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Category: Oral Health

Could New X-Ray Software Lead to Better Dental Care?
4Jul
New software from a company named Overjet aims to take the guesswork out of dentistry, and provide dentists with a more accurate depiction of a patient’s oral health. This software will enable more accurate treatment decisions to be made. Moreover, treatment outcomes and the overall experience for patients should improve. Therefore, this software has the potential to have a very positive impact on dentistry.

New software from a company named Overjet could result in improved accuracy in terms of interpreting X-rays in dentistry. Their new software represents an exciting development in dentistry.

A problem that has existed in dentistry for many years is that there is an element in guesswork when it comes to X-rays. Dentists often have limited time to interpret X-rays, knowing their patient is sat right next to them, with others waiting outside.

But now, this new software can have a positive impact on oral health. Improved software can lead to dentists making more informed decisions, leading to better treatment outcomes.

X-rays in dentistry

X-rays actually date back to 1895! However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that they were first used in dentistry [1]. Since then, they have become a main fixture in dental clinics.

X-rays provide images of a patient’s teeth. This allows a dentist to evaluate the oral health of their patient. These X-rays result in dentists being able to identify things like cavities, tooth decay and impacted teeth [2].

Once X-rays have been completed, they will appear on the computer used by the dentist. However, these computers aren’t specialized for radiology. Therefore, dentists need to interpret X-rays themselves.

This creates a situation where different dentists may have differing opinions on what treatment should be chosen. Software that improves this situation is badly needed, which is where Overjet comes in.

About Overjet

Overjet is a company that used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and annotate X-rays for dentists and insurance providers [3]. Overall, this allows for consistent results across X-rays, effectively removing guesswork for dentists.

To create their software, the company analyzed millions of X-rays which had been used by dental practices around the United States [3]. Then, using AI, the company were able to find consistencies across the millions of X-rays, along with other insights and information. As a result, Overjet have been able to create an strong understanding of X-rays.

The software works simply. X-rays are imported onto a computer, before Overjet’s software annotates and colours the X-rays automatically. The colours will show the overall health of each tooth. For example, Overjet’s software can show the exact level of bone loss, the severity of cavities and more in each tooth [3].

Overjet’s software is also capable of incorporating historical information about each patient, aiding dentists in identifying areas in the mouth that are worsening quicker than other areas [3]. This all provides dentists with strong insights into their patient’s oral health.

Overjet has recently been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to detect cavities in dental care [3]. Moreover, they have also gained approval by the FDA to quantify bone levels in X-rays – which can help dentists to spot the signs of gum disease [3].

The benefits this could have

There is no shortage of benefits that Overjet’s software can have on dentistry. Overjet’s core aim is to improve patient care by providing dentists with more accurate depictions of X-rays [3].

Wardah Inam is the co-founder of Overjet. Inam spoke of how dentists can have differing takes on conditions and their treatment choices [3]. For example, a cavity can be treated with a filling, a crown, a root canal, a bridge and more [3].

Therefore, when patients hear different things from multiple dentists, it can become confusing. Dentists make decisions based on milometers, with very little margin for error. But these X-rays can provide patients with more consistent and accurate results – regardless of the dentist involved [3].

Overjet’s software can also improve the patient experience. By providing clear and coloured annotations, dentists can visually show their patients what is happening in their mouth, which allows them to explain why they are recommending certain treatments.

Inam commented on the software created by her and co-founder Alexander Jelicich [3]. “It’s about moving toward more precision medicine, where we have the right treatments at the right time”, she commented [3].

Continuing, Inam said that this is “where technology can help” [3]. “Once we quantify the disease, we can make it very easy to recommend the right treatment”, Inam stated [3].

Looking ahead to the future, Inam has said that “our mission at Overjet is to improve oral health by creating a future that is clinically precise, efficient, and patient-centric” [3]. Overjet are hoping to integrate their tools directly into dental clinics. Software can easily be added to dental clinics.

