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Can a Special Mouth Rinse Help Treat Gum Disease for Those With Diabetes?
14Nov
Both Gum Disease and Diabetes are very common conditions that affect many people. Treating gum disease can be difficult. For those with diabetes, gum disease commonly occurs. But now, new research has suggested that a special mouth rinse could have a very positive effect on the gums of those with diabetes. This is a very positive finding, which could improve oral health for many people.

Diabetes and Gum Disease are two common conditions. There is also a connection between the two, which results in many people suffering from both conditions.

Those with Type 2 Diabetes often require treatment for their gums. However, treating gum disease can be very difficult, with very few interventions existing.

But new research has found that a special antimicrobial mouth rinse could provide many benefits to those with Type 2 diabetes that are being treated for gum disease [1]. This is a promising finding!

Background

Gum disease is a very common condition. It typically develops gradually over a period of many years. It is characterized by inflammation and redness of the gums.

Meanwhile, Diabetes is a condition that involves a person’s blood sugar level becoming too high [2]. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and was the focus of this research.

There is a strong connection between Type 2 diabetes and gum disease [3]. These conditions often run alongside one another. Research shows that diabetes increases the risk of any periodontal condition [3].

The Research

The research was carried out by a team at the University at Buffalo in New York. Their findings were then published in the JDR Clinical and Translational Research journal [1].

The research team pointed out that root planing and scaling – which are the most common gum disease treatments – can only take place in a clinic, with a qualified dental professional conducting the treatment. Therefore, the researchers reasoned that it would help those with gum disease to have something that could aid their condition that could be used at home.

The researchers sought to find an effective antiplaque regiment in the form of a mouth rinse that could be used at home, which could assist in treating moderate to severe gum disease – known as periodontitis [1].

Mouth rinses have been used for many years. But the researchers pointed out that there hadn’t been a focus on how those with diabetes responded to a special mouth rinse [1].

There were 114 participants in the study. They were divided into two groups. One group received scaling and root planing, followed by the mouth rinse – for which they were instructed to use twice a day. The second group purely received scaling and root planing, without a mouth rinse being provided [1].

The key ingredient of the mouth rinse was Chlorhexidine Gluconate – which is found in several oral health products.

After six months, the researchers were able to look at the oral health of the participants. They looked specifically at gum inflammation levels, and general oral health [1].

Overall, the results showed that those with diabetes that used the mouth rinse saw a significantly higher reduction in gum inflammation when compared to those that didn’t receive the rinse.

This proved that for those with diabetes, the mouth rinse can be very effective. This can help those with diabetes to see an improvement in their oral health.

Would the rinse work for those without diabetes?

As an added element to the research, the team looked to see if the mouth rinse could prove effective to the wider population. Therefore, they also had some participants use the mouth rinse which did not have a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes [1].

Interestingly, the results showed that those without diabetes did not see any benefit to inflammation levels [1].

The researchers stated that they suspected this was because people with diabetes tend to have a weakened healing response [1].

Author comments

The researchers were very pleased with the outcome. They were left pleasantly surprised at how those with diabetes responded so strongly to the treatment [1].

Patricia Diaz of the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine, was the head author of the study. She commented on the findings [1].

Noting the lack of treatment options for gum disease, she remarked that “before, it had been a one-size-fits-all approach, which isn’t great for treating gum disease” [1]. However, this mouth rinse has the potential to change this, especially for those with diabetes.

Diaz has cautioned though that more research is needed. She has mentioned “we need more definitive answers” [1]. While there are many positives from this research, the team have acknowledged further studies need to take place.

But overall, the findings are very positive. This mouth rinse appears to have the capability to lessen the symptoms of gum disease for those with diabetes, and generally improve their oral health.

Thinking points…

[1] Mouth rinses have the potential to be an effective method of aiding your oral health. If you are worried about gum disease, it could be worth trying to add a mouth rinse into your oral hygiene routine. Also, you could ask your dentist if they offer scaling or root planing treatments. This could aid your overall dental health.

