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How Can New Research Help Dentists To Diagnose Cases of Hypophosphatasia?
17Mar
Hypophosphatasia is a rare condition that affects the development of bones and teeth. Therefore, it causes several oral health problems, making early detection crucial. A research team has looked at cases of hypophosphatasia, and sought to find out how dentists can identify suspected cases of the condition at an earlier stage.

Hypophosphatasia is a rare condition that impacts the development of bones and teeth. It is a debilitating condition and causes lifelong problems for those with the condition.

Due to the impact on teeth, those with hypophosphatasia face oral health challenges from an early age and throughout their life. Therefore, there have been ongoing efforts to aid those with the condition.

Now, new research into the condition has presented findings that could help dentists in identifying suspected cases of hypophosphatasia earlier [1]. This is an exciting finding and will hopefully improve treatment outcomes for those with this condition.

What is Hypophosphatasia?

Hypophosphatasia is a rare skeletal disease which affects bones and teeth. It involves the abnormal development of the bones and teeth [2].

Hypophosphatasia is a serious condition and can cause fetal death. Some people won’t see any symptoms for several years. The earlier that the signs are spotted, the better.

The condition is caused by genetic changes to the ALPL gene [1]. It is possible for hypophosphatasia to run in families.

Those with hypophosphatasia typically have physical health symptoms like feeding and breathing problems in infancy, short stature, weak bones and short limbs [1].

Past research has underlined the oral health problems facing those with the condition. For example, one study found that when comparing those with hypophosphatasia and members of the general public, that those with hypophosphatasia had a higher chance of having severe gum disease and a higher number of teeth missing [3].

However, there have been positive developments in recent times. Enzyme replacement therapy has offered promise, with research finding that using this type of therapy can lessen the severity of oral manifestations of hypophosphatasia [4].

Therefore, having any additional research into this subject is highly desirable. By doing so, it can help support those with hypophosphatasia towards improved oral health.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers from Osaka University in Japan. Their findings have been published in the Scientific Reports journal [1].

The research involved studying Japanese patients with a diagnosis of hypophosphatasia. The researchers have carried out similar studies once every five years since 2013 [1].

This was the largest study yet on hypophosphatasia in terms of participants – with the researchers collecting data from 103 cases of hypophosphatasia across 30 clinics [1].

By having such a huge number of cases, the research team were able to break them down into two groups. One group whose symptoms involved only teeth – called the odonto-type disease, and those who had other symptoms, termed “non-odonto type disease” [1].

Clinical dental records were studied in order to identify common oral symptoms of the condition. Moreover, the researchers were particularly interested in seeing how the cases differed between the two groups.

When comparing the groups, they were looking at many different factors. Finding trends in these factors allowed them to make conclusions.

They found that those with odonto-type hypophosphatasia were more likely to lose their first teeth early [1]. This is a clear indication of hypophosphatasia, and with this type involving teeth, the link makes sense.

Those with the non-odonto-type disease were likelier to have tooth misalignment and tooth hypomineralization, which refers to enamel on the outside of the teeth softening [1]. This can make someone more prone to tooth decay.

Moreover, the researchers found that the non-odonto-type disease were also likelier to engage in poor oral habits like finger sucking and tongue thrusting [1].

Moreover, they were likelier to have problems with swallowing [1]. Therefore, those with the non-odonto-type disease faced more oral health problems.

The role of dentists

Dentists have an important role to play. Some people are unaware that dentists are also trained to look for the symptoms of various conditions. For example, dentists can identify the signs of oral cancer, such as tumors.

Furthermore, this extends to dentists being able to spot the signs of hypophosphatasia. Sometimes it will be dentists that are the first to notice this condition.

One of the study’s authors – Kazuhiko Nakano – said that the trends observed in this study “will be helpful for dentists who might come across patients with hypophosphatasia in their clinics” [5].

Furthermore, Nakano posited that “improved knowledge of the various ways this disease presents will lead to better diagnostic rates and earlier treatments for affected patients” [5].

Summary

Overall, the study showed that both types of hypophosphatasia cause oral health problems. However, the problems for those with the non-odonto-type version of hypophosphatasia had more difficulties [1].

