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Category: Oral Health

Does Obesity Worsen Gum Disease? - Savanna Dental
23Nov
A recent study has found a clear link between obesity and gum disease. While the link between these two areas has been evidenced before, underlying causes have not been previously established. But this new study appears to show that chronic inflammation caused by obesity is the key reason behind eventual gum disease.

Obesity is a common issue, with growing numbers of people considered to be “obese”. Obesity can be defined as a person that has an above-average accumulation of fat. Moreover, they will be overweight.

The problem of obesity has been referred to as an “epidemic”, due to the range of issues that obesity can cause [1]. One such issue is oral health.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo were seeking to improve their understanding of the relationship between obesity and gum disease.

There is some pre-existing research that shows a link between obesity and gum disease [2]. However, the underlying causes behind this haven’t been determined in the past. Therefore, the researchers were hoping to delve deeper into this area.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common condition. For example, statistics show that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [3].

Gum disease can be prevented. The condition typically involves a person’s gums becoming swollen or infected, which is usually caused by a build-up of plaque. Furthermore, plaque gradually wears down tooth enamel, leading to oral problems.

A common cause of plaque is a high-sugar diet. Moreover, a high-sugar diet is associated with obesity. Therefore, obesity can increase the risk of gum disease.

Bone loss is a very common symptom of gum disease. One such complication of gum disease is tooth loss. Tooth loss can occur when the bone deteriorates to the extent where it is unable to support a tooth. Losing teeth can negatively impact a person’s mental health [4].

The Research

The recent research was carried out by researchers at the University at Buffalo. Subsequently, the research was published in the Journal of Dental Research. [5].

The researchers used two groups of mice for their study. They hoped to see the differences caused by giving the two groups alternate diets.

One group had a low-fat diet which drew 10% of energy from fat. However, the second group of mice had a high-fat diet that drew 45% of energy from fat. Consequently, the groups were fed these diets for 4 months [5].

The researchers were able to conclude from the study that the high-fat diet did have a strong impact on the oral health of the mice [5]. Moreover, chronic inflammation was a key cause of this.

The researchers found that excessive inflammation from obesity causes a rise in the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) [5]. MDSCs are a group of immune cells that aim to fight illnesses. However, when this happens, the MDSCs develop into many different cell types, including a cell class named osteoclasts, which breaks down bone tissue [5].

The high-fat diet group experienced more obesity, more inflammation and an increase of MDSCs when compared to the low-fat diet group [5]. Therefore, the high-fat diet group developed more osteoclasts, resulting in increased bone loss and gum disease [5].

What this research means

These findings reaffirm the link between obesity and gum disease. But the conclusions drawn are very useful as they show deeper reasoning behind the findings. For instance, the impact that MDSCs cause.

The research shows that obesity can cause chronic inflammation. The chronic inflammation then leads to an increase in MDSCs. Subsequently, gum disease worsens through increased bone loss.

Keith Kirkwood, a Professor of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo, commented on the findings [6]. He said that while the relationship between the level of obesity and gum disease is clear, “the mechanisms that underpin the links between those conditions were not completely understood” [6].

The underlying causes behind this connection are now better known. As a result, this evidence confirms the need to eat a healthy diet wherever possible to avoid obesity and the resulting problems. For instance, we should try and eat fruit, vegetables, a balanced diet, and avoid sugary foods and drink wherever possible.

Having a healthy lifestyle alongside a balanced diet is important. This can reduce the chances of obesity. Therefore, our oral health should remain protected.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

