Home Tag: "Dentistry" (Page 23)

Tag: Dentistry

How Important Is It to Treat a Fear of the Dentist at an Early Age? - Savanna Dental
17Jan
New research has shown that treating dental fear at a young age can have several benefits in the long-term. The research shows that if a person with a fear of the dentist gets appropriate treatment, then they are likelier to attend dental appointments in the future. This study, based in Finland, focused on a clinic targeted at those who had dental fear. The findings show it is important to treat dental fear at a young age, rather than letting it worsen over time.

Recent research has shown that treating dental fear from a young age is crucial for long-term strong oral health. If dental fear is ignored, it risks worsening over time.

The researchers analysed patients at a Finland-based dental clinic that was specifically used to treat those with dental fear [1]. These clinics are rare, but are worth researching.

The researchers reviewed the progress of patients treated at the clinic as a means of finding out if early treatment of dental fear had a positive long-term effect. The results were positive [1].

The vicious cycle

Being afraid of the dentist is very common. For example, approximately 1 in 2 adults say they are at least “somewhat afraid” of the dentist, with 1 in 10 saying they are “very afraid” [2].

As a result, there are various coping mechanisms that people resort to in order to make it through the ordeal. Some will ask to be anesthetized, while some may play music or daydream. But by far the most damaging action is avoidance. This is simply where a person chooses to avoid going to the dentist.

Avoidance of dental appointments can result in worsening overall health. Moreover, studies show that avoidance of dental appointments is associated with poor self-care, and physical health problems [3].

If a person does avoid going to the dentist, their oral health will worsen over time. Moreover, their problems will get progressively worse. What might have started out as a simple cavity filling might morph into something more serious, like an infection that requires a root canal.

Sadly, this pain will only become more intense. Therefore, this will make the patient less likely to return in the future. And thus, the vicious cycle continues.

The Research

The research was produced by researchers at the University of Oulu, Finland [1]. The researchers followed a group of 152 participants that had been treated at a clinic named the Clinic for Fearful Dental Patients [1]. This clinic is located in Oulu, Finland.

This clinic is a specially-crafted area where patients receive help with their dental fear, as well as actual dental treatment [1]. This approach aims to help a patient to overcome their fear of the dentist.

This model is rather unique, and focuses on dealing with dental fear as well as dental care. This is unlike other dental clinics, which focus purely on carrying out treatment. Forms of talking therapy are typically used at the clinic to treat dental fear.

The study looked at the long-term effects of treatment for dental fear. They carried out a follow-up study on the 152 participants [1]. This study was set 10 years later, to see how they were coping with dental treatments a decade after their treatment at the clinic [1].

The researchers asked the 152 participants whether or not they are able to get regular dental treatment without a problem, or if they still require help, or remain a patient at the clinic [1].

In the end, the results proved to be very effective. The researchers found that the majority of the 152 now had no issue in attending a regular dentist [1]. Only a small amount remained uncomfortable. The evidence shows that the treatment does have a positive effect.

Analysing the results

These results build upon previous research into the Clinic for Fearful Dental Patients, which found that 7 out of 10 people treated at the clinic found their dental fear lessened immediately as a result of treatment [4]. Therefore, the evidence shows it has both positive short and long-term effects.

Lead Researcher Taina Kankaala commented on the findings. She said that this study showed the long-term benefits that were possible as a result of treatment at a young age [2]. However, the level of success was “surprising” to Kankaala, who had expected more modest results [2].

Kankaala mentioned that if dental fear wasn’t addressed, then a “severe fear of dental care will usually not ease” on its own, meaning treatment is crucial [2].

It could be suggested that this model of working with nervous or afraid patients can have long-term benefits for both clinics and patients. Clinics will have less cancelled appointments, while patients will be more open to attending check-ups.

In the future, it is possible that similar clinics could be created. They certainly seem to be effective. This research certainly suggests such clinics would be useful for many people.

Thinking points…

  • 1) It is completely normal to feel anxious or uneasy about going to the dentist. But options are available. Here at Savanna Dental, our staff are trained to provide a comforting and warm experience throughout your time with us. You will have the chance to discuss any reservations or concerns, and our professional staff will try to put you at ease!
  • 2) We briefly mentioned about how dental problems will get worse if left untreated. While this is true, it is never too late to seek treatment. Therefore, if you have many untreated oral health problems or haven’t been to the dentist in many years, we recommend that you book a check-up soon! The sooner you are treated, the easier your problems will be to treat.