Rena Okawa was the lead author of the study. Okawa mentioned that the team were “surprised to see big differences in oral manifestations between the two groups” [5].

With that said, it should be noted that both types are debilitating, and irrespective of the quantity of problems, the condition puts patients at high risk of oral health problems.

Research like this is very helpful and aids towards raising awareness and improved diagnostic rates. Hopefully these continuous efforts will result in improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for those with hypophosphatasia.

Thinking points…

1) As shown above, dentists have an important role to play with overall health. By examining your mouth, they can look out for the signs and symptoms of key illnesses and conditions. Therefore, we strongly recommend attending check-ups regularly. Check-ups ensure that a dentist can take a thorough look at your oral health and check for any warning signs of various conditions. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone with hypophosphatasia? If so, this article could be of interest to them. You could share this with them now! However, perhaps you’d never heard of this condition before? You could share this knowledge with friends and family, why not send them the link to this article 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] Okawa, R., Kadota, T., Kurosaka, H., et al. (2025). Japanese nationwide dental survey of hypophosphatasia reveals novel oral manifestations. Scientific Reports. 15 (6743). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91043-7.

[2] Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. (2025). Hypophosphatasia. Available: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6734/hypophosphatasia. Last accessed: 14th March 2025.

[3] Weider, M., Schlagenhauf, U., & Seefried, L. (2022). Oral health status of adult hypophosphatasia patients: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 49 (12): p1253-1261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13718.

[4] Smart, G., Jensen, E. D., Poirier, B., & Sethi, S. (2023). The impact of enzyme replacement therapy on the oral health manifestations of hypophosphatasia among children: a scoping review. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry. 24: p429-440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-023-00796-0.

[5] Osaka University. (2025). Hard evidence of soft teeth: the oral symptoms of hypophosphatasia. Available: https://www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/hard-evidence-soft-teeth-oral-symptoms-hypophosphatasia. Last accessed: 14th March 2025.

How Can Parents Encourage Their Children To Look After Their Oral Health?
2Mar
It is very important that children look after their oral health. With February marking National Children’s Dental Health Month, now is a great time for parents to think about the oral health of their children. There are several ways that parents can encourage strong oral hygiene, which can contribute towards strong oral health in the long-term.

February marks National Children’s Dental Health Month, which offers parents a chance to have a think about their children’s oral health [1].

Whether this is reviewing their diet, how much they brush, their oral hygiene, or anything else – this month provides an opportunity to review the oral health of children.

Oral health is crucial for children and can aid their wellbeing as they grow up. Parents have an important role to play in this.

About National Children’s Dental Health Month

Every February, the United States observes National Children’s Dental Health Month. The month intends to promote the benefits of good oral health in children.

The program actually began as a one-day event in 1941 [1]. By 1955, it became a week-long celebration. Then in 1981, the program became a month-long event. It has remained this way since.

The American Dental Association (ADA) sponsor the month [2]. The message behind the month has reached millions of people over the last few decades.

The ADA produce a range of resources and materials for children, including activity sheets, how-to guides, essay contests and many posters [2].

Why is children’s oral health so important?

The oral health of children is very important for numerous reasons. Overall, strong oral health can help to promote a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, which aids overall health.

Oral health can impact multiple spheres of life for children – including physical, social, and emotional health [1]. Moreover, it also impacts their eating and speaking.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition in children [3]. In fact, half of children aged 6-9 have had at least one cavity in their mouth [3].

These issues are more pronounced in lower income households. For example, children aged 6 to 9 from lower income households are more than twice as likely (25%) to have untreated cavities than children from higher income households (10%) [4].

Research shows that poor oral health in children is linked to worse academic performance [5]. This is normally due to oral pain keeping them off school.

Moreover, in a concerning finding, children lose 34 million hours of school each year due to emergency dental care [5].

Perhaps the most important finding of all from past research is that good dental health enhances the quality of life of children, which underlines its significance [6].

How can parents help?

With the above in mind, it shows why it is so important for parents to help their children with their oral health. There are several ways that parents can do this.

