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Could a Saliva Sample Help Identify Cardiovascular Disease?
28Aug
Research into Cardiovascular Disease has recently taken place, with the aim of being able to identify its early warning signs. To achieve this, researchers have found the use of a simple saliva sample can be helpful. The sample can provide health professionals with a range of information, including highlighting areas which are associated with cardiovascular disease. This approach could be easily implemented into regular dental check-ups.

Cardiovascular Disease is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It has the potential to be life-threatening. Therefore, looking out for the warning signs of cardiovascular disease is important.

Now, a research team has created a way of identifying the early warning signs of the condition – through a simple saliva sample [1].

This creation is exciting and has the potential to be an excellent tool for medical professionals to use when diagnosing cardiovascular disease.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease relates to conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels [2]. It can also be referred to as Heart Disease.

Symptoms of the condition include chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations [2]. It can be a life-threatening condition. Moreover, the condition can damage a range of organs, including the brain and the kidneys [2].

Often, lifestyle factors play a part in the development of cardiovascular disease. Smoking, being overweight and inactivity are all risk factors [2]. Furthermore, genetics and a high blood pressure can also play a role.

The Research

The research team featured scientists from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. Their findings were published in the Frontiers in Oral Health journal [1].

A key part of the work of the scientists involved the knowledge that there is a connection between cardiovascular disease and gum disease [1]. This fact formed a key element of their research.

The research team looked to find out if low levels of oral inflammation is clinically related to cardiovascular health [1]. To do this, they set up a study.

There were 28 participants in the study, aged between 18 and 30. The participants were all adults that did not smoke, did not take any medication that could impact cardiovascular health, and they did not have any history of periodontal disease [1].

The 28 participants were asked to fast for six hours prior to attending the laboratory. Once they got to the laboratory, the participants rinsed their mouths with water. Then, they rinsed their mouths with saline, which was collected by the researchers for analysis [1].

Following this, the participants laid down for 10 minutes for an electrocardiogram – which provided the researchers with further information on their overall health.

The scientists gathered the results and found that a high white blood cell count in saliva was linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease [1]. The authors explained that a large number of white blood cells is an indicator of gum inflammation.

Therefore, in response to their question into levels of oral inflammation, it was found that oral inflammation is clinically related to cardiovascular health [1].

Author Comments

These findings are very interesting. Taking a saliva sample is very simple, and can clearly have numerous benefits, including being able to spot the early warning signs of cardiovascular disease.

The researchers were very pleased with the findings. One of the most beneficial aspects of this is the simplicity of the rinse and how it could be easily implemented at a dental check-up.

Moreover, Michael Glogauer of the University of Toronto said that “the mouth rinse test could be used at your annual checkup at the family doctors or the dentist” [3]. Glogauer confirmed that it would be “easy to implement as an oral inflammation measuring tool in any clinic” [3].

However, the authors did caution that this was a small study [1]. Therefore, only limited conclusions can be made. The next step would involve a study with a larger number of participants. They will also aim to extend the trial to those with existing gum disease.

But overall, these findings are positive. If this saliva sample approach does get implemented, it would be a simple and low-cost way of screening for cardiovascular disease.

Thinking points…

[1] This research underlines the strong link between physical and oral health. With this in mind, it is important take excellent care of your oral health, as it can impact your physical health. One of the best ways of ensuring your oral health is strong is to attend regular dental check-ups. This will allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health and identify treatment options if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!

[2] The authors of the study suggested that this oral rinse could be used in check-ups at the family doctors, as well as the dentist. As oral health can be impacted by your physical health, it is also advisable to see a family doctor regularly. Moreover, if they reveal to you that you have physical health problems, be sure to tell your dentist, as this knowledge can help inform dental treatment.

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 dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Hong, K-Y., Ghafari, A., Mei, Y., Williams, J. S., Attia, D., Forsyth, J., Wang, K., Wyeld, T., Sun, C., Glogauer, M., & King, T. J. (2023). Oral inflammatory load predicts vascular function in a young adult population: a pilot study. Frontiers in Oral Health. 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2023.1233881.

