Meet the Blog Team

  • Courtney H.

    WRITER

  • Eliza P.

    EDITOR

  • Renee J.

    WRITER

R J R J

Mouth Cancer: Often Overlooked, but Not to be Underestimated

Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is the most common form of head and neck cancer. Typically affecting individuals aged 60 and older, mouth cancer can spread throughout the mouth and throat to other areas of the head and neck. 

Mouth cancer can heavily impact an individuals quality of life by impactinghow they eat, speak or even breathe. It can cause severe pain, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Five years after diagnosis, approximately 63% of individuals with oral cancer are alive. 

Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer, but there are also many lifestyle activities that can increase risk of developing oral cancer. 

75% of individuals who develop oral cancer have these habits: 

  • Smoking 

  • Using tobacco products, even if it’s smokeless

  • Regular excessive alcohol consumption 

  • Spending lots of time under the sun without proper UV protection on the lips 

  • Have a family history of oral cancer 

  • Have human papilloma virus (HPV)

Mouth cancer can appear in many different forms and can develop in several areas of the mouth. 

The most common signs to look out for are: 

  • Ulcers and sores on the lip or inside of mouth that easily bleed and do not heal within three weeks. 

  • Rough red or white patches and crusty areas on lips, gums, or inside mouth. 

  •  Unexplained bleeding or lumps and swelling anywhere in mouth, lips, or throat. 

  • Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving jaw and tongue.

  • Numbness, pain, and tenderness in the mouth.

The areas that mouth cancer could potentially appear in are: 

  • Lips

  • Tongue

  • Gums

  • Inside of cheeks

  • Roof or floor of mouth

  • Tonsils and throat 

Be educated and don’t wait to get your mouth checked out if you have suspicions regarding any of your symptoms. Early detection immensely improves the chances of successful treatments. 

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11184-oral-cancer

https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/world-cancer-day-spot-the-signs-of-mouth-cancer-and-act-early

https://www.dentalhealth.org/mouthcancer

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-cancer/

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R J R J

February: National Children’s Dental Health Month

During the month of February, the American Dental Association (ADA) celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month! The purpose of this event is to reinforce the importance of oral health for children, as well as to provide parents with resources and information to keep their child’s smile healthy.

So with that being said, here are some oral health tips and information for dental care at young ages.

Baby Teeth

It is a common belief that baby teeth don’t matter as much since they are going to be replaced by adult permanent teeth eventually. However, this is not true. Deciduous teeth (baby teeth) play a key role in saving space for the child’s permanent teeth. These baby teeth will typically stay in a child’s mouth for 8-10 years and affect the child’s speaking, chewing, and smile.

A significant oral risk for young children and infants under the age of one is known as baby bottle tooth decay. This happens when the infant consumes sugary liquids, and the bacteria in their mouth consume the sugar and produce acid. The acid weakens the enamel on baby teeth and after continued exposure, can lead to tooth decay. Liquids like milk, formula, soda, and other sweetened drinks can contribute to this condition. If the child needs to sleep with a bottle, water is the safest option.

Childhood Oral Health Tips

Early childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. The ADA reports that over 40% of children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Poor oral health can cause children to miss school due to pain. This it why it is so important that proper dental hygiene is emphasized even in childhood. Without establishing healthy oral health habits, small cavities can lead to larger problems down the road.

To avoid such issues, here are some oral health tips:

  • Routine check-ups. The ADA recommends that children should see a dentist around every six months. For infants, make sure to visit the dentist by the baby’s first birthday in order to spot problems early on.

  • Wipe gums with soft, clean cloth after feedings to get rid of potential cavity causing bacteria. When teeth come in, begin brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush. For children under the age of 2, consult with a dentist or a professional about the use of fluoride in toothpaste. It is recommended to replace the toothbrush about every four months.

  • Try to provide your children with healthy foods if possible. Sticky candies and sweet juices can trigger other issues in children’s teeth. Instead, opt for calcium-rich snacks like cheese or low-sugar yogurt.

  • Drink water! Drinking water can help with flushing away any sugar or food particles that have been trapped in the teeth throughout the day. Some water sources also contain fluoride, which is an excellent mineral for strengthening teeth and preventing tooth decay!

Sources

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Courtney H. Courtney H.