Overall, these various areas can greatly improve the patient experience. It will result in better and more accurate treatment outcomes, and is another example of how AI can benefit the dental industry. This software would be very useful for dentists and patients alike.

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned, an X-ray is a very important part of dentistry, given all that it shows dentists. X-rays are a routine element of regular dental check-ups. Therefore, this shows the importance of a regular dental check-up. By seeing your dentist regularly, they can check your overall oral health. We highly recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) It could be a while before this software is implemented at dental clinics. When you next visit your dentist, don’t be afraid to ask for them to explain what the X-ray is showing. By taking an interest in decisions around your treatment, you will be significantly more informed, allowing you to choose the treatment option that is best for you and your circumstances.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary Dental Clinic that provide its 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] Forrai, J. (2007). History of X-ray in dentistry. Revists De Clínica E Pesquisa Odontológica. 3 (3): p205-211. ISSN: 1807-5274.

[2] Frank, C. (2018). Dental X-Rays. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-x-rays. Last accessed: 1st July 2022.

[3] Winn, Z. (2022). Taking the guesswork out of dental care with artificial intelligence. Available: https://news.mit.edu/2022/overjet-dental-artificial-intelligence-0624. Last accessed: 1st July 2022.

Researchers Create New Treatment for Stopping Tooth Decay: Will It Work?
27Jun
Researchers in China have created a new treatment using a combination of agents and nanoparticles which is aimed at preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay continues to affect billions of people, so a treatment that claims to prevent it is promising. The treatment aims to stop the production of acidic substances and bacteria in the mouth. Therefore, this helps improve oral health.

New research has led to the creation of a treatment which aims to help prevent tooth decay. The research has the potential to have an excellent impact on the oral health of billions of people.

The treatment, which is the result of a mix of agents and nanoparticles, aims to stop the production of acidic substances and bacteria in the mouth.

By stopping the production of these harmful substances, the mouth will be less vulnerable to tooth decay. Therefore, this would hopefully lessen the number of cavity fillings that people require.

Tooth decay

This research is aimed at preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay results in the development of cavities in teeth, which require a filling to prevent further damage.

Tooth decay affects so many people around the world – from children to older adults. It is often caused by having too much sugary food and drink [1]. Moreover, poor oral hygiene will also often result in the development of cavities [1].

Bacteria and acid in the mouth – caused by food, drink, and other items placed in the mouth, also contribute to cavities. Therefore, dentists always preach the importance of eating healthily.

The Research

The researchers sought to find out if their treatment could help to prevent tooth decay. The researchers came from the Fujian Institute of Research. Their findings were published in the Chemical Engineering journal [2].

There was a special focus on preventing a specific type of bacteria caused Streptococcus mutans – which is known for its ability to survive in acidic environments, causing damage to the teeth and gums [2].

When there is too much bacteria, a “biofilm” is created, where teeth and gums become covered in bacteria and other microorganisms [2]. Therefore, bacteria can be very problematic.

The researchers developed their treatment using a few different substances. They loaded Rose Bengal – an antibacterial agent – onto Copper-doped Zinc Peroxide nanoparticles [2].

The researchers then sampled the use of their treatment on rodents [2]. Their combination was shown to be very effective. They found the nanoparticles were able to quickly produce hydrogen peroxide when exposed to the mouth. This helped to neutralise the acidic biofilm [2].

The treatment was able to kill large numbers of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth too [2]. Therefore, this had the effect where it became difficult for bacteria to build up – preventing tooth decay.

The combination of substances was effective at stopping the production of acidic substances and the formation of biofilm [2]. Overall, the findings suggested the treatment was highly effective.

Implications

The study produced very positive results. The results showed that a treatment of copper-doped Zinc Peroxide and Rose Bengal can be very effective for bacteria-based conditions [2].

Professor Chen Zhuo of the Fujian Institute, commented on the findings [3]. He said that an application of their treatment “effectively inhibited the occurrence and severity of dental caries without harmful effects on the body” [3].