[2] One of the biggest problems with gum disease is how so many of us have it without realizing. It is very important for gum disease to be diagnosed early on. Therefore, to make sure your oral health is strong, remember to attend regular dental check-ups. A dentist can spot gum disease, and provide advice and treatment if needed. We recommend booking a check-up 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.

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. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

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] Diaz, P. (2023). UB study: Special mouth rinse and brushes can help treat gum disease among diabetes patients. Available: https://www.buffalo.edu/grad/news.host.html/content/shared/university/news/news-center-releases/2023/10/Diaz-gumdisease-study-diabetes.detail.html. Last accessed: 9th November 2023.

[2] NHS. (2023). Diabetes. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/. Last accessed: 9th November 2023.

[3] Kumar, M., Mishra, L., Mohanty, R., & Nayak, R. (2014). Diabetes and gum disease: The diabolic duo. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 8 (4): p255-258. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2014.09.022.

How Did Dentistry During COVID-19 Compare to Pre-Pandemic?
30Oct
Recent research has compared how the dental industry looked during Covid-19 and before the pandemic. This has implications for the modern day, as many people are yet to return to a dental clinic since the pandemic. The findings were rather concerning, with there being many decreases in various areas, including preventive healthcare like check-ups and restorative procedures.

In concerning news, new research has found that there has been a significant decrease in the provision of preventive oral healthcare services when compared to the levels seen prior to Covid-19 [1].

These results have raised concerns that there could be a long-term impact on oral health. This may only be evident in years to come.

The authors of the research have proposed a few potential explanations for this. Regardless of the reasons behind this, it is a concerning situation.

Dentistry in the Covid-19 pandemic

Dentistry was one of the most affected industries during Covid-19. Routine and non-emergency dentistry was suspended in 2020, resulting in only those requiring urgent dental care receiving treatment [2].

As a result of this, tens of millions of people around the world missed their planned dental check-ups. Some people are still waiting for these appointments to be re-scheduled, with some dental clinics continuing to work through a backlog of appointments.

The Research

The research was undertaken by Delta Dental, an institute that is dedicated to advancing oral health for all Americans. Their findings were published in the Journal of the American Dental Association [1].

The research team were looking to assess the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic had on oral healthcare that was provided between July 2020 and December 2021 [1]. This included the peak months of the pandemic.

The team used national claims data. In order to gain a picture of oral healthcare during the above time period, they used past data as a comparison tool. Therefore, the team used data from 2017 to 2019 – as this represented pre-pandemic dentistry [1].

Then, the data was sorted into various treatment categories. This allowed the researchers to identify which treatments had seen a rise or fall during the pandemic.

When the research team compared the two data sets, there were concerning findings. This included the realization that all age groups – especially those aged under 65 – had seen worse statistics post-pandemic [1].

For children aged from 0 to 5, the use of sealants and topical fluorides other than varnish were significantly lower in 2021 [1].

For children aged 6 to 18, there were huge decreases. Regular check-up diagnostics, operations, surgery and periodontic procedures were all down in 2021 compared to 2019 [1].

For adults, as well as having similar trends to those seen in the 6 to 18 age group, they also had significantly less gingival surgery [1]. Therefore, this suggests that there was a lack of surgeries for gum disease in this time.

However, the researchers did find that in adults, incidences of root planing and scaling – two methods used in treating gum disease – had increased [1]. This suggests that in the absence of any surgery, patients compromised by utilizing root planing or scaling for their gums.

The only increases seen were in the use of silver diamine fluoride and prefabricated crowns [1]. This suggests that many who needed emergency care opted to use a crown, as it typically provides more stability to the tooth that has been worked on. This may have been a way of providing longer-term success to what was most likely a short-term fix from a dental clinic.

Long-term impact

The overall picture suggested that there has been a trend towards less patients having preventive care. The lack of check-ups and other preventive care is very concerning.

It is very likely to have long-term implications. We may see in the next few years a large number of people needing restorative work done, as many have not returned to a clinic since the pandemic.

Other barriers exist too, including cost and access to dental clinics. Then there has also been decreases in employer-sponsored dental benefits too [3].