  • [1] Karels, A. J., & Cooper, B. R. (2007). Obesity and Its Role in Oral Health. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 5 (1): p1-5.
  • [2] De Castilhos, E. D., Horta, B. L., Gigante, D. P., Demarco, F. F., Peres, K. G., & Peres, M. A. (2012). Association between obesity and periodontal disease in young adults: a population-based birth cohort. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 39 (8): p717-724.
  • [3] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [4] Kaur, P., Singh, S., Mathur, A., Makkar, D. K., Aggarwal, V. P., Batra, M., Sharma, A., & Goyal, N. (2017). Impact of Dental Disorders and its Influence on Self Esteem Levels among Adolescents. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: 11(4), pZC05–ZC08.
  • [5] Kwack, K. H., Zhang, L., Sohn, V., Maglaras, R., Thiyagarajan, R., & Kirkwood, K. L. (2021). Novel Preosteoclast Populations in Obesity-Associated Periodontal Disease. Journal of Dental Research. (Pre-publication). Available: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211040729.
  • [6] University at Buffalo. (2021). Study: Obesity Raises the Risk of Gum Disease by Inflating Growth of Bone-Destroying Cells. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/study-obesity-raises-the-risk-of-gum-disease-by-inflating-growth-of-bone-destroying-cells-1003963199/. Last accessed: 19th November 2021.
Can Lines on Children’s Teeth Help Predict Mental Disorders in Adulthood? - Savanna Dental
15Nov
Mental health conditions continue to cause difficulty and misery to millions of people around the world. It has proven difficult to predict whether or not certain individuals are likely to develop a mental disorder. However, new research suggests that factors relating to oral health may actually be a useful tool in predicting children at risk of mental disorders.

Recent research has found that the thickness of growth marks in deciduous (baby) teeth could potentially help to identify children at risk of mental health conditions.

Mental health disorders are difficult to live with. Treating disorders can be challenging. But the general consensus is that the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances are of successful treatment [1]. As a result, early identification is crucial.

The research argues for the creation of a tool to recognize children that have been exposed to adversity or trauma. These areas are a risk factor for psychological problems. The tool involves analyzing teeth.

Mental Health

Mental health disorders are very common. For instance, in the US, around 1 in 4 adults suffer from a mental disorder in any given year [2]. This shows the sheer level of numbers that mental health services need to treat.

Mental health conditions include Depression, Anxiety and eating disorders. More severe conditions include Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

These conditions can be debilitating. One of the main issues behind mental health disorders is that the causes are unknown. Therefore, any study that involves potential causes of mental health disorders can be very valuable.

The onset of mental health conditions appear to be linked to several factors. These include genetics, environmental factors and childhood trauma. However, further research is required to determine this.

Background: Growth Lines

This research involves “growth lines” on teeth. Also known as the striae of Reitzus, these are lines or bands that are present for some people in tooth enamel [3]. They can appear on both adult and baby teeth.

The research compiled is the result of years of work. The research was led by Erin C. Dunn. She works as a Social and Psychiatric Epidemiologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital unit.

Dunn has a special interest in childhood trauma, which is known to be a major risk factor for mental health conditions [4]. She is particularly interested in the timing of adverse events and the subsequent impact they have. For instance, if trauma during a particular time of childhood has a very harmful effect [5].

Explaining the science of growth lines, Dunn has spoken about how “teeth create a permanent record of different kinds of life experiences” [5]. Dunn continued, “this includes exposure to sources of physical stress” [5].

This physical stress affects dental enamel and results in “growth lines” within the teeth. These lines will form based on childhood experiences. The thicker the growth lines are, the more stressful life the child appears to have had [5].

Dunn has developed a hypothesis that proposes the width of one specific variety of growth line, called the neonatal line, could indicate whether or not a child’s mother experienced psychological stress during pregnancy or the early life of the child.

The Research

The research was published in the JAMA Network Open by researchers at the Harvard University-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital [6].

To test her hypothesis, Dunn led a team that analyzed 70 canine baby teeth from 70 different children from the United Kingdom [6]. Moreover, these teeth had naturally fallen out between the ages of 5 and 7.

The mothers of the 70 children had been issued with a questionnaire during their pregnancy and soon after the birth of their child [6]. They were questioned on four factors that are known to affect child development. These were stressful pre-birth events, a history of psychological problems in the mother, neighborhood quality (for instance, poverty level, crime and safety) and the level of social support [6].

