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Patients with Dementia are at a higher risk of oral health problems. Therefore, they should be prioritizing their oral health. But a research team has looked to see if patients receive the oral healthcare they need, and if they look after their own oral health. In concerning results, they found that oral health is commonly ignored and overlooked in this vulnerable population.

Dementia is a debilitating condition that impacts multiple areas of the lives of those suffering. It involves memory problems and physical issues.

While suffering with dementia is difficult enough, new research has found that dementia patients routinely have their oral health needs overlooked [1].

This concerning finding suggests that significant work needs to be done to ensure that dementia patients receive oral healthcare, which can boost their overall health.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome that is associated with ongoing cognitive decline, worsening brain functioning, and physical health issues [2].

Dementia impacts the way someone thinks, sees, feels, remembers and behaves [2]. It is difficult for the person with the condition, as well as their loved ones.

Dementia is a common condition. The study that will be discussed took place in the United Kingdom. In the UK, 1 in 11 people aged over 65 has Dementia.

Research has also shown a connection between poor oral health and an increase in the chance of the onset of dementia in later life [3]. This underlines the importance of looking after our oral health.

The Research

This research was completed by a triumvirate of English universities. The University of Portsmouth, King’s College London and Queen Mary University worked in collaboration for the research, which was published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry [1].

The study involved the research team analyzing Care Act assessments for patients with dementia who live at home whilst receiving family support and/or paid care services [1]. This is opposed to someone receiving treatment in a specialized care home or medical facility.

The researchers interviewed caregivers, home-care workers and home-care managers. Moreover, assessments were reviewed, with the aim of seeing how many involved oral health.

Unfortunately, they found that oral hygiene was rarely addressed in these assessments. Therefore, the team pointed out that oral hygiene is essentially forgotten about, and in many cases, not recorded [1].

The team wanted to know why this was the case. During the interviews, they found some common themes. They were told that declining understanding, memory problems and physical disabilities all impacted their ability to complete oral health tasks themselves [1].

Furthermore, the problems were worsened due to inadvertent errors from those caring for the patients – typically caused by limited time, a lack of training and poor communication [1].

However, those being interviewed did show a good understanding of the importance of oral health – which was positive.

The research team put together free checklists that can be used by social workers and home care providers. These checklists were developed in association with experts in dementia and dental care [1].

The checklists feature a list of activities or tasks that each patient should complete. For instance, it includes brushing teeth, using mouthwash, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups.

Author Comments

The results of the research are concerning to the authors. The research shows that an already vulnerable population is missing out on important oral healthcare.

Dr. Dia Soilemezi from the University of Portsmouth’s Department of Psychology has said that “good mouth and teeth care is important for people living with dementia in their own homes because they are at higher risk of dental problems and may find it difficult to report pain or discomfort” [4].

Continuing, Soilemezi underlines the wider impact of neglecting oral health, saying that “poor oral health not only influences physical health but also impacts self-esteem, dignity, nutrition and quality of life, so it needs to be taken seriously” [4].

Currently, the situation is not being taken seriously. Many dementia patients are seeing their oral health worsen by the day. It is important for policy makers to be aware of these findings, and for them to act to improve the situation.

The checklists put forward by the researchers are helpful. If these checklists are followed, it should result in oral healthcare being a priority for patients, resulting in an improvement in their dental health and overall quality of life.

Looking after oral health is crucial for everyone. But in more vulnerable patients like those with dementia, it is even more important. Therefore, increasing focus on the oral health of dementia patients is vital.

Thinking points…

1) As discussed earlier, research has shown there is a connection between poor oral health and an increased likelihood of having dementia in later life. Therefore, looking after your oral health can boost your chances of avoiding this condition. Remember to attend regular dental check-ups, as these provide a dentist with the chance to look at your oral health and provide advice. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone with dementia? The findings of this research are important – especially for those with the condition. Therefore, you could explain this article to them, or share this article with your social network. Increasing awareness of this situation can help to make policy makers aware of the need for change. Why not share the 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] Soilemezi, D., Wantonyi, K., Hill, V., & Manthorpe, J. (2023). Views of homecare staff and carers on oral needs and dental care for people living with dementia: A qualitative study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 38 (12): e6039. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.6039.

[2] NHS. (2023). About dementia. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about/. Last accessed: 23rd March 2024.

[3] Kiuchi, S., Cooray, U., Kusama, T., Yamamoto, T., Abbas, H., Nakazawa, N., Kondo, L., Osaka, K., & Aida, J. (2022). Oral Status and Dementia Onset: Mediation of Nutritional and Social Factors. Journal of Dental Research. 101 (4): p420-427. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211049399.

[4] University of Portsmouth. (2024). Mouth and dental care for people with dementia often overlooked, study finds. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-mouth-dental-people-dementia-overlooked.html. Last accessed: 9th August 2024.

Many people use braces as a way of straightening their teeth and to improve their oral health. However, braces do not always fit, and can become loose easily – which inhibits their impact. But new research has shown that artificial intelligence can assist with straightening teeth, and provide much more accurate fittings for aligners. This research can help many people.

