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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which is better known as OCD, is a very difficult condition to live with. One of the challenges facing those with the condition is going to the dentist. This is often due to fears over cross-contamination and cleanliness. However, dental clinics can put some measures in place to improve the experience of those with the condition.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition that impacts the lives of all those with the condition in many ways.

OCD is a very misunderstood condition. It involves obsessions and compulsions. One of the common obsessions people with the condition have is around cleanliness and hygiene.

Therefore, this can cause problems when an individual with the condition needs to visit the dentist. So how can dental clinics make it more comfortable for patients with OCD? There are a few different methods that can be put in place.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is a rather common condition, with around 8 million American adults suffering from the condition [1]. Children can also suffer from the condition.

OCD is characterized by a person having obsessions, which subsequently result in compulsions. An obsession is an unwanted or unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. Then, a compulsion is a repetitive action that the person carries out to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsession [2].

For example, a person with OCD may have an obsession around cleanliness. Therefore, they may have an urge to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. They may feel unable to touch any surface before they have washed their hands.

This obviously causes many problems. They may withdraw from social situations, rarely leave their house, and struggle to remain employed. Moreover, they can easily develop Depression as a result.

Treatment is available and generally involves a combination of talking therapy and medication [2]. But treatment takes time. Among the tasks that are often neglected by those with OCD is going to the dentist.

OCD patients seeing the dentist

A dental clinic can be a challenging place for those with OCD to visit. A common fear is contamination. This is difficult to avoid at a dental clinic, due to the number of patients that enter in and out of the clinic daily.

Past research also found that common issues for those with OCD in dental clinics included aggressive thoughts, teeth grinding, being concerned about the order of the procedure and worries about cleanliness [3].

Moreover, OCD patients may have worse oral health. Antidepressants are one of the most common treatments for OCD. However, one of the most common side effects of these medicines is a dry mouth, which has a negative impact on oral health [4].

Other oral health problems facing those with OCD includes a person overcleaning their teeth or brushing too hard – in an effort to make the teeth cleaner.

But this will sadly commonly result in gum recession due to the vigorous pressure on the gums. Therefore, some OCD patients are reluctant to visit the dentist due to the fear of needing treatment.

What can dentists do?

It should be pointed out that this is a two-way situation, and that having patients with OCD can be challenging for dentists to cope with. However, there are various methods that they can try to improve patient experience.

An open discussion at the start of the meeting about the patient’s mental health could help to make them more comfortable. This would also make them realize that the dentist cares about their wellbeing.

One helpful thing that can be done involves visible sterilization of instruments. So a dentist could actively clean any equipment or the chair in front of the patient. Therefore, this should assuage any concerns about contamination, infection, or a lack of cleanliness.

Moreover, if an anesthetic needle needs to be used, a dentist could offer to use a disposable needle. Again, this can help them to feel more at ease.

Openly communicating with the patient throughout the appointment can also help. A dentist could discuss the needs of their patient prior to beginning the check-up or procedure.

Additionally, when going through a procedure, a dentist could take extra time to explain what they are doing throughout, which should reduce any anxiety.

While patients with OCD are unlikely to be entirely comfortable, the hope is that the above methods will contribute towards a more stress-free experience for them.

Summary

Overall, there are several challenges facing those with OCD. A common challenge is oral health. But the methods put forward above should hopefully help with making the dentist a smoother experience for them.

It should also be remembered that despite having a common diagnosis, each patient will present their own individual circumstances that dentists will need to consider.

The aim is for OCD patients to receive strong oral healthcare, practice excellent oral hygiene, and find the dentist a pleasant place to go.

Thinking points…

1) Many of us have health challenges. But something that unites everyone is the importance of looking after our oral health! Therefore, remember to brush your teeth regularly and have strong oral hygiene. Additionally, remember to book an appointment at the dentist at least once every six months for a check-up. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone that has OCD? This could be a friend, relative or family member. If so, you could send this article to them now – it could be really useful to them! Similarly, you could share this article on your social media accounts, it could reach a lot of people! Why not share this article 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] International OCD Foundation. (2022). Who Gets OCD?. Available: https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/who-gets-ocd/. Last accessed: 5th February 2025.

[2] Mental Health General. (2024). Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum: Everything You Need To Know. Available: https://www.mentalhealthgeneral.com/obsessive-compulsive-spectrum-everything-you-need-to-know/. Last accessed: 5th February 2025.

[3] Elkamash, H. M., & Abuohashish, H. M. (2021). The Behavior of Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Dental Clinics. International Journal of Dentistry. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5561690.

[4] Peeters, F., deVries, M., & Vissink, A. (1998). Risks for Oral Health With the Use of Antidepressants. General Hospital Psychiatry. 20 (3): p150-154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-8343(98)00017-6.