The Science Behind Whitening Products

As society continues to prefer the visuals of white teeth and a brighter smile, the demand for teeth whitening products has been growing. These aesthetic concerns can include discoloration due to aging, smoking, or consumption of other staining substances. Many choices for tooth whitening have been made available, but now the question is: do these whitening products even work? Let’s explore the science behind some common whitening products and techniques, and analyze potential side effects. 

To start off, let’s take a look at what commonly causes teeth to stain in the first place. Tooth discoloration is commonly caused by tobacco use, dental trauma, poor oral hygiene and certain foods, drinks, and medications. These factors may cause the teeth to take on a yellowed or less bright color. There are two main types of discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration only affects the outer surface of the teeth, and is mainly due to environmental factors like foods and beverages. Intrinsic discoloration starts from inside the tooth and affects the layer underneath the enamel (dentin). This type of discoloration is caused by dental trauma and certain medications. 

Most whitening products are designed to treat extrinsic stains. There are several methods available, from professional treatments,  to over-the-counter products, to at-home kits. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used as whitening agents and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. The active agents can penetrate the enamel of the teeth and react with the discolored molecules that cause tooth discoloration. This action spreads the active oxygen molecules and whitens the entire tooth while keeping enamel safe. 

However, there can be some side effects. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects. Tooth sensitivity can be more common with higher concentrations of active ingredients, and mild to moderate sensitivity can occur in up to two-thirds of users during early stages of treatments. Gingival irritation is typically due to improper application of protective barrier or gel, or due to poor fitting trays when using gel-based projects or whitening strips. 

Sources:

https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening

https://www.clinicalresearchdental.com/blogs/whitening-hygiene/the-science-behind-teeth-whitening

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4058574/

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R J R J

Beyond Brushing: Other Factors That Impact Oral Health

Tooth decay is the most common global disease. Maintaining good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly is critical for keeping our teeth and gums healthy, but there are also other factors besides just proper hygiene that can impact the health of your teeth that often goes overlooked. Here are a few of them:

  1. Diet

The diet that you have can have an impact on your teeth. For example, consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages can increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion. And, like the rest of our body, our teeth and gums need certain vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet to stay healthy and promote strong teeth and gums. A diet that lacks these important nutrients can open the door for an array of dental complications.

  • Calcium and Vitamin D are both critical for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D is a vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium, which is an important component for building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays a role in supporting our immune systems. When these two vitamins and minerals are deficient, it can make your teeth much more susceptible to cavities and periodontitis.

  • Water: When you are dehydrated and low on saliva, you will most likely experience dry mouth. This is concerning because saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense against tooth decay, as it washes away leftover food and washes your teeth with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. Dry mouth puts you at risk for tooth decay.

2. Stress and Mental Health

Stress can have a significant impact on our overall health, including our dental health. When we’re under stress, our immune system can weaken, making us more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. Additionally, stress can cause us to grind our teeth, leading to tooth damage and jaw pain.

To combat stress and protect your dental health, try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. You may also want to consider wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding.

3. Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking and tobacco use are well-known contributors to dental health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Smoking can also stain teeth, cause bad breath, and decrease the effectiveness of treatments such as teeth whitening.

If you’re a smoke, quitting smoking can significantly improve your dental health and overall well-being. Speak with your doctor and dentist for advice on quitting smoking, including resources and support.

4. Medications

Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can have side effects that impact our dental health. For example, antihistamines can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, some medications can cause changes in taste, leading to a decrease in appetite and poor nutrition.

Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4

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R J R J

The Science Behind Cavity Formation

Dental caries, or more commonly known as cavities, have remained one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Cavities affect people of all ages, but they disproportionately impact communities with lower socioeconomic status. 

But how exactly do cavities form? 

Cavities form from factors such as the bacteria in one’s mouth, one’s diet and lifestyle, and one’s oral hygiene habits. The primary factor behind the formation of a cavity is the presence of specific bacteria such as streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli. When these bacteria break down sugar from food particles that remain on the surface of the teeth after a meal. 

However, as these bacteria break down sugar, acid is produced from them that erodes enamel (the surface of the tooth). When the enamel is broken down enough, this can result in the painful holes in our teeth that we call cavities. Enamel is not able to grow back after it is damaged. And if cavities are left untreated, the decay can penetrate even deeper into the tooth, reaching inner layers such as dentin and pulp, which can lead to a plethora of conditions such as infection or tooth loss. 