Joseph Dill is the Chief Dental Officer at Delta Dental [3]. He discussed the findings. Dill noted that “while we’re through the pandemic, we’re just beginning to understand the long-term impacts it could have on the nation’s oral and overall health” [3].

Moreover, Dill has pointed out some concerns. For example, he said that “the reduction in preventive procedures seen across age groups could lead to an increase in caries or deterioration of periodontal status, particularly for people who require regular preventive and maintenance care” [3].

Furthermore, Dill also pointed out the implications of this on physical health. He said that “this can exacerbate other health problems, like risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes” [3].

There are certainly a number of concerns caused by these findings. Hopefully though, we will soon see a resurgence in the number of appointments being booked.

Thinking points…

1) The researchers in this study have pointed out the physical health consequences that poor oral health can have. Let this be a reminder to you of the importance of your oral health! Remember to keep good care of your teeth and attend regular dental check-ups. We recommend making an appointment now!

2) Some people haven’t made a dental appointment since dental clinics reopened after Covid-19. If you are one of these people, we strongly recommend that you book a check-up as soon as possible! This will provide a dentist with the chance to look at your oral health and provide treatment options if needed. Therefore, remember to book soon!

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.

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. 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™! 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] Dill, J., Fontana, M., Bader, J., Chaffin, J., Strock, S., & Eckert, G. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health care use in the United States through December 2021. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 154 (10): P937-947.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2023.07.012.

[2] Rivas, K. (2020). Amid coronavirus, avoid nonessential dental care, WHO says. Available: https://www.foxnews.com/health/who-coronavirus-avoid-nonessential-dental-care. Last accessed: 26th October 2023.

[3] Delta Dental Institute. (2023). New research from Delta Dental finds a significant decrease in the provision of preventive oral health services resulting from the pandemic, raising concerns about long-term impacts. Available: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-from-delta-dental-finds-a-significant-decrease-in-the-provision-of-preventive-oral-health-services-resulting-from-the-pandemic-raising-concerns-about-long-term-impacts-301961466.html. Last accessed: 26th October 2023.

Could a Drug Used for Diabetes Help Treat Gum Disease?
23Oct
Recent research has suggested that Metformin – a drug that is used in the treatment of Type II Diabetes – could help in the treatment of gum disease. Moreover, it also has the potential to control inflammation and sugar levels, which can boost physical health. These are positive findings which could greatly improve the treatment options for gum disease.

Recent research suggests that a common drug that is used in the treatment of Diabetes could help to control inflammation and sugar levels for oral conditions like gum disease and systemic diseases [1].
The drug in question is called Metformin. It is a medicine that is typically used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. However, as seen in this case, it may have multiple uses.
This is a promising finding. As inflammation causes many issues, being able to treat it with a common drug is an exciting prospect. But further research will be needed to confirm the findings.

Background

Gum disease is a very common condition. It involves inflammation and redness of the gums. Almost half of all American adults have a form of gum disease [2].
Gum disease is also strongly associated with physical health conditions like diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems.
An example of this connection is the impact of high sugar consumption. This causes problems in the mouth, whilst also contributing to obesity, which can result in diabetes.
Currently, there is very limited treatment options for gum disease. A deep clean of the teeth, root planing and scaling are the only potential treatments. However, these are only able to limit the damage or slow its onset.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers at King’s College London in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Journal of Translational Medicine [1].
Their research focus was on controlling inflammation and sugar levels in both the mouth and body. Inflammation and high sugar levels are symptoms of many oral and systemic conditions.
The research team initially used mice for their study. One mouse was induced with gum disease. The mouse was then given metformin on a regular basis [1].
Interestingly, the researchers witnessed a significant prevention of bone loss and age-related bone loss in mice [1]. This suggested that the metformin had provided many benefits.
Next, the research team tested metformin on patients with gum disease [1]. Moreover, these patients did not have diabetes – with the researchers looking to specifically see how those purely with gum disease reacted.
The result of the trial was positive. There were improved outcomes in gum disease treatment – with its progress being slowed. Meanwhile, the results also showed that sugar levels and inflammation in the mouth and body had lowered [1].
These results were excellent. They showed that metformin has the potential to be an excellent treatment for gum disease. Furthermore, it can also positively impact physical health conditions too.

