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Dental shame involves a person being ashamed, self-conscious, or disappointed with their teeth. It can have severe consequences, as those with dental shame will often avoid the dentist. Now, this topic has been researched further, with recommendations for improvements being made. Hopefully, these recommendations will result in improved health outcomes.

Many people are afraid of going to the dentist. Yet for those who are ashamed of their teeth, this can be even more challenging.

Now, new research has found that shame can result in people avoiding getting treatment for dental issues – even when they desperately need it [1].

Therefore, their dental issues can worsen. Moreover, oral health inequalities can also become more prominent.

The researchers have suggested that a better understanding of dental shame could result in more people seeking help for their oral health issues [1].

Background

While there is no set definition of dental shame, it generally revolves around a person being ashamed, self-conscious, and disappointed with their teeth.

It will usually either be linked to oral health problems or due to the aesthetic appearance of teeth. This can be natural, or due to excessive sugar, drug, or tobacco usage.

Dental shame can result in a person being reluctant to go to the dentist, even when they are in desperate pain. It is also linked with low self-esteem and social isolation.

Past research has found that dental shame is associated with inhibited smiling, mouth-hiding, secrecy, embarrassment, and a feeling of powerlessness in relation to dental social situations [2].

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers from universities in Denmark and the United Kingdom. Their findings have been published in the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology journal [1].

The researchers came from a range of backgrounds and institutions. As a multidisciplinary team, they each brought their own expertise to provide recommendations and discussion points [1].

The researchers pointed out that dental shame is a difficult and complicated topic – and involves a range of factors and nuances [1].

They proposed five key aspects of oral health which involves dental shame, whilst also requiring further investigation. These five areas are clinical encounters, healthcare and social services, daily oral health behaviors, systemic inequities, and psychological trauma [1].

In terms of clinical encounters, the researchers suggest that patients often struggle with fear of judgment and neglect. For dentists, it can be difficult to navigate the balance between providing effective care and avoiding worsening their shame [1].

With healthcare and social services, the researchers note that patients will often struggle with other professionals – including mental health professionals and employment agencies [1].

Regarding the third area – daily oral health behaviors – dental shame can have an impact. The person may struggle to socialise and struggle to engage in everyday toothbrushing and flossing [1].

With systemic inequities, the researchers explain that healthcare fees can have a negative impact and affect those with financial difficulties. Moreover, those in marginalized or vulnerable communities may face additional challenges [1].

The final area is psychological trauma. The researchers explain that there is a strong connection between dental shame and psychological trauma, with those having experienced trauma very likely to be more shame prone [1].

These five areas are important areas for consideration. Furthermore, these five areas have provided a basis for recommendations to be made.

Recommendations

The researchers made a series of recommendations as part of their concluding remarks [1]. They believe these recommendations can alleviate the potentially severe consequences of dental shame.

The researchers made a series of recommendations as part of their concluding remarks [1]. They believe these recommendations can alleviate the potentially severe consequences of dental shame.

They have proposed that those working in the field of dentistry and other healthcare settings should be trained in shame competence [1].

The researchers have suggested that this should include addressing systemic barriers and designing empathetic and inclusive environments for care [1].

The researchers warned that healthcare practitioners can incite shame in patients, either intentionally or unintentionally [1]. While they acknowledge that attempting to motivate their patient towards positive behavior may seem beneficial, it can actually have the opposite effect.

Moreover, dental shame is an under-researched area. They have suggested that more research needs to be completed in order to better understand this topic.

Author Comments

The researchers also commented on the findings. Professor Luna Dolezal from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom said that “shame can help explain why some people don’t like to expose their teeth to dentists” [3].

Continuing, Dolezal said that “dental shame is both a consequence and a determinant of oral health issues” [3]. Dolezal expanded, saying “it is a consequence because oral health issues can cause shame, and it is a determinant because it can act as a barrier to both daily dental care and engagement with dentistry” [3].

Therefore, dental shame can, according to Dolezal, turn into “a self-reinforcing spiral, where shame about oral health can lead to unfortunate oral health behaviors, which can potentially intensify oral health issues and inequities, leading to more shame” [3].

By addressing the issues caused by dental shame and improving knowledge of dental shame further, it should enable the topic to be handled more effectively, resulting in less harmful outcomes.

Moreover, it should also help to reduce inequities and improve overall health outcomes – including both oral and physical health.

Thinking points…

[1] Do you have dental shame? If so, hopefully by reading the above article, you’ll understand that you aren’t alone and that efforts are being made to tackle the issue. Please be assured that here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, you will receive a warm welcome! We’ll be happy to help you, answer any questions, and provide reassurance and support. We would love to see you soon, to find out more about us, see our website – https://savannadental.ca!

[2] Attending the dentist regularly is very important. We recommend attending a check-up at least once every six months. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health, suggest improvements, and provide advice. Regular appointments will help your oral health to be monitored effectively. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

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] Folker, L., Dolezal, L., Jespersen, A. P., et al. (2025). Dental Shame: A Call for Understanding and Addressing the Role of Shame in Oral Health. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.70019.