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.

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 Dental 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://savannadental.ca.

References

What Is the Current State of America’s Oral Health? - Savanna Dental
3Jan
A landmark new report released by the National Institutes of Health has provided a comprehensive review of the state of oral health in the United States. The report shows that strong oral health is directly linked to overall health and wellbeing. Moreover, the report found that strong progress has been made in the last two decades in treating oral health conditions. However, there is still room for improvement, including developments in access to care.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health have released a landmark report which has provided a comprehensive review of the overall state of oral health in the United States.

The report, called Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges [1], has provided a direct follow-up to a 2000 report titled Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General [2]. Both reports involved substantial research.

The main objective of the new report is to provide a road map on how oral health within the United States can improve in the next few years. Therefore, the findings from this report should help to improve treatment outcomes for oral health conditions.

The State of Oral Health in 2000

As mentioned, the last time that a major study took place was in 2000 [2]. The 2000 study found that between 1950 and 2000, “great progress” had been made with oral health, especially in regards to tooth decay and gum disease [2].

The report concluded that strong oral health could be “achieved by all Americans” [2]. However, the authors did find that there was an inequality in terms of some Americans not receiving the same degree of oral health [2].

As a result, many people were still experiencing pain and suffering, despite treatments being available. The report also highlighted that this was lowering the quality of life for many people [2].

Finally, the authors wanted to ensure that oral health isn’t limited to just teeth. Instead, oral health also includes conditions like gum disease, birth defects and throat cancer [2].

The 2021 Report

The focus of the 2021 report is to primarily highlight the importance of oral health, along with its impact on our overall health and well-being [1].

The research found that oral health treatments have improved dramatically in recent years. This has been made possible through various innovations, technological advancements, and improved knowledge of conditions.

The improvements in oral health treatments have led to better oral health for many people. The authors cite lower rates of tooth decay, more treatment options being available, and increased knowledge of dental condition causes as examples of where improvements have been made [1].

Crucially, the report concluded that oral health is heavily connected to physical health [1]. Oral health and physical health conditions commonly share risk factors. Therefore, looking after our oral health has physical health benefits too. Heart disease, strokes and chronic infections are all potential physical health consequences of poor oral health [1].

Healthy behaviour can improve and help to maintain an individual’s oral health, the report found. But these “behaviours” can be reliant on social and economic conditions [1]. For instance, the researchers found that substance abuse and mental health conditions negatively affect oral health [1].

The report mainly found improvements had been made. However, issues still remain in terms of achieving equity in all Americans receiving the required dental care [1]. The main problems with this are access to care, insurance issues, and then the costs involved [1].

What next?

The Acting Director of the National Institutes of Health, Lawrence A. Tabak, called the report “very significant” [3]. He went on to say that the report presented “the most comprehensive assessment of oral health currently available in the United States” [3]. Tabak went on to mention that the report shows “unequivocally, that oral health plays a central role in overall health” [3].

Improvements are possible though. The authors make a few different recommendations to improve oral health in the United States. This includes the need for healthcare professionals to work together “to provide integrated oral, medical and behavioral healthcare in schools, community health centers, nursing homes, and medical care settings, as well as dental clinics” [3].

The report also found that there is a need to improve access to care, which will involve “addressing the rising cost of dental education, expanding insurance coverage, and improving the overall affordability of care” [3]. This has been an ongoing issue for many years, with millions of Americans still unable to access dental care, with cost an issue for many [4].

But the authors do give a positive outlook for the future. Rena D’Souza, of the National Institutes of Health, sees a future where “systemic inequities that affect oral health and access to care are more fully addressed, and one in which dental and medical professionals work together to provide integrated care for all” is possible [3]. This will certainly be the aim in the next few years.

In the future, this will be seen as an important report that gave a snapshot to the oral health situation in the United States. It can be used in the future as a basis to measure improvements made.

Thinking points…

  • 1) One of the main takeaways from this report is how oral health can affect physical health, and vice versa. With this in mind, if you are currently having physical health problems, could this potentially be related to oral health? If so, think of how you can improve your oral health, you may see a positive effect on your physical health.
  • 2) The best way to see the overall state of your oral health is to book a check-up with your dentist. They will be able to give you a thorough update on the state of your oral health, and provide a treatment plan if necessary. We recommend booking a check-up as soon as possible.
  • 3) The authors of this report noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has been impacting dentistry, which is true. However, most dental clinics have re-started offering routine appointments. It is understandable to be apprehensive about returning to the dentist, but consider doing so, as any problems can be detected and acted upon.

