Category: Oral Health

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.

False teeth, or dentures, are very common, with many people relying on them to restore chewing and eating function to their mouth. But now, a research team has sought to find out if a connection exists between wearing dentures and the debilitating condition Pneumonia. Their findings have proven concerning, and highlights the importance of cleaning dentures regularly.

False teeth are very common, with many people around the world relying on their use. However, in concerning findings, scientists have uncovered a connection between false teeth and the debilitating condition Pneumonia [1].

These findings have implications for those with false teeth – better known as dentures. Moreover, it may lead to dentists changing their approach towards dentures – although it is too early to know this for sure.

About Dentures (false teeth)

Dentures are false teeth that are designed to replace missing teeth [2]. Having missing teeth often causes problems with eating and speech, meaning that dentures can help enormously.
Occasionally, patients will need a full set of dentures. However, sometimes a patient will just need 1 or 2 dentures – depending on their circumstances.

Dentures are very common and help many people. For example, research in 2022 found that in 2020 alone, approximately 41million Americans used dentures [3].

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a condition that involves inflammation of the lungs [4]. It is normally caused by an infection. Many people with the condition require treatment in a hospital.

Older people are at particular risk of pneumonia, with it being a common cause of death. Moreover, pneumonia can also arise as a result of complications from other conditions.

The Research

A research team from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom have recently completed research into a potential link between dentures and pneumonia. They published their findings in the Journal of Medical Microbiology [1].

The study involved the researchers taking mouth, tongue and denture swabs from a group of patients that were in hospital [1]. These patients all had pneumonia and wore dentures. There were 26 patients in this cohort.

The next stage of the study was to take swabs from patients in care homes that wore dentures, but didn’t have pneumonia [1]. There were 35 patients in this group. Then, the results of these two groups were compared.

Once the swabs had all been taken, the researchers analyzed them to identify the abundance and different types of microbes present in the samples [1].

The researchers were aiming to locate any microbes that were known to cause pneumonia – and to therefore see if there were any major differences between the two groups.

The results were quite concerning. There was 20 times the number of potentially pneumonia-causing bacteria on dentures in people with pneumonia compared to those without [1].

This led the researchers to conclude that dentures definitely have the potential to play a role in causing pneumonia. This is a concerning conclusion that puts many people at risk [1].

Author comments

The authors were alarmed at these findings. Dr. Josh Twigg – lead author of the study – said his team were “surprised” at the results and warned of the potential consequences [5].

The authors suggested that the importance of cleaning dentures was a crucial takeaway of this study [5]. They suggested that when dentures are not cleaned properly, that they can provide a surface for disease-causing microbes can colonize [5]. Therefore, this would cause those wearing dentures to inhale these harmful microbes – increasing the chances of an infection like pneumonia developing.

While these findings do seem worrying, Twigg cautioned that “you certainly couldn’t say that people got pneumonia because they were wearing dentures” [5]. Instead, Twigg said that the results just show “that there is an association there” [5]. Moreover, he suggested the research was an “early step”, with more research needed.

Twigg suggested that the public – and especially those with dentures – can learn from the results of this research. Twigg urged those with dentures to clean their dentures thoroughly [5].

Additionally, Twigg argued that it is important to attend the dentist regularly for check-ups, as this can help to identify any potential problems with dentures.

As mentioned, there is no certain connection between dentures and pneumonia. However, there does seem to be an association. Therefore, cleaning dentures regularly is a very important thing to do. Further research is likely to take place in the future to find out more about this potential link.

Thinking points…

1) Ideally, you will never need to have dentures or implants. But tooth extraction is sometimes needed, especially in cases of heavily decayed teeth. The best way to avoid this is to have excellent oral hygiene – which involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. However, if you do need support, treatment is available, including here at our Calgary Dental Clinic Savanna Dental! Dentures and implants are both possibilities at our Calgary dental clinic – you can see more about us and our services at the following link https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

2) The lead author of this study urged those with dentures to regularly attend a dental clinic. This is something that is true for everyone – whether you wear dentures or not! Attending a check-up will allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving 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] Twigg, J. A., Smith, A., Haury, C., Wilson, M. J., Lees, J., Waters, M., & Williams, D. W. (2023). Compositional shifts within the denture-associated bacteriome in pneumonia – an analytical cross-sectional study. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 72 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001702.

[2] NHS. (2021). Dentures (false teeth). Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/. Last accessed: 23rd June 2023.

[3] Statista Research Department. (2022). Usage of dentures in the U.S. 2020. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/275484/us-households-usage-of-dentures/. Last accessed: 23rd June 2023.

[4] NHS. (2023). Pneumonia. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia/. Last accessed: 23rd June 2023.

[5] Microbiology Society. (2023). Could your false teeth give you pneumonia?. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-false-teeth-pneumonia.html. Last accessed: 23rd June 2023.

Autistic children can often find trips to the dentist very challenging due to the risk of sensory overload. However, recent research has found that when certain sensory adaptations are made by dental clinics, that autistic children can have a much more pleasant experience at the dentist. This can have a positive effect on the oral health of those with the condition.

Autism is a very challenging condition for both children and adults. Everyday tasks can be very challenging for children that have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Among these tasks are trips to the dentist. Autistic children often struggle to attend dental check-ups, mainly due to the potential for sensory overload.