[2] NHS. (2022). Cardiovascular disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/. Last accessed: 26th August 2023.

[3] Frontiers. (2023). A simple mouth rinse could spot early heart disease risk. Available: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/998709 Last accessed: 26th August 2023.

Can the Diabetes Medicine Metformin Help Treat Periodontitis?
21Aug
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.

Why Has Calgary’s Water Fluoridation Project Been Delayed?
13Aug
In a 2021 plebiscite, the city of Calgary voted to approve Water Fluoridation across the city. However, almost two years later, there has been little progress made. Now, a new memo suggests further delays are ahead, with the expected cost also increasing hugely. Given the oral health benefits of water fluoridation, the hope is that construction will commence soon.

A recent memo from Calgary city administrators has revealed that the cost for Calgary to reinstate water fluoridation will actually be significantly higher than expected. Moreover, the process is also going to take longer than originally planned [1].

The news has resulted in disappointment for many. Furthermore, it may result in the oral health of Calgarians suffering due to the delay.

What is water fluoridation?

Water fluoridation refers to the process where small quantities of the natural mineral fluoride is added to the public water supply. Many countries adopt this practice.

The main benefit of water fluoridation is to oral health, with research consistently showing that water fluoridation is positive for oral health – especially for children [2].

While many support water fluoridation, it isn’t popular universally. Many countries – whether it be for health or ethical concerns – have banned water fluoridation.

Water fluoridation in Calgary

Water fluoridation is a contentious topic in Calgary. In fact, there have been numerous votes and plebiscites for Calgarians to decide whether or not to introduce fluoride to the public water supply – making a vote on the topic somewhat of a time-honored tradition in the city.

In October 2021, a plebiscite on re-introducing fluoridation to the municipal water supply was held. The “yes” vote won, with a 62% majority in support of fluoride being reintroduced to the public water supply [3].

With this vote, the city of Calgary began the process of implementing water fluoridation, with the aim of its introduction to be in June 2024. However, progress has stalled.

The latest updates

A recent memo from the city administration has shown that the upfront cost of fluoridation has risen from $10.1million to $28.1million – representing a colossal increase [1].

The memo explains that the new cost comes after the project has been fully-designed. This includes a construction of a new building located at Bearspaw Aayer Treatment Plant – which had originally not been part of the plan [1].

Furthermore, increases in material costs, maintenance costs and inflation have all been taken into account. Therefore, these various elements have resulted in the cost increasing.

Moreover, the memo also suggests that the expected time of completion has also been delayed. The current proposed completion date is September 2024 – which is three months after the original completion date [1].

These developments are rather disappointing for those that voted in favor of water fluoridation. While delays in a project of this magnitude are common, the enormous rise in cost is concerning.

Is more urgency needed?

Many have suggested that the city’s council needs to act more urgently. Juliet Guichon is the president of Calgarians for Kids’ Health [1]. She has pointed out that a lack of fluoride in the public water supply impacts the oral health of everyone – with children from poorer backgrounds affected the most [1].

Guichon has said that when children have good oral health, “they don’t have trouble sleeping, eating, playing, concentrating, [and] attending school” [1]. Therefore, she has pointed out that water fluoridation is crucial for both oral and physical health.

Additionally, Guichon has argued that the wider healthcare system in Canada will benefit from water fluoridation. She says that fluoridation “reduces dental decay by approximately 25%”, which subsequently results in lower medical costs for both patients and the city [1].

What are the next steps?

The updates from the memo are rather disappointing. However, Calgary does remain on track to receive fluoridated water eventually!

The Calgary City Council will soon be awarding the construction contract to a company that will carry out the works. Then, work will begin, with the hope that in approximately 12 months, fluoridated water will be ready for Calgary.

Thinking points…

1) Whether you are in an area that has fluoridated water or not, remember that oral health is crucial! An important part of looking after your teeth is attending regular dental appointments. This provides a dentist with the opportunity to take a look at your oral health in detail and give advice. It is important to see a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

2) If you are in an area that utilizes fluoridated water, remember that this doesn’t give you an excuse to neglect your oral health! You still need to clean your teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste, have a healthy diet, and attend dental appointments! Some people are unaware of the benefits of fluoride, you could share this article with them now! If you have children, you could also use this news as a reminder of the importance of them looking after their oral health.

