during a tooth extraction or other procedure” [2].

Carrying on, Thyvalikakath said that health professionals should not “be relying on inefficient, paper-based methods for sharing patient information” [2]. This study provides an overview of the problems with the current state of record-sharing.

Study puts a model into practice

Another study from earlier in 2022 put a “Health Information Exchange” into practice for a number of dental clinics. The researchers provided dental professionals with instant access to the medical records of their patients.

The dental professionals found it to be very helpful, and aided them in choosing the correct treatment options. This ensured that favorable treatment outcomes were possible [3].

The same study found that there are some large healthcare organizations that provide both dental and medical care for their patients – allowing them to integrate records [3]. But this isn’t suitable for smaller dental clinics.

Upon conclusion, the authors believed that a Health Information Exchange would greatly benefit the dental professionals [3]. They also pointed to how such an approach could be easily integrated electronically, and added into existing dental systems [3].

Thyvalikakth, who was also the main author for this research, commented [2]. He said that “delays in receiving medical information can require dental treatment to be postponed, sometimes to the detriment of the patient’s health and convenience” [2].

He made the recommendation that “the exchange of information process should be two-way—in addition to the medical record informing dental care, dental records can inform medical care” [2].

Why it would help

Linking dental and general health records would have several benefits. For example, arguably the most important benefit would be more informed treatment decisions. Therefore, we would surely see an improvement in treatment outcomes.

If such an approach went ahead, then a range of dental professionals could have access to health records. For example, these may include dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists and dental hygienists.

An example could be the antidepressant class of medicines. Those who take antidepressants will often have a dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth is very bad for oral health, as there is a lack of saliva to help clear bacteria and remove acid. But a patient would probably not know about the link of dry mouth and dental problems – meaning they wouldn’t normally tell their dentist about their prescription.

However, if a dentist knew about this, they could take extra precautions in treatment and educate their patient. This example is especially relevant, with 13.2% of American adults taking antidepressants regularly [4]. Moreover, a staggering 17% of adults in the United Kingdom take antidepressants regularly [5].

The more knowledge that the dental professional has – the better. They would be able to take the overall health of their patient into account – helping them to make decisions which would provide patients with appropriate treatment that can improve their oral and overall physical health.

Thinking points…

1) Hopefully in the future we will see more examples of linked records. But preferably, your oral health will be healthy to the extent that you won’t need treatment. The best way to keep problem-free is to have excellent oral hygiene. For example, a crucial part of this is attending a dental clinic at least twice a year for a check-up. Any problems can be detected and acted upon – we recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!

2) Do you take any medications or have any underlying health conditions? You may not realize, but it can actually effect your oral health. When you next attend your dental clinic, be sure to tell your dentist about relevant physical health conditions. Therefore, this will help them to tailor your care accordingly, and take any conditions into account when choosing treatments. Consider booking a check-up soon, where you can inform your dentist.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide their patients with advice, a comfortable experience and treatment to improve oral health where needed.

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.

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 your 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] Li, S., Williams, K. S., Medam, J. K., Patel, J. S., Gonzalez, T., & Thyvalikakath, T. P. (2022). Retrospective Study of the Reasons and Time Involved for Dental Providers’ Medical Consults. Frontiers in Digital Health. 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2022.838538.

[2] Regenstrief Institute. (2022). Linking medical and dental records could improve dental patient safety, preventive care, and treatment outcomes. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-linking-medical-dental-patient-safety.html. Last accessed: 13th June 2022.

[3] Li, S., Rajapuri, A. S., Gomez, G. G. F., Schleyer, T., Mendonca, E. A., & Thyvalikakath, T. P. (2022). How Do Dental Clinicians Obtain Up-To-Date Patient Medical Histories? Modeling Strengths, Drawbacks, and Proposals for Improvements. Frontiers in Digital Health. 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2022.847080.

[4] Brody, D. J., & Gu, Q. (2020). Antidepressant Use Among Adults: United States, 2015-2018. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm. Last accessed: 13th June 2022.

[5] Public Health England. (2020). Prescribed medicines review: summary. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prescribed-medicines-review-report/prescribed-medicines-review-summary. Last accessed: 13th June 2022.

Research has shown that certain foods result in types of bacteria in our mouths that are known to contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. These foods are those with a high sugar and high glycemic level. Moreover, as well as impacting oral health, they also impact our physical health. The results of this research reaffirm the importance of eating healthily and having excellent oral hygiene.

Recent research has looked into the impact that the foods we eat have on the bacteria in our mouths. The collective group of bacterium in our mouths is called the oral microbiome.

Moreover, the research has then considered how the oral microbiome affects our overall health. This includes both oral health and our wider physical health.

The study focused on the impact that sugary foods have. It is already known that such foods are linked to tooth decay. However, the researchers sought to investigate in further detail.