Anyone that has had braces in the past will know about the difficulties of them being placed correctly and comfortably. Moreover, they are often either too loose or too tight.

However, this could soon be a thing of the past. Researchers have developed a new tool which – with assistance from Artificial Intelligence (AI) – can predict how teeth will move to ensure that braces fit well and are comfortable [1].

This is very positive news, and could result in far more comfort for many with braces. It is also an example of AI’s growing influence on dental research.

Background

This research looked at braces. Braces are tools that help to straighten teeth. They are extremely effective, helping to enhance a person’s appearance, prevent tooth decay and dental injuries, and protect teeth from misaligning.

Braces are very common. For example, in the United States, around 4.5 million people wear braces at any one time [2]. It isn’t just children either that wear them, over 1 million adults wear them in the United States too.

Even though braces are incredibly common, it can be very challenging for orthodontists to fit them in a way that will result in comfort for their patients. Even when they do fit initially, teeth continue to shift slightly throughout a person’s life.

For those whose braces do not fit correctly, it can inhibit the aligning process and cause discomfort in eating and general mouth movement. Therefore, any way of improving the fitting process of aligners can be helpful.

The Research

The research was conducted by a team from the University of Copenhagen and technology company 3Shape. Their research has been published in the IEEE Access journal [1].

The team aimed to create a tool that could simulate how braces should fit on a patient to predict the exact shape that can best-straighten a patient’s teeth [1].

The research took place in Denmark, where around 30% of Danish youth up to the age of 15 wear braces [1].

A crucial part of the research process was to use scanned imagery of teeth and bone structures from human jaws. Then, AI used these to predict how braces should be designed.

The research also involved a process where the researchers mapped sets of human teeth using detailed CT scans of teeth and the periodontal ligaments – which are a connective tissues that holds teeth in the jaw [1].

This creates a precise digital imitation of the human jaw. This type of imitation is known as a “digital twin”, with the researchers building up a large database of “digital dental patients” [1]. The idea of the “digital patient” is relatively new in healthcare, but can certainly help with oral health.

So how will this work in practice? The computer model is capable of creating accurate 3D simulations of a patient’s jaw, which can be taken ahead of the alignment process.

Then, when the orthodontist is preparing the aligners, they can use the 3D simulation to match up aligners that should fit well. This should reduce the need for trial and error and repeated visits.

The simulation produced incredibly accurate results. Therefore, they can be applied to individual patients, with the 3D simulations capable of producing strong imitations of each patient’s teeth.

Author Comments

The researchers were pleased with the outcome of the research. Moreover, this research is also another example of how AI is impacting dentistry in a positive way.

Professor Kenny Erbelen of the University of Copenhagen, was one of the authors. Erbelen commented on the findings, stating that the “simulation is able to let an orthodontist know where braces should and shouldn’t exert pressure to straighten teeth” – thereby aiding the fitting process [3].

Furthermore, Erbelen pointed out that the current process involves “a great deal of trial and error”, but that the simulation can help to “reduce [this process] in the long run” [3].

Returning to the discussion surrounding the “digital dental patients”, the authors also pointed out that this could be extended to use for physical health. For example, the researchers argued this could be used for hip implants. This is an exciting additional development.

The researchers did caution that the tool would need to clear some regulatory hurdles before being offered by orthodontists. But they believe this is a strong possibility in the near future.

Overall, these findings are positive, and should result in improved treatment outcomes for patients going forward. Having more comfort with aligners is important, with this tool likely to help with this.

Thinking points…

1) Are you looking for aligners? If so, then it is useful to know that here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a range of alignment services, including Invisalign™. Our process involves an initial consultation, before the moulds are prepared for you. We also keep in regular contact with you to ensure that the aligners are working well and that you are happy with the progress of your teeth. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you soon – see our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca for more!

2) If you either have naturally straight teeth, or have recently finished using braces, remember to not get complacent! It is important to look after your teeth, which involves attending the dentist for a check-up on a regular basis. At an appointment, your dentist can look to see if there are any problems and provide treatment options if needed. We recommend booking an appointment 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 dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Xu, P., Gholamalizadeh, T., Moshfeghifar, F., Darkner, S., & Erleben, K. (2024). Deep-Learning-Based Segmentation of Individual Tooth and Bone With Periodontal Ligament Interface Details for Simulation Purposes. IEEE Access. 11. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3317512.

[2] Sadick, B. (2022). Getting the Facts Straight on Braces for Adults. Available: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2022/adult-braces.html. Last accessed: 14th March 2024.

[3] Jensen, M. S. (2024). Straightening teeth? AI can help. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-straightening-teeth-ai.html. Last accessed: 14th March 2024.

Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem that causes issues for many people. In an effort to combat this problem, a team of researchers have developed a new dental lozenge, which aims to provide a permanent fix for tooth sensitivity. Their research involves a peptide-based solution, which could have a very positive impact on oral health. This research has the potential to help many people around the world.