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] Di Donato, N. (2023). City of Calgary’s plan to reintroduce fluoride into water system up in cost, delayed. Available: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/city-of-calgary-s-plan-to-reintroduce-fluoride-into-water-system-up-in-cost-delayed-1.6486569. Last accessed: 11th August 2023.

[2] Harding, M. A., & O’Mullane, D. M. (2013). Water fluoridation and oral health. Acta Medica Academica. 42 (2): p131-139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5644/ama2006-124.81.

[3] Elections Calgary. (2021). 2021 Results – Calgary General Election. Available: https://www.calgary.ca/election/results/2021-results.html. Last accessed: 11th August 2023.

The Rise of Digital Orthdontics: How Could Dental Retainers Be Improved?
30Jul
The field of digital orthodontics has been growing in recent years. Researchers at Saint Louis University have spent the last three years developing new technology in this field. They are hopeful that their recent research into orthodontics could result in improvements in the process of creating retainers and ensuring patient comfort – resulting in improved oral health.

Researchers at Saint Louis University (SLU) have spent the last few years developing exciting new technological advancements [1]. Their work particularly involves retainers.

Moreover, their research has become widely known among researchers, resulting in dental professionals from around the world travelling to SLU to learn more about the work being done there [1].

Their research involves digital orthodontics – which is a growing area in dentistry. Orthodontics involves areas of dentistry like braces and aligners.

Covid-19’s impact on orthodontics

While Covid-19 halted a lot of research in multiple industries, researchers at SLU were buoyed by the demand for digital orthodontics. With non-essential dentistry being stopped due to the pandemic, there was a strong demand for dental help – especially digital assistance.

Over the last three years, researchers at SLU have looked into testing 3D-printed aligners [1]. They have done this in partnership with a South Korean company that specializes in 3D printing – named Graphy [1].

Recent advancements

The researchers have published the findings of the last three years of research. Their research has been published in the Progress in Orthodontics journal [1].

Traditionally, fixed retainers have been popular with patients that are in need of keeping teeth in their current position [1]. However, as time has progressed, they have become less popular.

The researchers noted that there are two main problems with fixed retainers – the time-consuming nature of the process of measuring and fixing them to the teeth, and then the potential tooth movement due to wires untwisting [1].

Orthodontists have had to manually bend retainers, making it a very long process for both the orthodontist and patient – which also requires trial and error to get the fit right.

Because of these problems, researchers have been keen on looking at the issues. SLU has been testing an on-site retainer machine that can bend the retainers quickly [1]. This machine can create precise retainers for patients.

Therefore, the two main problems that the researchers identified are being tackled. The process of measuring and fixing the retainers is shortened significantly. Moreover, the wires are unlikely to untwist, as the machine is capable of creating precise retainers.

The researchers found that so far, patients that have received retainers from the machine have experienced stronger stability when compared to traditional retainers [1]. This is a very positive sign.

The main finding was that by using 3D printing, that they were able to control material dimensions, structure and the actual aligners better [1]. Therefore, the researchers believed they were capable of making the process of tooth movement faster and more precise.

Could SLU take on Invisalign™?

Having the ability to improve tooth movement and the precision of retainers is very important and could lead to improvements in comfort and mouth function for patients.

Furthermore, there is also a chance that SLU’s technology could take on behemoth Invisalign™. SLU’s approach differs to the thermoforming plastic sheets used by Invisalign™.

Lead author Ki Beom Kim works at SLU. He hopes that with further developments, SLU’s research could erode Invisalign’s™ market share [2]. Kim explains that “Invisalign™ is a $25billion company”, but that many companies are attempting to compete with them [2]. However, Kim has pointed out that SLU is “the first school” to attempt to compete [2].

