Gum Disease is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Monitoring the progression of the condition – from mild to severe forms – can be challenging for dentists, making treatment difficult. However, a research team has recently used an algorithm to track changes in gum disease. The aim is that this will result in a long-term improvement in treating gum disease.
Gum Disease is a condition that continues to pose many problems for patients and healthcare providers alike, with the issue growing in recent years.
One of the main issues with gum disease is the pace in which it can change. Following the progression of gum disease can be challenging. But, in an effort to combat this problem, a research team has developed a computer algorithm which could result in better gum disease progression tracking [1].
Therefore, this could help patients receive more targeted and relevant care. Similarly, it would also provide dentists with more insight into the oral health of their patients.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an oral health condition which involves the gums becoming red, swollen and sore [2]. Furthermore, the gums often become inflamed and pain often follows. Mild gum disease is called Gingivitis, with severe gum disease known as Periodontitis.
If left untreated, gum disease can eventually develop to the extent where bone loss requires tooth removal. Gum disease is caused by a build-up plaque. Moreover, plaque develops when sugary food and drink e.g., candy or soft drinks are consumed over a length of time.
Gum disease is very common. For example, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older and 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have some form of gum disease [3].
Because gum disease can develop over a long period of time, it is difficult for dentists to track its progression. This causes problems where advice given can become outdated quickly.
The Research Methodology
Recently, a research team sought to find out ways of tracking progression of gum disease. The team consisted of researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Their findings were published in the Diagnostics journal [1].
The research was focused on periodontitis – the most serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause many unpleasant symptoms. For example, this includes the gums pulling away from the teeth, bone loss and the teeth loosening.
The research team used data from a study that took place at Indiana University between 2009 and 2014, which involved 28,908 patients [1]. These patients visited the dentist multiple times and all received a comprehensive oral evaluation during the above period of time.
To form the computer algorithms, the researchers used Python libraries including Pandas, TensorFlow and PyTorch [1]. Moreover, a natural language tool kit was used to test the algorithms. A confusion matrix was used as part of a manual review process.
Any changes were observed using electronic dental records [1]. Then, these records were extracted and combined with clinical notes made by dentists of the patients.
Results
Next, the algorithms were used to track typical progression changes. Having such a huge dataset allowed the researchers to make many conclusions. Then, the patients were split into three cohorts – those that had no change in their gum disease, those whose gum disease had worsened, and those who had seen an improvement [1].
The results showed that 72% of patients did not have a change in their disease status between their first and last visits [1]. This represents a large number, and suggests gum disease is managed successfully by many patients.
The researchers suggested that most patients in this category will have received preventive treatments regularly [1]. Therefore, the researchers reasoned that this would have prevented disease progression, as seen in the data.
However, 13% of patients did see their gum disease progress in a negative way [1]. The researchers suggested that factors that may have played a role in this was poor oral hygiene, smoking or inflammatory systemic diseases [1].
Promisingly, some patients were able to see an improvement. 11% of patients’ gum disease improved [1]. The researchers suggested this group had often received an early diagnosis – aiding treatment. This may have involved enhanced oral hygiene after being diagnosed with the condition [1].
Author comments
The research team were delighted with the results, finding that the algorithm had a 99% accuracy rate. Therefore, they were able to conclude that their findings were accurate.
The team were especially pleased with the finding that early detection of gum disease can result in an improvement in oral health. Thankam Thyvalikakath, author and staff member at the Regenstrief Institute, said that the findings showed that “if caught at an early stage”, gum disease “is reversible” [4].
Looking at how the findings could impact dentistry, Thyvalikakath said that the algorithm would enable dentists to track the disease through “periodontal charting data contained in a patient’s electronic dental record”, aiding “diagnosis and hope” [4]. Also, she said that approximately 90% of dental practices in the United States use electronic dental records – meaning widespread adoption would be possible [4].
The researchers suggested that in the future, if access to the required data was possible, the algorithm would be able to take into account the impact that physical health conditions have [4]. This would provide dentists with enhanced information on at-risk patients. Because of this, those at risk could receive more targeted treatment.
These are positive findings. Any advancements in the treatment of gum disease are welcomed – given how many people suffer from the condition. The hope is that research like this will be able to assist dentists in providing excellent treatment outcomes for patients.
Thinking points…
1) One of the key findings of this research is the importance of early detection of oral issues. Therefore, this underlines the importance of attending regular dental appointments – ideally once every six months. Check-ups allow a dentist the chance to have a thorough look at your oral health and look for any problems. If there are problems, then treatment can be organized. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!
2) Gum disease can be a difficult condition to live with. We need to make sure we look after our oral health – including the gums. Small changes can help – this may include consuming less sugar or avoiding tobacco. Moreover, for more advanced gum disease, treatment options include root planing and scaling. You can discuss your gums at your next dental appointment.
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.
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. 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™! 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] Patel, J. S., Kumar, K., Zai, A., Shin, D., Willis, L., & Thyvalikakath, T. P. (2023). Developing Automated Computer Algorithms to Track Periodontal Disease Change from Longitudinal Electronic Dental Records. Diagnostics. 13 (6): 1028. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13061028.
[2] NHS. (2022). Gum disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/. Last accessed: 3rd August 2023.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Periodontal Disease. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html. Last accessed: 3rd August 2023.
[4] Regenstrief Institute. (2023). Tracking periodontal disease to improve diagnosis and treatment. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-tracking-periodontal-disease-diagnosis-treatment.html. Last accessed: 3rd August 2023.
