Tag: dental care

Researchers have concluded that the way our immune system “learns” from previous threats may actually have a negative impact on areas like inflammation. The researchers used gum disease to investigate their theory. They found that the inflammation caused by gum disease ends up having a negative effect on physical health, and can actually worsen future inflammation-based conditions.

Our immune system is a remarkable thing. It fights diseases, protects us from viruses and can detect any issues that may compromise our safety and overall health.

The various battles that the immune system encounters results in it developing a “memory” of sorts to protect us in the future from similar threats.

This is mostly great for our overall health. But this also has the negative impact of the immune system sometimes responding to something that it determines to be a threat – even if it isn’t.

For example, when the immune system is challenged by an internal driver like chronic inflammation, it can result in a misguided immune system response.

Researchers have looked into the overall process of inflammation, with a specific focus on gum disease. Therefore, this research is very important for oral health.

Background

Some of the authors in this study had previously worked together on research into the “memory” of the immune system. They found that the immune system is capable of memorizing past threats, which helps it to become more responsive to new threats [1].

A trained and responsive immune system is mainly a positive thing. However, this isn’t always the case, as the immune system can sometimes misinterpret supposed threats.

The researchers focused on gum disease in this study. Gum disease is one of the most common dental disorders, with research finding that 47.2% of adults aged 30 and over in the United States have some form of gum disease [2].

Therefore, any research into gum disease can be very useful. A common problem with gum disease is that most people do not realize the impact that gum disease has on our physical health.

The Research

The research was completed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine. Their findings were then published in the journal Cell [3].

The research sought to find out the impact gum disease has on the immune system in terms of future interactions with inflammatory-based conditions.

At first, the researchers exposed a mouse to gum disease. Within a week, some of the cells in the mouse expanded in the bone marrow [3].

The researchers found that the immune system of the mouse was capable of handling the periodontal disease [3]. Therefore, there were limited changes in the cells initially.

However, the researchers soon found that the cells appeared to have memorized the inflammation they were exposed to [3]. Therefore, the researchers found that when triggered by inflammation in the future, the immune system would react differently.

The mouse that was exposed to gum disease then had some cells transplanted to mice that had never previously been exposed to gum disease [3]. A few months later, the mice were exposed to collagen antibodies – which triggered arthritis. Arthritis is also associated with inflammation.

To act as a control, cell transplants were also conducted between mice without any form of gum disease and a group of separate mice [3]. This would allow the researchers to compare findings.

The researchers found that the mice that received the cells from mice with gum disease developed more severe arthritis when compared to mice that received cells from mice that were free of gum disease [3].

Overall, the researchers said that this showed the link between inflammatory conditions. The idea was that this study essentially replicated a bone marrow transplant [3]. The mouse with gum disease acted as a donor, with the healthy mice being the recipient.

The researchers were able to conclude that the mice that received a transplant from the group of mice with gum disease were predisposed to more severe arthritis [3].

Impact on dentistry

This research shows the impact that oral health can have on physical health. If these findings were applied to humans – it would show that those with gum disease are vulnerable to severe arthritis. Furthermore, they would also put those receiving a bone marrow transplant from them at heightened risk of inflammatory conditions.

Professor George Hajishengallis, one of the researchers, talked about the impact of these findings on dentistry. “I’m proud for the field of dentistry that this work, with significance to a wide range of medical conditions, began by investigating oral health”, Hajishengallis said [4].

The researchers also spoke of the wider impact these findings may have. They noted that their conclusions could result in a reconsideration of how bone marrow donors should be selected in the future [4]. The conclusions suggest that some bone marrow donors may unwittingly place their recipient at higher risk of inflammatory disorders.

Thinking points…

1) So many of us suffer from gum disease. As this research shows, gum disease does have a big impact on physical health. Treatments are available though for gum disease – including scaling and root planing. If you do have gum disease, it may be worth discussing treatment options with your dentist at your check-up. Consider booking an appointment today!

2) While you may not think you are at risk of gum disease, the truth is that we all are. A common theme in the news is that gum disease has a big impact on physical health. Therefore, if possible, preventing gum disease is crucial. The easiest way to do this is to have excellent oral hygiene, and attend regular dental check ups. We would recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides a warm welcome and comfortable experience to its patience whenever needed.

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 your 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] Hajishengallis, G., & Chavakis, T. (2021). Local and systemic mechanisms linking periodontal disease and inflammatory comorbidities. Nature Reviews Immunology. 21: p426-440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-00488-6.

[2] Eke, P. I., Dye, B. A., & Wei, L. (2012). Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. Journal of Dental Research. 91 (10): p914-920. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034512457373.

[3] Li, X., Wang, H., Yu, X., Saha, G., Kalafati, L., Ioannidis, C., Mitroulis, I., Netea, M. G., Chavakis, T., & Hajishengallis, G. (2022). Maladaptive innate immune training of myelopoiesis links inflammatory comorbidities. Cell. (Pre-publication issue).DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.03.043.

[4] Baillie, K. U. (2022). How one inflammatory disorder exacerbates another. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-inflammatory-disorder-exacerbates.html. Last accessed: 29th April 2022.