New research has led to the development of a new battery-free sensor which could have a substantial impact on oral health. The new technology, called Densor, can be worn in the mouth as a dental brace. This technology can aid understanding of our mouths to researchers by providing useful data and insights.

The human mouth holds a vast range of information about our health, including both our oral health, and overall health.

In fact, data from our mouth can help scientists significantly, and is highly sought-after. But the process of collecting data from the mouth is challenging.

However, recent research has led to the development of a new battery-free sensor that can be worn in the mouth as a dental brace [1].

This research is exciting, and could provide scientists with an enhanced understanding of the mouth, whilst improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The new technology

The research was carried out by a team from Delft University and Radboud University in the Netherlands, Europe [1]. Their findings have been published in the Proceedings of the ACM on the Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies journal [1].

The researchers pointed out that using internal sensors in the mouth is challenging for safety reasons. Therefore, they wanted to find a way of adding sensors into the mouth in a safe and effective way [1].

The team found that they were able to leverage the popularity of dental braces, by adding tiny sensors into braces. This resulted in the creation of Densor [1].

Densor is a battery-free sensor, and can be worn in the mouth via a regular dental brace. Therefore, patients get the use of a regular dental brace, but with the added benefit of the sensor.

This approach presents an innovative method of gaining insights about the mouth. It can provide long-term data and information on the oral health of patients.

What are the uses and benefits of the technology?

This new technology has a range of uses. In fact, it could prove beneficial to the millions of people that wear braces on a daily basis.

One benefit is sleep monitoring. The technology is capable of monitoring breathing levels and tooth movement, which could help to diagnose sleep apnea or bruxism (teeth grinding) [1].

Then there is also the added benefit of monitoring dental wear. For example, as teeth become decayed, the technology will be able to sense this, which could help with the early identification of dental problems.

Moreover, jaw and head movements can be monitored too. This can help to monitor swallowing and drinking – which means any problems can be identified [1].

Another key benefit of the technology is that it only requires a smartphone for charging and data reading purposes [1]. Otherwise, no additional hardware is needed.

Researcher comments

This technology has the potential to be incredibly helpful. The researchers were delighted by the outcome, with the findings already proving impressive.

Przemyslaw Pawelczak, a professor at Delft University, is one of the lead authors of the research. He commented on the creation of the technology [2].

Pawelczak said that “Densor is more than just a technological innovation”, saying that instead, “it is a step toward accessible and inclusive health monitoring” [2].

Continuing, Pawelczak said that “the ability to collect real-time, long-term data in the mouth is truly innovative”, whilst opening “doors to new preventive and diagnostic possibilities in areas such as nutrition, dental wear, or acid reflux issues” [2].

The future

The creation of this technology is exciting. The findings from this phase of research should help to guide future research directions and treatments.

While this is a positive start, the researchers wish to take their work further. The researchers are currently working on expanding the technology – with the aim of adding more sensors and improving data processing [1].

These steps could help to provide even more benefits. For example, the researchers are hoping to be able to detect acid reflux, and even monitor saliva levels in the mouth [1].

With saliva being crucial in oral health, being able to monitor its levels in the mouth could be really helpful – especially in determining acidity levels and identifying those with dry mouths.

Hopefully, the research will result in a long-term improvement in treatment outcomes. The technology certainly appears to be capable of providing researchers with key information.

Thinking points…

1) This technology is very exciting, and could have a significant impact on oral health in the long run. However, for now we need to focus on practical ways of keeping our oral health strong, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Additionally, you should also attend regular dental check-ups so that any issues can be spotted and then treated. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) As discussed, the technology is very versatile. One such use for the technology could be detecting teeth grinding while sleeping. Teeth grinding affects many people without them realizing, and can result in enamel eroding. If you grind your teeth at night, mention this to your dentist at your next check-up, as they can provide advice on this.

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] Dsouza, V., Pronk, J., Peppelman, C., Madariaga, V. I., Pereira-Cenci, T., Loomans, B., & Pawelczak, P. (2024). Densor: An Intraoral Battery-Free Sensing Platform. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies. 8 (4): p1-30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3699746.

[2] Delft University of Technology. (2024). Battery-free dental brace reveals crucial health data via smartphone. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-battery-free-dental-brace-reveals.html. Last accessed: 4th December 2024.

New research has explored the possibility of text messages being used as a method of improving toothbrushing frequency among teenagers. The research also looked to see if text messages can help to reduce tooth decay. Getting into good oral hygiene habits at a young age is important.

Many parents are all too familiar with the idea that getting the attention of their teenage son or daughter is far from easy – especially when they have a smartphone in their hand.

Some may have resorted to messaging their son or daughter on their phone to remind them of something. Now, new research has shown that such an approach may actually benefit the toothbrushing habits of teenagers [1].

