Researchers have recently developed a small dental device that has the potential to tackle the ongoing obesity epidemic. The device is placed in the mouth, and aims to boost weight loss by restricting the wearer to a liquid-only diet. Early evidence suggests this exciting development could be highly-effective.
Obesity continues to be a growing problem around the world, with various medications, mechanisms and surgeries previously being used in an attempt to tackle the problem – but nothing really has ever proven to be wholly effective, nor inexpensive.
However, a new device that targets weight loss through being placed in the mouth could be a revolutionary way of treating obesity. This device has been created based on significant research, and a study into its effectiveness produced positive results.
The device is called the “DentalSlim Diet Control”, and works by restricting the wearer of the device to a liquid-only diet, with the idea that this can lead to rapid weight loss.
What is DentalSlim Diet Control?
Researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand and the United Kingdom worked together to develop the DentalSlim Diet Control weight-loss device [1].
The device is described as an intra-oral device that is fitted by a dental professional between the upper and lower back teeth.
The device doesn’t allow the person to open their mouth more than about 2millimetres. The device therefore restricts the individual wearing the device to a liquid-based diet.
Crucially though, the device has no adverse effect on breathing, and the speech of the person wearing the device is not affected by it. The device uses small magnets with bespoke locking bolts to keep it in place.
The lead researcher from the study – Professor Paul Bunton – said that the device is “non-invasive, reversible, economical and an attractive alternative to surgical procedures”. Bunton went on to state that there were “no adverse consequences” with the device [2].
While the device might be seen as being somewhat dangerous, DentalSlim Diet Control can be released in the case of an emergency.
How effective is DentalSlim Diet Control?
While longer-term studies are needed to be assured of its effectiveness, the first study into DentalSlim Diet Control produced positive results.
A trial was done in Dunedin, New Zealand. The study involved seven healthy, albeit obese, participants. All seven adults were fitted with the device, and were then given a liquid diet for 2 weeks.
The results were positive – with the average weight loss being 6.36kg in the 2-week period. An assessment at the end of the study found that the majority of the participants were motivated to continue using the device to try and achieve further weight loss.
The Problem of Obesity
Obesity doesn’t only affect physical health, it is also associated with poor dental health, and worsening mental health.
Research shows that 1.9billion adults worldwide are overweight, with 650million people obese. Moreover, weight-related illnesses result in approximately 2.8million deaths per year [3].
Worryingly, estimates suggest that 57% of the world’s adult population will be either overweight or obese by 2030 [4].
Obesity contributes towards conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gallstone disease, arthritis and more.
Many people turn to gastric bypass surgery in an attempt to lose weight, though long-term effectiveness of this surgery is still undetermined [5].
Others choose to use specific diet plans like intermittent fasting(click here to know more), low-carbohydrate or plant-based(click here to know more). Some even resort to taking dangerous pills that are marketed as miracle weight loss pills on rogue websites.
But the specific diets mentioned above require consistency and commitment in order to see results, and therefore often do not work [6].
Often, obesity causes psychological problems too such as self-esteem problems and potential embarrassment. It can also be associated with the binge-eating element of the eating disorder Bulimia, or the activity of over-eating that is seen in some cases of Depression.
Effects of obesity on dental health
Obesity is most-commonly caused by a poor diet. A poor or unbalanced diet would typically feature food and drink that are high in sugar, fat and calories.
A poor diet can cause gum disease, while sugary foods can wear down the enamel of a tooth. Over time, a cavity will form, which then requires a filling. If left untreated, the mouth can eventually become infected.
Lower levels of obesity would certainly benefit dental professionals, with the rising obesity levels causing a large increase in the work that needs to be carried out. Supply has been unable to keep up with demand in recent months.
What effect could DentalSlim Diet Control have?
The early signs are very positive. By ensuring that a person can only have a liquid diet, the number of calories being consumed can be limited.
