Tag: oral health

Autistic children can often find trips to the dentist very challenging due to the risk of sensory overload. However, recent research has found that when certain sensory adaptations are made by dental clinics, that autistic children can have a much more pleasant experience at the dentist. This can have a positive effect on the oral health of those with the condition.

Autism is a very challenging condition for both children and adults. Everyday tasks can be very challenging for children that have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Among these tasks are trips to the dentist. Autistic children often struggle to attend dental check-ups, mainly due to the potential for sensory overload.

However, new research has found that when certain adaptations are made, autistic children can find visiting the dentist a positive experience, aiding their oral health [1].

What is Autism?

Autism is considered to be a developmental disability which affects approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Education [2].

The NHS suggest that autistic people “may act in a different way to other people” [3]. Symptoms include communication problems, difficulty in coping with unfamiliar situations and repetitive actions [3].

One of the defining features of autism is how those with the condition often find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming and uncomfortable [3].

These symptoms make it difficult for autistic children to go to the dentist. A dental clinic can be an unfamiliar location that also involves social situations. But above all, it can cause several sensory problems. For example, the dentist’s light, the sound of the dental drill and the possibility of loud noises can all cause concern.

As there are so many issues, it is unsurprising that autistic people typically have poorer oral health compared to the general public [4]. Therefore, trying to make a dental clinic a more comfortable place for autistic children is important.

Research

Recent research has looked into ways that autism can be managed better in a dental clinic. The research was carried out by a team from the University of Southern California, with their findings being published in the JAMA Network Open [1].

The research involved 162 children aged between 6 and 12 with a diagnosis of autism. They were split into two groups, both of which received dental cleaning. One group of 83 received care in a standard clinic environment, with the other 80 receiving care in an adapted environment [1].

The researchers spent time in planning which adaptations could be made. The adapted environment involved:

• Blackout curtains being hung over the windows

• The dentist wearing a surgical loupe with an attached lamp to avoid getting light in the eyes of the child

• A slow-motion visual effect being projected onto the ceiling – with the child being given the option between a “Finding Nemo” underwater scene or abstract colors

• A portable speaker that played calming nature sounds and quiet piano music

• A traditional lead X-ray bib being placed on the child’s chest

• The child being securely wrapped to the dental chair in a method that involved a hugging sensation from shoulder to ankle [1]

The researchers wanted to see if these adaptations would improve the dental clinic experience for the children. During the check-up, electrodes were placed on each child’s fingers, which measured electrodermal activity – which researchers could use to see how the children were reacting throughout the appointment [1].

Moreover, the researchers were also looking out for jerking or other movements, jaw-clamping, screaming, crying or biting the equipment or dentist – all signs that a child is in distress.

Interestingly, the researchers found that there were many similarities between the groups. For example, the quality of care and time needed to get the child seated were the same in both groups [1].

However, when it came to patient comfort, the adapted setting was much more effective. The two groups had very different results – with the adapted environment group having less discomfort, distress, movements, screaming and jaw-clamping [1]. They found the adapted environment to be calming. For those in the standard environment, there were many problems.

The results clearly showed that making adaptations for autistic children can be very effective. The children in the study were more at ease due to adaptations, which can provide a calmer experience.

Author comments

This study suggests that by offering an adapted environment approach to autistic children, that they will find visits to the dentist more beneficial. Treatments and regular check-ups can be more effective and useful.

The authors recommended that dental clinics adopt adapted environments for autistic children. Lead author Leah Stein Duker commented on the findings, saying that “the combination of curated visual, auditory and tactile adaptations—all of which are easily implemented, relatively inexpensive and don’t require training to safely use—led to statistically significant decreases in autistic children’s behavioral and physiological distress during dental cleanings” [5].

The researchers suggested that such changes can be low-cost, stating that implementation can be completed through “a one-time cost of less than $6000” [5]. In fact, the researchers pointed out that beanie hats, sunglasses and X-ray bibs are often free – making them simple additions to a dental clinic [5].

Overall, these changes can make a positive difference. Children with autism will often struggle with their oral health. However, by making these adaptations, it can improve their oral health substantially and result in long-term benefits.

Thinking points…

[1] If you have an autistic child, the chances are that you will know about the challenges involved in visiting the dentist. However, here at [clinic name], we offer support for all of our patients! Please do not be discouraged to book with us, as check-ups are important for the oral health of your children! You can read more about us at our website https://savanndentalclinic.ca!

[2] While it is important for you to look out for the oral health of your children, remember that your oral health is equally as important! Therefore, remember to attend check-ups at the dentist on a regular basis. Dental check-ups can help to identify any issues that need attention. We recommend booking an appointment 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 very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Duker, L. I. S., Como, D. H., Jolette, C., Vigen, C., Gong, C. L., Williams, M. E., Polido, J. C., Florindez-Cox, L. I., & Cermak, S. A. (2023). Sensory Adaptations to Improve Physiological and Behavioral Distress During Dental Visits in Autistic Children. JAMA Network Open. 6 (6): e2316346. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.16346.

