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I have heard it said, and seen it proven many times over, that our overall health begins in the mouth. As a Dentist I learned about everything you can possibly know about teeth, but back even 15 years ago, very little was being said about the effects of poor oral hygiene on the overall systemic health of our patients. What we now know about the bacteria that invades our bodies through the mouth is extremely enlightening. The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease recently reported the findings of a scientific study which clearly stated that periodontal disease and poor dental health could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. The researchers examined the brains of 10 deceased Alzheimer’s victims, and found that the brains of the dementia patients were found to show signs of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, which may have triggered an immune response that lead to the condition. This process could trigger the symptoms commonly seen in Alzheimer patients such as memory loss and confusion. As Dentists, and health care providers, it is our duty to treat our patients with their overall systemic health in mind, and not just their mouths. We all know about the primary risk elements for periodontal disease, including smoking, diabetes, nutrition, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, stress, heredity, and more. The problem in the past is that both the Dental and Medical professions have operated on a model that addresses disease after it has manifested. By becoming more aware of the preventive aspect of care, diseases can be managed prior to their development. In this case, your dental examinations with a strict periodontal program can make the difference between enjoyment of the “Golden Years”, or being oblivious to them altogether. Come and join us again to learn more about updates in Digital Dentistry, and also find other ways to make your practice much more efficient. www.drscottgeise.wix.com/drscottgeise is a website that was set up by a Dentist, for Dentists.
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Dr. Scott Geise, Scott Geise, Dental Practice Management, Systemic Diseases, Oral Health Education, Prevention of Systemic Disease,
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