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Is There a Connection Between Nerve Density and Oral Cancer?
22May
Recent research has looked into the connection between nerve density and Oral Cancer. Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects many people. However, nerve density is a topic that is rarely discussed. The researchers hoped to examine the relationship between these two areas and draw conclusions.

When we hear the word “nerve” in a medical context, most people will not think about the nerves in their mouth. However, unbeknownst to many, there are many nerves in the area, including in the jaw and in the roots of the teeth.

In fact, some of the toughest oral pain to deal with happens when a nerve becomes exposed in the mouth. Therefore, research into this topic can be helpful, especially when a potential connection to Oral Cancer is examined.

Recent research has attempted to look into the relationship between nerve density and oral cancer – which is a topic that is highly relevant to the field of dentistry [1].

The Oral Cavity

The “oral cavity” refers to the mouth. There are multiple regions in the oral cavity. Each region has a different function – such as lips, gums and the tongue. Furthermore, we can’t forget the most important region in terms of oral health – the teeth!

There are many nerves in the oral cavity. Each tooth will have nerves. Other locations of nerves include on the inside of the cheek. Moreover, the nerves in the cheek are fewer in number than those on the tongue.

Due to the differences in quantity of the nerves in each area, the team looked to create a standardized metric for nerve density. This could be used consistently across multiple patients.

Oral cavity cancers are notoriously difficult to treat – with reoccurrence common [2]. Research shows that approximately two thirds of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol intake – though anyone can be affected [2].

The Research

The research team came from the University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center and the School of Dentistry. Their work was published in the Clinical Cancer Research journal [1].

The team looked at how the density of a nerve within a tumor was connected with the growth of said tumor. As mentioned above, they looked to create a metric that would take into account multiple areas in the mouth to provide an overall indicative result [1].

This ensured that the findings would be highly relevant, as it would give a standardized metric that could be applied to any patient at any time.

Most of the work from the team was done using human tissue. This involved taking tissue samples from 142 patients with oral cancer. Therefore, the researchers had access to a range of samples.

The researchers were able to distinguish between the nerves and tumor through the use of staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Therefore, this provided the researchers with samples of both.

The team then used the aforementioned standardized metric to calculate the impact that the density of the nerve had on the tumor’s size. The tumor was monitored over time and then measured against the various nerve samples.

This was able to provide the researchers with definitive results. They found that the bigger the nerve density – the worse the outcome of oral cancer would be. Therefore, the researchers found that nerve density was crucial.

Author Comments

This is an important finding. The researchers pointed out that this knowledge could be crucial in treating cancer, as it will provide clinicians with added information on warning signs for potential tumor growth. Therefore, treatment outcomes may improve.

The authors commented on their findings. Senior author Nisha D’Silva said that her team “showed that tumors with high normalized nerve density seem to be associated with poor survival” for those with cancer [3]. Moreover, D’Silva said that the research confirmed that “patients with high normalized nerve density and a smaller distance between the nerve and the tumor have poorer outcomes” [3].

In terms of putting this into practice, the authors pointed out that if it can be worked out which cancers will be the most aggressive from the outset, then the clinicians can provide a more aggressive response from the start [3]. By having this metric, it provides researchers with more data to help them choose an effective treatment.

Looking ahead to the future, the team also discussed using artificial intelligence to measure normalized nerve density. They suggested that this could eventually result in the use of the metric in real-life situations [3].

Overall, nerve density can be a promising prognostic factor that clinicians can look into when dealing with cases of oral cancer. The authors will hope that this research will result in more informed decisions being made in treatments.

Thinking points…

1) There are some rather heavy topics in this article – including oral cancer and discussion of nerves. While these sound serious, it is important to use this article and its topics as a reminder of the importance of strong oral hygiene. Seeing a dentist for frequent check-ups can be hugely helpful! They will be able to spot any worrying signs and provide treatment if needed. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects many people – although out of all of the cancers, it isn’t widely discussed. It is important for people to be aware of the dangers of oral cancer and recent research into the topic. You could educate those around you by sharing this article and discussing it with them. For family members, this may help them to avoid oral health problems. We recommend sharing the article now!

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] Perez-Pacheco, C., Schmitd, L. B., Furgal, A., Beillile, E. L., Liu, M., Fattah, A., Gonzalez-Maldonado, L., Unsworth, S. P., Wong, S. Y., Rozek, L. S., Rao, A., Wolf, G. T., Taylor, J. M. G., Casper, K., Mierzwa, M., & D’Silva, N. J. (2023). Increased Nerve Density Adversely Affects Outcome in Oral Cancer. Clinical Cancer Research. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-22-3496.

