2023/24 Virtual Study Club — Session 2

Bugs, Pus, and Symbiosis, Oh My! with Professor Penny Hatzimanolakis.

Chronic low-grade infections in the mouth elevate systemic inflammation and have an impact on all body systems. The mouth is further linked with the rest of the body when considering the impact of numerous conditions like oral airway, sleep apnea, TMD and headaches, dental caries infections, periodontal and oral cancer, to name a few. The understanding of the bidirectional connections is rapidly evolving, and primary oral healthcare providers and organizations are striving to improve ways to deliver healthcare more efficiently and effectively using current, evidence-informed methodologies.

It is no longer acceptable to minimize or ignore the inflammatory burden and bacterial load that is placed on the overall health of the body by oral diseases. This program will review the current scientific literature on dental diseases and their association with systemic health. The program will support the participant with screening, approaches and management of oralsystemic connections into clinical practice to achieve comprehensive patient-centred care plans.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

1. Identify the primary oral-systemic connections
2. Understand the difference between the health status of Symbiosis or Dysbiosis
3. What risk indicators/factors play the most significant role in oral and overall health?
4. Is there a difference between leaky gut and leaky gums syndrome?
5. Introduce and discuss the various types of oral-systemic health screenings

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