However, new research has found that when certain adaptations are made, autistic children can find visiting the dentist a positive experience, aiding their oral health [1].

What is Autism?

Autism is considered to be a developmental disability which affects approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Education [2].

The NHS suggest that autistic people “may act in a different way to other people” [3]. Symptoms include communication problems, difficulty in coping with unfamiliar situations and repetitive actions [3].

One of the defining features of autism is how those with the condition often find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming and uncomfortable [3].

These symptoms make it difficult for autistic children to go to the dentist. A dental clinic can be an unfamiliar location that also involves social situations. But above all, it can cause several sensory problems. For example, the dentist’s light, the sound of the dental drill and the possibility of loud noises can all cause concern.

As there are so many issues, it is unsurprising that autistic people typically have poorer oral health compared to the general public [4]. Therefore, trying to make a dental clinic a more comfortable place for autistic children is important.

Research

Recent research has looked into ways that autism can be managed better in a dental clinic. The research was carried out by a team from the University of Southern California, with their findings being published in the JAMA Network Open [1].

The research involved 162 children aged between 6 and 12 with a diagnosis of autism. They were split into two groups, both of which received dental cleaning. One group of 83 received care in a standard clinic environment, with the other 80 receiving care in an adapted environment [1].

The researchers spent time in planning which adaptations could be made. The adapted environment involved:

• Blackout curtains being hung over the windows

• The dentist wearing a surgical loupe with an attached lamp to avoid getting light in the eyes of the child

• A slow-motion visual effect being projected onto the ceiling – with the child being given the option between a “Finding Nemo” underwater scene or abstract colors

• A portable speaker that played calming nature sounds and quiet piano music

• A traditional lead X-ray bib being placed on the child’s chest

• The child being securely wrapped to the dental chair in a method that involved a hugging sensation from shoulder to ankle [1]

The researchers wanted to see if these adaptations would improve the dental clinic experience for the children. During the check-up, electrodes were placed on each child’s fingers, which measured electrodermal activity – which researchers could use to see how the children were reacting throughout the appointment [1].

Moreover, the researchers were also looking out for jerking or other movements, jaw-clamping, screaming, crying or biting the equipment or dentist – all signs that a child is in distress.

Interestingly, the researchers found that there were many similarities between the groups. For example, the quality of care and time needed to get the child seated were the same in both groups [1].

However, when it came to patient comfort, the adapted setting was much more effective. The two groups had very different results – with the adapted environment group having less discomfort, distress, movements, screaming and jaw-clamping [1]. They found the adapted environment to be calming. For those in the standard environment, there were many problems.

The results clearly showed that making adaptations for autistic children can be very effective. The children in the study were more at ease due to adaptations, which can provide a calmer experience.

Author comments

This study suggests that by offering an adapted environment approach to autistic children, that they will find visits to the dentist more beneficial. Treatments and regular check-ups can be more effective and useful.

The authors recommended that dental clinics adopt adapted environments for autistic children. Lead author Leah Stein Duker commented on the findings, saying that “the combination of curated visual, auditory and tactile adaptations—all of which are easily implemented, relatively inexpensive and don’t require training to safely use—led to statistically significant decreases in autistic children’s behavioral and physiological distress during dental cleanings” [5].

The researchers suggested that such changes can be low-cost, stating that implementation can be completed through “a one-time cost of less than $6000” [5]. In fact, the researchers pointed out that beanie hats, sunglasses and X-ray bibs are often free – making them simple additions to a dental clinic [5].

Overall, these changes can make a positive difference. Children with autism will often struggle with their oral health. However, by making these adaptations, it can improve their oral health substantially and result in long-term benefits.

Thinking points…

[1] If you have an autistic child, the chances are that you will know about the challenges involved in visiting the dentist. However, here at [clinic name], we offer support for all of our patients! Please do not be discouraged to book with us, as check-ups are important for the oral health of your children! You can read more about us at our website https://savanndentalclinic.ca!

[2] While it is important for you to look out for the oral health of your children, remember that your oral health is equally as important! Therefore, remember to attend check-ups at the dentist on a regular basis. Dental check-ups can help to identify any issues that need attention. 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.

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] Duker, L. I. S., Como, D. H., Jolette, C., Vigen, C., Gong, C. L., Williams, M. E., Polido, J. C., Florindez-Cox, L. I., & Cermak, S. A. (2023). Sensory Adaptations to Improve Physiological and Behavioral Distress During Dental Visits in Autistic Children. JAMA Network Open. 6 (6): e2316346. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.16346.

[2] Carmichael, R. (2021). Autism On the Rise: Coping in the Dental Office. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/autism-on-the-rise-coping-in-the-dental-office/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

[3] NHS. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

[4] Nunes da Silva, S., Gimenez, T., Souza, R. C., Mello-Moura, A. C. V., Raggio, D. P., Morimoto, S., Lara, J. S., Soares, G. C., & Tedesco, T. K. (2016). Oral health status of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. 27 (5): p388-398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12274.

[5] McNulty, M. (2023). Sensory adapted dental rooms significantly reduce autistic children’s physiological stress during teeth cleanings. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-sensory-dental-rooms-significantly-autistic.html. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.