For oral health, the findings are very positive. This treatment – which could potentially be used in the form of a toothpaste – could aid the prevention of bacteria building up. Therefore, tooth decay should lessen, causing fewer dental problems.

Thinking points…

1) Tooth decay is clearly a big problem, and many people are actually unaware that they have decaying teeth. Therefore, it is crucial to see a dentist for a check-up on a regular basis. By seeing your dentist, they can check for any problems or signs of decay, and offer advice where necessary. We recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) This article talks about bacteria in the mouth. It is important to remember that anything we put in our mouth – from food to drink to even our nails, results in bacteria entering the mouth. Think about your habits, is there anything you can do to lessen the level of bacteria entering your mouth? If you’re worried about this, we recommend talking to your dentist, who can offer practical advice. Why not make contact right away?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary Dental Clinic that provide its 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] NHS. (2022). Tooth Decay. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/. Last accessed: 24th June 2022.

[2] Zhang, Y., Liu, W., Huang, Y., Wang, Y., Chen, X., & Chen, Z. (2022). Bacterial biofilm microenvironment responsive copper-doped zinc peroxide nanocomposites for enhancing chemodynamic therapy. Chemical Engineering Journal. 446 (3):137214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.137214.

[3] Chinese Academy of Sciences. (2022). Researchers propose new strategy for prevention and treatment of dental caries. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-strategy-treatment-dental-caries.html. Last accessed: 24th June 2022.

Would Linking Medical and Dental Records Benefit Patients?
20Jun
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.

Why Is the Conflict in Ukraine Affecting Root Canal Dental Treatments?
13Jun
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is having a substantial effect on multiple areas all over the world. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is not immune from its impact. Now, there are concerns that shortages caused by the conflict could impact dentistry – with more complex interventions like root canal treatments being affected.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is causing many issues around the world. While some of these effects – such as the emerging humanitarian crisis engulfing the country – are visible, other effects are not.

Among the areas that have been negatively impacted is the worldwide healthcare system. Unfortunately, the dental industry is also being affected by the consequences of the conflict.

Ukraine and Russia – the two countries involved in the conflict – are huge exporters of key commodities, including some items and materials that are used in healthcare.

Therefore, dental treatments are among the areas to be affected. More complex procedures like root canal treatments are likely to be the worst affected.

Commodity Issues

Towards the end of February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has been going on for several months, with the Russian offensive met by strong resistance from the Ukrainian military.

As a result, the world has been impacted enormously. There have been concerns over a potential nuclear war, record high gas prices and a range of shortages. Therefore, many industries have been impacted – including the dental industry.

Russia and Ukraine are key exporters of some commodities. For example, in this case, the key resources are Ammonium Nitrate and Natural Gas [1]. But international sanctions, transport issues and procurement struggles has led to shortages. As a result, accessing these commodities has become more difficult.

When the above commodities are refined, they can produce two gases which are vital for the healthcare system. These are Nitrous Oxide (known as Laughing Gas) and Helium [1]. Both of these are used in millions of healthcare procedures each day.

Other Healthcare shortages

The Covid-19 pandemic had disastrous effect on worldwide supply chains, causing huge shortages [2]. These shortages have now been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

Since the invasion began, even more shortages have been reported. For example, baby formula, medication, and contrast dye used in diagnostic scans are among the current shortages. As a result of the contrast dye shortage, potentially life-saving scans are having to be rationed in some states – a dire situation [1].

The impact on dentistry

Nitrous Oxide is primarily used in dentistry for complex procedures or surgeries. Unfortunately, around 40% of Ammonium Nitrate – which is needed for Nitrous Oxide – comes from Russia [1].

Root canal treatments are used to treat an infection in the tooth. It involves a dentist removing infected soft tissue inside the tooth – known as the pulp [3]. Because of the invasive nature of a root canal treatment, as well its long procedure time, it can cause anxiety and concern from patients [1].

When patients are anxious, nervous or distressed, they can be offered a sedative – such as Nitrous Oxide. However, because of the shortages, less sedatives are expected to be available. This may result in less people wanting to undergo root canal treatment.

