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It is very important that children look after their oral health. With February marking National Children’s Dental Health Month, now is a great time for parents to think about the oral health of their children. There are several ways that parents can encourage strong oral hygiene, which can contribute towards strong oral health in the long-term.

February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month, which offers parents a chance to have a think about their children’s oral health [1].

Whether this is reviewing their diet, how much they brush, their oral hygiene, or anything else – this month provides an opportunity to review the oral health of children.

Oral health is crucial for children and can aid their wellbeing as they grow up. Parents have an important role to play in this.

About National Children’s Dental Health Month

Every February, the United States observes National Children’s Dental Health Month. The month intends to promote the benefits of good oral health in children.

The program actually began as a one-day event in 1941 [1]. By 1955, it became a week-long celebration. Then in 1981, the program became a month-long event. It has remained this way since.

The American Dental Association (ADA) sponsor the month [2]. The message behind the month has reached millions of people over the last few decades.

The ADA produce a range of resources and materials for children, including activity sheets, how-to guides, essay contests and many posters [2].

Why is children’s oral health so important?

The oral health of children is very important for numerous reasons. Overall, strong oral health can help to promote a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, which aids overall health.

Oral health can impact multiple spheres of life for children – including physical, social, and emotional health [1]. Moreover, it also impacts their eating and speaking.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition in children [3]. In fact, half of children aged 6-9 have had at least one cavity in their mouth [3].

These issues are more pronounced in lower income households. For example, children aged 6 to 9 from lower income households are more than twice as likely (25%) to have untreated cavities than children from higher income households (10%) [4].

Research shows that poor oral health in children is linked to worse academic performance [5]. This is normally due to oral pain keeping them off school.

Moreover, in a concerning finding, children lose 34 million hours of school each year due to emergency dental care [5].

Perhaps the most important finding of all from past research is that good dental health enhances the quality of life of children, which underlines its significance [6].

How can parents help?

With the above in mind, it shows why it is so important for parents to help their children with their oral health. There are several ways that parents can do this.

Encouraging and instilling good oral health habits from a young age is important. At a minimum, children should be brushing their teeth twice per day with fluoridated toothpaste.

Brushing all surfaces of the teeth is important too. Missing part of the teeth leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay, which can result in cavities developing.

It can be advisable for parents to supervise their children’s toothbrushing until they can manage their own brushing.

If parents live in an area with fluoridated water, it is a good idea for their children to consume this. Water – whether fluoridated or not – should be consumed rather than soft drinks or juice.

Furthermore, avoiding sugary foods can also help to fight against decay. A healthy diet low in sugar and high in nutrients can result in better physical health too for children.

Attending regular visits to the dentist is also important. This underlines to children the importance of oral health, and it also allows a dentist to take a thorough look at their oral health.

Summary

Oral health is a very important aspect of overall health. The effort and resources placed onto this month underline how crucial oral health is!

Parents have an important role to play. By encouraging strong oral health habits from a young age, it helps to build the foundation for excellent oral health for life.

As discussed above, there are many ways that parents can help. This helps to contribute towards overall health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Thinking points…

1) While the oral health of children is very important, this shouldn’t detract from how vital oral health is for adults too. Therefore, remember to attend dental check-ups as an adult! These check-ups allow a dentist to review your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if needed. If you have children, you could also take them with you, as this will set a good example. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) As discussed earlier, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Do you have children? If so, you could have a read through this article with them and discuss the importance of oral health. It should educate them and aid their overall oral health. Why not have a discussion 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, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] McConnell, P. (2025). Tips for Parents to Encourage Healthy Smiles. Available: https://patch.com/wisconsin/appleton/tips-parents-encourage-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[2] American Dental Association. (2025). February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Available: https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[3] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2025). Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) in Children Ages 2 to 11 Years. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/children. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Oral Health Surveillance Report: Dental Caries, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 2017–March 2020. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/php/2024-oral-health-surveillance-report/index.html. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[5] Naavaal, S., & Kelekar, U. (2018). School Hours Lost Due to Acute/Unplanned Dental Care. Health Behavior and Policy Review. 5 (2): p66-73. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.5.2.7.

[6] Guarnizo-Herreno, C. C., & Wehby, G. L. (2013). Children’s Dental Health, School Performance and Psychosocial Well-Being. The Journal of Pediatrics. 161 (6): p1153-1159. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.05.025.