The results of these questionnaires were compiled. A microscope was then used to measure the width of the neonatal line [6]. The size of these lines were then correlated against the answers to the questionnaires to reach conclusions.

The results showed that Dunn’s hypothesis was correct. Mothers that had severe psychiatric problems, and those that experienced even mild psychological symptoms in the later stages of pregnancy were likelier to have children with thicker neonatal lines [6].

Conversely, mothers that received strong social support in the immediate aftermath of pregnancy resulted in thinner neonatal lines [6]. Similarly, children from “safe” neighborhoods had thinner neonatal lines [6].

What this research means

This research suggests that there is a clear link between childhood adversity and thick neonatal lines. Therefore, oral health can be a key indicator of potential psychological problems in the future.

Dunn said that the cause of neonatal lines isn’t entirely known. But she believed it was due to how high levels of the stress hormone cortisol is created when a mother is experiencing psychological symptoms [5]. As a result, this may interfere with the cells that create enamel.

Dunn also proposed that systemic inflammation is another candidate for causing growth lines [5]. It does appear that one consistency is psychological problems, and the impact they have on the lines.

In regards to next steps, Dunn is looking to further her research. Therefore, Dunn is hoping to replicate these findings in a bigger study [5]. Consequently, she has the long-term aim of introducing her hypothesis into a clinical setting [5].

Such an approach would have oral benefits for many, with growth lines becoming less common. Moreover, it could also have mental health benefits. In conclusion, this research serves as a reminder of the importance of looking after children, including their oral health.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides a warm, welcome, and comfortable experience to their patients.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Jurewicz, I. (2015). Mental health in young adults and adolescents – supporting general physicians to provide holistic care. Clinical Medicine. 15 (2): p151-154.
  • [2] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Mental Health Disorder Statistics. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics. Last accessed: 11th November 2021.
  • [3] Brand, R. W., & Isselheard, S.E. (2018). Anatomy of Orofacial Structures. 8th ed. New York: Elsevier Health Sciences.
  • [4] Cuellar, A. (2021). Preventing and Treating Child Mental Health Problems. Policies to Promote Child Health. 25 (1): p111-134.
  • [5] Gower, T. (2021). Baby teeth may be window to child’s risk of mental health disorders. Available: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/11/baby-teeth-may-help-identify-kids-at-risk-for-mental-disorders/. Last accessed: 11th November 2021.
  • [6] Mountain, R. V., Zhu, Y., Pickett, O. R., Lussier, A. A., Goldstein, J. M., Roffman, J. L., Bidlack, F. B., & Dunn, E. C. (2021). Association of Maternal Stress and Social Support During Pregnancy With Growth Marks in Children’s Primary Tooth Enamel. JAMA Network Open. 4 (11): e2129129.
What Role Do the Salivary Glands Play in COVID-19 Reinfection? - Savanna Dental
1Nov
Researchers from the University of Utah are planning a study that will look at how the salivary glands impact Covid-19 reinfection. Reinfection of Covid-19 has proven to be a controversial subject. However, reinfection does seem to involve the salivary glands. As a result, researchers are focusing on their role in the contraction of Covid-19.

Covid-19 continues to cause havoc around the world, though research into this virus is gradually helping the overall recovery of humans around the world.

Now, researchers from the University of Utah are leading an investigation that will analyse whether or not salivary glands infected with Covid-19 could actually lessen a person’s long-term immunity to the virus post-vaccination, or even after recovery.

This research is part of the ongoing effort to analyse the factors involved in potential reinfection of Covid-19. This concept has already proven controversial, and has resulted in a lot of confusion and debate.

The salivary glands play an important role in Covid-19 research. Due to their interaction with proteins and the immune system, they are an area that many researchers are focusing on.

Covid-19: The Current State

Covid-19 remains a big threat to humanity. At the time of writing, around the world, there have been almost 250million cumulative cases reported [1]. In addition, there have been almost 5million deaths worldwide [1].

The attempt to vaccinate billions of people has made progress. Furthermore, the latest statistics show that 6billion vaccine doses have been administered [1].