Kim described the difficulty of working in orthodontics, suggesting that “orthodontics is a thinking game, like chess. You’re constantly maneuvering pieces to solve problems that will not only improve a patient’s smile but their quality of life” [2].

These advances in research are definitely positive. SLU’s work is exciting, and could in the long-term result in better patient comfort and outcomes in orthodontics.

Thinking points…

[1] In the article above, Invisalign™ is mentioned. Invisalign™ is a hugely popular treatment which involves the use of clear aligners to gently straighten teeth over time. Here at Savanna Dental, we offer Invisalign™ treatment – which begins with a consultation, before the moulds are prepared. Then, we organize regular appointments to check the progress of treatment, and make any alterations if needed. Our patients are typically delighted with the results – you can find out more by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

[2] It is very important to look after your oral health. One of the most important aspects of this is to regularly attend check-ups. This will give a dentist the chance to take a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatment if necessary. The earlier any problems are resolved, the better! We recommend booking an appointment 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 dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Hertan, E., McCray, J., Bankhead, B., & Kim, K. B. (2022). Force profile assessment of direct-printed aligners versus thermoformed aligners and the effects of non-engaged surface patterns. Progress in Orthodontics. 23 (49). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-022-00443-2.

[2] Saint Louis University. (2023). Pandemic sparks key innovations in digital orthodontics. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-pandemic-key-digital-orthodontics.html. Last accessed: 29th July 2023.

Is Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste As Effective as Fluoride Toothpaste?
25Jul
New research has looked into Hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste, which could serve as an alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste has been used for many decades, but due to various concerns, it is not universally popular. Therefore, having a new type of toothpaste is very appealing. Now, a research team has carried out a study to compare the two types of toothpaste.

If a dentist told you to use anything other than a fluoride-based toothpaste to brush your teeth – the chances are you would look at them in confusion. After all, fluoride is crucial for our teeth.

However, new research suggests that an alternative to fluoride toothpaste – which is based on a mineral called Hydroxyapatite – could in the future be recommended.

Recently, research into a hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste has been carried out, with promising results [1]. Therefore, it is possible that in the future hydroxyapatite toothpaste may become a common sight.

Background

For many decades, fluoride toothpaste has been praised and recommended by dentists. Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been credited with improving oral health in recent decades. Fluoride is capable of aiding the prevention of tooth decay and reducing enamel dissolution [2].

Such is its usefulness for our oral health, in many countries small quantities of fluoride is added to the public water supply – a process called water fluoridation. Moreover, fluoride is also the main ingredient in most mouthwash products.

However, fluoride does pose certain risks, especially for children. If too much fluoride is consumed, such as if toothpaste is swallowed regularly, then a condition called Fluorosis may develop. Fluorosis can result in white lines appearing on the teeth, or in more severe cases, visible stains appearing on the teeth [3]. Because of this, alternatives or improvements to fluoride are regularly looked into.

The Research

A team of scientists and Polish clinicians have recently completed research into hydroxyapatite toothpaste. They have published their findings in the Frontiers in Public Health journal [1].

Hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate mineral that is found in the skeleton. It is safe for human consumption and can contribute to remineralization of teeth – a crucial activity that protects against cavities [4].

The scientists sought to find out how hydroxyapatite would impact oral health. They created a study that involved 189 adults aged 18-45 [1]. Half of the participants used fluoridated toothpaste, while the other half used hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Moreover, the participants were unaware of which toothpaste they were using. The study lasted 18 months, with the researchers looking to see how the oral health of each group was impacted [1].

When entering the study, all participants had a minimum of 10 teeth without cavities, were willing to use an electric toothbrush, and did not have pre-existing oral health problems that required treatment. They were asked to brush their teeth twice per day at the same time each day – in order for both groups to be as similar as possible [1].

The researchers monitored the participants every six months through an examination and provided regular supplies of toothpaste. At each examination, the participants were screened for any cavities [1].

At the end of the 18 months, all participants received a comprehensive check-up to see how their teeth had responded. The researchers found that almost 90% of patients in both groups had no new cavities, which was positive to see [1].