Understanding the science behind cavities highlights the importance of preventative methods. When we brush our teeth, we are getting rid of the food particles that the acid producing bacteria feed on. This is also why flossing is very important, as it is able to remove the food particles in between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach. Maintaining these steps in oral hygiene can make a big difference in preventing cavities.

Sources:

Forssten, Sofia D., et al. “Streptococcus Mutans, Caries and Simulation Models.” Nutrients, vol. 2, no. 3, Mar. 2010, p. 290. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030290. 

“Overview: Tooth Decay.” InformedHealth.Org [Internet], Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), 2023. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279514/. 

Santini, Milagros. “Can Tooth Enamel Grow Back?” Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, 25 Nov. 2022, https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/pediatric-dental-faq/. 


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R J R J

Legacy Gazette Magazine: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

This article written by Renee Jia is featured in the Legacy Gazette, an internationally distributed magazine, May 2024 Issue, which can be read here: https://legacygazette.org/issues

Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, is reshaping commercial industries, including the healthcare industry, where it is transforming diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Dentistry, specifically, has the potential to benefit significantly from the integration of AI. This essay explores current applications of AI in the field of dentistry, discusses potential future applications of AI, examines diverse opinions about AI advances in dentistry, and evaluates the pros and cons of utilizing AI in the healthcare industry.

AI is already revolutionizing dentistry. Two primary types of AI-assistive technologies are already making waves in dentists’ offices: (1) platforms for patients, providers, and payers that focus on using AI to interpret and analyze imaging, and (2) AI software that automates patient engagement, scheduling, and other time-consuming “back office” tasks for dental practices (Harvard Medical School, 2023).  Among all the AI applications in dentistry, the most popular one was created to improve the process of delivering a diagnosis. AI can produce more accurate and efficient diagnoses than a human expert, thus proving itself a useful tool for reducing dentists' workload and efficiently improving patient health. AI-powered algorithms can analyze dental radiographs, including X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, to detect dental abnormalities, caries (a common chronic infectious disease), and periodontal diseases with remarkable accuracy. For instance, AI-based software such as Denti.AI can detect and classify different types of dental conditions, aiding dentists in making timely and accurate diagnoses.  A clinical study revealed a notable enhancement in disease detection by all of the two-dozen participating dentists, unlocking 26% extra treatment opportunities with Denti.AI Detect (Denti.AI, 2023). Some tools even enable patients to see AI-powered, life-like simulations of how their teeth, mouth, and face will look after dental work or braces.

Denti AI Program Operation Example; Source: Denti AI Official Website

AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots can also enhance patient management and engagement in dental clinics. For instance, some companies offer AI-driven virtual assistants that streamline administrative tasks and improve patient communication in dental practices. Virtual assistants can schedule appointments, answer patient queries, provide post-treatment instructions, and even offer personalized oral health advice based on individual patient data. 

The future of AI in dentistry holds immense promise, with ongoing research focusing on autonomous dental procedures performed by AI-driven robots. These robots could revolutionize dental surgery by offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and safety. For example, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry have developed a robotic dental surgery system that can perform tooth extractions with minimal human intervention, showcasing the potential of AI in enhancing surgical outcomes (University of Maryland, 2023). Furthermore, AI integrated with emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could transform dental education and training by providing realistic simulations for skill development.

Opinions regarding AI integration in dentistry are mixed. Some view AI as a valuable tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and patient experience. Others, however, express concerns about potential biases in algorithms, data security, and patient privacy issues associated with AI adoption. When discussing the integration of AI technology into the world of healthcare, challenges such as ethical considerations, data privacy concerns, and disparities in access to AI technology must be addressed. Moreover, the risk of overreliance on AI and potential biases in algorithms are valid concerns as well. Therefore, in order for AI to be successful in the healthcare field, quality data and interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists and clinicians is critical. Ensuring data privacy, reducing (and, hopefully, erasing) biases in algorithms, and addressing disparities in access to AI technology are critical issues to solve before AI becomes widespread in healthcare. 

AI holds immense potential to transform dentistry and the healthcare field by enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and patient care. However, realizing its potential requires addressing ethical, privacy, and accessibility concerns. By leveraging AI responsibly, dentistry can embrace innovation while upholding a high standard of patient-centered care. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into dentistry promises to revolutionize oral healthcare, improving patient outcomes and significantly advancing the field of dentistry as we know it.



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