1st Place: Yi-Ze Chen

Collaborative effort between public and dental professionals to promote sugarless lifestyle

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Author: Yi-Ze Chen

Dental School: Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, Spain

Year of Study: 5th

Contact details: chenyz0001@gmail.com 

 

Introduction

​Sugar, once considered a luxurious allure, has morphed into a pervasive public health crisis,
significantly contributing to obesity and associated health concerns. Attributing this solely to
individual dietary decisions, nonetheless, neglects the intricate interplay of historical, social,
and economic factors that have shaped our present predicament. For millennia, cravings for
sweetness were satisfied with natural sources of sweetness such as honey or maple syrup,
which is strongly in contrast to the concentrated sugar prevalent nowadays. It wasn't until the
19th century that sugar consumption escalated, driven by its affordability and the need for
readily available energy sources for undernourished industrial laborers and armed forces.
Later, sugar seamlessly integrated into our daily dietary habits as our society shifted to be
abundant in culinary offerings. Yet, with the advancing understanding of scientific
knowledge comes our heightened awareness of the possible consequences of the profound
implications of sugar, especially concerning oral hygiene. Emerging amidst the myriad of
dietary approaches, a sugarless lifestyle presents a potential option for those seeking overall
health improvements notably enhanced dental health. In the context of contemporary public
health challenges, advocating a sugarless lifestyle becomes not only relevant but crucial,
extending its reach beyond individual oral health to encompass comprehensive public health
objectives.

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Literature Review

High dietary sugar consumption wreaks havoc on oral health, contributing to detrimental
conditions including tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion. Dental caries, the most
common non-communicable disease worldwide, exhibits a notably higher prevalence in
individuals with frequent sugar consumption. This association is primarily attributed to
bacteria in biofilms fermenting sugar into acidic byproducts and, subsequently, inducing the
demineralization process of the dental hard tissues. The perturbation of the oral environment,
characterized by the decline in pH levels and the elevation in saliva glucose concentrations,
cultivates an altered microbial system with proportionally more acidic and carcinogenic
biofilm species, consequently adding to demineralizing of dental tissues.(1–5)
A study conducted by Kusama T et al. (6) demonstrated a correlation between high ingestion
of sugars and increased susceptibility to periodontal disease; meanwhile, raised sugar levels
in saliva exacerbate the severity of existing periodontal concerns.(7) Additionally, with the
excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, greater probability of dental erosion
are presented, wearing away the protective layer of dental tissues.

In regards with these compromises, dentists encounter a myriad of obstacles when providing
treatments and managing patients who consume excessive sugar content. These patients
experience a greater vulnerability to developing caries, often more susceptible to complicated
and invasive dental interventions, while, on the other hand, interfering with current

undergoing treatments.(8–10) Moreover, controlling oral infections individuals with sugar-
rich diets presents significant challenges due to the compromised immune response and the

potential for creating an optimal environment for the flourishment of infections, such as the
colonization of Candida species.(11) Furthermore, hyperglycemia is also correlated with the
negative progression of periodontal diseases, thereby noticeably influencing the prognosis,
and poses difficulties for dentists. Research has shown that individuals who indulge profuse
amount of sugar, particularly in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages, suffer an upsurge of
gingival bleeding, gingivitis, and risk of periodontitis, as elevated blood glucose levels
adversely affect the inflammatory response to dental plaques.(12–14) Additionally, studies
reveal impaired wound healing around the apex of teeth can be aggravated by hyperglycemia,
and are remarkably observed in cases of chronic infection and inflammation persisting in
jawbones.(15) Another systematic review highlights that patients with unstable blood glucose
levels endure higher rate of root canal-treated teeth extracted, indicating lower life spans for
these teeth.(5) Dentists, therefore, are required to have heightened vigilance and additional
considerations when treating such patients, both preoperative and postoperative, to minimize
probable complications arising from impaired wound healing or secondary infections.(16)
Finally, patients with a habitual pattern of sugar consumption are additionally predisposed to
developing chronic and systemic disorders, including diabetes mellitus and obesity. Such
conditions potentially escalate complications and challenges associated with dental
treatments.