What this means

Further research will be needed to confirm these findings. However, the initial signs are that metformin can have a really positive impact on our overall health.
Metformin has the potential to be capable of stopping, or at least slowing periodontal disease. The associated physical health benefits of metformin represents another positive.
The research team were delighted with the findings. Dr. Vitor Neves was the lead author. He mentioned that patients normally don’t have “any tools to fight against gum disease”, but now, there is “a potential tool that can help not only with gum disease, but overall health” [3].
The researchers also pointed out that metformin is a cheap drug. For example, it costs just £0.04 per tablet in the United Kingdom [3]. The research team suggested that if the NHS supplied the drug, that it could be even cheaper [3].
This led the researchers to say that the drug could be “used as a preventive medicine for oral and systemic diseases that could be adopted on a global scale” [3].
Metformin can have many positive effects. As well as helping people with their oral health, it can also benefit their overall health and the process of aging.

Thinking points…

[1] As mentioned, there are limited existing treatments for gum disease. It isn’t possible to cure gum disease, but you can certainly limit its development. Treatment options include root planing and scaling. If you have gum disease, you may want to consider discussing options with your dentist. But firstly, remember to brush your teeth and floss regularly, as this will also help!
[2] It is important for gum disease to be identified as early as possible. By doing so, it will mean that a dentist can recommend ways of stalling its progress. The easiest way for any problems to be detected is to attend regular dental check-ups. A dentist will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health and provide recommendations where needed. 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.
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. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Savann 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] Neves, V. C. M., Okajima, L. S., Elbahtety, E., Joseph, S., Daly, J., Menon, A., Fan, D., Volkyte, A., Mainas, G., Fung, K., Dhami, P., Pelegrine, A. A., Sharpe, P., Nibali, L., & Ide, M. (2023). Repurposing Metformin for periodontal disease management as a form of oral-systemic preventive medicine. Journal of Translational Medicine. 21 (655). DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04456-1.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Periodontal Disease. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html. Last accessed: 20th October 2023.
[3] King’s College London. (2023). Common diabetes drug could treat gum disease and help with healthy aging, study claims. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-10-common-diabetes-drug-gum-disease.html. Last accessed: 20th October 2023.

What Mechanisms Are Involved in Inflammation of the Dental Pulp?
16Oct
Tooth decay can result in inflammation in the dental pulp – which is the innermost part of the tooth. Trying to avoid this is crucial, as it usually requires a Root Canal treatment. Now, a research team has looked at how the mechanisms involved in dental inflammation and root damage can be impacted by various situations. This is an important subject area to review.

Recent research has yielded discoveries regarding the mechanisms involved in dental pulp inflammation and root damage [1].

These discoveries will enable a search to take place for medications that can stop bone loss, when a tooth becomes impacted by endodontic infection.

What is the dental pulp?

The dental pulp refers to the innermost part of the tooth. Therefore, it sits below both enamel and dentin, and contains blood vessels, tissues and nerves.

When teeth become decayed, it can result in a tooth’s pulp becoming inflamed. This often advances to the stage where there is an infection at the root of a tooth, which is known as an abscess.

When this happens, a root canal treatment is normally needed to save the tooth. This is a more complex dental procedure that rarely provides permanent results [2].

The Research

The results involving the mechanisms involved in dental pulp inflammation and root damage have come from two research papers [1].

Both studies were published in the Journal of Endodontics [1]. They both used the key element of the aforementioned mechanisms as a basis for their studies.

The key element is tumor necrosis factor-a receptor-1 (TNFR1), which, when binding to the cytokine TNF-a, causes inflammation to develop [1].

The researchers used various situations to experiment this element. This is where the two studies took different approaches – although both involved analyzing the pathway between TNFR1 and TNF-a.

In the first study, the researchers looked to see how the pathway reacted to dental pulp capping – which is a procedure where bioactive materials are placed over an exposed pulp, thereby encouraging healing [3].