Encouraging and instilling good oral health habits from a young age is important. At a minimum, children should be brushing their teeth twice per day with fluoridated toothpaste.

Brushing all surfaces of the teeth is important too. Missing part of the teeth leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay, which can result in cavities developing.

It can be advisable for parents to supervise their children’s toothbrushing until they can manage their own brushing.

If parents live in an area with fluoridated water, it is a good idea for their children to consume this. Water – whether fluoridated or not – should be consumed rather than soft drinks or juice.

Furthermore, avoiding sugary foods can also help to fight against decay. A healthy diet low in sugar and high in nutrients can result in better physical health too for children.

Attending regular visits to the dentist is also important. This underlines to children the importance of oral health, and it also allows a dentist to take a thorough look at their oral health.

Summary

Oral health is a very important aspect of overall health. The effort and resources placed onto this month underline how crucial oral health is!

Parents have an important role to play. By encouraging strong oral health habits from a young age, it helps to build the foundation for excellent oral health for life.

As discussed above, there are many ways that parents can help. This helps to contribute towards overall health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Thinking points…

1) While the oral health of children is very important, this shouldn’t detract from how vital oral health is for adults too. Therefore, remember to attend dental check-ups as an adult! These check-ups allow a dentist to review your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if needed. If you have children, you could also take them with you, as this will set a good example. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) As discussed earlier, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Do you have children? If so, you could have a read through this article with them and discuss the importance of oral health. It should educate them and aid their overall oral health. Why not have a discussion 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] McConnell, P. (2025). Tips for Parents to Encourage Healthy Smiles. Available: https://patch.com/wisconsin/appleton/tips-parents-encourage-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[2] American Dental Association. (2025). February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Available: https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[3] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2025). Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) in Children Ages 2 to 11 Years. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/children. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Oral Health Surveillance Report: Dental Caries, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 2017–March 2020. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/php/2024-oral-health-surveillance-report/index.html. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.

[5] Naavaal, S., & Kelekar, U. (2018). School Hours Lost Due to Acute/Unplanned Dental Care. Health Behavior and Policy Review. 5 (2): p66-73. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.5.2.7.

[6] Guarnizo-Herreno, C. C., & Wehby, G. L. (2013). Children’s Dental Health, School Performance and Psychosocial Well-Being. The Journal of Pediatrics. 161 (6): p1153-1159. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.05.025.

How Will a New Student Loan Forgiveness Initiative Help the Oral Health of Rural Communities?
24Feb
The Canadian Federal Government has announced a change that could have a very positive effect on the oral health of those living in rural areas in Canada.

The government has confirmed that dentists and dental hygienists who work in underserved rural or remote areas for five years will qualify for some loan forgiveness on their student debts [1].

Not only would this be very positive for dental professionals, but it would also help those who live in areas where there is a lack of access to dental care.

Dentistry in Canada’s rural areas

Canada is the world’s second largest country, spanning thousands of square kilometers. As with any large country, there are both urban and rural areas.

While there are plenty of dental clinics across Canada, accessing them can be challenging for those in rural areas.

Research has shown that poor oral health related quality of life is statistically higher in rural areas compared to urban zones [2].

Part of this is due to access to care being more difficult in rural areas. Other research has shown that rural communities have a shortage of dental workers [3].

This means that not everyone in rural or remote communities can access oral healthcare. Therefore, any initiative that can change this is sought after.

The initiative

The federal government has announced a new initiative that has the aim of persuading more dental professionals to serve rural and remote areas.

Dentists and dental hygienists that work in underserved rural or remote areas for five years will qualify for up to $60,000 and $15,000 respectively, in student loan forgiveness [1].

This forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare in rural communities. As pointed out above, this is desperately needed.

By recruiting more staff in these areas, it should mean access to care will become easier. This will hopefully result in improvements in the oral health of patients in rural or remote areas.

This will take effect from 1st November 2025. Steven MacKinnon, minister of Employment, workforce development and labour, has commented on this [1].

MacKinnon says that “providing student loan relief to health care and social service professionals working in rural and remote communities will not only help improve access to health care in these communities – it will also improve overall health outcomes and add talented workers to our community health-care networks” [1].