If you were to ask a group of people what the most annoying part of eating or drinking is, it is almost certain that at least one person would mention tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity involves a tooth, or teeth, to become sensitive – typically to cold or hot food or drink. This causes discomfort and is normally a sign of a dental problem.

However, new research has helped to develop a dental lozenge that has the potential to lessen or even eliminate tooth sensitivity [1]. This discovery could transform the approach towards treating tooth sensitivity entirely.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that involves a painful sensation when a person drinks or eats something hot or cold. It doesn’t necessarily need to be anything unhealthy – with even a cold glass of water being capable of triggering the pain.

This painful sensation develops overtime, with acids (caused by sugar and bacteria) wearing away at tooth enamel. Therefore, this causes a process of demineralization, which leaves the tooth’s hard exterior defenceless, exposing the roots and nerves.

Research shows that tooth sensitivity affects at least 12% of American adults [2]. The same research found that tooth sensitivity affects those aged 18 to 44 the most [2].

Tooth sensitivity: The problem

Dentist Sami Dogan is a Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington and served as one of the authors of the research [3].

When introducing the issue, Dogan has said that in 30 years of practice, problems like cavities and dental implants have become routine. However, the main problem his patients have is teeth sensitivity [3].

Dogan says “we see patients with hypersensitive teeth, but we can’t really help them” [3]. He has pointed out that most existing treatments focus on treating the symptoms, rather than “addressing the root cause” [3]. Therefore, existing treatments do not provide a solution, instead a temporary fix is provided at best.

The Research

Because of this problem, Dogan and a team of researchers sought to find a treatment that could address the root cause of tooth sensitivity. Their findings were published in the ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Journal [1].

As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity is linked to the process of demineralization. With this in mind, the researchers sought to reverse this loss, with the belief that this could be a permanent fix for this issue. To do this, they designed their solution to be molecularly biomimetic – which made it resemble the molecular process which develops teeth [1].

The protein amelogenin is key in the natural development of human teeth [1]. The researchers used peptide, which is a derivative of emelogenin. Peptide is a short chain of amino acids [1].

The researchers tailored the peptide for it to latch onto calcium and phosphate ions, which are the main components of tooth mineral. Therefore, this combination can help to build new mineral microlayers on teeth.

Then, the researchers found that when new mineral microlayers were applied to the teeth, that this protected the tooth nerves. Therefore, this can result in tooth sensitivity either disappearing entirely or significantly lessening [1].

The research was able to produce a solution that built new mineral microlayers that are capable of penetrating deep into the tooth. Therefore, this helps to create an effective and long-lasting natural protection [1].

While having this solution is excellent, the next question concerns how it could be administered. The researchers suggested that the solution could be integrated into almost any type of product!

For example, this may include a dental lozenge – which would be their preferred approach. For upcoming trials, they aim to use lozenges at first [1].

Furthermore, the researchers also suggested that formulations like toothpaste, mouthwash, dental gels and even tooth whitening products could have the solution integrated within them [1].

What this means

These findings are very positive and exciting, especially given how many people suffer from tooth sensitivity. It is something that can put people off drinking or eating.

The researchers have high hopes for the future. They want to provide easily accessible relief for everyone worldwide that suffers from tooth sensitivity [1].

Lead author Deniz T. Yucesoy commented on the findings. Yucesoy said that the research created technology that “forms the same minerals found in the tooth, including enamel, cementum and dentin alike, which had dissolved previously through demineralization and caused sensitivity” [3].

Explaining how the sensitivity stops, Yucesoy said that “the newly formed mineral microlayers close the communication channels with the tooth nerves”, which means sensitivity “shouldn’t be an issue” due to the technology [3].

This research is certainly very promising and should have a very positive impact on the oral health of patients around the world. Hopefully the solution will fulfil its potential!

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity very common. Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, don’t suffer in silence, as help is available! Make sure that you mention your tooth sensitivity at your next dental appointment so that your dentist can take a look to see if there is a problem that can be fixed. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!

2) We’ve spoken above about how there is help available for sensitive teeth. However, we need to remember that the focus should always be on prevention! One of the most effective ways of avoiding sensitive teeth is cleaning your teeth regularly and flossing. Another crucial thing to do is to attend regular dental check-ups, as this provides a dentist with a chance to take a comprehensive look at your oral health and suggest treatments if needed. Remember to book an appointment soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Yucesoy, D. T., Fong, H., Hamann, J., Hall, E., Dogan, S., & Sarikaya, M. (2023). Biomimetic Dentin Repair: Amelogenin-Derived Peptide Guides Occlusion and Peritubular Mineralization of Human Teeth. ACS Biomaterials: Science & Engineering. 9 (3): p1486-1495. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01039.

[2] Cunha-Cruz, J., Wataha, J. C., Heaton, L. J., Rothen, M., Sobieraj, M., Scott, J., & Berg, J. (2013). The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in general dental practices in the northwest United States. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 144 (3): p288-296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14219%2Fjada.archive.2013.0116.

[3] Woods, A. (2023). Dental lozenge could provide permanent treatment for tooth sensitivity. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-dental-lozenge-permanent-treatment-tooth.html. Last accessed: 13th July 2023.