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. 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.

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

Is There a Connection Between Types of Bacteria and the State of Gum Disease? - Savanna Dental
13Dec
Recent research has found that a “bacterial signature” exists, which enables scientists to be able to mark a shift from healthy teeth and gums to gum disease. In practice, this will be able to help dentists in knowing the stage of gum disease that a patient is at. Therefore, they will be able to provide improved advice and more accurate treatment.

Japanese researchers from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) have found a “bacterial signature” exists. This refers to the researchers finding that they can mark the point that a patient can shift from having healthy teeth and gums to gum disease.

Gum disease continues to affect so many people. As a result, any research that can help prevent, or at least slow the onset of, gum disease, is highly desirable.

In practice, if this research is confirmed as accurate, then dentists and their patients could benefit from increased insight into gum disease and better treatment plans.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a very common condition. For example, statistics show that around 90% of the world’s population has a form of gum disease [1].

There are different stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is seen as a rather mild form of gum disease. Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease.

Gum disease involves inflammation of the gums. This is caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria. Plaque develops over a period of time, eventually wearing down tooth enamel. Consequently, tooth decay will develop, hastening gum disease.

An eventual consequence of gum disease is tooth loss, due to the bones around the teeth being too weak. Studies have shown that many bacteria types contribute to bone loss in gum disease [2].

Bacteria is another area of concern for the health of the mouth. Some bacteria can be good for breaking down food. However, the majority of bacteria is bad, and will contribute to gum disease.

Research

Researchers from the TMDU carried out the research, which was published in the journal mSystems [3]. Their study involved 21 patients.

The researchers took plaque samples from three sites within the mouths of the 21 patients. All 21 participants had been diagnosed with periodontal disease [3].

The three sites included one area that was “healthy”, one area that showed signs of gingivitis, and another area that clearly had periodontitis [3].

Researchers then interpreted the results by using a special technique called “metatranscriptomic” analysis [3]. This determined the different types of bacteria at each site.

The results showed that there were indeed clear differences in the level of bacterial composition between the three different sites [3].

Certain types of bacteria that are known to be associated with gum disease were, as predicted, higher in the areas with periodontal disease [3]. For instance, these included eubacterium nodatum and filifactor alocis [3].

What this means

By reviewing these three different sites, researchers were able to identify the key differences between them. Moreover, they were also able to review how different bacteria types affected each area [3].

This enabled the researchers to come up with a “bacterial signature” that should help dentists to identify early signs of gum disease, and provide more accurate recommendations for those who already show signs of gum disease. Finally, it could also help to slow the onset of gum disease.

Lead researcher Takashi Nemoto commented on the findings [4]. He suggested that the changes they observed between each site showed the “shift from health to periodontitis is accompanied by changes in both the structure and the complexity of the bacterial network” [4].

Nemoto said that previous studies had “explored differences in bacterial communities in healthy mouths or those affected by gingivitis or periodontitis” [4]. However, the research from the TMDU was innovative as it analysed how such “communities changed during progression from health to periodontitis” [4].

Researchers continue to find ways to tackle gum disease. Because of how common it is, there is no shortage of effort being put in to trying to improve treatment outcomes.

Thinking points…

  • 1) A bad habit that many people have is nail-biting or chewing on a pen lid. Did you know that these habits involve bacteria coming into the mouth? Anything that goes into our mouths will include bacteria. What habits can you cut out?
  • 2) As this study shows, it is important for gum disease to be picked up on early. At a check-up, a dentist can help to identify if you have signs of gum disease and give advice. Consider making an appointment!
  • 3) If you are particularly concerned about gum disease, or know that you have gum disease, are you aware of scaling and root planing? These treatments involve a deep clean of the gums, and is known to be an effective way of improving gum health.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