The research suggests that teenagers are receptive to text message reminders about toothbrushing. This could benefit their oral health and overall wellbeing.

Background

This research involved looking at the oral health habits of teenagers. As discussed, smartphone use is rife among this age group. In fact, research shows that teenagers spend an average of 8 and a half hours on screens per day – a staggering amount [2].

Looking after oral health in teenage years is important. By having a strong oral hygiene routine, it can set habits that teenagers can hopefully take forward for the rest of their life.

However, tooth decay is a very common problem in teenagers. Research shows that tooth decay affects around a third of those aged between 12 and 15 [3].

The researchers also wanted to place some focus on youngsters living in areas of poverty. Tooth decay affects almost 50% of youngsters in areas of poverty [3].

Tooth decay can cause a range of problems. For example, these include toothache, eating problems, an infection, poor sleep, and reduced school attendance and performance.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from the University of Sheffield in England. Moreover, they collaborated with other institutions across the United Kingdom. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Health Technology Assessment journal [1].

The study involved the creation of the BRIGHT trial, which involved 4,680 students aged 11 to 13 across 42 schools in England, Scotland and Wales [1].

For the purposes of the study, the students were split into two groups. One group would receive a 50-minute lesson delivered in a classroom by teachers, and two text messages per day to their mobile phone to remind them about toothbrushing [1].

The second group didn’t receive any of the above, other than routine education [1]. The researchers wanted to see what impact these text messages would have.

All 4,680 participants had their teeth examined at the start of the study. The text messages continued over a two-and-a-half-year period [1].

At the end of the period, the participants had their teeth re-examined. The researchers were looking to see if there was an increase or decrease in tooth decay.

The researchers then compared the groups to see if the group that had received the text messages had seen more of an improvement in their oral health than those that didn’t receive the texts [1].

The Results

The research produced mixed results. Overall, the impact on cavity prevention was minimal, with the two groups showing very little difference. Therefore, this means that the text messages didn’t particularly contribute towards lessening the need for restorative work like fillings [1].

However, there were some positives. The results showed that the text messages were particularly effective for students coming from low-income families. Their analysis found some evidence of tooth decay prevention among this group [1]. So this meant that those from low-income families were helped by the text messages.

Furthermore, the researchers also asked the participants to self-report on the frequency that they brushed their teeth. Promisingly, self-reported brushing habits improved after six months [1].

Therefore, this is another benefit to emanate from the text messages. With more people brushing their teeth, this should help their oral health in the long-term.

Summary

In conclusion, while the text messages may not have had the impact that the researchers hoped, there were certainly modest improvements.

The most positive element of the research was the excellent impact it had on teenagers from areas with high rates of poverty. This is very positive, as those from a poverty-stricken background are more vulnerable to oral health problems.

Professor Zoe Marshman of the University of Sheffield’s School of Clinical Dentistry has commented on the findings. She has mentioned that secondary school represents “a critical stage for toothbrushing practices to become an established behaviour for adulthood” [3].

Continuing, Marshman says that “it is vital to help young people to improve their understanding of the importance of toothbrushing and skills to prevent tooth decay” [3]. Therefore, this underlines how crucial toothbrushing is for this age group.

In terms of the next steps, the research team are hoping to use these findings to investigate what other measures can be put in place to help teenagers with their oral health.

The aim is that in the long term, we will see an improvement in the oral health of teenagers around the world. Text messages appear to offer a promising option in this regard.

Thinking points…

1) Having a strong oral health routine is crucial not only during teenage years, but also in adulthood! Remember to look after your teeth and brush frequently. Another important thing to do is to attend regular dental check-ups, as these allow a dentist to examine your oral health and notice any problems. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Do you have a teenage son or daughter? If so, this research is very relevant! As seen above, having text reminders can be helpful to increase toothbrushing frequency. With this in mind, you could arrange for your children to get reminders on their phone to brush their teeth. Why not look into this possibility right away?!

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] Marshman, Z., Ainsworth, H., & Fairhurst, C., et al. (2024). Behaviour change intervention (education and text) to prevent dental caries in secondary school pupils: BRIGHT RCT, process and economic evaluation. Health Technology Assessment. 28 (52). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3310/JQTA2103.

[2] Rosenberg, D., & Szura, N. (2023). Teens are spending the equivalent of a 40-hour work week on their devices. Here’s how to help them find the right balance. Available: https://fortune.com/well/2023/10/24/teens-too-much-screen-time-find-balance/. Last accessed: 23rd October 2024.

[3] University of Sheffield. (2024). Text message reminders can help improve oral health in teenagers. Available: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/text-message-reminders-can-help-improve-oral-health-teenagers. Last accessed: 23rd October 2024.