[2] Carmichael, R. (2021). Autism On the Rise: Coping in the Dental Office. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/autism-on-the-rise-coping-in-the-dental-office/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

[3] NHS. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

[4] Nunes da Silva, S., Gimenez, T., Souza, R. C., Mello-Moura, A. C. V., Raggio, D. P., Morimoto, S., Lara, J. S., Soares, G. C., & Tedesco, T. K. (2016). Oral health status of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. 27 (5): p388-398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12274.

[5] McNulty, M. (2023). Sensory adapted dental rooms significantly reduce autistic children’s physiological stress during teeth cleanings. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-sensory-dental-rooms-significantly-autistic.html. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

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.

A recent labour board ruling has found that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith by delaying negotiations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada in regards to the new dental care plan. This has led to accusations that the progress of this plan has been stalled intentionally. However, the Federal Government have now announced that it is appealing the ruling.

The Federal Government has announced that it is appealing a recent labour board ruling that found the Treasury Board acted in bad faith due to recent indiscretions with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

The finding was that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith by delaying negotiations regarding a new dental care plan with PSAC [1]. This allegation has resulted in debate and discussion regarding the situation.

The Ruling

In June 2022, PSAC filed a complaint against the Treasury Board [1]. This complaint came almost six months after the union approached the government to begin negotiations about the dental plan.

At the end of March, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board made a ruling that found that the Treasury Board had violated a section of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act [1].

The ruling stated that the Treasury Board had violated the aforementioned act by not agreeing to start negotiations for the renewal of the national dental plan while it pursued a benchmarking study on the topic at the time [1].

The implication is that the Treasury Board didn’t act fairly through their actions. However, this version of events is being challenged by the federal government.

Government’s appeal

The government have lodged an appeal against the ruling with the Federal Court of Appeal [1]. In their application, the government has stated that the Treasury Board invited PSAC to partake in the dental plan study on multiple occasions last May.

The Treasury Board has since said that the government has completed the benchmarking study – which is a contentious topic that has caused some problems.

Moreover, they state that the union declined this and instead filed a complaint that the government was failing to bargain in good faith with them [1]. Clearly, the government have a different set of events.

Continuing, the application of the government stated that the labour board rendered an “unreasonable decision” through its finding that “there was a breach of the duty to bargain in good faith” [1]. Moreover, the government also argued that it was unreasonable for the labour board to believe it was their jurisdiction to hear such a complaint.

PSAC’s response

PSAC have since said that its goal from the beginning was to get the Treasury Board to negotiate an update to the dental plan. Given that it represents almost 200,000 federal public service workers, this is understandable. Furthermore, they claim that the government has intentionally stalled this process [1].

PSAC has said that they contacted the government in an effort to arrange talks on the subject, but has not heard back [1]. The two sides seem to be at an impasse.

Impact on the dental care plan

Martin Potvin is the spokesperson for the Treasury Board. He commented on the situation, stating that the board “are committed to working towards a modernized Public Service Dental Care Plan that is science and evidence-based and supports employee wellness in a manner that is fair for employees and for all Canadians [1].

It does appear to have slowed down the progress of the dental plan. David Orfald of the labour board suggested that “because the parties have not been able to commence negotiations, they have not been able to engage in the rational dialogue they need to complete the renewal of the plan” [1].

What will happen next?

By lodging their appeal, the government is looking for an order to be made that sets aside the labour board’s original finding. They firmly believe that the Treasury Board did not act in bad faith [1].

PSAC remain adamant in their belief that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith. However, we will need to wait for the result of the appeal before any conclusions can be drawn.

There is currently no timeframe on when the Federal Court of Appeal will hear this case. Therefore, discussions and disagreements may be commonplace for some time.

Thinking Points

[1] The national dental care plan is proving to be a topic that is attracting substantial conversation. While we wait for the specific details of the plan to be worked out, it is important to not neglect your oral health in the meantime! Remember to attend dental appointments regularly as this will ensure your oral health is strong! Check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and provide treatment options if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] One of the potential causes of a lack of access to dental care concerns cost. Therefore, it is useful to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, this ensures that our prices are reliable, competitive and transparent. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon – find out more about us by visiting our website at the following link https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

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] Morrison, C. (2023). Federal government appealing labour board ruling on dental plan negotiations between PSAC, Treasury Board. Available: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/feds-appealing-labour-board-ruling-on-dental-plan-negotiation-delays. Last accessed: 12th May 2023.