[2] Moore, R., Brodsgaard, I., & Rosenberg, N. (2004). The contribution of embarrassment to phobic dental anxiety: a qualitative research study. BMC Psychiatry. 4 (10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-4-10.

[3] University of Exeter. (2025). Dental shame stops people seeking help for oral health issues, study warns. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-dental-shame-people-oral-health.html. Last accessed: 15th October 2025.

Recent research has led to the creation of an eco-friendly coating which appears to positively impact the effectiveness of titanium-based dental implants. The coating appears to improve the biocompatibility and strength of implants. Due to the popularity of dental implants, improving patient experience and treatment outcomes are key goals for dentists.

Dental implants are a popular cosmetic treatment, especially for those who have lost a tooth or teeth. While they typically provide long-lasting results, this is not always the case.

However, new research has yielded the creation of an eco-friendly method which aims to improve the biocompatibility and strength of titanium dental implants, thereby improving their long-term effectiveness [1].

This is a useful finding, especially given the popularity of implants. Moreover, this method is eco-friendly, low cost, and can boost treatment outcomes.

About dental implants

Dental implants are artificial teeth that act and look like a real tooth. They are a great option for anyone that has lost one or more teeth. Common causes of tooth loss include extensive tooth decay, trauma, or advanced gum disease.

The popularity of dental implants has grown in recent years. Past research has suggested that by 2026, almost a quarter of American adults will have at least one dental implant [2].

A common material used in dental implants is titanium. Titanium is used due to its strength, resistance to corrosion, and its ability to co-exist with other teeth.

However, there are limitations with titanium. For example, they are bioinert and do not naturally integrate with bone tissue.

Moreover, recent research has highlighted the potentially negative impact that titanium microparticles can have on the tissues surrounding the implant [3].

Therefore, the researchers wanted to see if they could mitigate these problems. In order to do this, they wanted to create a coating that could enhance the effectiveness of titanium-based dental implants [1].

The Research

The research was carried out by researchers from the SUNY Polytechnic Institute in New York, USA. Their findings have been published in the Scientific Reports journal [1].

The team were hoping to create an eco-friendly way of enhancing titanium-based dental implants, with the aim of improving treatment outcomes [1].

To begin with, the researchers conducted a process called pack cementation. This involved utilizing waste materials like bovine bones to produce a coating that could be applied to the titanium implants [1].

Through pack cementation, the researchers were able to create a hydroxyapatite coating. Hydroxyapatite is the main structural component of tooth enamel which provides hardness [1].

Hydroxyapatite is chemically similar to the human bone, thereby making it an effective and suitable choice to be the coating [1].

Next, the researchers conducted testing to see how the coating would cope in practice. To do so, the team carried out some advanced testing methods [1].

These methods included scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mechanical wear simulations [1]. This enabled the researchers to see how the coating would interact with the implants.

Through the analysis, the coated implants produced excellent results. They demonstrated better strength, improved osseointegration, and improved resistance to friction [1].

Therefore, this produces a range of benefits. By having a better surface strength, the implant would become less likely to fail and have a higher probability of coping with the day-to-day activities of any regular tooth.

Moreover, improved osseointegration is crucial. This refers to the ingrowth of a living bone into the implant. Integrating these areas is crucial, and is a key indicator of the long-term success of implants. Therefore, this improvement is excellent news.

Additionally, having an improved resistance to friction is also positive. This provides further confirmation that the coating can cope with regular tooth-based activities.

Summary

Overall, the researchers were pleased to confirm that they were able to improve the biocompatibility and strength of the titanium dental implants [1].

The hydroxyapatite coating achieved this, with the analysis producing confirmation that this coating could improve the implants.

These findings are very useful in terms of improving patient comfort and treatment outcomes. This should enable implants to become even more popular and produce longer-term results.

Additionally, with this coating being made using eco-friendly waste materials, it is relatively low-cost to produce, which could help to limit costs for both dentists and patients.

Therefore, there are a range of benefits emanating from this research. It is positive to see that improvements continue to be sought after, with the aim of further increasing the effectiveness of implants.

Thinking points…

[1] The focus should always be on preventing dental problems, rather than needing corrective treatment. Prevention can help us to avoid getting into a situation where implants may be needed. As well as engaging in excellent oral hygiene, it is important to attend regular dental check-ups, as this offers a dentist the chance to take a thorough look at your oral health. They will be able to provide advice and suggest treatment if needed. If you don’t have an appointment booked, we strongly recommend that you book soon!

[2] If you are in a position where you have a missing tooth or teeth, then you should definitely consider dental implants! Implants offer long-lasting and natural-looking results. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a free dental implant consultation for our patients! This provides you with the chance to find out more information and ask any questions about the treatment. For further details and to book an appointment, please see 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] Osafo, S. A., Asumadu, T., Klenam, D. (2025). Tribological properties of hydroxyapatite-coated nanorods on Ti-6Al-4V surfaces. Scientific Reports. 15 (19113). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03253-8.

[2] Elani, H W., Silva, JD. D., & Gallucci, G. (2018). Trends in Dental Implant Use in the U.S., 1999–2016, and Projections to 2026. Journal of Dental Research. 97 (13): p1424-1430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034518792567.

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.