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Innovative Section

Accordingly, advocating a sugarless lifestyle is undoubtedly compelling, yet it requires a
fully comprehensive and holistic approach. Aiming at successfully promoting a such way of
living and encouraging voluntary individual participation, thorough strategy encompassing a
spectrum of measures should be implemented. These measures involving education,
community engagement, policy changes, and utilization of technology-driven solutions are
designed to raise awareness, fostering knowledge acquisition, establishing supportive
environments, while inspiring and encouraging individuals to embrace a sugarfree lifestyle.
Disseminating knowledge concerning the adverse health consequences associated with
excessive sugar consumption is fundamental, and targeted awareness campaigns implemented
across schools, workplaces, and communities serve a critical first step for this endeavor.
While raising awareness is essential, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to make
informed dietary choices is crucial and paramount for long-term success. Interactive
workshops, seminars, and online courses with real-life examples empower individuals to
translate knowledge into action. By incorporating information on healthier alternatives and
deciphering food labels to identify hidden sugars, these learning opportunities provide
participants with the practical tackle needed to navigate the complexities of a healthy diet.

It is imperative to engender a culture of healthy eating within communities, and such can be
accomplished by organizing engaging activities such as cooking workshops, farmers'
markets, and communal gardens, with the initiatives striving to cultivate an appreciation for
unadulterated, fresh foods while nurturing the collective joy of preparing and savoring
nutritious meals. The establishment of supportive online and offline networks will further

enable individuals to exchange insights, recipes, and strategies for sustaining a sugar-
conscious lifestyle.

Enacting compulsory strategies, such as sugar taxes, restrictions on advertising sugary
products to children, and expanding access to affordable fruits and vegetables in underserved
areas, along with supporting policy adjustments, is as crucial as it is shown to be effective in
attenuating amount and frequency of sugar consumed and creating a supportive environment
conducive to healthy dietary decisions.(6,17,18) Likewise, policies should be executed to
have clear and unambiguous food labeling to display added sugar content prominently on

packaging and simplify ingredient lists for easier understanding and informed decision-
making.(19) To take a step further, national programs may be instituted by partnering with

grocery stores and restaurants nationwide to implement subtle yet impactful strategies that
encourage healthier options by having targeted discounts and promotions on better
alternatives and food choices.
Leveraging the ubiquitous reach of digital technologies offers remarkable potential in
promoting a sugar-free lifestyle. Considering the of noteworthy influences of video platforms
and social media, strategically collaborating with key opinion leaders and influencers,
coupled with the utilization of engaging hashtags and challenges, can substantially elevate
public awareness, and encourage a cohesive community centered around healthy eating
practices. This approach has the potential to galvanize individuals of all ages, especially
younger generations who are increasingly active online, to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Moreover, the widespread usage of mobile devices unlocks innovative avenues for the
promotion of healthier diets. Intriguing games, such as focused on healthy cooking, can
subtly instill the principles of balanced nutrition through immersive virtual experiences.
Transformative guidance and support can be provided with features for sugar-intake tracking,
grocery shopping tools highlighting sugar content and suggesting healthier alternatives and

generating personalized shopping lists based on tailored sugar reduction goals. Based on ai-
powered algorithm and with access to daily, weekly, and monthly reviews, users are able to

track their progress in sugar reduction, self-access, receive customized suggestions, and have
customized goals to aid their improvements. Furthermore, the application should include
incentivizing features like redeemable points, rewards, and leaderboards, offering discounts
for healthy foods and beverages in restaurants and stores, serve to motivate individuals in
reducing sugar intake and adopting healthier habits in the long term. In fact, the application,
with the recorded diet, can function as synergistic tools for dental professionals. They
facilitate the acquisition of dietary data from patients, enabling the formulation of
personalized nutritional recommendations and forming collaborative goal setting between
patients and dentists. This streamlines the often-cited challenges of time constraints and
inadequate compensation for in-depth dietary assessments and counseling within the clinical