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] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [2] Tominari, T., Sanada, A., Ichimaru, R., Matsumoto, C., Hirata, M., Itoh, Y., Numabe, Y., Miyaura, C., & Inada, M. (2021). Gram-positive bacteria cell wall-derived lipoteichoic acid induces inflammatory alveolar bone loss through prostaglandin E production in osteoblasts. Scientific Reports. 11 (13353). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92744-5.
  • [3] Nemoto, T., Shiba, T., Komatsu, K., Watanabe, T., Shimogishi, M., Shibasaki, M., Koyanagi, T., Nagai, T., Katagiri, S., Takeuchi, Y., & Iwata, T. (2021). Discrimination of Bacterial Community Structures among Healthy, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis Statuses through Integrated Metatranscriptomic and Network Analyses. mSystems. 6 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mSystems.00886-21.
  • [4] Tokyo Medical & Dental University. (2021). That’s so meta(transcriptomics): Distinctive bacterial taxonomic and functional profiles in mouth disease. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-metatranscriptomics-distinctive-bacterial-taxonomic-functional.html. Last accessed: 10th December 2021.
What Is the Relationship Between COVID-19 and Oral Health? - Savanna Dental
6Dec
Covid-19 continues to cause significant problems all around the world. One particular area that has been impacted is oral health. There is a strong connection between oral health and Covid-19. As a result, there are many areas within oral health that can affect Covid-19. Consequently, there are things we can all educate ourselves on.

Covid-19 has caused a range of deaths, economic issues and mental health problems in the last two years, ever since its onset.

While areas like the economy and politics get the main headlines, there are some industries that have been hugely impacted, yet neglected by the media. One of these areas is oral health.

Oral health is linked with Covid-19. Problems with oral health can worsen Covid-19 symptoms, while dental clinics can also be a source of contamination. Altogether, this makes oral health an essential area in the overall battle against Covid-19.

Covid-19

The first outbreak of Covid-19 is believed to have been at the end of December 2019. Since then, numbers have rocketed, causing havoc around the world.

The World Health Organization’s most recent statistics show that there have been over 250 million cases worldwide, and over 5 million deaths because of the virus [1].

The highly-contagious nature of Covid-19 has made it difficult to contain. For example, healthcare settings are among the locations that have been associated with transmission of the virus.

Covid-19’s effect on oral health

Covid-19 and oral health are intrinsically linked. This is no surprise, considering that oral health affects physical health. A publication made in the Biomedicines journal has taken a comprehensive look at the relationship between Covid-19 and oral health [2].

A big issue that affects oral health is the nature of how Covid-19 can be passed on. Covid-19 spreads through transmission of droplets in the air [2]. Furthermore, a person can also contract it through contact with infected surfaces. Moreover, it is also possible to transmit the disease by aerosols.

All of the above pose a big issue for dental clinics. For example, aerosols are generated by most dental procedures [2]. This can result in dental clinics being hotbeds of Covid-19 transmission. As a result, dentists, other dental professionals and patients are at an increased risk of catching Covid-19 [2].

Then there is also the problem of gum disease. A study from earlier in 2021 showed that those with gum disease were three times likelier to develop more severe symptoms from Covid-19 than those without gum disease [3][4]. This is linked to the inflammation caused by gum disease.

The onset of Covid-19 has also hastened oral health problems. For instance, routine appointments have been cancelled, with only urgent care being offered. Consequently, tooth decay and gum disease levels have been rising. Because of the delays in routine appointments, the President of the FDI World Dental Federation has referred to the current situation as “a dental disaster” [5].

Then there has been the economic impact of Covid-19 too, which further affects oral health. This is because dental care is rarely considered to be “essential” care around the world. For instance, in Canada, dental care is not part of the Medicare healthcare system. Therefore, it is very difficult to find the money to pay for dental fees for the millions of people that have been financially impacted by Covid-19.

Covid-19 has also been known to cause a dry mouth [6]. Dry mouth is a big problem in oral health. Because dry mouth deprives the mouth of saliva, it makes it much easier for harmful bacteria to reside on the tooth and gums, which can speed up tooth decay.

What can we all do?

Covid-19 clearly impacts oral health. Moreover, a person’s oral health can also affect both their chances of contracting Covid-19, and the severity of symptoms that they may experience.

The findings of the journal article show the importance of strong oral hygiene. As a result, it is of the utmost importance to use an oral hygiene routine that will ensure teeth are protected.

Avoiding gum disease is very important too. The research shows that gum disease can worsen symptoms of Covid-19. Good oral hygiene, along with a healthy, balanced diet, can help to protect against gum disease.

Dental clinics have also been urged by the researchers to get patients to use mouth rinses including oral antiseptics before any operation [2]. Consequently, the researchers found that this can reduce transmission rates [2]. This can help to improve the safety of dental clinics.