Overall, the researchers found there was no statistical difference in the effectiveness of the two groups – meaning that the hydroxyapatite toothpaste was seen to be just as effective as fluoride toothpaste [1].

What this means

The results suggest that hydroxyapatite toothpaste could certainly be used in the future. For those that have concerns regarding fluoride, a hydroxyapatite toothpaste could offer an effective alternative.

The researchers were very pleased with these findings. Professor Elzbieta Paszynska was one of the authors and confirmed that “hydroxyapatite is a safe and effective alternative to fluoride in caries prevention for daily use” [5].

One particular element that the researchers were delighted with was that this research confirmed that hydroxyapatite had a positive effect on adults [5]. The authors pointed out that past research has suggested hydroxyapatite is effective for children – but this research has now confirmed its effectiveness for adults too [5].

These findings are very positive. In the future, it is likely that we will see more hydroxyapatite-based oral products – which will hopefully contribute to strong dental health for people all around the world.

Thinking points…

[1] The research above mentions about how the participants had their oral health checked every six months. Having an appointment every six months is highly recommended, as this is enough time for problems to develop. If problems do develop, if they are caught early, it can help to minimize potential damage. Therefore, if you are due an appointment, make sure that you remember to book a check-up soon!

[2] While this article discusses the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste, it is important to remember that fluoride toothpaste is still crucial! This is especially the case with children, as fluoride can help strengthen their teeth, which can help with their long-term oral health. If you do have children, try to spend some time with them to educate them on the importance of brushing their teeth. Also, remember that it is very important for children to attend regular dental appointments!

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.

It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Paszynska, E., Pawinska, M., Enax, J., Meyer, F., zur Wiesche, E. S., May, T. W., Amaechi, B. T., Limeback, H., Hernik, A., Otulakowska-Skrzynska, J., Krahel, A., Kaminska, I., Lapinska-Antonczuk, J., Stokowska, E., & Gawriolek, M. (2023). Caries-preventing effect of a hydroxyapatite-toothpaste in adults: a 18-month double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Frontiers in Public Health. 11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1199728.

[2] Newbrun, E. (2007). Systemic Benefits of Fluoride and Fluoridation. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. 64 (1): p35-39. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-7325.2004.tb02775.x.

(3) NHS. (2022). Fluoride. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fluoride/. Last accessed: 23rd July 2023.

[4] Meyer, F., Enax, J., Amaechi, B. T., Limeback, H., Fabritius, H-O., Ganss, B., Pawinska, M., & Paszynska, E. (2022). Hydroxyapatite as Remineralization Agent for Children’s Dental Care. Frontiers in Dental Medicine. 3 (859560). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2022.859560.

[5] Frontiers in Public Health. (2023). Toothpaste containing synthetic tooth minerals can prevent cavities as effectively as fluoride: Clinical trial. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-toothpaste-synthetic-tooth-minerals-cavities.html. Last accessed: 23rd July 2023.

ChatGPT: Is It Good or Bad for Dentistry?
19Jun
ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence software is slowly becoming a major part of our lives. Therefore, ChatGPT’s impact on various industries is being scrutinized. This includes the field of dentistry. Now, a research team has looked into the impact of ChatGPT on dentistry, finding that there are both positive and negatives to its use in the industry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually becoming a bigger part of day-to-day life. In fact, more and more industries are starting to leverage AI to achieve faster and more effective processes and results.

The best-known AI model is ChatGPT – which within two months of its launch was being used by over 100million users [1]! Therefore, this made ChatGPT the fastest-growing application in history.

ChatGPT has the potential to help many industries. However, it has been questioned whether or not this extends to dentistry. Now, new research has looked into the impact of ChatGPT on dentistry [2].

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a chatbot that is owned by OpenAI – who themselves are backed by Microsoft. The chatbot is used around the world. ChatGPT is capable of generating essays, jokes, articles or general knowledge – when prompted. The user will write a prompt into a search box, before the chatbot returns an answer.

The popularity of ChatGPT is staggering. To put it into context, as mentioned, ChatGPT attracted over 100million users within two months – something that took TikTok nine months and Instagram over 2 years to achieve [1].