Background

Bacteria inevitably gets into our mouths. Every time we eat, chew, drink or even bite a nail, bacteria enters. In fact, over 700 types of bacteria have been identified in the oral cavity, with humans typically having over 50 types in their mouths at any one time [1].

But not all bacteria is necessarily bad. However, many types of bacteria can be damaging, and are often linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

It is already known that bacteria can also have some physical health consequences. For example, a recent study found that some types of oral bacteria can be linked to hypertension problems in later life [2].

The research focuses on sugary foods and high glycemic foods. The Glycemic index is a system that shows the rates that different foods are broken down in the body [3].

Foods that are high in the glycemic index cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Therefore, these foods can be considered unhealthy. For example, high glycemic foods include sweets, doughnuts, soft drinks, baked goods and white bread among others [3].

The research

The research was conducted by scientists from the University at Buffalo. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Scientific Reports journal [4].

The researchers sought to investigate whether carbohydrates and sugar were associated with certain oral bacteria. They used a sample of 1,204 women. The data used came courtesy of the Women’s Health Initiative [4].

Samples from the women were taken. These samples were taken from subgingival plaque – which is bacteria that occurs under the gums. This is important, as this is the bacteria that isn’t visible, and is often neglected [4].

Most studies use saliva as a sample. But by using subgingival plaque, the researchers would get a clearer picture of what was causing gum issues [4].

The researchers also analyzed eating habits, and then cross-referenced these habits with the types of bacteria found in the samples. Therefore, this allowed the researchers to get an overall picture of the impact that certain foods had.

The results showed that a higher intake of sugary and high glycemic foods appears to influence oral health. Furthermore, the authors also suggested that these foods appear to have a long-term impact on health outcomes in older women [4].

Overall, the researchers concluded that a bacteria named Strteptoccus mutans – which is known to contribute to tooth decay and cardiovascular disease – was present strongly in those with poor diets [4].

Moreover, the researchers also found a type of bacteria called leptotrichia, which has been associated with gingivitis – a form of gum disease – in the past [4].

Other types of bacteria that hadn’t previously been thought to contribute to oral health problems were also found. However, the researchers suggested these types of bacteria may now need further research [4].

What this means

The researchers were able to show how eating certain types of food impacted the oral microbiome. There are clearly consequences for oral health and overall physical health.

Therefore, these results emphasize the importance of having excellent oral hygiene and trying to eat healthily wherever possible. After all, we all want to avoid harmful bacteria in our mouth.

Amy Millen, Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions, commented on the findings of the team [5]. Millen said that the researchers placed specific emphasis on glycemic foods, as this was “not well studied in relation to the oral microbiome” [5].

Millen also said that “as more studies are conducted looking at the oral microbiome”, that the researchers could infer more “about how diet relates to the oral microbiome and periodontal disease” [5]. Such findings can be very helpful in trying to help improve oral health.

Thinking points…

1) The research above shows the potential damage of sugary foods and high glycemic foods. Now take a look at your diet – do you consume foods like this? If so, try and cut down wherever possible! Because of the damage it can do, it places emphasis on the need to attend regular check-ups at your dentist. Therefore, we recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Remember that oral health problems are avoidable. It is important to have excellent oral hygiene. Part of this is to ensure that you attend your dental clinic for a check-up at least twice a year. Then if you do have any problems, they can be easily addressed and acted upon. Consider attending your dentist soon, as this is the best way of caring for your oral health.

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 implants.

It is important for dental problems to be addressed early. Any oral-based problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan.

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 Dentala also 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] Paster, B. J., Olsen, I., Aas, J. A. & Dewhirst, F. E. (2000). The breadth of bacterial diversity in the human periodontal pocket and other oral sites. Periodontology. 2006 (42): p80–87. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2006.00174.x.

[2] LaMonte, M. J., Gordon, J. H., Diaz-Moreno, P., Andrews, C. A., Shimbo, D., Hovey, K. M., Buck, M. J., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Oral Microbiome Is Associated With Incident Hypertension Among Postmenopausal Women. Journal of the American Heart Association. 11 (6): e021930. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.121.021930.

[3] NHS. (2018). What is the glycaemic index (GI)?. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/what-is-the-glycaemic-index-gi/. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.

[4] Millen, A. E., Dahhan, R., Freudenheim, J. L., Hovey, K. M., Li, L., McSkimming, D. I., Andrews, C. A., Buck, M. J., LaMonte, M. J., Kirkwood, K. L., Sun, Y., Murugaiyan, V., Tsompana, M., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Dietary carbohydrate intake is associated with the subgingival plaque oral microbiome abundance and diversity in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Scientific Reports. 12 (2643). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-06421-2.