Thinking points…

  • 1) What changes to your diet can you make to lessen your chances of developing gum disease?
  • 2) Are you aware that normal dentistry has resumed? As a result, have you booked a check-up?
  • 3) Gum disease can be problematic. Have you ever considered booking in for a scaling and root planning session, which can help protect against gum disease?

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

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

Does Oral Health During Pregnancy Affect the Risk of Birth Complications? - Savanna Dental
29Nov
Recent research has found that strong oral health during pregnancy is associated with a reduced chance of poor pregnancy outcomes. For instance, these outcomes include premature and underweight birth. Therefore, it is very important for pregnant women to have strong oral hygiene during pregnancy. As a result, this will increase the chances of a healthy birth.

A recent study has shown that strong oral health during pregnancy appears to reduce the risk of a premature birth, or a baby being born underweight.

Premature births can lead to adverse long-term problems for babies. They account for around 1 in 10 births around the world [1]. As a result, anything that can be done to reduce the chances of this happening is desirable.

The research shows that regular dental checks, treatment of gum inflammation and dental cleaning are all areas that can reduce the chances of a negative outcome at birth.

Background

This research took into account multiple areas of oral health. It is well established that oral health has a big impact on physical health. This includes having an impact on pregnancy.

This study places emphasis on gum disease. Gum disease is a very common condition. For instance, research shows that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [2].

Gum disease involves a person’s gums becoming swollen or infected. This is normally caused by a build-up of plaque. Plaque is usually caused by a high-sugar diet. The inflammation associated with gum disease is a big problem.

Periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease, has already been shown to be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes [3].

Poor pregnancy outcomes involve premature birth and a low birth weight. 15.5% of all deliveries are born with a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg), and almost 11% of babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks) [4].

The Research

Researchers from the University of Sydney carried out a study that was recently published in the Journal of Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry [5].

The study took the form of a meta-analysis that took into account multiple studies. The study involved 1,031 patients that had given birth. A connection between oral health treatment and birth type was sought [5].

The researchers found that there was a connection between good oral health and positive birth outcomes for more than 600 women, a sizable amount [5].

The researchers found that treating gingivitis (gum inflammation that leads to bleeding gums) during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of premature or underweight births [5].

Explaining the results

Joerg Eberhard, a Professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Dentistry, explained the science behind the results [4].

Eberhard noted that if gum disease is treated during pregnancy, “the risk of a baby being born preterm is reduced by approximately 50%” [4]. Furthermore, Eberhard stated that “the birthweight increases around 100 grams in babies” [4]. The link is clear.

Eberhard said that the hormonal changes during pregnancy meant pregnant women were “more susceptible” to gingivitis [4]. He said that up to 75% of pregnant women are affected [4].

Gum disease releases bacteria into the blood stream, which can reach the placenta. As a result, the baby is directly impacted.

On a positive note, Eberhard said that “treatment for gingivitis is very easy to perform and is inexpensive and accessible” [4]. Therefore, this condition can be treated, if pregnant women are worried about these findings.

What does good oral health involve?

Throughout the study, “good oral health” is frequently mentioned. But some wonder what exactly “good oral health” involves.

To begin with, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, typically after meals. Flossing regularly and using mouthwash are other areas that you can use as part of your regular dental hygiene process.

It is very important as well to visit the dentist for a regular check-up. We generally recommend that our patients visit us at least once every six months. Any problems that are identified can then be treated. For instance, this involves treating gum disease.

Avoiding sugary drinks and snacks, alcohol and smoking can all help too. This should reduce the level of plaque build-up. Therefore, this can decrease the chances of gum disease developing.

Ultimately, the aim for any pregnancy is a healthy delivery, which will hopefully result in a long and prosperous life. As a result, looking after our oral health can definitely help with this, underlining its importance.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

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

References

Does Obesity Worsen Gum Disease? - Savanna Dental
23Nov
A recent study has found a clear link between obesity and gum disease. While the link between these two areas has been evidenced before, underlying causes have not been previously established. But this new study appears to show that chronic inflammation caused by obesity is the key reason behind eventual gum disease.

Obesity is a common issue, with growing numbers of people considered to be “obese”. Obesity can be defined as a person that has an above-average accumulation of fat. Moreover, they will be overweight.