This shortage is therefore causing concern in healthcare. It is important to remember that dental clinics typically do have other sedatives available, but supplies are normally limited.

Regardless of potential shortages, dental clinics will aim to continue providing root canal and other complex treatments. This shouldn’t stop the overall goal of providing effective and efficient treatments for patients around the world.

Thinking points…

1) This article talks about root canal treatments. They aren’t pleasant procedures, but fortunately – they can normally be avoided through strong oral hygiene. As part of having a strong oral hygiene routine, you should ensure you see your dentist regularly for a check-up. If there are any problems that need addressing, your dentist will be able to spot them and suggest treatment if necessary. Therefore, this will prevent problems worsening – we recommend booking an appointment soon!

2) Maybe some of you reading this will be awaiting, or are in need of, root canal treatment. It can be tempting to avoid the dentist when you are scared ahead of a procedure. However, it is important that you go ahead and get the root canal treatment done. Unfortunately, dental problems won’t go away, and the longer you leave it for, the more damage will be done. Try to attend the appointment and if needed, discuss taking a sedative with your dentist.

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 dental implants.

It is important for oral problems to be addressed early. Any dental 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 that is suited to their needs.

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 Dental 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] Tahir, D. (2022). Why the war in Ukraine might make root canals more difficult. Available:https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-war-ukraine-root-canals-difficult.html. Last accessed: 11th June 2022.

[2] NHS. (2022). Root canal treatment. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/root-canal-treatment/. Last accessed: 10th June 2022.

[3] Cohen, J., & van der Meulen Rodgers, Y. (2020). Contributing factors to personal protective equipment shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive Medicine. 141 (106263). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106263.

Do Mouth Problems Cause Eating Difficulties for the Elderly?
7Jun
New research has found that eating problems are common among the elderly, especially in those with a poor appetite and lack of teeth. The problems include swallowing, chewing and general appetite difficulties. These eating problems are linked to oral health. Therefore, this research shows again the importance of good oral health.

New research has looked into eating problems, which is very common among older adults. The study has analyzed eating problems among those aged 75 and older.

Eating problems are inherently linked to oral health. The study found that poor appetite, chewing problems, swallowing and denture-related eating difficulties were very common.

This study shows the importance of good oral health. By having strong oral health, it gives us a decreased chance of having eating problems in the future.

Background

The mouth plays a crucial part in our overall health. For example, disregarding our oral health can result in mouth problems like gum disease and cavities.

Then, the mouth is also important for chewing and swallowing. In turn, these are crucial areas for overall health. Without eating properly, our overall health will worsen.

To have a balanced diet, it is important to be able to eat, chew and swallow as intended. This all points towards the importance of general oral health.

The study

The research outlined above was part of the ongoing Nutrition, Oral Health and Medication study at the University of Eastern Finland. Subsequently, the findings were reported on in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dental Research [1].

The study involved 250 people aged 75 and older who resided in Eastern Finland. Finland is well-known for its high quality of life. For example, the organisation Social Progress Index, which measures quality of life across 160 countries, says Finland is the 2nd best country in the world to live [2]. Therefore, those partaking in this study come from a nation where health and life expectancy are strong.

The participants were interviewed by health professionals including a pharmacist, clinical nutritionist and a dental hygienist [2]. This allowed the authors to get a strong picture of the participants.

The researchers aimed to find out the extent and causes of eating problems. Eating problems were divided into four areas:

• Loss of appetite

• Chewing problems

• Swallowing problems

• Eating problems relating to teeth or dentures

What were the results?

There were some interesting findings. The findings were rather worrying, and shows that oral health is certainly an area which needs to be improved upon.

Nearly 30% of the participants reported having a poor appetite [1]. 20% of the participants had chewing problems. Furthermore, 14% had swallowing difficulties. Finally, almost 20% reported eating problems relating to teeth or dentures [1].

