Tag: oral health

A recent new craze on TikTok involves users chewing “extra hard” chewing gum. According to the videos, this has the supposed benefit of improving the jawline of a person. But is this true? Now, a dental expert has discussed the craze and provided information on what chewing extra hard gum truly does.

Seeing new trends and crazes from the app TikTok is common. But a new craze – focused on chewing “extra hard” gum – may not be as effective as some people think.

There has recently been a huge number of videos of users chewing on “extra hard” gum uploaded to the app [1]. Many of these benefits promote the supposed benefits to this.

However, the truth is that this can actually be quite harmful. Knowing this is important, as it can protect a person’s oral health.

Impact of TikTok crazes

TikTok has grown enormously in the last few years. Research shows that there are currently over 2 billion users of the app [2].

This includes a huge range of age groups. However, the app is used mainly by teenagers and young adults – who are typically the most impressionable too.

Therefore, when there are crazes on TikTok, many younger people will be keen on partaking. When these are harmless crazes, there is nothing wrong with this. However, when the crazes are dangerous, this can lead to danger.

Chewing “extra hard” gum

One of the most recent crazes seen on TikTok concerns the use of extra-hard chewing gum. There are many videos on the app of users chewing the gum.

Many of the videos suggest that the person is in discomfort, with their mouths clearly having to do significant work to chew the gum.

Users on social media who are promoting the use of this gum have argued that it is a way of developing a chiseled jawline [1].

Many people, especially young men, see a chiseled jawline as a highly desirable and “manly” trait. Therefore, they are keen on doing what they can to form such a jawline.

The extra hard gum is seen as a “facial fitness” gym, and supposedly helps with toning and tightening the muscles around the jaw [1].

What is the oral health impact of chewing extra hard gum?

So does chewing hard gum assist with chiseling the jaw? Also, is chewing extra hard gum helpful or harmful? Experts have now weighed in on this discussion.

Dr. James Ruggiero – chair of dentistry at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey – has commented. He says that the extra hard gum has “very limited scientific research” to back up its use [1].

Actually, Ruggiero says that chewing extra hard gum can be harmful. Chewing with strong force puts a lot of pressure on the teeth. In some cases, it can cause them to crack or chip [1].

Furthermore, the risk is heightened if cavities or other oral health problems are present – as the teeth will already be weakened by this point. The additional chewing can worsen these issues [1].

Moreover, Ruggiero points out that constant jaw movement can strain the temporomandibular joint – which is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull [1]. This is a very important joint, and straining it can lead to pain developing easily.

Ruggiero sums this up by saying “chewing extra hard gum can be extremely detrimental to your oral health, causing significant damage to your teeth and jaw” [1].

Ruggiero has said that if a person does chew extra hard gum, any changes would be subtle. Therefore, the changes touted on TikTok are not truthful.

Summary

Unfortunately, it is always the case that we should take any claim or craze on TikTok with a pinch of salt. There have been many examples of harmful dental advice being provided on the app.

Regrettably, there are too many risks involved with this craze. Excessive pressure on the teeth, risking dental issues and potential joint pain are all unfortunate consequences of chewing extra hard gum.

Instead of chewing hard gum, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help a person to lose weight – which would enhance the chances of a chiseled jawline developing.

Overall, while chewing hard gum may provide modest benefits, there are many potential problems it can cause. It is important to prioritize oral health!

Thinking points…

1) It should be noted that the concern here is chewing extra hard gum. Remember that chewing regular gum is helpful from an oral health perspective, as it can stimulate the production of saliva and regulate acid levels in the mouth. Therefore, chewing normal gum can help with your oral health. Moreover, attending regular dental check-ups is a crucial way of keeping your oral health strong. We recommend that you book regular dental appointments – why not book one now?

2) Do you have a child or teenager? If so, it is highly likely that they use TikTok regularly. Therefore, they might be exposed to content like this. It is important to have regular conversations with them about their dental health. You could have a conversation with them or book them in for a dental check-up!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Thompson, D. (2024). TikTok craze ‘extra hard’ gum won’t chisel your jawline—it might even hurt you. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-tiktok-craze-extra-hard-gum.html. Last accessed: 16th August 2024.

[2] Statista. (2024). Number of TikTok users worldwide from 2018 to 2029. Available: https://www.statista.com/forecasts/1142687/tiktok-users-worldwide. Last accessed: 16th August 2024.

Oral health is known to be strongly associated with our physical health. Yet many are unaware of the connection between oral health and our mental health. However, a link between these two areas does exist. There are several factors in place that mean those with mental health problems often have poor oral health.

The link between oral health and overall physical health is well-known. However, a connection that many are unaware of concerns oral health and mental health.

With discussions and awareness of mental health becoming more entrenched in society, many are seeing how their mental wellbeing impacts oral health [1].