The problem of obesity has been referred to as an “epidemic”, due to the range of issues that obesity can cause [1]. One such issue is oral health.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo were seeking to improve their understanding of the relationship between obesity and gum disease.

There is some pre-existing research that shows a link between obesity and gum disease [2]. However, the underlying causes behind this haven’t been determined in the past. Therefore, the researchers were hoping to delve deeper into this area.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common condition. For example, statistics show that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of gum disease [3].

Gum disease can be prevented. The condition typically involves a person’s gums becoming swollen or infected, which is usually caused by a build-up of plaque. Furthermore, plaque gradually wears down tooth enamel, leading to oral problems.

A common cause of plaque is a high-sugar diet. Moreover, a high-sugar diet is associated with obesity. Therefore, obesity can increase the risk of gum disease.

Bone loss is a very common symptom of gum disease. One such complication of gum disease is tooth loss. Tooth loss can occur when the bone deteriorates to the extent where it is unable to support a tooth. Losing teeth can negatively impact a person’s mental health [4].

The Research

The recent research was carried out by researchers at the University at Buffalo. Subsequently, the research was published in the Journal of Dental Research. [5].

The researchers used two groups of mice for their study. They hoped to see the differences caused by giving the two groups alternate diets.

One group had a low-fat diet which drew 10% of energy from fat. However, the second group of mice had a high-fat diet that drew 45% of energy from fat. Consequently, the groups were fed these diets for 4 months [5].

The researchers were able to conclude from the study that the high-fat diet did have a strong impact on the oral health of the mice [5]. Moreover, chronic inflammation was a key cause of this.

The researchers found that excessive inflammation from obesity causes a rise in the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) [5]. MDSCs are a group of immune cells that aim to fight illnesses. However, when this happens, the MDSCs develop into many different cell types, including a cell class named osteoclasts, which breaks down bone tissue [5].

The high-fat diet group experienced more obesity, more inflammation and an increase of MDSCs when compared to the low-fat diet group [5]. Therefore, the high-fat diet group developed more osteoclasts, resulting in increased bone loss and gum disease [5].

What this research means

These findings reaffirm the link between obesity and gum disease. But the conclusions drawn are very useful as they show deeper reasoning behind the findings. For instance, the impact that MDSCs cause.

The research shows that obesity can cause chronic inflammation. The chronic inflammation then leads to an increase in MDSCs. Subsequently, gum disease worsens through increased bone loss.

Keith Kirkwood, a Professor of Oral Biology at the University at Buffalo, commented on the findings [6]. He said that while the relationship between the level of obesity and gum disease is clear, “the mechanisms that underpin the links between those conditions were not completely understood” [6].

The underlying causes behind this connection are now better known. As a result, this evidence confirms the need to eat a healthy diet wherever possible to avoid obesity and the resulting problems. For instance, we should try and eat fruit, vegetables, a balanced diet, and avoid sugary foods and drink wherever possible.

Having a healthy lifestyle alongside a balanced diet is important. This can reduce the chances of obesity. Therefore, our oral health should remain protected.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.

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. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!

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] Karels, A. J., & Cooper, B. R. (2007). Obesity and Its Role in Oral Health. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 5 (1): p1-5.
  • [2] De Castilhos, E. D., Horta, B. L., Gigante, D. P., Demarco, F. F., Peres, K. G., & Peres, M. A. (2012). Association between obesity and periodontal disease in young adults: a population-based birth cohort. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 39 (8): p717-724.
  • [3] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
  • [4] Kaur, P., Singh, S., Mathur, A., Makkar, D. K., Aggarwal, V. P., Batra, M., Sharma, A., & Goyal, N. (2017). Impact of Dental Disorders and its Influence on Self Esteem Levels among Adolescents. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: 11(4), pZC05–ZC08.
  • [5] Kwack, K. H., Zhang, L., Sohn, V., Maglaras, R., Thiyagarajan, R., & Kirkwood, K. L. (2021). Novel Preosteoclast Populations in Obesity-Associated Periodontal Disease. Journal of Dental Research. (Pre-publication). Available: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211040729.
  • [6] University at Buffalo. (2021). Study: Obesity Raises the Risk of Gum Disease by Inflating Growth of Bone-Destroying Cells. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/study-obesity-raises-the-risk-of-gum-disease-by-inflating-growth-of-bone-destroying-cells-1003963199/. Last accessed: 19th November 2021.