5 Medical Facts that Every Dentist Simply Must Know

5 Medical Facts that Every Dentist Simply MUST Know. . .

1. There is a well-substantiated link between oral health and certain systemic diseases.¹
2. Diseases can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making it more susceptible to developing or exacerbating periodontal disease.
3. Pregnant women with periodontal disease tend to have earlier term babies and babies of lower birth weight.²
4. Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s Syndrome and even Alzheimer’s can affect oral health.³
5. Recent studies show that moderate or advanced stage gum disease increases risk for heart disease.⁴

Dentists should consider these remarkable facts that challenge and empower a broader role in the overall health of the people they serve.

Two common factors for many of the above facts is either systemic inflammation, compromised immune system or a combination of both. If these factors are present and not addressed, the patient remains compromised even after our care and ultimately the periodontal disease may not improve.

The dentist may be the only health professional that many people see on a consistent basis, so it’s incumbent on dental health professional to consider expanding the scope of our contribution, including providing nutritional advice, utilizing OralDNA® testing and co-managing with the medical professional. This is well within the purview of the doctor-patient relationship.

Dentists can show patients that they are health professionals who advocate treating the whole human being instead of a single body part. This mindset-shift benefits patients and the dental profession, giving a rewarding opportunity, one caring relationship at a time.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jennifer Rankin, DDS as a guest blogger for OralDNA® Labs. Dr. Rankin has a whole-body approach to her practice with a focus on nutrition, systemic inflammation and a well-functioning immune system. Her unique approach to patient care is reflected in her writings as you will see. I am confident that the thoughts and ideas she shares with us will be enlightening and impactful.

For more information on how to become an OralDNA Provider – scan HERE: 

¹ Bale, B. F., Doneen, A. L., & Vigerust, D. J. (2016). High-risk periodontal pathogens contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 93(1098), 215-220. doi:10.1136/postgradmedj-2016-134279

²http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2010/02001/Term_Stillbirth_Caused_by_Oral_Fusobacterium.18.aspx

³www.mayoclinic.org April 2016

⁴Rydén L, Buhlin K, Ekstrand E, et al. Periodontitis increases the risk of a first myocardial infarction: A report from the PAROKRANK study. 2016.

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Jennifer Rankin DDS

Jennifer Rankin, DDS is a graduate of The University of Iowa School of Dentistry.She met her husband there and after graduation, she and Dr. Mingle served 3 ½ years in the US Navy providing dental care to service members.She returned to Colorado where she and her husband opened their dental practice.She has been in practice for over 20 years.Dr. Rankin is a member of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Metro Denver Dental Society and The American Academy of Facial Esthetics.She is Cerec certified and is a professional health coach.

Latest posts by Jennifer Rankin DDS (see all)

• 5 Medical Facts that Every Dentist Simply Must Know - May 5, 2017