setting. The application would act as a time-saving auxiliary for dental professionals,
allowing them to modify patient dietary behaviors synergistically with an extensive
knowledge base for reinforcing advice outside of appointments. By, also, working with food
delivery platforms, including subscription boxes, to curate and deliver healthy, low-sugar
ingredients, recipe cards, and prominently featuring sugar-free options with filtering
capabilities according to sugar content, allow consumers to make informed dietary choices
and cope with a sugar-free diet with greater ease.
Reducing sugar intake offers a multitude of benefits for oral health while also extending far
beyond.(20) By limiting sugar consumption, individuals can experience a range of positive
outcomes that enhance both physical and mental well-being.(21)The cornerstone benefit of
improved oral health includes a significant reduction in the risk of various non-communicable
oral diseases, such as cavities, periodontal disease, and enamel erosion, which translates to
healthier smiles and potentially reduced dental expenses.(8,22) Moreover, it is strongly
evident that sugar reduction plays a pivotal role in chronic disease prevention, lowering the
likelihood of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions associated with
excessive sugar intake.(23,24) Beyond the physical realm, sugar reduction contributes This
dietary shift from high-glycemic diet also interprets increased energy levels, as stable blood
sugar levels promote improved focus and overall vigor.(25) Furthermore, embracing a
sugarless diet can lead to enhanced intensity of sweetness perceived, as taste buds adjust to
appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits and vegetables, may potentially establish a deeper
connection with wholesome foods.(26) Collectively, these benefits underscore the
transformative power of reducing sugar intake, paving the way for a healthier, happier
lifestyle.
In the journey towards promoting a sugarless lifestyle, dentists emerge as vanguards for
change, armed with a wealth of expertise and a steadfast commitment to improving patient
outcomes.(27) Through patient education initiatives seamlessly woven into routine checkups,
they illuminate the intricate link between sugar consumption and oral health, urging
individuals to make healthier selections about their dietary habits. With personalized
guidance and a treasure trove of sugar-free alternatives, patients are to embark on a
transformative journey towards healthier living. The power of telehealth consultations, thanks
to technological advancement, additionally, extends the positive impact on wider audiences,
transcending geographical barriers to deliver essential education on the detrimental effects of
excessive sugar intake. Stepping beyond the confines of clinics, dentists embark on a journey
of community outreach, forging strategic alliances with educational institutions, workplaces,
and community centers to disseminate knowledge and create a culture of wellness. Finally,
by virtue of their unparalleled expertise in the deleterious effects of sugar on oral health,
dentists are demonstrably well-equipped to become stalwarts of sugar restriction policies at
the state and local levels. Their unstinting advocacy would undoubtedly bolster the
legitimacy of these policies, potentially sparking widespread public adherence. Through
collaborative efforts, they amplify their influence, providing individuals with the knowledge
to make informed choices while elevating awareness and advocating for policy changes
aimed at enhancing access to comprehensive dental. By partnering with fellow healthcare

professionals, nutritionists, and industry stakeholders, dentists form a formidable alliance,
orchestrating a comprehensive approach to sugar reduction, driving transformative change
towards a healthier, sugarless future.

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Conclusion

The pervasive infiltration of sugar into modern diets casts a shadow over oral health,
amplifying the risks of dental decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion. This silent threat
demands a multi-prolonged offensive, empowering individuals and mobilizing communities
towards a sugar-free future. Advocating for a sugarless lifestyle emerges as an imperative
mandate can be achieved through upstream, midstream, and along with downstream
interventions, with approaches involving educational campaigns, community engagement
endeavors, policy adjustments, and technological approaches, to illuminate the profound
ramifications of elevated sugar intake on health, and, most importantly, empowering
individuals to make enlightened choices. By collaborating with policymakers and
stakeholders, systemic reforms can be advocated, favorable environments for healthier
dietary habits could be constructed. With dentists assuming a central role in catalyzing this
transformative paradigm shift, dentistry's leading edge stands prepared, equipped with
knowledge and collaborative tools to guide, dentists can orchestrate community outreach, and
champion sugar reduction policies, while serving as the spearhead a healthier, sugar-free
tomorrow. This dietary shift would empower individuals to not only protect their smiles but
also unlock a cascade of health benefits, paving the way for a transformative future.