Student loan forgiveness

This initiative is part of upcoming changes to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations and Canada Student Loans Regulations [1].

In terms of the exact level of loan forgiveness, dentists will be eligible for up to $60,000. This will start with $8,000 in the first year and rise incrementally over the five-year period [1].

Similarly, for dental hygienists, they will be eligible for up to $15,000. This will begin with $2,000 in the first year, before rising gradually over five years [1].

These loan forgiveness rates are very appealing and represents an excellent opportunity for dentists and dental hygienists.

Dentists and dental hygienists are among those to benefit from this. Other professions that will benefit include early childhood educators, pharmacists, psychologists, teachers, midwives, social workers and physiotherapists [1].

Summary

Overall, this initiative will have a very positive impact. It will assist communities that have been traditionally underserved, provide more jobs, and improve oral health.

This initiative should hopefully lessen the disparity between the oral healthcare of those living in rural or remote areas and those living in urban areas.

By improving oral health, it can also boost the overall health and wellbeing of those in these underserved areas. Therefore, there are many positives to this announcement!

Thinking points…

1) Whether you live in an urban, rural or remote area, it is very important that you visit a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a look at your oral health in detail and provide advice. If any treatment is needed, they can come up with a treatment plan. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) We mentioned above about how some people do not have easy access to a dentist. However, here at Savanna Dental, we are located in an easily reached part of Calgary! Therefore, why not come and visit us? We would love to see you soon, you can find out more about us and our range of services on our website – https://savannadental.ca!

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] Oral Health. (2025). Canadian government expands student loan forgiveness to bring more dentists and hygienists to rural areas. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/governance-3/canadian-government-offers-student-loan-forgiveness-to-dentists-hygienists-in-rural-areas-1003984470/. Last accessed: 20th February 2025.

[2] Gaber, A., Galarneau, C., Feine, J. S., & Emami, E. (2017). Rural-urban disparity in oral health-related quality of life. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 46 (2): p132-142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12344.

[3] Gupta, N., & Miah, P. (2024). Imbalances in the oral health workforce: a Canadian population-based study. BMC Health Services Research. 7 (24). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11677-7.

What Has a New Poll Revealed About the Oral Health and Hygiene Habits of Children?
17Feb
The results of a recent poll have produced some worrying statistics. Over 1,800 parents answered a poll about the oral health and hygiene habits of their children. While there were some positive findings, the results suggest that there is room for significant improvement in the oral hygiene habits of many children.

Children are facing dental issues on an increasing basis. While in the past issues such as cavities only affected adults, dental clinics are seeing an ever-increasing number of children present with tooth decay.

Many potential causes of this have been put forward, including poor diet, inadequate brushing, a lack of dental clinic visits, and scepticism of fluoride.

In fact, a new national poll has suggested that more than one in three children have faced problems like tooth decay and cavities over the past two years [1].

About the national poll

The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, which is part of the University of Michigan, commissioned a national poll based around children’s oral health [1].

The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. In August 2024, a randomly selected group of with at least one child aged 1-17 were asked a series of questions [1].

The poll received responses from 1,801 parents, which represents a number that can provide useful insights into the oral health of children [1].

The poll asked parents questions pertaining to the oral health of their children. The results were quite concerning and provide an explanation for the growing dental issues in children.

Oral hygiene poll results

The first section of the poll focused on six oral hygiene practices. These refer to the daily activities a child should do to protect their teeth.

In arguably the most concerning finding, only 3 in 5 parents said that their child regularly brushes their teeth twice a day [1]. Toothbrushing twice a day should be a bear minimum, as irrespective of anything that happens throughout the day, at least this ensures a child’s teeth will receive protection from fluoride twice a day.

Moreover, when brushing, it is important to clean for at least two minutes, so that all areas of the mouth can be sufficiently cleaned. The results showed that only 59% of parents said their children brushes for at least two minutes [1].

Aside from brushing teeth twice a day, using a mouthwash or fluoride rinse throughout the day can be helpful. 22% of parents said that their children did this daily [1].