They found that when TNFR1 is altered, it results in inflammation and subsequent bone loss [3]. It can result in severe problems, including rapid demineralization.

The team used a mouse that was deficient in TNFR1 to discover this. They took tissues at both 7 and 70 days, which resulted in an analysis taking place, helping them to reach their conclusion.

In the second study, the researchers investigated how the pathway reacted following root canal contamination [4]. This effectively involves a situation where a person has root canal but the pulp becomes contaminated.

They found that the pathway reacted well. Furthermore, they demonstrated that when the pathway blocks the presence of microorganisms, the number of issues can be reduced [4].

The researchers found that the pathway could assist in protecting against inflammation and bone loss – which is crucial in oral health [4].

After analyzing these situations, the research team concluded that the difference between these situations was the presence of microorganisms [1].

The next steps

The research team are hoping that now that there is a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in inflammation of the dental pulp, that it could be possible to search for a medicine that can assist with stopping bone loss [1].

Paula Silva, who took part in both studies, said that the group “realized from these research findings that a treatment protocol could be developed” – which he suggested was “a very interesting target” they aim to reach in the future [1].

While such creations are likely to be quite some time away, this research has helped scientists to understand what is involved in dental pulp inflammation. Therefore, this can help with future research and the potential development of a medicine to target these issues.

Thinking points…

1) The research looked at the topic of dental pulp inflammation. Tooth decay is the main cause of this. If you don’t catch tooth decay early, it can eventually result in the pulp becoming inflamed. Therefore, rather than a simple cavity filling being needed, it can require a root canal treatment. Make sure you look after your teeth and visit a dental clinic at the first sign of decay!

2) Following on from the above point, it is very important that you attend dental check-ups on a regular basis. Here at Savanna Dental, we recommend that you go to a dental clinic at least once every six months. This will enable any issues to be identified and then treated. 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.

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. 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™! 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] Constantino, L. (2023). Discovery of mechanism involved in dental inflammation paves way to therapies against bone loss. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-10-discovery-mechanism-involved-dental-inflammation.html. Last accessed: 9th October 2023.

[2] Watson, S. (2021). Tooth Pulp Function and Inflammation. Available: https://www.verywellhealth.com/tooth-pulp-dental-terms-1059180. Last accessed: 9th October 2023.

[3] de Almeida-Junior, L. A., Araujo, L. D. C., Lamarque, G. C. C., Arnez, M. F. M., Kapila, Y. L., da Silva, L. A. B., & de Paula-Silva, F. W. G. (2023). Reparative Dentin Formation Following Dental Pulp Capping is Mediated by TNFR1 In Vivo. Journal of Endodontics. 49 (10): p1329-1336. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2023.06.015.

[4] de Almedia-Junior, L. A., de Carvalho, M. S., Almeida, L. K. Y., Silva, R. A. B., Silva, L. A. B., & de Paula-Silva, F. W. G. (2023). TNF-α–TNFR1 Signaling Mediates Inflammation and Bone Resorption in Apical Periodontitis. Journal of Endodontics. 49 (10): p1319-1328. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2023.07.013.

Is Teeth Grinding Actually a Bad Thing?
2Oct
Bruxism – which is also known as teeth grinding – is a common condition that affects a large number of people. There are a range of adverse effects caused by teeth grinding, which can take place while both awake and asleep. But there have been some recent suggestions that bruxism actually isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, is this true?

Bruxism – also known as teeth grinding – is a condition that is becoming increasingly common. In fact, bruxism is actually the dental diagnosis that has increased the most post-pandemic [1].

We are used to hearing that teeth grinding is bad for us. It can erode enamel, affect our gums, cause fillings to fall out, and disturb our sleep [1].

However, it has recently been proposed that bruxism may not necessarily be a bad thing, and that there could be some benefits to it. But is this true?

What is bruxism?

Bruxism involves a person grinding their teeth. It is normally done involuntarily while a person is asleep. However, it can also be done while a person is awake [1].

As mentioned earlier, bruxism is the dental diagnosis that has increased the most following Covid-19. It has almost quadrupled, with its incidence rising from 6% to 23% [1].