There are a range of reasons why people with poor mental health may have an increased chance of having oral health problems.

Mental health

Mental health problems impact huge numbers of people around the world. For example, the World Health Organization found in 2019 that 970 million people were living with a mental disorder [2]. The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have exacerbated this.

The most common conditions are Depression and Anxiety. More severe mental health conditions include Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Mental health disorders impair the day-to-day lives of many in multiple ways. This includes impacting employment, relationships with family and friends, and an ongoing risk of premature death.

Moreover, many have pointed towards a link between mental health and oral health. There are several reasons why this connection may exist.

Mental health and oral health research

Significant research has taken place looking at the connection between mental health and oral health. Findings have consistently found a link between them.

For example, research has found that those with depression and anxiety – the two most common mental health conditions – have a higher chance of tooth loss, and visiting dental clinics less [3].

Research has also indicated that patients in mental health hospitals do not unfortunately see dentists regularly [4]. This means that any problems they have may go unnoticed, causing long-term problems.

This is backed up by dentists. Chicago-based dentist Suhail Mohiuddin has estimated that around 15-20% of his patients have had a mental health condition that has impacted their oral health [1].

Then there are bigger factors at play. For instance, during Covid-19, routine dentistry around the world was suspended. This coincided with many people developing mental health conditions.

Therefore, hundreds of millions of people missed out on dental appointments, with many of these having mental health problems. The industry continues to gradually recover.

It is also apparent that for some people with anxiety, leaving their house can be a challenging experience. This can mean that making it to a dental clinic for a check-up can be very difficult.

Additionally, some people have an active phobia of the dentist. They may feel unable to attend the dentist, which can worsen their oral health.

For those that are out of work due to their mental health, they may struggle to afford dental care. This can be a major barrier to receiving oral healthcare.

Furthermore, those that have not visited the dentist in many years may be conscious of being judged by a dentist over the state of their teeth. This can be linked to poor self-esteem – resulting in a negative cycle developing.

Dry mouth

Antidepressant prescriptions have risen enormously over the last few decades. For example, in the United States, there was a 64% increase in the percentage of people using antidepressants between 1999 and 2014, with this number rising further in the last decade [5].

One of the most common side effects of antidepressants is dry mouth. A dry mouth results in a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is crucial for regulating the acid levels of the mouth.

Therefore, due to a lack of saliva, acid and harmful bacteria can last for a longer period of time, doing more damage in the process.

With antidepressant usage rising, it has unsurprisingly resulted in a negative impact on oral health, with more people having a dry mouth. Chewing gum and frequently drinking water have proven to be effective ways of combatting this issue.

Ignoring toothbrushing

Anyone that has suffered from a mental health condition will be aware of how even the smallest of tasks can feel like an overwhelming challenge.

The perfect example of this is brushing your teeth. For most, brushing teeth is just a standard activity that is completed at least twice throughout the day.

However, for some, the task seems daunting, and is often ignored. This is especially the case when symptoms include a lack of energy or motivation.

When teeth are not brushed, it leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay, enamel erosion and gum disease. Cavities will often form, resulting in the need for a filling, and in some cases – a root canal procedure.

Summary

Experiencing poor mental health can be incredibly difficult. For sufferers, it can seem that recovery is not possible. But with the right treatment and support, better mental wellbeing is possible.

It appears that work is needed to provide a more cohesive treatment approach that involves both mental and oral health. With both areas expected to continue to affect large amounts of the population, hopefully action will be taken soon.

On social media, there are several people that have shared their experiences about mental health and its impact on oral health. Many users suggest setting goals and repeating positive affirmations can have a positive impact [1].

There is certainly a clear link between mental health and oral health. In the future, hopefully we will see improvements in both areas.

Thinking points…

1) As discussed above, some people have not attended the dentist for a few years. As a result, they may be afraid of visiting a dental clinic. However, here at Savanna Dental, we always welcome new patients at our Calgary dental clinic! We will be happy to discuss your situation, and provide treatment if needed. You can read more about us at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

2) If you, or someone you know, is going through a difficult time mentally, you’ll know about how difficult it can be to complete everyday tasks. However, try to prioritize attending the dentist if possible. This will aid your oral health, which can consequently have a positive impact on your overall health. Any issues can be identified, with treatment possible. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Lee, C. (2024). How Depression Can Affect Dental Hygiene. Available: https://time.com/7001852/mental-health-impacts-dental-health/. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.

[2] World Health Organization. (2024). Mental Health. Available: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.

[3] Okoro, C. A., Strine, T. W., Eke, P. I., Dhingra, S. S., & Balluz, L. S. (2012). The association between depression and anxiety and use of oral health services and tooth loss. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 40 (2): p134-144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0528.2011.00637.x.

[4] Scrine, C., Durey, A., & Slack-Smith, L. (2017). Enhancing oral health for better mental health: Exploring the views of mental health professionals. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 28 (1): p178-186. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12307.