Eating sugary snacks is common in childhood. But something that can limit damage to the teeth is to rinse the mouth with water following consuming anything sugary, as this can help to regulate acid levels in the mouth. Just 15% of parents said that their children do this [1].

35% of adults said that their child cleans their tongue, with 23% saying that their child flosses [1]. While tongue cleaning and flossing isn’t essential in childhood, they should be encouraged, as they are important activities in adulthood.

So none of these six areas received particularly strong results. Only 20% of children according to the poll engage in 4-6 of these practices. Ideally this number would be significantly higher.

41% of children complete 2-3 practices, whilst 38% report 0-1 practices [1]. These results suggest that very few children are engaging in the recommended oral hygiene practices.

Dental problems poll results

The second part of the poll asked the parents about any dental problems that their child had experienced. Similar to the above, there were some worrying results.

36% of parents reported that their child had experienced dental problems relating to oral hygiene in the last two years [1]. Furthermore, this included cavities/tooth decay (29%), discolored/stained teeth (7%), tooth sensitivity (6%), and gum problems (3%) [1].

Interestingly, these results were directly linked to the oral hygiene practices mentioned earlier. 44% of children whose parents reported completing 0-1 practices had dental problems, compared to 31% for those completing 2-3 practices, and 28% for those performing 4-6 practices [1].

There were other findings too. 36% of parents said that they had noticed their child has bad breath [1]. This was especially prevalent in the group that engaged in 0-1 oral hygiene practices.

In some positive news, 85% of parents addressed the issue of bad breath, with interventions including going to the dentist, increasing the frequency of brushing, using mouthwash or changing their diet [1].

In terms of recent visits to the dentist, 89% of parents said their last visit to a dental clinic came within the past year [1]. This was a positive finding, with dental check-ups being crucial!

7% of parents said that the visit was between 1 and 2 years ago, and 4% said that their child’s last visit was over 2 years ago [1].

What does this mean?

The oral health of children is crucial. Good oral hygiene habits in childhood can set up a strong foundation for the future. Therefore, it is important that parents emphasize to their children the importance of looking after their teeth.

Completing the various hygiene practices outlined above can be helpful. Oral health also impacts physical health, which further underlines the importance of oral health for children.

Building oral hygiene practices into a daily routine can be helpful. Moreover, regular visits to a dental clinic for a check-up should be encouraged.

By looking after their teeth, it can help children to avoid oral pain, build oral hygiene skills for the future, and allow them to spend more time learning and having fun.

Thinking points…

1) Are you a parent? If so, remember the importance of following the six oral hygiene practices mentioned above. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, cleans their tongue, flosses gently, uses mouthwash and rinses their mouth with water following sugary snacks. By following these practices, you can help their oral health!

2) Additionally, as a parent you can set a good example to your children by attending a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. By doing this, it underlines the importance of oral health to your children. You should attend a check-up at least once every six months. 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] Mott Poll. (2025). Oral hygiene is key to healthy smiles. Available: https://mottpoll.org/reports/oral-hygiene-key-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 14th February 2025.

How Can Patients With OCD Be Made To Feel Comfortable at a Dental Clinic?
10Feb
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which is better known as OCD, is a very difficult condition to live with. One of the challenges facing those with the condition is going to the dentist. This is often due to fears over cross-contamination and cleanliness. However, dental clinics can put some measures in place to improve the experience of those with the condition.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition that impacts the lives of all those with the condition in many ways.

OCD is a very misunderstood condition. It involves obsessions and compulsions. One of the common obsessions people with the condition have is around cleanliness and hygiene.

Therefore, this can cause problems when an individual with the condition needs to visit the dentist. So how can dental clinics make it more comfortable for patients with OCD? There are a few different methods that can be put in place.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is a rather common condition, with around 8 million American adults suffering from the condition [1]. Children can also suffer from the condition.

OCD is characterized by a person having obsessions, which subsequently result in compulsions. An obsession is an unwanted or unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. Then, a compulsion is a repetitive action that the person carries out to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsession [2].

For example, a person with OCD may have an obsession around cleanliness. Therefore, they may have an urge to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. They may feel unable to touch any surface before they have washed their hands.