[2] Kademani, D. (2007). Oral Cancer. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 82 (7): p878-887. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4065/82.7.878.

[3] Megdell, A. (2023). Researchers identify new metric to articulate relationship between nerve density and oral cancer. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-05-metric-articulate-relationship-nerve-density.html. Last accessed: 18th May 2023.

What Are the Warning Signs of Mouth Cancer That We Shouldn’t Ignore? - Savanna Dental
1Feb
Mouth cancer continues to be a big problem, with many people being affected by the condition each year. One of the biggest issues with treatment is when there is late detection of symptoms. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to our oral health. This includes looking out for possible signs and symptoms, and regularly visiting a dentist to get professional advice.

Mouth cancer is a type of cancer which affects millions of people around the world each year. While recovery rates are strong, it can be life-threatening in many cases.

Many people focus on their physical health. It is common for oral health to be neglected. However, our oral health and physical health are intrinsically linked. Therefore, oral health needs to be valued highly.

It is important to pay close attention to our oral health. Crucially, there are some warning signs and symptoms that we can look out for, especially in terms of mouth cancer.

A dentist will be able to look out for any signs of mouth cancer, and offer practical advice where needed. This confirms again the importance of visiting a dentist for a regular check-up.

Background

Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer. Surprisingly, it is a form of cancer that many are unaware of. Mouth cancer is actually the sixth most common form of cancer around the world [1].

One study found that 2.1% of cases of cancer were mouth cancer [2]. Moreover, the same study found that 145,000 patients around the world die each year of factors relating to mouth cancer [2].

The rates of mouth cancer have largely remained steady in recent years. However, lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and obesity have all been linked with a rise in some parts of the world, including India [3].

Warning signs

There are warning signs that we can all look out for. For example, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) outline six potential warning signs and symptoms of mouth cancer [4]:

  • Painful mouth ulcers which last for several weeks
  • Unexplained lumps in the mouth or neck that do not go away
  • Loose teeth or sockets which do not heal, typically after a tooth extraction
  • Feeling of persistent numbness in the tongue of the mouth or lip
  • White or red patches in the lining of the mouth or tongue
  • Changes in speech, such as a lisp

It is important to mention that any of the above warning signs can be an issue, and should not be ignored. Equally, the above is not an exhaustive list of symptoms.

The problem of late detection

Mouth cancer is normally not deadly. The NHS suggests that when mouth cancer is diagnosed early, 9 in 10 people will be cured through surgery alone [4].

But this does show the importance of early detection. If the early warning signs of mouth cancer are missed, then the chances of recovery become poorer. If left untreated, symptoms will worsen, and will become more difficult to recover from.

In fact, the Mouth Cancer Foundation have said that most deaths from mouth cancer are due to late detection [5]. This is “due to a low public awareness of the signs, symptoms and risks” [5].

Preventing mouth cancer

Because of the importance of early detection, it is crucial to see your dentist regularly. By visiting the dentist, any potential signs of mouth cancer can be picked up on. If there are problems, then treatment can begin quickly.

The useful thing about seeing the dentist is that they can provide a comprehensive check on a person’s oral health. Not only will they look out for cavities, plaque and gum health, but they will also look for signs of mouth cancer and similar ailments.

At the very least, if you come across some of the above symptoms, you should not delay in seeing a dental professional. Some people can be reluctant to see a dentist because of the costs involved, but this can be a life-or-death situation.

Aside from attending regular dental check-ups, there are other ways of aiding the prevention of oral cancer. This includes not smoking, lowering alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables [4].

Mouth cancer can affect anyone, at any time. Staying alert is important, and having excellent dental hygiene can help towards strong oral health. Looking out for the warning signs discussed above is very important. Overall, it is important to value our oral health, and do what we can to prevent mouth-related conditions from arising.

Thinking points…

  • 1) Were you aware of any of the warning signs? Are you, or anyone in your family, affected by these symptoms? If so, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible! A lot of the time, it won’t be anything to worry about, but it is important to seek professional advice and treatment.
  • 2) This article shows the importance of attending the dentist on a regular basis. Are you due a check-up? If so, we recommend booking an appointment soon! By seeing a dentist, they will be able to check the overall state of your oral health, and offer recommendations where necessary.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides its 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.

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

Is a Plant-Based Diet Good for Your Oral Health - Savanna Dental Clinic
18May
A plant-based diet has the potential to have a positive effect on our oral health, with benefits including lessening inflammation of the gums, lowering sugar intake and possibly preventing oral cancer. But the evidence isn’t all positive, and a plant-based diet doesn’t act as a replacement for strong oral hygiene.