The scientific community have been researching every aspect of Covid-19. This includes the Covid-19 vaccine efforts, tracing the origin of the virus, aggravating factors in recovery and in this case, reinfection.

Is it possible to catch Covid-19 twice?

Reinfection of Covid-19 has proven to be a contentious issue. The general consensus is that reinfection is possible, though it is rare. Many academics are “uncertain” [2]. Meanwhile, some have dismissed reinfection as a “myth” [3].

Some have attributed supposed reinfection to faulty PCR tests [4]. However, a widescale study in the United Kingdom found that reinfection was possible. But, less than 1% of participants in the study became reinfected with Covid-19 [5]. This suggested that reinfection was unlikely, but possible.

Where are the Salivary Glands and what do they do?

The Salivary Glands refer to the composition of three main glands and hundreds of smaller glands. They are located in the mouth. The salivary glands make saliva, which helps to keep the mouth moist, whilst aiding key functions of the mouth, such as chewing, tasting and swallowing food.

The salivary glands assist in food digestion through creating the enzymes that break down food. They are also connected to the immune system, and its antibodies are sometimes able to prevent infections in the mouth and throat.

Therefore, the salivary glands are a crucial area in the human body. As a result of their position in the body, they play a serious role in the contraction of Covid-19.

The upcoming research

The upcoming research will be focusing on the salivary glands and their role in the potential diminishing of a person’s long-term immunity to reinfection of Covid-19 [6]. This is even in the case of if a person has been vaccinated.

The research will look at whether the body’s ability to make antibodies is affected by when the salivary glands that have SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) [6]. Therefore, if this is affected, reinfection could be more likely. Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are often found in the salivary glands. However, it isn’t entirely known how the virus gets there. It is believed that the most inner lining of the oral cavity, called mucosa, is usually the entry point for any virus [6].

Assistant Professor Melodie Weller, of University of Utah, has been commenting on the upcoming study. Weller explained that proteins that emanate from the food we eat, are released into the saliva [6].

Weller says “we swallow a lot of saliva every day” [6]. But a problem is that viruses also contain proteins. Therefore, our immune system cannot always detect the difference in proteins. As a result, viruses can bypass the salivary glands and attack our immune system.

Consequently, this can affect how long immunity will last, even after inoculation. As a result, Weller states that it is crucial to “understand the role of SARS-CoV-2 in the salivary glands” [6].

Moreover, an increase in the understanding of this area can result in improved knowledge of how “reinfection and breakthrough infections after immunization are occurring during this pandemic”, Weller says [6].

Based on the above, the researchers believe that the SARS-CoV-2 released from the salivary glands could impede the production of antibodies. Because of this, the risk of relapse or reinfection appears to increase. Therefore, this may limit the long-term effectiveness of vaccines.

The next steps

This research will continue the scientific community’s efforts to understand more about Covid-19. The University of Utah’s research will aim to build on pre-existing research that has found SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in the salivary glands [7].

The researchers will be testing their theory on mice. They will be administering protein to the salivary glands of the mice. The Covid-19 vaccine will then be applied, and researchers will wait to see how they respond.

