Category: Oral Health

The Tooth Fairy is an important part of oral health for children. A recent poll has looked into how the oral health of children is impacted by the tooth fairy. The findings are very positive, with the tooth fairy helping to promote strong oral health habits. It also acts as a way of reminding children of the importance of their dental health – making it very useful!

Every year, August 22nd marks “National Tooth Fairy Day” – a day which is used to remind parents and children of the importance of oral health and raise awareness of the oral health of children.

In line with this date, Delta Dental have released findings from their 2023 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® – which has been in operation for 25 years [1].

About the Tooth Fairy

The tooth fairy actually dates back many centuries, having originated in Europe. In more recent decades, it has become a regular fixture in American households.

A visit from the tooth fairy is normally a very exciting prospect for children – and often results in a financial reward. Therefore, it can be a great way of incentivizing strong oral health.

Typically, a child will place their lost tooth under their pillow prior to sleeping. After waking up, money is normally placed there – with the idea that the tooth fairy has come to visit during the night.

The 2023 Tooth Fairy Poll

The Tooth Fairy Poll® takes place each year. This poll is commissioned by Delta Dental, who interviewed 1,000 parents of children aged 6 to 12. These parents were asked about the tooth fairy and its impact on their children and their oral health [1].

The tooth fairy is an important part of life for most Americans. The poll found that 81% of American homes involve the tooth fairy in their day-to-day lives [1].

Overall, the results are overwhelmingly positive in support of the tooth fairy! The various statistics put forward by the poll show how useful it can be.

Perhaps the most important finding is that 1 in 3 parents say the tooth fairy instils good oral health habits in their children [1]. Therefore, mentioning the tooth fairy on a regular basis can be useful for parents, as it appears to have a positive impact on children.

The research also found that the tooth fairy can be used as a way of motivating children to look after their teeth more [1]. Parents can suggest to their children that the tooth fairy is watching them closely, which can make them likelier to pay extra attention to their oral health.

There are other benefits too for parents. Among these is the finding that 27% of children go to bed early when anticipating a visit from the tooth fairy [1]!

One of the most noticeable changes in recent years is the value of a tooth! The average value in 2023 is $6.23 [1]. Incredibly, this has risen from $1.30 since the poll first started – representing a 379% increase [1]!

In terms of regions within the United States, southern states valued teeth the highest – providing an average of $6.59 per tooth [1]. Meanwhile, midwestern states valued teeth the lowest – although this was still $5.63 on average [1].

A “beloved visitor”

Gabriella Ferroni, the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Delta Dental, discussed the poll’s findings. Ferroni said that “the tooth fairy is a beloved visitor into homes across the country” [1].

Continuing, Ferroni said that the tooth fairy helps to foster “proper oral hygiene habits at an early age, which in turn supports overall health” [1].

Ferroni recommends that parents can “encourage positive dental care” by reminding their children that the tooth fairy “prefers the cleanest, healthiest teeth” [1].

These various steps can all help to promote the importance of oral health to children. This can make them have excellent habits throughout their life which can boost both their oral and physical health.

Thinking points…

1) As shown in the findings above, the tooth fairy can have a positive impact on children. Therefore, if you are a parent, you can utilize the benefits of the tooth fairy! This will reward your children for looking after their teeth and brushing regularly. Regularly reminding children of the tooth fairy and its potential benefits can definitely help! Remember to talk about oral health with your children!

2) Looking after oral health is important for both children and adults. For adults, a great way of setting an example can be to take your children to your own dental check-ups. Furthermore, you can attend your children’s check-ups too! Make sure you attend dental check-ups once every six months, as this will help to keep your oral health strong. 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-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] Delta Dental Plans Association. (2023). Delta Dental poll finds Tooth Fairy welcomed into most U.S. homes. Available: https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/tooth-fairy/press-release.html. Last accessed: 1st September 2023.

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.