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To see the references click here.​

 

2nd Place: Maide Nazlı Kaya

Beyond the Pages: Harnessing AI for Next-Generation Scientific Publishing

 

Name: Maide Nazlı Kaya

Dental school: Bulent Ecevit University,Zonguldak,Turkiye

Year of study: 4th

Contact details: maide.nazka@gmail.com

​

Introduction

​Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require  human intelligence1. The concept of AI can be traced back to 1950, but it has only become a  practical tool in the last two decades1. The rapid development of big data, computational  power, and AI algorithms have enabled AI applications to provide convenience in various  sectors, including dentistry(1).

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Literature Review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been increasingly utilized in various aspects of the research  publication process, aiming to improve efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. Here are some  ways AI has been used in this field: 

Automated Literature Review: AI algorithms can be used to conduct literature reviews by  analyzing vast amounts of research papers and extracting relevant information. This helps  researchers to identify existing studies, trends, and gaps in the literature more efficiently.2 Language Editing and Proofreading: AI-powered tools can assist researchers in  proofreading and editing their manuscripts for grammar, style, and clarity. These tools use  natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to provide suggestions for improvement,  thereby enhancing the quality of publications.(3) 

Plagiarism Detection: AI-based plagiarism detection software can scan manuscripts to  identify any instances of plagiarism or duplication of content. This ensures the originality and  integrity of research publications.(4)

Journal Recommendation Systems: AI algorithms can analyze the content of a manuscript  and recommend suitable journals for publication based on factors such as topic relevance,  impact factor, and audience.5 

Automated Peer Review: While still in its infancy, AI-driven systems are being developed to  assist in the peer review process by providing initial assessments of manuscripts. These  systems analyze the quality, significance, and validity of research submissions, helping  editors and reviewers in the decision-making process.6 

Semantic Scholar: Semantic Scholar is an AI-powered academic search engine that helps  researchers discover relevant papers based on their content. It utilizes machine learning  algorithms to understand the context and meaning of research articles, providing more  accurate search results.7 

Reference Management Tools: AI-driven reference management tools assist researchers in  organizing and managing citations more effectively. These tools can automatically extract  citation information from PDFs, suggest relevant references, and format citations according to  various citation styles.8 

Data Extraction and Analysis: AI techniques such as text mining and data mining are used  to extract insights from large datasets, enabling researchers to analyze trends, patterns, and  correlations in research publications.9 

These are just a few examples of how AI is being used to enhance the research publication  process. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations and  developments in this field, ultimately improving the quality and accessibility of scientific  publications.

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Innovative Section

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to advance, its potential to revolutionize scientific  publishing and further research goals becomes increasingly evident. While AI has already  made significant strides in streamlining various aspects of the publication process, there  remain opportunities for innovation to address current challenges and enhance efficiency.  Below, we discuss potential avenues for leveraging AI to overcome obstacles in scientific  publishing and achieve broader research objectives.

1. Enhancing Peer Review with AI-driven Insights: 

Obstacle: Traditional peer review processes can be time-consuming, subjective, and prone to  bias, leading to delays in publication and potential oversight of valuable research. 

Innovative Solution: AI-powered systems can assist in peer review by providing objective  insights into the quality and significance of manuscripts. Advanced algorithms can analyze  not only the content but also the citation networks, author reputation, and historical reviewer  feedback to offer comprehensive assessments. By leveraging AI, peer review processes can  become more efficient, transparent, and rigorous, ensuring the publication of high-quality  research. 