Their findings will be important in analyzing the effectiveness of the vaccines in the long-term, and the role of the salivary glands. Finally, either way, it will add to the ongoing body of research into Covid-19.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] World Health Organization. (2021). WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available: https://covid19.who.int/. Last accessed: 30th October 2021.
  • [2] Hanrath, A. T., Payne, B. A. I., & Duncan, C. J. A. (2020). Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with protection against symptomatic reinfection. The Journal of Infection. 82 (4): p29-30.
  • [3] Roy, S. (2020). COVID-19 Reinfection: Myth or Truth?. SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine. 2 (1): p710-713.
  • [4] Krishna, E., Pathak, V. K., Prasad, R., Jose, H., & Mumar, M. M. (2020). COVID-19 reinfection: Linked Possibilities and future outlook. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 9 (11): p5445-5449.
  • [5] Hall, V., Foulkes, S., Charlett, A., Atti, A., Monk, E. J. M.., Simmons, R., Wellington, E., Cole, M. J., Saei, A., Oguti, B., Munro, K., Wallace, S., Kirwan, P. D., Shrotri, M., Vusirikala, A., Rokadiya, M., Kall, Zambon, M., Ramsay, M., Brooks, T., Brown, C. S., Chand, M. A., Hopkins, S. (2020). Do antibody positive healthcare workers have lower SARS-CoV-2 infection rates than antibody negative healthcare workers? Large multi-centre prospective cohort study (the SIREN study), England: June to November 2020. SIREN Study Group. Available: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.01.13.21249642. Last accessed: 30th October 2021.
  • [6] University of Utah Health Sciences. (2021). Can salivary glands infected with COVID-19 increase risk for relapse or reinfection?. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-10-salivary-glands-infected-covid-relapse.html. Last accessed: 30th October 2021.
  • [7] Matuck, B. F., Dolhnikoff, M., Duarte-Neto, A. N., Maia, G., Gomes, S. C., Sendyk, D. I. & Zarpellon, A. (2021). Salivary glands are a target for SARS-CoV-2: a source for saliva contamination. The Journal of Pathology. 254 (3): p239-243.
Green Shield Grant Aims to Boost Dental Health Across Windsor and Essex County - Savanna Dental
24Oct
Green Shield Canada have provided a $95,000 grant to the Windsor and Essex Council. This grant will enable the Council to start a new oral health and wellness program, mainly aimed at refugees and newcomers to the area. Therefore, they hope to improve the dental health of their residents.

Green Shield Canada have announced that they are providing a $95,000 grant to the Windsor and Essex Council, with the aim of boosting dental health across the county [1].

The award has proven very popular. There is a belief that refugees and other newcomers to Canada have many barriers to overcome at first. Therefore, Green Shield Canada hope that the grant can assist this group of people.

The Council hope to implement a three-year oral health and wellness program. Consequently, they are hoping that this program will aid the oral health and general well-being of hundreds of people.

Background

Green Shield Canada is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a range of services for people across Canada. Oral health is not their only area of expertise; for instance, Green Shield Canada also provides assistance for homelessness, sex trafficking and disaster relief among other areas.

They particularly help the vulnerable. Refugees, who come from war-torn nations, are among the most vulnerable. Green Shield Canada recognize the barriers that they, along with other newcomers, have to overcome in healthcare.

Canada has a large population of refugees. For instance, in 2020 alone, almost 110,000 refugees were granted asylum in Canada [2]. In addition, in the last ten years, over 1million refugees have been welcomed into Canada [2].

The population of Windsor and Essex County is approximately 400,000 people, which represents a sizeable amount. Consequently, many refugees have settled into Windsor and Essex County.

The need for an oral health program

Nidal Shauki is a Nurse Practitioner at Windsor and Essex Council. She said that she hopes that the grant will allow refugees and other newcomers to get “an introduction to a dental clinic” [1].

Shauki remarked that many clients wouldn’t have ever received dental care in the past. For example, research has shown that refugees typically have significantly worse oral health than those in western nations [3]. Overall, their knowledge of the importance of oral health is very limited [4].

As a result, an oral health program can help significantly. Timpy Aulah, a Health and Wellness Coordinator at the Council, mentioned that providing an initial dental experience to newcomers can help them to forge a regular oral routine [1].

Shauki said that the Council will be implementing a three-year oral health and wellness program. The Council aim to educate refugees and other newcomers on the importance of oral health [1]. Shauki said that the Council has yearly goals of reaching over 300 people [1].

The grant from Green Shield Canada is therefore expected to help many people. Consequently, with many having not received oral care in the past, this grant will enable them to receive desperately-needed dental care. This should improve their overall well-being. In addition, it should benefit their quality of life.

Hope for the future

The grant from Green Shield Canada has been warmly received. Mila Lucio, executive vice president of human resources and social impact at Green Shield Canada, said that the grant was part of the organizations’ goal of “making a difference in the community” and contribute to its residents having “healthier lives” [1].