However, there has been some controversy over ChatGPT. There are concerns over how it could be misused to facilitate misinformation and plagiarism from students in education [1]. These concerns extend to dentistry.

The Research

A team of researchers looked to see how ChatGPT and dentistry combined. Their findings were published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science [2].

The researchers aimed to see if ChatGPT could be used as “an outstanding instance of large language models in the fields of public dental health schooling, writing for academic use, research in public dental health, and clinical practice in public dental health based on the available data” [2].

To do this, they used 21 past research papers that had been published between March 2018 and March 2023 [2]. These research papers were vetted to ensure they included data on the link between AI and dentistry [2]. Therefore, this would provide the researchers with a strong understanding of the link between these two areas.

The researchers were looking to see if there were consistent patterns across these research papers. These consistencies would help them to draw conclusions on this topic.

Key findings

The researchers reached a conclusion that praised ChatGPT, but also warned of some potential issues. Yet predominantly, the researchers suggested the findings were positive.

The main finding was that while ChatGPT offers many advantages to public health in dentistry, it shouldn’t replace traditional dentistry, nor should it be entirely relied on. This is especially applicable when it comes to decision making.

The researchers were interested to see if ChatGPT could evaluate medical understanding and logic at the level needed to provide understanding to members of the public [2]. Indeed, the researchers found that ChatGPT was able to provide simple explanations, which can benefit the knowledge of patients.

The research also focused on the implications of ChatGPT on academia. For example, the researchers cautioned that students need to be aware that ChatGPT is not entirely accurate and may provide factual errors [2].

The researchers suggested that programme directors at Universities will need to be aware of ChatGPT and how it can assist in the creation of student essays and assignments [1]. Therefore, being extra vigilant towards plagiarism is crucial.

The researchers found that ChatGPT only has limited effectiveness when it comes to providing the creation of academic writing. There were some positives – such as it being a time-effective approach to writing and offering a good structure to arguments [2]. However, they found that ChatGPT offered a lack of citations and real-world examples – two key elements of academia [2].

When creating their own research papers, the researchers did find that ChatGPT was capable of providing benefits like interpreting data quickly, offering cohesive arguments and rephrasing complex scientific data [2]. With this in mind, the researchers did suggest that ChatGPT has the “potential to be revolutionary” in the future [2].

The importance of dentists

The results of the study affirm the importance of visiting a dental clinic and receiving the professional opinion of a dentist. Otherwise, incorrect decisions could be made. Moreover, ChatGPT does not provide the individualized patient care that a dentist can provide.

Many are worried that patients will seek assistance through ChatGPT rather than through the proper channels. But opinions by AI do not constitute professional medical advice.

The researchers have stated that they hope the public continues to attend dental clinics so that they receive the most successful treatment outcomes [1]. AI cannot replace professional decision-making.

So while ChatGPT can be useful in some scenarios, it cannot replace dentists. After all, physical treatments can only be done by dentists, who are professionally trained to carry out procedures. Visiting a dental clinic will continue to be a crucial part of maintaining and strengthening oral health.

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, ChatGPT has some positives, but it cannot replace a dentist’s professional judgment. Therefore, remember to attend regular dental appointments, as this provides a dentist with a chance to analyze your oral health and look for any potential problems. This is not something that ChatGPT is capable of doing! We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Some people are turning to ChatGPT for queries on basic health problems. While this can definitely be positive, it can sometimes underestimate problems you are facing. For example, if you are having oral health problems like toothache or gum problems, ChatGPT may downplay its potential consequences. Therefore, remember to speak to your dentist regularly, as they will provide accurate information and guidance.

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.

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] Hu, K. (2023). ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base – analyst note. Available: https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01/. Last accessed: 16th June 2023.

[2] Tiwari, A., Kumar, A., Jain, S., Dhull, K. S., Sajjanar, A., Puthenkandathil, R., Paiwal, K., & Singh, R. (2023). Implications of ChatGPT in Public Health Dentistry: A Systematic Review. Cureus Journal of Medical Science. 15 (6): e40367. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40367.