2. Facilitating Reproducibility and Transparency: 

Obstacle: Reproducibility and transparency are critical aspects of scientific publishing, yet  ensuring the availability of data, code, and methodologies for reproducibility can be  challenging and labor-intensive. 

Innovative Solution: AI tools can automate the documentation and sharing of research  protocols, data, and code, thereby promoting reproducibility and transparency. By integrating  AI-driven platforms into the publication workflow, researchers can easily upload and annotate  their data, link it to relevant publications, and provide access to underlying code and  algorithms. This facilitates replication studies, fosters collaboration, and enhances trust in  scientific findings. 

3. Personalized Recommendations and Access to Knowledge: 

Obstacle: Navigating the vast landscape of scientific literature to find relevant research can be  daunting, particularly for researchers outside specific domains. 

Innovative Solution: AI-powered recommendation systems can provide personalized access to  scientific literature based on individual research interests, citation patterns, and reading  behavior. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, these systems can analyze user  preferences and suggest relevant papers, journals, and research communities. Additionally,  AI-driven summarization techniques can condense complex research articles into digestible  formats, enabling faster comprehension and knowledge dissemination. 

4. Addressing Bias and Diversity in Publishing: 

Obstacle: Bias, both conscious and unconscious, can influence various stages of the  publication process, including manuscript selection, peer review, and editorial decisions,  leading to underrepresentation of certain demographics and research topics. 

Innovative Solution: AI algorithms can be designed to detect and mitigate bias in scientific  publishing by analyzing patterns in publication data, reviewer behavior, and editorial  decisions. By implementing diversity-aware AI models, publishers can identify disparities in  representation and actively promote inclusivity in their content selection processes.  Furthermore, AI-driven tools can help highlight underrepresented research topics and 

facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a more diverse and inclusive scientific  community. 

5. Automated Data Analysis and Interpretation: 

Obstacle: Analyzing large volumes of complex data is a time-consuming and labor-intensive  task for researchers, often leading to delays in the publication process and potential biases in  data interpretation. 

Innovative Solution: AI algorithms can automate data analysis and interpretation, enabling  researchers to extract meaningful insights more efficiently and accurately. Machine learning  models can identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies within datasets, helping researchers  uncover novel findings and formulate hypotheses. By leveraging AI-driven data analysis  tools, researchers can expedite the research process, validate results more rigorously, and  enhance the reproducibility of scientific studies. 

6. Predictive Analytics for Research Impact: 

Obstacle: Assessing the potential impact and significance of research findings is challenging,  particularly in rapidly evolving fields where traditional metrics may not capture the full scope  of scholarly contributions. 

Innovative Solution: AI-powered predictive analytics can forecast the future impact of  research publications by analyzing various factors, such as citation networks, social media  mentions, and academic collaborations. By leveraging machine learning algorithms,  researchers can identify emerging trends, influential research topics, and key opinion leaders  within their fields. Predictive analytics can inform strategic decision-making, guide resource  allocation, and help researchers maximize the reach and relevance of their work. 

7. Streamlined Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: 

Obstacle: Collaborating with colleagues and sharing research findings across disparate  platforms can be cumbersome and inefficient, leading to fragmentation of knowledge and  communication barriers within research communities. 

Innovative Solution: AI-driven collaboration platforms can streamline knowledge sharing and  facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers. These platforms leverage natural  language processing (NLP) algorithms to extract key concepts and insights from research  articles, enabling semantic search and recommendation functionalities. By integrating AI powered collaboration tools with existing research repositories and social networks,  researchers can discover relevant publications, identify potential collaborators, and exchange  ideas more seamlessly. Additionally, AI-driven language translation tools can overcome  language barriers and promote global engagement in scientific discourse. 

8. Enhanced Peer Review with AI-Assisted Assessment:

Obstacle: Traditional peer review processes rely on subjective evaluations by human  reviewers, which can be influenced by biases, conflicts of interest, and varying levels of  expertise. 