The link between a nutritious diet and strong oral health is well-known, but how does a plant-based diet effect our dental health? With plant-based diets becoming increasingly popular in recent years, it is important to consider this diet’s impact on oral health.

While a plant-based diet can take many forms, it will typically consist of foods derived from plants – such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans. Across Canada, many people are choosing to adopt plant-based diets, underlining their popularity.

Plant-based diets are known to have many physical health benefits, such as stimulating weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing the chances of cardiovascular disease [1].

But as well as physical health benefits, plant-based diets can have a positive effect on dental health, as we show in this article. However, there are some important considerations to be made.

Plant-based diet’s effect on oral health

Oral health continues to be very problematic for many people, with the World Health Organization going as far to say that untreated dental caries is the most common health condition worldwide [2].

The effect of a plant-based diet on oral health is a very-well studied area, with results largely pointing to plant-based diets having a positive effect on oral health, albeit with some caveats.

Mouth cancer presents one of the most serious issues in oral health (click here to read more). Figures from the Canadian Cancer Statistics found that in 2020, an estimated 5,400 Canadians were diagnosed with oral cancer, with the condition causing 1,500 deaths [3]. The American Dental Association have stated that “current evidence supports a diet high in fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods for prevention of oral cancer [4], which shows how a plant-based diet is considered to contribute to preventing oral cancer.

One of the biggest problems facing the population in the modern day is periodontal disease – better known as gum disease. Signs of gum disease include swelling (also known as inflammation) and redness around the gum.

A plant-based diet can lessen inflammation, as it is normally high in a form of acid known as gamma-linoleic acid, which is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties [5].

Furthermore, one study found that participants with a vegetable-based diet (similar to a plant-based diet) had significantly fewer symptoms of gum disease than study participants that had more of a more conventional and traditional diet [6].

As well as having anti-inflammation qualities, plant-based diets also typically cut out a lot of sugar – something that is a key cause of many oral health problems. Sugar has a debilitating impact on teeth, and is one of the leading drivers of tooth decay and eventual cavities.

Foods and beverages that contain refined sugars (essentially the unhealthiest type of sugar) are notoriously bad for our teeth. Foods and drinks high in refined sugars include ice cream, confectionery and soda. They are known to increase inflammation and acidity in the mouth.

Again, by using a plant-based diet, refined sugars are largely avoided. While sugar will still be consumed, such as in fruits, these are at least naturally occurring sugars which are less harmful to the mouth.

A word on citrus fruits

While there are clearly positives, as outlined above, it is important to mention the negative impact that citrus fruits can have. Studies show that citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges can erode tooth enamel faster than sources of refined sugars.

One large study found that by consuming citrus fruits more than twice a day was associated with 37 times greater odds of dental erosion when compared to those who didn’t. For comparison, those that had a daily can of soda had 4 times greater odds of dental erosion than those who avoided soda [7].

This study suggests that it is important to consume citrus fruits in moderation, and serves as a reminder that just because a food is seen as “healthy”, it doesn’t mean that it is totally free from harm.

Should I start having a plant-based diet?

The most important thing for our health (both oral and physical) is to have a well-balanced and nutritious diet. This doesn’t mean that you must have a plant-based diet!

While this diet does clearly have a positive effect on our oral health, it is too restrictive for some people.

But what we can all do as a minimum is to add more vegetables to our meals and continue good oral habits. This incudes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, avoiding sugary snacks where possible, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups.

What we can offer at Savanna Dental

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental offers our patients a huge range of services. We provide all of our patients with a comfortable environment, and are situated in a convenient location in Calgary.

Early detection of dental problems is crucial, which is why it is important to attend regular dental check-ups. If further treatment is required, we will provide you with a tailored and effective treatment plan that meets your circumstances.

Summary

As we have shown, plant-based diets do have the potential to be excellent for our oral health. But regardless of the diet chosen, there is no replacement for regular dental check-ups and strong 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 take a look at the services that are available to our patients.