[5] Winerman, L. (2017). By the numbers: Antidepressant use on the rise. Available: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/11/numbers. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.

Recent research has looked to see if there is a connection between enhanced oral health support from a primary care clinician and the frequency of visits to the dentist. While most children visit a primary care clinician, not everyone goes to the dentist. A research team sought to find out if this could be changed through more oral health support during primary care visits.

New research has looked at a potential relationship between enhanced oral health support from a primary care clinician and the frequency of visits to the dentist [1].

This is an interesting combination, with these two areas having never been studied together before. While they both represent healthcare visits, more people visit primary care clinicians than dental clinics.

Such subject areas are very important, as more work is needed to help improve the state of oral health in children.

Background

Primary care pediatric clinicians refer to health workers that offer first-contact care. Pediatric clinicians are those that work with children.

Parents often take their children to primary care pediatric clinicians for things like general queries, minor injuries or childhood vaccinations.

However, not everyone visits the dentist. For example, research shows that approximately 81% of American children aged 1-17 go to the dentist [2]. While this is a high number, this still means a large number do not visit.

The oral health of children is always a key topic. This is especially the case for children from low-income households, with research showing they are at a higher risk of oral health problems.

For example, one study found that 17% of preschool-aged children from low-income households have untreated cavities in their baby teeth. This is three times more than children from higher-income families [3].

By having strong attendance at dental clinics during childhood, it can help children to build long-term positive habits. Therefore, improving attendance is a key goal for health organizations.

The Research

The research was undertaken by a team at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. Their findings were published in JAMA Network Open [1].

The authors of the study noted that nearly all children at some point will see a primary care clinician [1]. Therefore, they wanted to see if they could use these visits to promote oral health.

63 pediatric clinicians were recruited. These clinicians were provided with oral health-related education and skills training – which included identifying signs of decay in children’s teeth, navigating an electronic health record, advising parents, and providing a dental referral [1].

The study involved 1,023 children. These participants and their parents were followed over a three-year period. These children were all enrolled in Medicaid, with most coming from a low-income family [1].

About half of the children received a standard medical wellness visit. The other half received a medical wellness service, but were also provided with an oral health intervention [1]. These visits followed the same pattern over a three-year period.

At the end of the three years, the researchers asked if the children had been to see the dentist. The results showed that 52% of children that had received the oral health intervention had visited a dentist. However, in the group that just received the standard service, only 43% of children had visited the dentist [1].

Therefore, the researchers were able to conclude that children who receive oral health intervention during a wellness visit are 34% more likely to visit the dentist [1].

This represents a large number, and underlines the effectiveness of oral health being discussed by primary care clinicians.

Moreover, those that had received the oral health advice had fewer untreated decayed teeth compared to their counterparts [1]. Therefore, there are clearly a range of benefits.

Summary

Overall, the researchers found that when primary care clinicians were able to talk to parents about oral health, dental visits subsequently increased [1].

The researchers suggested that improving childhood dental attendance could help to reduce untreated tooth decay and oral health disparities in disadvantaged communities [1].

A key takeaway from the research is that pediatric clinicians should be trained to talk about oral health in more detail, as it clearly has a positive impact.

It also underlines the importance of integrating oral and physical health advice together. There is a clear link between oral and physical health.

On this idea of integration, Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque – Deputy Director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research – says that “by bridging these disciplines, dental and medical providers can work better together to reach all children” – which can help “to improve children’s health” [4].

Primary care clinicians can certainly have a positive impact on the oral health of children. Hopefully, enhanced training can take place, which can benefit the health of many children.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have children? If so, remember it is crucial to visit the dentist regularly! As discussed earlier, taking children to the dentist from a young age can help them to instil strong habits which can boost their long-term oral health. Therefore, we recommend that they see a dentist regularly. You could book an appointment for them now!

2) Remember that it isn’t just children that need to receive regular oral healthcare! It is very important that adults attend regular dental check-ups. These provide the chance for a dentist to take a look at your oral health, look for any issues, and provide treatment if needed. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Nelson, S., Albert, J. M., & Selvaraj, D. (2024). Multilevel Interventions and Dental Attendance in Pediatric Primary Care. JAMA Network Open. 7 (7): e2418217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.18217.

[2] National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). Dental Care Utilization Among Children Aged 1–17 Years: United States, 2019 and 2020. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db424.htm. Last accessed: 12th July 2024.

[3] McMains, V. (2024). Dental Visits Increase with Support from Pediatric Providers. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/news-events/nidcr-news/2024/dental-visits-increase-support-pediatric-providers. Last accessed: 12th July 2024.

[4] Case Western Reserve University. (2024). Dental visits found to increase with support from pediatric providers. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07-dental-pediatric.html. Last accessed: 12th July 2024.