Innovative Solution: AI-assisted peer review systems can augment the traditional peer review  process by providing objective assessments and constructive feedback on manuscripts.  Machine learning algorithms can analyze the content, structure, and novelty of research  submissions, flagging potential methodological flaws, inconsistencies, and ethical concerns.  By integrating AI-driven assessment tools into peer review workflows, journals can improve  the quality and reliability of reviews, reduce reviewer burden, and expedite the publication  process. Additionally, AI-powered sentiment analysis can gauge the overall reception of  research findings and identify areas for improvement in manuscript revisions. 

By addressing these obstacles and leveraging AI-driven solutions, researchers and publishers  can enhance the efficiency, transparency, and impact of scientific publishing, ultimately  advancing research goals and fostering innovation in the academic community.

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Conclusion 

This literature review highlights the transformative potential of AI in advancing the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of research publications. By leveraging AI technologies for  literature review, data analysis, content generation, and dissemination, researchers can  accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and innovation. However, addressing the challenges  associated with AI implementation is crucial to realizing its full potential in enhancing  research publications. 

In conclusion, AI holds immense potential to drive innovation in scientific publishing,  addressing existing challenges and advancing research goals. By leveraging AI-driven  solutions, publishers, researchers, and stakeholders can collaborate to create a more efficient,  transparent, and inclusive scholarly ecosystem, ultimately accelerating scientific progress and  knowledge dissemination.

To see the references click here.

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 3rd Place: Adrian-Cosmin Pop

Oral health related to general health : A mobile app to support treatment

for patients suffering from periodontal disease

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Name of Author: Adrian-Cosmin Pop

University: University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca,Romania

Grade: 5th

Contact Details: popadicosmin71@gmail.com

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Introduction

The mechanisms linking oral infections, such as periodontal disease, and systemic diseases are
not yet clear, but enough studies are showing a high correlation between the two. This is the
case, for the endocrine system, especially for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular
diseases, such as atherosclerosis, increased risk of infants presenting low weight at birth, sepsis,
or being born pre-term due to periodontal disease of the mother, as well as cognitive impairment,
and susceptibility to oral cancers (1).

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Literature Review

The most accepted mechanism linking oral health to general health is the deterioration of the oral
microbiome, also known as oral dysbiosis. The oral microbiome mainly consists of commensals,
more than 2000 species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea, but there are also species labeled
as opportunistic pathobionts. Oral dysbiosis occurs when opportunistic pathobionts rise in
number, turning the commensal-pathobionts ratio in their favor (2).
Regarding pregnancy, the generally accepted mechanism of pregnant women developing
periodontitis is the increased hormone levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy,
which make periodontium more vulnerable to dental plaque, mainly due to the increased
vascularity of the tissues, resulting in higher chances of developing periodontal disease (3). This
sensitivity puts the baby at risk, studies show that pregnant women who develop periodontitis
during pregnancy have a higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-weight children (4).
The prevalence of periodontitis developed during pregnancy varies. One meta-analysis found
that, among 20 studies, the prevalence of periodontitis in pregnant women was 40% (5). Another
study found that 63% of the enrolled mothers developed periodontal disease during pregnancy,
out of which 18% developed a severe form of this disease. Periodontitis was diagnosed at an
average of 26.5 weeks of pregnancy time. This study found that women with periodontal disease
had an 11 times higher chance of giving birth to children suffering from growth restriction than
those not suffering from periodontal disease (6).