A team of dentists from Japan are testing a potentially ground-breaking drug that could enable people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This is something that researchers have been looking to achieve for decades. But now, with ongoing scientific advancements, this milestone appears to be getting closer.

One of the ultimate objectives for scientists is to one day enable people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This goal has been the subject of research for several decades.

However, owing to its complexity, a solution has not yet been found. But now, a team of Japanese dentists are testing a potentially ground-breaking drug that could hold the key to solving this ongoing problem [1].

If scientists were able to come up with a way of regrowing teeth, then this would reduce the demand for dentures and implants. Moreover, it would also represent a significant milestone in dentistry.

Missing teeth

Tooth loss is a common issue in humans. For example, research shows that approximately 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth [2].

There are a range of potential causes of missing teeth, including extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, and dental trauma.

The most common treatments for a missing tooth is either dentures or implants. However, while effective, both can be costly, and have some limitations.

In an ideal world, teeth would automatically regrow when lost. But finding a way of stimulating this process has been challenging for researchers.

Third set of teeth?

Humans grow teeth in their childhood. These gradually fall out, and are eventually replaced by adult teeth, which hopefully remain in place for life.

But is it possible that a third set of teeth exist? The answer is yes, according to Katsu Takahashi, who is the Head of Oral Surgery at the Medical Research Institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan.

Takahashi has explained that a third set of teeth exist beneath human gums [1]. He says that these are dormant buds, and remain this way for life.

The experimental drug

The experimental drug was first tested on mice and ferrets in 2023 [1]. Utilizing animal models is an important phase of drug experimentation.

The findings were promising, with the researchers publishing lab photographs of regrown animal teeth – underlining the potential of the drug [1].

The researchers said that blocking a protein called USAG-1 can trigger the development of the third set of teeth [1]. Therefore, the experimental drug works by blocking this protein.

Following animal trials, the next step involves human trials. While animals offer a good indication of how a human may react, this is not wholly reliable.

In October, Takahashi’s team began clinical trials at Kyoto University Hospital. The experimental drug was administered to participants [1].

The participants are there to test for safety at this stage, rather than effectiveness. They are adults who are missing at least one tooth [1].

When speaking about those that would be positively impacted by the drug, Takahashi mentioned those that are missing six or more permanent teeth from birth. This is a hereditary condition that affects around 0.1% of people [1].

Those with this condition face several challenges in eating, drinking, and with their oral health. Takahashi says that “this drug could be a game-changer for them” [1].

Takahashi has said that the drug is administered via injection at the desired location of the new tooth [1]. If it grows in the wrong place, he suggests it can be moved through orthodontics.

Next, the researchers will wait to see how humans react to the experimental drug, which takes the form of an antibody medicine, before deciding on further action [1].

Concerns expressed

While these updates are very exciting, some concerns have been expressed by other researchers. Chengfei Zhang, a Clinical Professor in Endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, has raised some concerns.

Zhang has acknowledged that the drug is “innovative and holds potential” [1]. However, Zhang says that the idea is “controversial” [1].

Moreover, Zhang says that the results of the animal trials raise questions “about whether regenerated teeth could functionally and aesthetically replace missing teeth” [1].

Moreover, there are concerns that the long-term impact of the development of the teeth is uncertain, and it isn’t known if the teeth would act the same way as adult teeth.

What will happen next?

The hope is that this medicine could stimulate the growth of the concealed teeth. It has positive results on animals, and it will be very interesting to see how humans react.

Takahashi has said that this is “a completely new technology” [1]. Moreover, he says that the team are hoping to make the drug available as soon as 2030.

However, significant work needs to take place before this is possible. Yet Takahashi remains confident, saying that “expectations are high”, and that the technology “can directly extend healthy life expectancy” [1].

These updates are very exciting. We will now wait to see how the trials go. Hopefully the trials will produce positive results, which could pave the way for the eventual distribution of the experimental drug.

Thinking points…

1) This update is definitely exciting, and suggests that we are edging closer to a time when teeth could actually regrow! But for now, we need to focus on the modern day, and look after our oral health. One way of doing this is to attend regular dental appointments. These appointments are helpful in ensuring that any problems are recognized and subsequently treated. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) As discussed earlier, having a missing tooth is common. If you have a missing tooth, have you considered dental implants? Dental implants look natural, provide long term results and can improve your smile. At our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free implant consultations! These consultations allow you to review your options – read more about this at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

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, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] AFP. (2024). Japanese researchers test pioneering drug to regrow teeth. Available: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/japanese-researchers-test-pioneering-drug-to-regrow-teeth/. Last accessed 19th December 2024.