Lisa Kolody, executive director of the Windsor Essex Community Foundation, also commented. She said that the proram will help to tackle oral health in the area, which she described as “under-funded and under-resourced” [1].

The grant to Windsor and Essex Council was part of a $450,000 donation to various organisations throughout the County. In addition, other recipients included organizations aiming to implement mental health programs [1].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We offer many services, including regular dental check-ups, cavity fillings, and root canals and some cosmetic services. Any dental problem should be addressed early, and can be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. So, when further treatment is needed after a check-up, we provide our patients with a clear treatment plan. The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps. Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna 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.

What Impact Does the Wealth of a Child’s Family Have on Their Oral Health? - Savanna Dental
18Oct
The state of our oral health depends on a huge number of factors. While some, like diet and dental hygiene, may seem obvious, there are other areas too. One unexpected area is the wealth of a child’s parents. Now, researchers have looked to reach conclusions about this potential link. They found that having wealthy parents actually results in poorer oral health for children.

The oral health of a child depends on a huge number of areas. For instance, genetics, diet and the environment in which they grow up in.

Now, research has shown that another factor is the wealth of a child’s family. This unexpected factor has been researched comprehensively by Australian researchers, who used global data to carry out their study.

In a somewhat surprising result, the researchers found that children that came from a wealthy background were more likely to have poor oral health [1].

It was found that among the biggest causes of this was easy access to soft drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices [1].

Background

Many factors affect a child’s oral health. The modern-day diet is typically high in sugar, which is an important factor. The link between sugar and dental health is clear. Many studies show a direct link between sugar consumption and the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth [2].

Existing research also shows that the dental habits of parents has a big influence on their children’s oral health [3]. For example, this includes brushing habits and the number of trips to the dentist for check-ups each year [3].

Researchers are always looking for other factors that impact oral health. This can help them to identify potential solutions to problems. A new area that researchers have now considered is the link between a child’s financial background and their oral health.

Research shows that in a 12-month period, just 75% of Canadians visited a dentist, with 23% being put off from visiting a dental clinic due to cost [4]. Therefore, it could be expected that those from poorer backgrounds would have worse dental health.

The Research

Now, researchers from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia have carried out a study into this area. The researchers partnered with the National Dental Research Institute of Singapore.

The research involved a global study of 30 countries [1]. It was a meta-analysis, which involved analysing 54 relevant studies, with over 64,000 participants [1]. Therefore, this study provided a comprehensive overview of children’s oral health around the world.

The aim of the research was to identify a link between socio-economic status and oral health, with their findings published in the Journal of Dentistry [1].

The study found that children whose parents had higher levels of education and wealth, and who had attended private schools had poorer oral health than those whose parents did not [1].

The researchers explained that these results were caused by many factors. Because of easy access to soft drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices, the risks increase [1]. The high sugar content causes this. Once sugar is consumed, it combines with bacteria to create acid. Subsequently, it gradually dissolves enamel. Finally, this leads to cavities that need to be filled.

The study also found that in certain countries, traditional foods and drink were another cause [1]. This included tamarind, hibiscus and citrus teas. The strong acid content caused this.

Yet the study also found that higher-educated adults had a lower risk of developing tooth problems [1]. Therefore, while those who are highly-educated typically have poorer oral health as they grow up, they will then typically have better oral health as an adult.

Consequently, this is an important consideration, and shows that those with strong oral health at a young age cannot get complacent.

What does this study show us?

Because this study had so many participants, the conclusions are very important. We must all consider the impact that our purchases and habits have on dental health.

Dr. Ahmed, the lead researcher, commented on the findings. He said that “fizzy drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices are in many countries available to the affluent” [5].

Such dietary habits can cause “progressive and irreversible wearing down of teeth over time, making them unsightly [and] more sensitive” [5].

Dr. Ahmed recommended that “early screening of individuals at risk” will help to “enhance the cost-effectiveness and success of dental treatments” [5].