Patients suffering from periodontitis develop endothelial dysfunction, a greater thickness of the
carotid intima-media, and are more likely to develop a first coronary, as well as a first
cerebrovascular event compared to patients not suffering from periodontal disease (7, 8).
Moreover, people diagnosed with periodontitis have a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation
(9).
Regarding intervention, several studies have shown that people who brushed twice a day,
increased dental visits, and received a non-surgical, first-step, treatment, had a lower risk of
developing cardiovascular diseases than those who did not. To continue, there is strong evidence
of the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans in
samples collected from atheroma lesions, bacteria well-known to be periodontal pathogens (10).
These 2 bacteria have also been shown to play an important role in auto-antibody formation in
the case of patients susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis (11). The Consensus Report on
periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases clearly states that patients suffering from periodontitis
should be warned that they are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (8).
One meta-analysis draws attention to the link between periodontitis, dementia, and cognitive
impairment. They concluded that individuals suffering from periodontal disease had an increase
of 77% in cognitive impairment compared to healthy individuals. Also, individuals not suffering
from periodontitis were 2.13 times less likely to suffer from dementia, compared to people with
moderate or severe periodontitis (11).
Regarding diabetes, studies show that hyperglycemia correlates with the severity of periodontitis,
impacting the quality of life of these patients. People suffering from diabetes are at a major risk
of developing periodontitis, and patients suffering from periodontitis are less likely to control
their sugar levels due to the disease (12).

Periodontitis is currently affecting >40% of adults in the United States, and it is one of the many
diseases in which prevalence increases with age (13). As demographics show visible aging in the
population (14), we can only expect these numbers to rise in the future.
Only in the UK, it is estimated that stopping the current cases of periodontitis from developing
could save 5.5 billion euros in the following 10 years.
Being a resident of Romania, I looked up some statistics about my country and the National
Institute of Statistics shows that in 2018, only 1 in 5 adults visited the dentist.
In the treatment of periodontitis, according to the latest guide of treatment (2020), the first step
of the treatment consists of non-surgical treatment, including the education and motivation of the
patient in developing good oral hygiene, otherwise, the treatment cannot proceed. Informative
and motivational sessions should be held by the dentist together with the patient suffering from
periodontitis in order to assure that. This might be the most difficult part of the treatment,

because it is patient-dependant, and, in many cases, poor oral hygiene has led the patient to
develop periodontal diseases. It is also time costly for dentists and patients can be reluctant to
achieve good oral hygiene.

​​

Innovative Section

Here comes our solution, STARTBrushing, a mobile app designed to educate patients suffering
from periodontitis. This app provides video-audio guides on how to perform a proven-effective
brushing technique (Bass-modified technique), together with guides on how to use dental floss
and interdental brushes. Our app strives to solve this problem using psychologically-proven
mechanisms (the Theory of Planned Behaviour (15)) to achieve the behavior of brushing, and
ultimately, good oral hygiene.
Firstly, we are creating the means necessary for the patient to develop good oral hygiene. This is
achieved via daily reminders to brush twice a day, which encapsulate positive reinforcement
techniques, positive feedback for brushing, tops with the users’ friends as well as educational
content.
Secondly, we need to make sure that this behavior is mentained as a patient that develops
periodontal disease needs to remain under supervision for the rest of his life. This is achieved via
in-app rewards and gamification.
Moreover, this app also provides personalized statistics, progress check that can be done both by
the patient and by the periodontologist, to know when to best intervene. Patients are reminded of
their dental consults, in correlation to the dentist’s plan of treatment.
The second innovative part involves public health systems. As more and more research show
strong evidence regarding consequences of poor oral health on general health, communication
between dentists and doctors of general medicine should be strengthened, especially in the case
of patients suffering from oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and women during
pregnancy.
This could be achieved with an additional form given by the general doctors to these patients.
This form should assess the periodontal status of each patient, as they should be referred to a
dentist/periodontologist and this assessment should be done during their general treatment to
ensure the best results. Dentists and general doctors should communicate and inform each other
regarding the status of their patients.

​

Conclusion

In conclusion, demographics show aging in the population, and doctors should only expect the
prevalence of diseases to rise. To solve this problem, we should be focusing on prevention and
the 2 solutions I am proposing could reduce periodontitis-related complications, strengthen the
relationship between dentists and general medicine doctors, as well as ensure a higher quality of
life for patients suffering from periodontal disease.

​

To see the references click here.

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