The researchers noted that nearly all of those with issues had a poor nutritional diet – according to the Clinical Nutritionist [1]. Moreover, they also had a decreased food intake compared to those without problems [1].

Those with no teeth had further problems. For instance, this group had a higher chance of chewing issues and general oral health problems [1].

Those with existing oral health problems were also likelier to report problems with chewing and swallowing [1]. Participants with toothache or denture issues were also likelier to report having eating problems [1].

It is also worth mentioning that the researchers found a clear link between taking multiple prescribed medications and oral health-related eating problems [1]. This may be linked to dry mouth – which is a common side effect of many medicines.

What this study shows

This study underlines the importance of oral health. It also shows that we should get into good oral health habits from a young age, as it will help us in the future. After all, we only get one set of teeth in adulthood!

Annina Salmi, one of the authors, discussed the findings [3]. Salmi said “in this study, loss of appetite was the most common finding, suggesting that eating problems are multifaceted” [3].

Looking to the future, Salmi said that “it is important for older people to maintain good oral health because it affects eating” [3].

Thinking points…

1) It is so important to get into good oral health habits during adulthood to aid your mouth’s health in your later years. Therefore, it is crucial to brush your teeth regularly and try to avoid sugary food and drink. Most importantly, it is vital that you attend a dental clinic at least twice a year for a check-up. Any problems can be identified and treated early – resulting in an enhanced chance of treatment success. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) This study mentions the impact that our diet has on both our oral and overall health. Take a moment to think about your diet – is it nutritious? It may be worth speaking to a dentist about your diet, as they can discuss any actions that may be harming your teeth. A regular check-up would be a good starting point for this. Why not book one now!

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] Salmi, A., Komulainen, K., Nihtila, A., Tihonen, M., Nykanen, I., Hartikainen, S., & Suominen, A. L. (2022). Eating problems among old home care clients. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. (Pre-publication release). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cre2.585.

[2] Social Progress Index. (2021). 2021 Social Progress Index Map: Finland. Available: https://www.socialprogress.org/?tab=2&code=FIN. Last accessed: 4th June 2022.

[3] University of Eastern Finland. (2022). Eating problems are common among older home care clients. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-06-problems-common-older-home-clients.html. Last accessed: 4th June 2022.

The State of America’s Oral Health 2022: What Were the Key Findings?
15May
The 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report has been released, with the findings suggesting Americans are caring more about their oral health, and recognizing its importance. Visits to dentists have risen, and most children have had improved access to dentistry. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the link between oral health and physical health, which has caused some concern.

Delta Dental have released the 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report. The yearly report presents a nationwide view of the opinions and behaviours relating to oral health.

The findings were mainly positive. For example, most respondents were clearly aware of the importance of oral health. Moreover, more routine dentistry appointments were attended. Furthermore, there were less oral health issues for children [1].

However, there is a degree of concern over the lack of knowledge that most had in terms of of the link between physical and oral health [1]. This is an area that healthcare professionals hope will improve in the next year.

About the report

This annual report has become a very useful way of reviewing the overall state of oral health in the United States. It is commissioned by Delta Dental – the largest dental insurance provider in the US, with 83million Americans insured with them [1].

The research was conducted between the 19th and 28th of January by Material – a global insights and strategy consultancy [1]. The research involved American adults and parents of children aged 12 and younger.

Overall, they received responses to surveys from 1,027 Americans aged 19 and over. Additionally, there were 1,172 participants that were parents of children aged 12 and younger [1].

The report asked the respondents a range of questions which allowed them to self-assess their oral health and general oral hygiene [1]. The responses were then collated and analysed.

The Key Positive Findings

The conclusions drawn from the report were largely positive. The most promising finding was that 92% of adults and 96% of parents consider their oral health to be “very or extremely important” to their overall health [1].

Another pleasing aspect was the number of people attending the dentist. 89% of children attended the dentist in 2021, along with 72% of adults [1]. Both have risen when compared to 2020. 94% of adults in the survey signalled their intention to visit the dentist this year [1].