This obviously causes many problems. They may withdraw from social situations, rarely leave their house, and struggle to remain employed. Moreover, they can easily develop Depression as a result.

Treatment is available and generally involves a combination of talking therapy and medication [2]. But treatment takes time. Among the tasks that are often neglected by those with OCD is going to the dentist.

OCD patients seeing the dentist

A dental clinic can be a challenging place for those with OCD to visit. A common fear is contamination. This is difficult to avoid at a dental clinic, due to the number of patients that enter in and out of the clinic daily.

Past research also found that common issues for those with OCD in dental clinics included aggressive thoughts, teeth grinding, being concerned about the order of the procedure and worries about cleanliness [3].

Moreover, OCD patients may have worse oral health. Antidepressants are one of the most common treatments for OCD. However, one of the most common side effects of these medicines is a dry mouth, which has a negative impact on oral health [4].

Other oral health problems facing those with OCD includes a person overcleaning their teeth or brushing too hard – in an effort to make the teeth cleaner.

But this will sadly commonly result in gum recession due to the vigorous pressure on the gums. Therefore, some OCD patients are reluctant to visit the dentist due to the fear of needing treatment.

What can dentists do?

It should be pointed out that this is a two-way situation, and that having patients with OCD can be challenging for dentists to cope with. However, there are various methods that they can try to improve patient experience.

An open discussion at the start of the meeting about the patient’s mental health could help to make them more comfortable. This would also make them realize that the dentist cares about their wellbeing.

One helpful thing that can be done involves visible sterilization of instruments. So a dentist could actively clean any equipment or the chair in front of the patient. Therefore, this should assuage any concerns about contamination, infection, or a lack of cleanliness.

Moreover, if an anesthetic needle needs to be used, a dentist could offer to use a disposable needle. Again, this can help them to feel more at ease.

Openly communicating with the patient throughout the appointment can also help. A dentist could discuss the needs of their patient prior to beginning the check-up or procedure.

Additionally, when going through a procedure, a dentist could take extra time to explain what they are doing throughout, which should reduce any anxiety.

While patients with OCD are unlikely to be entirely comfortable, the hope is that the above methods will contribute towards a more stress-free experience for them.

Summary

Overall, there are several challenges facing those with OCD. A common challenge is oral health. But the methods put forward above should hopefully help with making the dentist a smoother experience for them.

It should also be remembered that despite having a common diagnosis, each patient will present their own individual circumstances that dentists will need to consider.

The aim is for OCD patients to receive strong oral healthcare, practice excellent oral hygiene, and find the dentist a pleasant place to go.

Thinking points…

1) Many of us have health challenges. But something that unites everyone is the importance of looking after our oral health! Therefore, remember to brush your teeth regularly and have strong oral hygiene. Additionally, remember to book an appointment at the dentist at least once every six months for a check-up. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone that has OCD? This could be a friend, relative or family member. If so, you could send this article to them now – it could be really useful to them! Similarly, you could share this article on your social media accounts, it could reach a lot of people! Why not share this article 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] International OCD Foundation. (2022). Who Gets OCD?. Available: https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/who-gets-ocd/. Last accessed: 5th February 2025.

[2] Mental Health General. (2024). Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum: Everything You Need To Know. Available: https://www.mentalhealthgeneral.com/obsessive-compulsive-spectrum-everything-you-need-to-know/. Last accessed: 5th February 2025.

[3] Elkamash, H. M., & Abuohashish, H. M. (2021). The Behavior of Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Dental Clinics. International Journal of Dentistry. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5561690.

[4] Peeters, F., deVries, M., & Vissink, A. (1998). Risks for Oral Health With the Use of Antidepressants. General Hospital Psychiatry. 20 (3): p150-154. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-8343(98)00017-6.

Why Is Oral Health of Extra Importance for Pregnant Women?
3Feb
The health and wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn child is a key focus of health organizations. While there is often an emphasis on physical and mental health, it is crucial that oral health is not overlooked. Oral health should be a key consideration, and is linked to the overall health of both the mother and her child.