  • [1] Mazur, M., Bietolini, S., Bellardini, D., Lussi, A., Corridore, D., Maruotti, A., Ottolenghi, L., Vozza, I., & Guerra, F. (2020). Oral health in a cohort of individuals on a plant-based diet: a pilot study. La Clinica Terapeutica. 171 (2), p142-148.
  • [2] United Nations General Assembly. (2011). High Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. Available: https://www.un.org/en/ga/ncdmeeting2011/. Last accessed: 14th May 2021.
  • [3] Canadian Cancer Society. (2020). Oral Cavity Cancer Statistics. Available: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/oral/statistics/?region=on. Last accessed: 9th April 2021.
  • [4] Chainani-Wu, N., Epstein, J., & Touger-Decker, R. (2011). Diet and prevention of oral cancer: strategies for clinical practice. Journal of the American Dental Association. 142 (2), p166-169.
  • [5] Rett, B. S., & Whelan, J. (2011). Increasing dietary linoleic acid does not increase tissue arachidonic acid content in adults consuming Western-type diets: a systematic review. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 10 (8), p36.
  • [6] Staufenbiel, I., Weinspach, K., Forster, G., Geurtsen, W., & Gunay, H. (2013). Periodontal conditions in vegetarians: a clinical study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 67 (8), p836-840.
  • [7] Järvinen, V. K., Rytömaa, I. I., & Heinonen, O. P. (1991). Risk factors in dental erosion. Journal of Dental Research. 70 (6), p942-947.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month - Savanna Dental - Oral Exams
13Apr
This April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to increase knowledge of the dangers and symptoms associated with Oral cancer among the public. Oral cancer is a debilitating condition, but one that with early detection, can be treated successfully. At Savanna Dental we aim to provide the services needed to lower the threat of Oral cancer, and provide ongoing support and treatment when needed for our patients.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which is a period of time dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of Oral cancer (also known as Mouth Cancer), the signs and symptoms of the condition, and the importance of attending regular dental check-ups in order to remain protected against the condition.

The non-profit organization Oral Cancer Foundation organize the month-long campaign, which is supported by numerous dental associations and research bodies around the world. It is an important issue, with Oral cancer remaining a common form of cancer.

The most crucial element in Oral cancer is early detection. By detecting problems early, survival rates can increase. While the statistics behind the condition are somewhat worrying, there are things that we can all do to lessen the threat of the condition – with attending regular check-ups highly important.

The Statistics

Oral cancer is actually more common than many people think. Around the world, it is the 6th most common type of cancer [1]. Figures from the Canadian Cancer Statistics [2] show that in 2020, an estimated 5,400 Canadians were diagnosed with Oral cancer, with the condition causing 1,500 deaths. The condition is more common in men than women, and has a 64% survival rate over the course of five years [3].

Risk Factors

There are risk factors involved with Oral cancer, however it is important to mention that anyone can be affected by Oral cancer. Those that are heavy alcohol drinkers and smokers are at a heightened risk, especially those over the age of 50.

But younger people are increasingly being affected by Oral cancer, which has largely been attributed to the ongoing spread of the sexually transmitted infection Human Papillomavirus virus (HPV), with the HPV-16 subtype especially linked to oral cancer [4].

Steps we can take

There are certainly steps that we can take to increase our chances of avoiding Oral cancer. Without doubt, the most important step we can take is to attend regular dental check-ups. The earlier that symptoms of Oral cancer are detected, the better the chance of survival. Regularly seeing your dentist is the best thing that we can do to avoid Oral cancer.

The Oral Cancer Foundation’s “Check Your MouthTM” initiative encourages the public to remain aware of the symptoms, even between appointments. The typical symptoms seen in Oral cancer are, but not limited to [1]:

  • Any form of growth e.g., a lump, in your mouth
  • A sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
  • Discoloration of some tissues in the mouth
  • Unexplained numbness on the lip or tongue
  • The mouth bleeding easily
  • Swollen glands
  • Jaw swelling

Aside from looking out for the symptoms and attending regular check-ups, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption are excellent ways of lessening our chances of getting Oral cancer. A healthy and nutritious diet with plenty of fruit and vegetable can also be recommended.

What we offer

As mentioned, it is crucial to attend regular dental check-ups. Our Calgary-based clinic Savanna Dental offers a range of services to customers, from regular check-ups to more complex treatments. We will always be happy to help, and provide the treatment you require in a comfortable environment. Our dental clinic is in a convenient location in Calgary.

We provide oral exam services to screen and prevent Oral cancer. If you do suffer from Oral cancer, we will provide comprehensive advice on how to treat it and offer guidance that is tailored to your personal situation. We always aim to contribute to the ongoing positive oral health of our patients.

Summary

Oral cancer is a condition that can be treated. We really can’t emphasize enough the importance of early detection, meaning that regular check-ups are important. We care about your oral health here at Savanna Dental. Contact us or visit our website at https://savannadentalclinic.ca if you would like to learn more about the services we can offer.

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