It isn’t entirely clear what causes bruxism. However, it is believed to be linked to stress, anxiety, smoking, recreational drug use, and some medications [2].

Is bruxism actually beneficial?

Interestingly, there have been some suggestions that bruxism could actually be beneficial. Some research has supported this theory.

For example, a study in 2020 found that teeth grinding while awake could act as a way of relieving stress [3]. Therefore, this activity was found to help the wellbeing of stressed individuals.

Moreover, the study also suggested that teeth grinding while asleep can protect against gastric reflux and obstructive sleep apnoea [3]. These are two conditions that can cause a range of problems.

These factors do suggest there could be some benefits to bruxism. However, the benefits are far outweighed by the negatives associated with bruxism.

As mentioned, bruxism can erode enamel, which makes us more vulnerable to cavities. Moreover, it can also cause fillings to fall out. Many people find it disturbs their sleep and can cause headaches, migraines, or joint pain.

Treatment of bruxism: The role of biofeedback

When looking at treatment options, something called biofeedback represents an interesting choice. Biofeedback involves patients using a device called an electromyograph [1].

This device measures electrical activity in the muscles. Using this device, a patient can learn to identify and reduce muscle tension through adopting a jaw position using the device [1].

In order for the jaw to be relaxed and therefore at rest, it is important for it to have no contact between the teeth. The electromyograph can help facilitate this arrangement [1].

Moreover, it has been proposed that stress-relief exercises can reduce instances of bruxism. These can include exercising regularly, relaxation and deep-breathing techniques.

Smaller actions like wearing a mouth guard while asleep, putting post-it notes in visible places to remind yourself not to grind your teeth, and even going out for a walk can all be other ways of helping protect your mouth from bruxism.

Overall, while there might be a few benefits to bruxism, there are far too many negatives involved. For those that do suffer from bruxism, getting help is important.

Thinking points…

[1] Remember that attending regular dental appointments is key for your oral health. Dental appointments allow a dentist to take an in-depth look at the oral health of their patient. If treatment is needed, then this can be arranged. Given that early detection is vital, remember to attend a dental clinic at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment now!

[2] Do you grind your teeth? If so, remember that there are things that you can do. Breathing exercises, regular exercise, and a consistent sleep routine can all be helpful. You can also get some advice from a dental professional. As mentioned above, having regular dental check-ups can also be very helpful.

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.

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. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

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] Ortega, L. J., Jiminez-Pajaeror, E. W., & Gonzalez, M. G. (2023). Why grinding your teeth might not always be a bad thing. Available: https://theconversation.com/why-grinding-your-teeth-might-not-always-be-a-bad-thing-211971. Last accessed: 29th September 2023.

[2] NHS. (2022). Teeth grinding (bruxism). Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/. Last accessed: 29th September 2023.

[3] Soto-Goni, X. A., Alen, F., Buiza-Gonzalez, L., Marcolino-Cruz, D., Sanchez-Sanchez, T., Ardizone-Garcia, I., Aneiros-Lopez, F., & Jiminez-Ortega, L. (2020). Adaptive Stress Coping in Awake Bruxism. Frontiers in Neurology. 11: 564431. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffneur.2020.564431.

What Role Did Teledentistry Play in Dental Care During COVID-19?
18Sep
Teledentistry is a growing area that involves the use of technology to provide virtual dental care. While teledentistry was used – albeit briefly – pre-pandemic, Covid-19 resulted in a huge rise in its use. With routine dentistry being suspended during Covid-19, teledentistry proved to be very effective. Now, a new report has looked into teledentistry.

Teledentistry refers to the use of technology like computers or phones, for the purpose of receiving virtual dental care. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular.

During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, Teledentistry was heavily used. Teledentistry typically involves a live video chat between a patient and their dentist, or using email to provide key pictures or information regarding a problem the patient has.

A new report has looked into the use of teledentistry in the United States. It has found that it is capable of producing positive results. However, there have been some concerns [1].

Dental industry in Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic is believed to have started in December 2019, and caused mass disruption around the world. The dental industry was particularly hit hard.