Pregnancy is a very stressful, albeit exciting time in a woman’s life. As well as looking after themselves, they also need to think about their unborn child.

The physical and mental health of the mother are rightfully focused on. However, one area of health which is often overlooked in pregnancy is oral health.

The importance of oral health during pregnancy is a key message that has been put forward by the European Federation of Periodontology – an organization that promotes oral health awareness [1].

Pregnancy and oral health

When a woman is pregnant, research shows that they are more vulnerable to developing gum disease and cavities [2].

Morning sickness, hormonal changes and sugary cravings contribute to this. These are all common experiences in pregnancy for many women.

In fact, research shows that up to 75% of pregnant women have Gingivitis – which is a mild form of gum disease [2]. Some develop Periodontitis – a severe form of gum disease.

Moreover, past research has suggested a connection between gum disease and birth complications such as a premature birth or low birth weight exists [3].

Comments from the European Federation of Periodontology

The importance of pregnant women’s oral health has been discussed by Nicola West, who is the secretary general of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) [1].

West explained some of the issues facing pregnant women, saying that “during pregnancy, increased hormonal levels can affect the way that the body reacts to dental plaque, leading to swollen and bleeding gums” [1].

Continuing, West said that “untreated gum disease during pregnancy can lead to serious health risks, affecting both the mother and the child” [1].

President-elect of the EFP – Tali Chackartchi – has also been discussing the importance of pregnant women’s health. She has placed particular focus on gum disease.

Chackartchi says that “if gingivitis or periodontitis is diagnosed, it can be treated safely during pregnancy” [1]. Moreover, she says that “in fact, the risks of not treating the condition are more significant” [1].

Additionally, Chackartchi has said that many patients of hers have said that they’ve lost a tooth with every pregnancy they have had [1]. This underlines the potential damage.

Another message that the EFP supports is to address any issues at an early stage, as this can boost both maternal and fetal health.

Chackartchi has said that for those who are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, should be aware of the connection between oral health and the health of their baby [1].

The EFP have been trying to raise awareness of the importance of pregnant women’s oral health. They have been urging oral health professionals to adopt a more personalized and holistic approach towards pregnant women [1].

What pregnant women can do

While it is important for everyone to attend the dentist regularly, this is even more important for pregnant women.

It is recommended that pregnant women visit a dental clinic in both their second and third trimester. Because of the high potential for problems, increasing the frequency of visits is advisable.

Aside from this, brushing their teeth at least twice a day is crucial. Accompanying this with flossing is also important.

Furthermore, in cases where a pregnant woman has been sick – which is common – cleaning the teeth soon afterwards helps to neutralize harmful acid in the mouth.

Trying to avoid sugary cravings can also protect oral health. Having sugar-free gum and water close by can reduce the desire for unhealthy and sugary food and drink.

Summary

Overall, it is important for pregnant women to place focus on their oral health. After all, a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy pregnancy and child.

Hopefully, this effort to increase awareness of the importance of pregnant women’s oral health will have a positive impact.

Oral health professionals also have a role to play. By placing extra focus on pregnant women’s oral health, they can contribute to the improved health of their patients.

Such actions can have a positive impact on the mother and their baby, and hopefully sets the foundation for a long and healthy life.

Thinking points…

1) Whether you are pregnant or not, oral health remains crucial! Therefore, remember to attend regular dental check-ups, as these can help your oral health significantly. Any problems will be identified by a dentist, and treatment can be arranged to stop the problem worsening. We recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Do you have any family members or friends that are currently pregnant? If so, this article can be a helpful reminder to them of the importance of looking after their oral health. You could send this article to them now – it could be really helpful! Or, why not share it on your social media accounts?

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] European Federation of Periodontology (2025). Healthy mouth, healthy baby: Experts emphasize oral health for expectant mothers. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-healthy-mouth-baby-experts-emphasize.html. Last accessed: 30th January 2025.

[2] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Talking to Pregnant Women about Oral Health. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html. Last accessed: 30th January 2025.

[3] Srinivas, S. K., & Parry, S. (2012). Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Time to Move On?. Journal of Women’s Health. 21 (2): p121-125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2011.3023.