While some have questioned whether or not a liquid diet can be nutritious enough, studies show that when used correctly, that a liquid diet can indeed be healthy [7].
Furthermore, surgeries like gastric bypass surgery are very costly, and highly unpleasant to go through.
Therefore, DentalSlim Diet Control can be a very effective device in tackling obesity. The study’s lead researcher Professor Paul Brunton describes “compliance” as the “biggest barrier to successful weight loss”. The nature of DentalSlim Diet Control would ensure that this wouldn’t be an issue.
It is recommended that the device would be used primarily by those that need to lose weight before a surgery, or for those with a long-term condition like diabetes. If needed, users can repeatedly go through phases of wearing and then not wearing the device.
But it could also be used by anyone aiming to lose weight. Weight loss has been shown to result in better self-esteem, longer life expectancy, and better general health and wellbeing [8].
From a dental perspective, such a device would also surely have positive effects. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a “dental disaster”(click here to know more)– which has resulted in enormous levels of untreated oral problems and gum disease in recent months. Because of this, there is a huge demand for dental services. Preventing a sugary diet can lessen the chance of many needing dental procedures.
What we offer our patients at Savanna Dental
Here at Savanna Dental, we offer our patients a range of services. We provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for our patients in a convenient location within Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
It is important for us all to adopt strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, having a nutritious diet, and attending regular dental check-ups – usually at least twice a year.
Early detection of any oral problems is important. Therefore, attending regular check-ups is of significant importance. Any problems that are found can be treated effectively. The sooner that problems are spotted, the easier they can be treated.
Whenever further treatment is needed for our patients, we provide a tailored treatment plan that fits their circumstances, whilst giving them a voice in their treatment.
Among the services offered at Savanna Dental include regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and dentures among other services. We also offer some cosmetic dentistry treatments too, such as teeth whitening.
Our Calgary-based dental practice also adheres to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means we offer affordable and transparent care to our patients.
Summary
Obesity continues to be a big problem, and has a clear link to poor oral health. Whether or not the DentalSlim Diet Control will prove to be effective in the long-term remains to be seen. However, it could have a revolutionary effect.
Regardless of its effectiveness, we all need to continue to practice excellent oral hygiene. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental! Click here to visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, where you can see the range of services and treatments that we offer our patients.
- [1] Brunton, P. A., Ratnayake, J., Bodansky, H. J., Mei, L., Veerasamy, A., & Hall, R. (2021). An intraoral device for weight loss: initial clinical findings. British Dental Journal. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3081-1.
- [2] University of Otago. (2021). Researchers develop world-first weight loss device. Available: https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/otago830110.html. Last accessed: July 3rd 2021.
- [3] Hirwar, R., & Mondal, P. R. (2019). Prevalence of obesity in India: A systematic review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 13 (1), p318-321.
- [4] Kelly, T., Yang, W., Chen, C. S., Reynolds, K., & He, J. (2008). Global burden of obesity in 2005 and projections to 2030. International Journal of Obesity. 32 (1), p1431-1437.
- [5] Sansone, R. A., McDonald, S., Wiederman, M. W., & Ferreira, K. (2007). Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Survey of Primary Care Physicians. The Journal of Treatment & Prevention. 15 (2), p145-152.
- [6] Haemmingsson, E., Johansson, K., Eriksson, J., Sundstrom, J., Neovius, M., & Marcus, C. (2012). Weight loss and dropout during a commercial weight-loss programme including a very-low-calorie diet, a low-calorie diet, or restricted normal food: observational cohort study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 96 (3), p953-961.
- [7] Brown, M. R., Klish, W. J., Hollander, J., Campbell, M. A., & Forbes, G. B. (1983). A high protein, low calorie liquid diet in the treatment of very obese adolescents: long-term effect on lean body mass, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 38 (1), p20–31.
- [8] Haslam, D. W., & James, W. P. T. (2005). Obesity. The Lancet. 366 (9492), p1197-1209.