These findings back up previous research. In addition, one study concluded that soft drinks were the “crucial link” between good and bad oral health [6].

In conclusion, this study acts as further confirmation of the importance of habit. But it also shows that there are many different factors affecting oral health, including some that we wouldn’t automatically think of. Because of this, having strong oral hygiene is crucial.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Entezami, S., Glazer Peres, K., Li, H., Albarki, Z., Hijazi, M., & Ahmed, K. E. (2021). Tooth wear and socioeconomic status in childhood and adulthood: findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of Dentistry. 103827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103827.
  • [2] Battellino, L. J., Corneho, L. S., Dorronsoro de Cattoni, S. T., Luna Maldonado de Yankilevich, E. R., Calamari, S. E., & Aczura, A. (1997). Oral health status evaluation of pre-school children: longitudinal epidemiologic study. (1993–1994). Revista de Saúde Pública. 31(1), p272-281.
  • [3] Freire de Castilho, A. R., Mialhe, F. L., de Souza Barbosa, T., & Puppin-Rontani, R. M. (2013). Influence of family environment on cjildren’s oral health: a systematic review. Jornal de Pediatria. 89 (2): p116-123.
  • [4] Statistics Canada. (2019). Dental Care, 2018. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2019001/article/00010-eng.htm. Last accessed: 24 September 2021.
  • [5] Griffith University. (2021). Children from wealthy backgrounds at greater risk of tooth wear. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-10-children-wealthy-backgrounds-greater-tooth.html. Last accessed: 15th October 2021.
  • [6] Kamal, Y., O’Toole, S., & Bernabé, E. (2019). Obesity and tooth wear among American adults: the role of sugar-sweetened acidic drinks. Journal of Clinical Oral Investigations. 24: p1379-1385.

What Are the Most Effective Oral Hygiene Tools? Researchers Put the Tools to the Test! - Savanna Dental
12Oct
A recent study has sought to find out once and for all which oral hygiene tools are the best for our oral health. Mixed information exists currently on which tools are effective. The study was able to categorize each tool as being either positive, negative, or neutral to our oral health.

Looking after our oral health is incredibly important. Strong oral hygiene is the best way of avoiding painful and expensive visits to the dentist.

But many people ask which oral tools and equipment are effective, and which are not. Now, researchers from the University at Buffalo have carried out a study aiming to find this out.

Their findings are very useful. This is because it gives the public knowledge on the best ways to have strong oral hygiene. Therefore, this research helps to maximize our chances of keeping a healthy mouth.

The different tools available

There is no shortage of available tools for oral health. Therefore, it can be difficult to know which tools are the most effective. After all, it would be unrealistic to use them all.

The researchers noted that it was important to complete a study in this area. Oral health is a problematic area for so many people. Poor oral hygiene can cause cavities.

Gum disease is also major problem. Gum disease is very common, with research showing that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [1].

If cavities and gum disease are left untreated, infections, bleeding gums, tooth loss and bone problems are potential consequences.

Most people use a toothbrush, though both manual and electrical ones exist. Some people floss to remove particles of food caught between teeth.

Then there are mouthwashes, probiotics, and various ingredients that are added to oral health products. All of these areas were analyzed in this study.

The Research

The research was published in October’s issue of The Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology [2]. Researchers from the University at Buffalo carried out the study.

Moreover, the researchers put various oral hygiene tools and ingredients to the test. They used pre-existing research, different scenarios and other research methods to see the impact each intervention had on the mouth.

The results produced three different areas. Firstly, effective tools. Secondly, tools that had a somewhat positive impact, but not enough to justify their daily use. Finally, negative tools.

Effective Tools

• Toothbrush: Unsurprisingly, the gold standard of oral health is the toothbrush. The toothbrush plays a main role in oral hygiene. Both electric and manual toothbrushes were effective, with very little between the two.

• Inter-dental brushes: Inter-dental brushes that are used to floss between teeth were also praised for being highly-effective. Moreover, they are an effective way of removing anything stuck between the teeth.