Research has shown that certain foods result in types of bacteria in our mouths that are known to contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. These foods are those with a high sugar and high glycemic level. Moreover, as well as impacting oral health, they also impact our physical health. The results of this research reaffirm the importance of eating healthily and having excellent oral hygiene.

Recent research has looked into the impact that the foods we eat have on the bacteria in our mouths. The collective group of bacterium in our mouths is called the oral microbiome.

Moreover, the research has then considered how the oral microbiome affects our overall health. This includes both oral health and our wider physical health.

The study focused on the impact that sugary foods have. It is already known that such foods are linked to tooth decay. However, the researchers sought to investigate in further detail.

Background

Bacteria inevitably gets into our mouths. Every time we eat, chew, drink or even bite a nail, bacteria enters. In fact, over 700 types of bacteria have been identified in the oral cavity, with humans typically having over 50 types in their mouths at any one time [1].

But not all bacteria is necessarily bad. However, many types of bacteria can be damaging, and are often linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

It is already known that bacteria can also have some physical health consequences. For example, a recent study found that some types of oral bacteria can be linked to hypertension problems in later life [2].

The research focuses on sugary foods and high glycemic foods. The Glycemic index is a system that shows the rates that different foods are broken down in the body [3].

Foods that are high in the glycemic index cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Therefore, these foods can be considered unhealthy. For example, high glycemic foods include sweets, doughnuts, soft drinks, baked goods and white bread among others [3].

The research

The research was conducted by scientists from the University at Buffalo. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Scientific Reports journal [4].

The researchers sought to investigate whether carbohydrates and sugar were associated with certain oral bacteria. They used a sample of 1,204 women. The data used came courtesy of the Women’s Health Initiative [4].

Samples from the women were taken. These samples were taken from subgingival plaque – which is bacteria that occurs under the gums. This is important, as this is the bacteria that isn’t visible, and is often neglected [4].

Most studies use saliva as a sample. But by using subgingival plaque, the researchers would get a clearer picture of what was causing gum issues [4].

The researchers also analyzed eating habits, and then cross-referenced these habits with the types of bacteria found in the samples. Therefore, this allowed the researchers to get an overall picture of the impact that certain foods had.

The results showed that a higher intake of sugary and high glycemic foods appears to influence oral health. Furthermore, the authors also suggested that these foods appear to have a long-term impact on health outcomes in older women [4].

Overall, the researchers concluded that a bacteria named Strteptoccus mutans – which is known to contribute to tooth decay and cardiovascular disease – was present strongly in those with poor diets [4].

Moreover, the researchers also found a type of bacteria called leptotrichia, which has been associated with gingivitis – a form of gum disease – in the past [4].

Other types of bacteria that hadn’t previously been thought to contribute to oral health problems were also found. However, the researchers suggested these types of bacteria may now need further research [4].

What this means

The researchers were able to show how eating certain types of food impacted the oral microbiome. There are clearly consequences for oral health and overall physical health.

Therefore, these results emphasize the importance of having excellent oral hygiene and trying to eat healthily wherever possible. After all, we all want to avoid harmful bacteria in our mouth.

Amy Millen, Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions, commented on the findings of the team [5]. Millen said that the researchers placed specific emphasis on glycemic foods, as this was “not well studied in relation to the oral microbiome” [5].

Millen also said that “as more studies are conducted looking at the oral microbiome”, that the researchers could infer more “about how diet relates to the oral microbiome and periodontal disease” [5]. Such findings can be very helpful in trying to help improve oral health.

Thinking points…

1) The research above shows the potential damage of sugary foods and high glycemic foods. Now take a look at your diet – do you consume foods like this? If so, try and cut down wherever possible! Because of the damage it can do, it places emphasis on the need to attend regular check-ups at your dentist. Therefore, we recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Remember that oral health problems are avoidable. It is important to have excellent oral hygiene. Part of this is to ensure that you attend your dental clinic for a check-up at least twice a year. Then if you do have any problems, they can be easily addressed and acted upon. Consider attending your dentist soon, as this is the best way of caring for your oral health.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and implants.

It is important for dental problems to be addressed early. Any oral-based problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dentala also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Paster, B. J., Olsen, I., Aas, J. A. & Dewhirst, F. E. (2000). The breadth of bacterial diversity in the human periodontal pocket and other oral sites. Periodontology. 2006 (42): p80–87. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2006.00174.x.

[2] LaMonte, M. J., Gordon, J. H., Diaz-Moreno, P., Andrews, C. A., Shimbo, D., Hovey, K. M., Buck, M. J., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Oral Microbiome Is Associated With Incident Hypertension Among Postmenopausal Women. Journal of the American Heart Association. 11 (6): e021930. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.121.021930.

[3] NHS. (2018). What is the glycaemic index (GI)?. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/what-is-the-glycaemic-index-gi/. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.

[4] Millen, A. E., Dahhan, R., Freudenheim, J. L., Hovey, K. M., Li, L., McSkimming, D. I., Andrews, C. A., Buck, M. J., LaMonte, M. J., Kirkwood, K. L., Sun, Y., Murugaiyan, V., Tsompana, M., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Dietary carbohydrate intake is associated with the subgingival plaque oral microbiome abundance and diversity in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Scientific Reports. 12 (2643). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-06421-2.