[5] Hill, D. J. (2022). Carbs, sugary foods may influence poor oral health, study finds. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-carbs-sugary-foods-poor-oral.html. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.

Teeth grinding while asleep and the clenching of the jaws is known as sleep bruxism. Bruxism causes a range of both physical and dental issues. Now, researchers have looked to make a conclusion on the debate of whether or not sleep bruxism is associated with temporomandibular joint disorders – a cluster of conditions that cause a range of jaw issues. In conclusion, the researchers found a positive association.

When we sleep, we all hope for a calm rest to give our bodies a chance to recuperate. While many of us achieve this, a sizeable amount of the population do not.

One such issue that many face is the involuntary grinding of teeth while asleep. This is also associated with the clenching of the upper and lower jaw. These actions are part of a condition known as sleep bruxism.

There has been continued debate as to whether or not sleep bruxism is linked to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TJMs). These disorders cause intense jaw pain and can cause a range of dental problems.

Now, researchers have sought to understand the connection and find out whether or not sleep bruxism can be linked to TJMs.

What is Sleep Bruxism?

Sleep bruxism refers to when a person grinds their teeth while asleep. It usually includes the clenching of the jaws as well.

Statistics show that approximately 15% of the population suffer from sleep bruxism [1]. An even larger amount will have regular bruxism, which is tooth grinding during the day.

Teeth grinding can wear away tooth enamel due to the strong pressure on tooth surfaces. This makes teeth more vulnerable to decay and caries.

In fact, those with sleep bruxism typically have worse oral health in their lifetime [2]. Sleep bruxism also causes physical issues like jaw pain and even headaches.

Meanwhile, the Temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Any disorder that affects this region is considered to be a TMJ [3]. TMJs can cause jaw pain and muscle problems.

The Research

The intention of this research was to find out if there was indeed a connection between sleep bruxism and TMJs. The aim was to make a conclusion on what has proven to be a controversial subject [4].

The research was completed at the University Clinic of Dentistry at the Medical University of Vienna [5]. The findings were published in the Journal of Advanced Research [5].

The researchers entered the study with the theory that specific combinations of tooth shape and tooth location during grinding affects the mechanical load on the temporomandibular joint [5]. Therefore, sleep bruxism could be considered a risk factor for TMJs.

The study used a computer model of the masticatory region – an area that includes the bones and muscles of the head and neck. These models are used in cases where human experiments would be deemed highly unethical.

The researchers tested out various tooth movements and angles using the model [5]. The study analysed the effects of grinding on the first molar and a canine with different inclinations and angles used.

The researchers found that there was an association between bruxism and TMJs [5]. However, it was found that certain tooth shapes and locations were particularly associated with the development of TMJs [5].

What this means

The findings of the study show that there does seem to be a connection between bruxism and TMJs. This is especially pronounced in certain cases where teeth are at a certain angle or inclination during grinding.

Benedikt Sagl of the University of Vienna was among the researchers. Sagl commented on the findings [1]. Sagl suggested that “the decisive factor” was the “steepness” of grinding. For instance, “the flatter the tooth, the higher the risk of a TMJ disorder” [1].

Sagl suggested that more research will be needed to confirm their findings. It was suggested that further research will be used to “establish whether this finding can be incorporated into the development of therapeutic interventions for sleep bruxism” [1].

Thinking points…

• 1) Bruxism does affect many people. Sometimes, people will grind their teeth out of habit, which is very damaging! It is worth checking to see if you do suffer from bruxism. This is something that can be diagnosed by a dentist. Treatments typically include a mouth guard.
• 2) The research above is an example of how one seemingly-minor thing can have a big effect on our dental health. Therefore, it is very important that you take good care of your teeth! As part of this, it is vital that you visit the dentist for a regular check-up, where any problems can be identified. Consider booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

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.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! These treatments can have a positive impact on your appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

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] Henderson, E. (2022). Sleep bruxism can be a risk factor for temporomandibular joint disorders. Available: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220303/Sleep-bruxism-can-be-a-risk-factor-for-temporomandibular-joint-disorders.aspx. Last accessed: 3rd March 2022. [2] Xhonga, F. A. (1977). Bruxism and its effect on the teeth. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 4 (1): p65-76. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.1977.tb00967.x. [3] Mayo Clinic. (2018). TMJ Disorders. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941. Last accessed: 3rd March 2022. [4] Ohlmann, B., Waldecker, M., Leckel, M., Boomicke, W., Behnisch, R., Rammelsberg, P., & Schmitter, M. (2020). Correlations between Sleep Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 9 (2): p611-620. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9020611. [5] Sagl, B., Schmid-Schwap, M., Piehslinger, E., Kundi, M., & Stavness, I. (2021). Effect of facet inclination and location on TMJ loading during bruxism: An in-silico study. Journal of Advanced Research. 29 (35): p25-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2021.04.009.