Much fewer parents reported that their children had experienced oral health issues throughout the year, when compared to recent years [1]. The researchers noted that this correlated with the finding that 92% of children visited the dentist for preventive reasons, rather than purely reactive reasons – up from 81% in 2020 [1].

The scale of the impact of Covid-19 on oral health continues to be realised. 55% of adults believe that Covid-19 has resulted in them making their oral health more of a priority [1].

Moreover, 63% of adults report paying closer attention to their oral habits due to Covid-19 [1]. Similarly, 74% of parents report paying closer attention to their children’s oral habits due to Covid-19 [1].

With more parents paying attention to the oral health of their children since Covid-19, it is unsurprising to see that many parents are worried about how oral health issues could affect their children. 70% of parents reported being concerned that poor oral health would have a poor impact on their child’s overall confidence [1].

The Key Negative Findings

However, despite the positives, there were some negatives. The researchers asked those who did not attend the dentist what the main barrier to dental care was. Unsurprisingly, the biggest issue was not being able to afford the cost of treatment [1].

Other barriers to oral healthcare also existed. For instance, other common barriers included lack of dental insurance, not wanting to visit a dental clinic during Covid-19 and having a fear of the dentist [1].

The main concern though of the researchers was how there was limited knowledge of the link between oral health and physical health [1]. This is an area that the researchers aim to address in the year ahead.

Many respondents did not realize that some medical conditions are linked to poor oral health. Only 38% of respondents knew about the link between oral health and strokes, with 37% knowing about the link with high blood pressure, and 36% being aware of the diabetes link [1].

As mentioned, this shows that there is room for improvement. But the researchers were pleased to report that 90% of adults said that they were interested in learning about oral health’s critical connection to overall health [1].

What this means

The findings are mainly positive, and compared to the last report, Americans do seem to be taking their oral health more seriously. Of course, with routine dentistry having been suspended due to Covid-19, it is natural that accessing dental services is easier now.

But the findings do show that there is room for improvement in terms of increasing awareness of the impact of oral health on physical health, and vice versa.

James W. Hutchison is the President & CEO of the Delta Dental Plans Association. He commented on the findings of the report [2]. He said that while most “understand that oral health is critically important to overall health”, many “don’t fully realize the ways oral health is linked to serious health issues” [2].

Hutchison stated that “unfortunately, this lack of understanding isn’t surprising, as people often think of the mouth and body as two distinct parts” [2]. He went on to say that his organisation aims “to partner with the public on their journey to better health”, which they aim to achieve by elevating “awareness of the essential role of oral health” [2].

It is now a case of waiting to see what progress is made over the next year in terms of overall oral health. It certainly seems that things are moving in the right direction, but that there is room for improvement.

Thinking points…

1) It is positive to see that Americans are aware of the importance of oral health. One of the most important parts of oral health is a simple check-up. A check-up allows a dentist to provide an overall summary of a patient’s oral health, and provide advice and guidance. If any problems are found, they can be acted on and treated. We recommend attending a check-up at least twice a year – why not book now!

2) If you stop and think about your oral health and hygiene – how would you answer the questions discussed in this article? Consider taking on board some of the key findings of this report – such as the link between oral and physical health. If you need some information, help or advice with your oral health, consider speaking with your dentist about this – they’ll be happy to help!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides advice, comfortable experience and treatment to improve the oral health of its patients, 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] Delta Dental Plans Association. (2022). The 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report. Available: https://www.deltadental.com/content/dam/ddpa/us/en/press-releases/DDPA_State%20of%20Oral%20Health%20Report_2022-Release.pdf. Last accessed: 13th May 2022.

[2] Delta Dental Plans Association. (2022). New Delta Dental report finds many are unaware of connection between poor oral health and serious medical conditions (but 9 in 10 want to learn more). Available: https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/new-delta-dental-report-finds-many-are-unaware-of-connection-between-poor-oral-health-and/article_e307ea8e-e7fa-5dd2-997d-669baa5e37eb.html. Last accessed: 13th May 2022.