[5] Hill, D. J. (2022). Carbs, sugary foods may influence poor oral health, study finds. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-carbs-sugary-foods-poor-oral.html. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.

Teeth grinding while asleep and the clenching of the jaws is known as sleep bruxism. Bruxism causes a range of both physical and dental issues. Now, researchers have looked to make a conclusion on the debate of whether or not sleep bruxism is associated with temporomandibular joint disorders – a cluster of conditions that cause a range of jaw issues. In conclusion, the researchers found a positive association.

When we sleep, we all hope for a calm rest to give our bodies a chance to recuperate. While many of us achieve this, a sizeable amount of the population do not.

One such issue that many face is the involuntary grinding of teeth while asleep. This is also associated with the clenching of the upper and lower jaw. These actions are part of a condition known as sleep bruxism.

There has been continued debate as to whether or not sleep bruxism is linked to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TJMs). These disorders cause intense jaw pain and can cause a range of dental problems.

Now, researchers have sought to understand the connection and find out whether or not sleep bruxism can be linked to TJMs.

What is Sleep Bruxism?

Sleep bruxism refers to when a person grinds their teeth while asleep. It usually includes the clenching of the jaws as well.

Statistics show that approximately 15% of the population suffer from sleep bruxism [1]. An even larger amount will have regular bruxism, which is tooth grinding during the day.

Teeth grinding can wear away tooth enamel due to the strong pressure on tooth surfaces. This makes teeth more vulnerable to decay and caries.

In fact, those with sleep bruxism typically have worse oral health in their lifetime [2]. Sleep bruxism also causes physical issues like jaw pain and even headaches.

Meanwhile, the Temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. Any disorder that affects this region is considered to be a TMJ [3]. TMJs can cause jaw pain and muscle problems.

The Research

The intention of this research was to find out if there was indeed a connection between sleep bruxism and TMJs. The aim was to make a conclusion on what has proven to be a controversial subject [4].

The research was completed at the University Clinic of Dentistry at the Medical University of Vienna [5]. The findings were published in the Journal of Advanced Research [5].

The researchers entered the study with the theory that specific combinations of tooth shape and tooth location during grinding affects the mechanical load on the temporomandibular joint [5]. Therefore, sleep bruxism could be considered a risk factor for TMJs.

The study used a computer model of the masticatory region – an area that includes the bones and muscles of the head and neck. These models are used in cases where human experiments would be deemed highly unethical.

The researchers tested out various tooth movements and angles using the model [5]. The study analysed the effects of grinding on the first molar and a canine with different inclinations and angles used.

The researchers found that there was an association between bruxism and TMJs [5]. However, it was found that certain tooth shapes and locations were particularly associated with the development of TMJs [5].

What this means

The findings of the study show that there does seem to be a connection between bruxism and TMJs. This is especially pronounced in certain cases where teeth are at a certain angle or inclination during grinding.

Benedikt Sagl of the University of Vienna was among the researchers. Sagl commented on the findings [1]. Sagl suggested that “the decisive factor” was the “steepness” of grinding. For instance, “the flatter the tooth, the higher the risk of a TMJ disorder” [1].

Sagl suggested that more research will be needed to confirm their findings. It was suggested that further research will be used to “establish whether this finding can be incorporated into the development of therapeutic interventions for sleep bruxism” [1].

Thinking points…

• 1) Bruxism does affect many people. Sometimes, people will grind their teeth out of habit, which is very damaging! It is worth checking to see if you do suffer from bruxism. This is something that can be diagnosed by a dentist. Treatments typically include a mouth guard.
• 2) The research above is an example of how one seemingly-minor thing can have a big effect on our dental health. Therefore, it is very important that you take good care of your teeth! As part of this, it is vital that you visit the dentist for a regular check-up, where any problems can be identified. Consider booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings, root canals and some cosmetic services.

We recommend that our patients 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™! These treatments can have a positive impact on your appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.

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 dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Henderson, E. (2022). Sleep bruxism can be a risk factor for temporomandibular joint disorders. Available: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220303/Sleep-bruxism-can-be-a-risk-factor-for-temporomandibular-joint-disorders.aspx. Last accessed: 3rd March 2022. [2] Xhonga, F. A. (1977). Bruxism and its effect on the teeth. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 4 (1): p65-76. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.1977.tb00967.x. [3] Mayo Clinic. (2018). TMJ Disorders. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941. Last accessed: 3rd March 2022. [4] Ohlmann, B., Waldecker, M., Leckel, M., Boomicke, W., Behnisch, R., Rammelsberg, P., & Schmitter, M. (2020). Correlations between Sleep Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 9 (2): p611-620. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9020611. [5] Sagl, B., Schmid-Schwap, M., Piehslinger, E., Kundi, M., & Stavness, I. (2021). Effect of facet inclination and location on TMJ loading during bruxism: An in-silico study. Journal of Advanced Research. 29 (35): p25-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2021.04.009.