[2] American College of Prosthodontists. (2015). Missing Teeth. Available: https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf. Last accessed: 19th December 2024.

New research has led to the development of an interactive mouthpiece called “MouthIO”. This creation aims to provide dentists and patients alike with accurate data and insights into the mouth. This should improve our understanding of our oral health, and provide dentists with additional information about our teeth.

Interesting new research has resulted in the development of an interactive mouthpiece which could be used to help oral health [1].
The interactive mouthpiece makes use of artificial intelligence and other technology to provide accurate insights into the mouth and overall oral health [1].
This marks a new approach to technological devices. This approach could aid oral healthcare, and provide dentists with greater insights into the health of their patients.

Background

Wearable technology is certainly growing in popularity. It is common to use smartwatches to track physical health, and smart glasses can provide users with experiences of augmented reality.
With the increase in the popularity of this type of technology, it is unsurprising that a mouth-based wearable technology has now been developed.
Improving oral health around the world is a key goal for healthcare professionals. Therefore, any new technology that assists with this goal is very helpful!

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Aarhus University – based in Denmark. Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the 37th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology journal [1].
The researchers were interested in developing an interactive mouthpiece. As a result, they managed to create a device named “MouthIO” [1].
MouthIO is a dental brace that includes sensors and feedback components which can capture real-time in-mouth interactions and data [1].
The researchers explained in their research how MouthIO is created. To begin with, a patient’s teeth is scanned. MouthIO is a see-through brace that is then developed in order to fit the teeth, as per the scan. A patient is then able to 3D print their design in dental resin [1].
The side panel of MouthIO can be customized to integrate electronic components such as batteries and sensors, which can help to source crucial data [1]. For example, the sensors can detect tongue movement.
Or another example would include MouthIO using a temperature sensor to vibrate when a drink exceeded a certain temperature, thus protecting the mouth from harm [1].
Moreover, MouthIO can detect bruxism – the habit of teeth grinding. The brace can track jaw and bite movements, which can then be monitored by dentists [1].
Furthermore, the researchers suggested that it is also possible to attach small electronic devices on individual teeth – aiding the ability to get tooth-specific data if needed [1].
This could be particularly useful for those looking for insights into just one tooth. For example, a dentist may wish to monitor a specific tooth in case it requires a root canal treatment. Wearable technology could facilitate this.
This can aid diagnosis of dental problems and provide guidance for better-suited treatment options for patients.

Looking to the future

The aim is that in the future, this technology could assist healthcare professionals – including dentists – to collect health data on the mouth [1].
Additionally, the researchers have pointed out that patients could carry out their own scan, which would cost around $15 – representing strong value for money [1].
The hope is that MouthIO could become a mainstream wearable technology that is worn daily, or when needed [1].
Senior author Michael Wessely, who is an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University, discussed using the mouth for the purpose of interactive wearable technology [2].
Wessely said that “the mouth is a really interesting place for an interactive wearable and can open up many opportunities, but has remained largely unexplored due to its complexity” [2].
Continuing, Wessely said “we’ve developed a new kind of device that’s comfortable, safe, and almost invisible to others”, before saying that health professionals “are eager about MouthIO for its potential to provide new health insights, tracking things like teeth grinding and potentially bacteria in your saliva.” [2].
The next step with MouthIO involves the use of clinical trials – which will test its effectiveness in real-life situations. If the trials work well, it could be released to the public for consumer use in the future.

Thinking points…

1) This technology is very interesting, and could one day have a significant impact on our oral health. However, for now we need to focus on more practical ways of keeping our oral health strong. Dentists are able to detect any problems with your oral health, and provide advice. Therefore, it is important to visit a dental clinic for a check-up regularly. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) In the above article, it was discussed that MouthIO could help with detecting bruxism – also known as teeth grinding. Bruxism can be very damaging to our teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, it is important to mention this to your dentist. They might be able to provide advice, or recommend a guard to protect your teeth.

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, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Jiang, Y., Kleinau, J., Eckroth, T. M., Hoggan, E., Mueller, S., & Wessely, M. (2024). MouthIO: Fabricating Customizable Oral User Interfaces with Integrated Sensing and Actuation. Proceedings of the 37th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology. 1: p1-16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3654777.3676443.
[2] Shipps, A. (2024). Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, hands-free interactions. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-interactive-mouthpiece-opportunities-health-technology.html. Last accessed: 31st October 2024.