The Big Picture
As more is learned about the oral-systemic link, the opportunity to improve patient care and health outcomes grows.
New and innovative research has shown that oral health is a critical component of overall health, and awareness of this association is increasing among dental and medical professionals. It seems likely that, as additional research is added to the body of evidence, more details about the intimate relationship between the oral cavity and the body will be revealed. The better we understand the oral-overall health connection, the more opportunities there will be to improve patient care and health outcomes.
The American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association provide statements regarding oral and overall health for both clinicians and consumers.1,2 Philips Oral Healthcare is committed to sharing the most contemporary and advanced research with dental and medical professionals to support their efforts to improve patients’ oral and systemic health.
In October 2014, Philips hosted the first of two 1-day symposia titled “Oral Health and the Connected Body” in Anaheim, California. It is from the seven presentations that the content of this continuing education series is derived. The second symposium will be held October 2 of this year, with the location to be announced soon.
In the following continuing education article, Dutch researcher Bruno G. Loos, DDS, MS, PhD, provides an in-depth look at the association between cardiovascular diseases and periodontitis. He explains that while a causative association between the two has not been established, research does show that individuals with periodontitis can improve their cardiovascular risk profile by undergoing periodontal therapy.3 This opens the door for dental professionals to educate their patients about the importance of maintaining oral health, not only to preserve health and function of the oral cavity but of the whole body, as well.
Philips is dedicated to developing products and systems to help patients improve their self-care regimens, and, ultimately, achieve and maintain oral health. The company is pleased to partner with dental professionals who aspire to improve the oral and overall health of their patients. We hope you find this continuing education article and the remainder of the series supportive of your quest to provide the highest quality patient care.
REFERENCES
- American Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health. Available at: perio.org/consumer/other-diseases. Accessed January 23, 2015.
- American Dental Association. Oral-Systemic Health. Available at: ada.org/en/member-center/ oral-health-topics/oral-systemic-health. Accessed January 23, 2015.
- Tonetti Ms, Van Dyke TE; working group 1 of the joint EFP/AAP workshop. Periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. J Periodontol. 2013:84(Suppl 4):S24–S29.
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. February 2015;13(2):46.