At the time of writing, the World Health Organization (WHO) have reported there have been 6.9million deaths from the virus [2].

In 2020, the WHO announced that all non-emergency and routine dentistry should be suspended. Therefore, only those requiring urgent dental care received treatment [3]. This meant that millions missed scheduled dental check-ups. Unfortunately, some have not returned to a dental clinic since.

In this time, tooth decay and gum disease have become more common in some populations [4]. Moreover, as minor issues weren’t treated, many such issues have morphed into more serious ailments. For example, for those that needed a routine cavity filling, the delay meant that some needed a root canal treatment.

With people unable to get routine dental appointments, alternative arrangements were made. Among these alternatives was teledentistry – which has been the subject of a recent report.

The Report

The Oral Health Workforce Research Center (OHWRC) have produced a report that has looked in detail at teledentistry and its use in the Covid-19 pandemic [1]. The OHWRC is part of the University at Albany.

The OHWRC noted that dental clinics identified teledentistry as a way of providing dental services during the Covid-19 pandemic [1]. This provided dental clinics with a way of reaching their patients – in the absence of face-to-face services.

To begin with, the authors noted some of the concerns that were associated with teledentistry [1]. Given that dentistry involves physical procedures, the authors pointed out that many people were concerned about a lack of quality in virtual consultations when compared with face-to-face encounters [1].

They also noted that there were concerns over the costs in terms of infrastructure and software. Other concerns included those about if patients would accept a virtual appointment [1].

However, these concerns were seemingly cast aside, with the researchers finding that teledentistry was effective through answers to interviews and surveys into the topic.

They found that the majority of participants in the interviews expressed an interest in continuing to provide teledentistry services [1]. Many found that despite initial reservations, teledentistry proved simple to facilitate.

One of the main benefits was the increased access to dental care that teledentistry provided [1]. This had a range of benefits – especially for those with mobility difficulties, who would typically struggle to make it to face-to-face dental appointments.

The researchers also demonstrated the rise of teledentistry. In fact, they found that by April 2020, the use of teledentistry had increased to almost 60 times the level of use from April 2019.

Interestingly, by August 2020, which was when dental offices started to reopen, teledentistry remained very popular [1]. Its popularity has remained since then.

Looking to the future

The researchers hope that teledentistry can continue to be popular, despite routine dentistry being used again. They have confidence that this will be the case, based on how many people found teledentistry to be effective over the pandemic.

They concluded that teledentistry can serve a huge range of functions effectively, including triage, consultation, diagnosis, referral, follow-ups and health education [1].

However, they have pointed out that a significant barrier that limits the reach of teledentistry is the various laws and regulations of each state. For example, some states do not authorize the use of teledentistry [1].

But while there are barriers in place, the overall findings were positive. There are many strengths associated with teledentistry. Going forward, its popularity is expected to remain.

Thinking points…

1) Some people haven’t yet made a dental appointment since Covid-19. If you are one of these people, remember to book a check-up as soon as possible! It is important to spot any problems early on. A check-up will allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health and make suggestions if needed. Therefore, remember to book soon!

2) Teledentistry has been around for a while, but its popularity has only recently exploded. Can you think of anyone who might be interested in teledentistry? If so – why not send them this article to them! Teledentistry can be particularly useful for those with dental fear or anxiety. 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.

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. 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™! 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] Oral Health Workforce Research Center. (2023). Teledentistry Adoption and Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Available: https://www.chwsny.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OHWRC-Teledentistry-During-COVID-19_2023_Final.pdf. Last accessed: 14th September 2023.

[2] World Health Organization. (2023). WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. Available: https://covid19.who.int/. Last accessed: 14th September 2023.

[3] Rivas, K. (2020). Amid coronavirus, avoid nonessential dental care, WHO says. Available: https://www.foxnews.com/health/who-coronavirus-avoid-nonessential-dental-care. Last accessed: 14th September 2023.

[4] Lyu, W., & Wehby, G. L. (2022). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s oral health and oral health care use. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 153 (8): p787-796. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.02.008.