• Water Pick: Water picks are an excellent way of clearing anything stuck in the teeth. They release water at a rapid rate, helping to clear any blockages. Because of this, they have proven to be popular with consumers.

• Chlorhexidine in mouthwash: Chlorhexidine can be a key ingredient of mouthwash. This study backed up previous research, which found that mouthwashes containing Chlorhexidine can result in a “moderate” reduction in gum disease [3]. However, Chlorhexidine can cause tooth discoloration with prolonged use [3].

• Cetylpyridinium: Cetylpyridinium is a compound that is used across various oral products. For instance, toothpaste, mouthwash and some lozenges. The researchers found it was very effective at reducing gum disease and preventing plaque. However, Cerylpyridinium does cause staining in a small number of users [4].

• Listerine Mouthwash: As one of the world’s most instantly-recognizable brands, it isn’t surprising that Listerine’s mouthwash products that contained essential oils were deemed effective. Furthermore, another study concluded there was “strong evidence” that Listerine was excellent for protecting against plaque and reducing gum disease [5].

Tools that have mixed evidence

While there were many positives outlined above, there were some tools and ingredients that didn’t provide enough evidence to justify their use on a daily basis.

• Scaling: Scaling is when a dentist uses a special tool to remove plaque and tartar (solid plaque) around the gum-line. They also usually do something called root planing, which aids the gums. Because of inconsistent results, the researchers did not consider this tool to be positive.

• Probiotics: The researchers found probiotics produced inconsistent results. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are consumed through a product. For instance, Yakult. Probiotics is a promising area, but it hasn’t been researched enough yet to draw conclusions. The conclusions of the authors echo the existing body of research [6].

• Tea-tree oil, green tea mouthwashes: Tea-tree oil and green tea are ingredients that are being added to many products. Because of their properties as being natural, they are popular. However, the researchers found they provided limited effectiveness.

• Hexetidine: Hexeditine is an antibacterial ingredient that is primarily used in mouthwash products. Oraldene is the most well-known brand including hexetidine. However, when the researchers tested it, the results weren’t too positive.

The Negative

The researchers only found that one key ingredient produced negative results. This was Triclosan.

Triclosan is very effective for reducing plaque and gum disease. However, Triclosan has been linked to reproductive defects and some forms of cancer.

Consequently, Triclosan has been removed from the majority of toothpastes. The findings of the authors backup existing research [7].

What does this study show us?

This study shows the importance of strong hygiene. It shows that we can keep things simple by using a few different products. Therefore, there is no need to make things too complex.

All of the areas deemed effective should be used regularly. For instance, mouthwash products with the aforementioned ingredients can be used as an adjunct to using a toothbrush and inter-dental brush.

As a result, Eva Volman, an author of the study, said she hoped the evidence from the study was “comprehensive, readable and uniquely helpful to all oral health professionals, as well as patients” [8].

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Above all, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our dental clinic in Calgary Savanna Dental! You can read more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

  • [1] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [2] Volman, E. I., Stellrecht, E., & Scannapieco, F. A. (2021). Proven Primary Prevention Strategies for Plaque-Induced Periodontal Disease – An Umbrella Review. Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology. 23 (4).
  • [3] Worthington, H., Riley, P., James, P., Parnell, C., Harding, M., Lamont, T., Cheung, A., & Whelton, H. (2017). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 (3): p1-194.
  • [4] Addy, M., Mahdavi, S. A., & Loyn, T. (1995). Dietary staining in vitro by mouthrinses as a comparative measure of antiseptic activity and predictor of staining in vivo. The Journal of Dentistry. 23 (2): p95-99.
  • [5] Alshehehri, F. A. (2018). The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: A systematic review. Saudi Dental Journal. 30 (1): p2-6.
  • [6] Meurman, J. H., & Stamatova, I. V. (2018). Probiotics: Evidence of Oral Health Implications. Folia Medica. 60 (1): p21-29.