Oral Systemic Link | Dental Practice Solutions

Optimal Oral Health and Its Role in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

December 9, 2024

In recent years, a growing body of research has highlighted a surprising connection between oral health and brain health. As dental professionals, understanding the broader implications of oral hygiene can empower us to provide even greater value to our patients. One of the most concerning areas of the current research is the connection between oral inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Oral-Systemic Health Connection

The mouth is often referred to as the gateway to the body, and for good reason. It is home to millions of bacteria, some beneficial and some potentially harmful. Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and preventive care, dental hygiene appointments help maintain a healthy balance of these bacteria. However, poor oral health can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, which has been linked to various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more recently, Alzheimer’s disease.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. It affects millions worldwide, posing significant challenges for patients, families, and healthcare systems. Alzheimer’s Disease is an inflammatory disease that occurs from the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, such as amyloid-beta plaques. Amyloid-beta plaque and Tau Tangles are key factors when diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease.

These same inflammatory proteins are also found in the oral cavity of patients who experience gingivitis and periodontitis.

The Link Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s

Emerging research suggests that periodontal disease and poor oral health contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The primary culprit of Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be inflammation. Chronic oral infections can lead to systemic inflammation, and this can accelerate the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary (Tau Tangles) tangles in the brain, a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s Disease.

One bacterium in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly associated with periodontal disease, has been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This bacterium can travel from the mouth to the brain, where it can contribute to inflammation which contributes to cognitive decline.

Importance of Preventive Dental Hygiene Appointments

Given this connection, preventive dental hygiene appointments are more crucial than ever. By maintaining optimal oral health, patients reduce inflammation in the mouth and lower the risk of systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease.

Here are some strategies to promote oral health and possibly protect brain health:

Routine Preventive Dental Hygiene Appointments: Encourage patients to schedule routine dental hygiene appointments at least twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations. Regular visits help detect and address oral health issues before they become a chronic disease. Patients who have a history of periodontal disease need to be seen for dental hygiene appointments more frequently. Dental professionals need to understand the benefits of photobiomodulation in prevention of inflammatory diseases. (See resources below #5 listed below to learn more about this.)
Daily Oral Hygiene: Educate patients on the importance of brushing twice a day and using dental floss or an interproximal oral hygiene aid to clean between the teeth every day.

Our message to patients: “Proper oral hygiene removes plaque and reduces the risk of gum disease. A healthy mouth leads to a longer and healthier life!”

3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Advise patients to adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and to limit sugar intake. Sugar contributes to inflammation and inflammation contributes the the proteins that cause dementia. Additionally, discourage any type of tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, both which negatively impact oral and overall health. Exercise, aerobic – HIIT training – Level 2 exercise, and lifting weights also show promise to reduce cognitive decline. (See references below. #’s 6 & 7 to learn more about exercise and weight lifting.)

Managing Chronic Conditions: Encourage patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and other chronic systemic conditions, to manage their health proactively, as these conditions can exacerbate periodontal disease and inflammation, all which contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Stay Informed: As dental professionals, staying updated on the latest research linking oral health and systemic diseases is vital. This knowledge enables us to educate patients effectively and advocate for our patients overall well-being.

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between oral inflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease. Current evidence underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy mouth. Dental professionals play a significant role in reducing oral inflammation and promoting overall health which can potentially lower our patients risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.

As we continue to explore the intricate connections between oral and systemic health, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact on our patients’ lives. Encouraging optimal oral health is not just about preserving smiles—it’s about contributing to long-lasting brain health and enhancing quality of our patients’ life for years to come.

Our job as dental professionals is to help patients live a longer and healthier life. This must be our message to patients in our dental world today!

For more information about this topic refer to the references below and plan to attend one of Debbie’s CE Courses during 2025. Email, or call us to book a course for your dental society, association or dental hygiene meeting.

References.

Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Alzheimer’s Disease. P. gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Science Advances. Stephen S Dominy, et.al. 23 Jan 2019 Vol 5, Issue 1 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau33.

2. How can Periodontitis or Periodontal Bacteria Influence Alzheimer’s Disease Features? A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical Studies. J Alzheimers Disease. 2023 Nov 21;96(3):979–1010. doi 10.3233/JAD-230478.

3. Association between Tooth Loss and Cognitive Function among 3063 Chinese Older Adults: A Community-Based Study. PLOS ONE. 2015 Mar 24;10(3):e0120986. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120986

4. Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases. Mediators Inflamm. 2023 May 13;2023:9720947. doi: 10.1155/2023/9720947.

5. Therapeutic Potential of Photobiomodulation In Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Dec 30;11(Suppl 1):S16–S22. doi: 10.34172/jlms.2020.S3.

6. Cognitive benefits from high intensity interval training may last for years. Medical News Today. Jessica Freeborn on July 23, 2024. Accessed on December 9, 2024.

7. The effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function, amyloidogenesis, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. Caroline Vieira Azevedo, et,al. Front Neurosci. 2023 Mar 2;17:1131214. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1131214.

Exploring the Essence of Complete Health Dentistry

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

February 7, 2024

Complete Health Dentistry, though often under the radar, is one way to grow new patient appointments for your dental practice. Patients who understand you are treating their total health and not just a tooth are most likely to feel a sense of urgency when scheduling for dental care. These are the patients who have a strong commitment to their dentist.

Patients who embrace Complete Health Dentistry choose a specific dental office because they understand these dental professionals (Dentist- owner and the entire team) are in the business of helping them live a longer and healthier life!

Today’s dentistry must include the patients’ total health. Dentistry in our world today intertwines oral health with holistic well-being, transcending the mere treatment of teeth to encompass our patients’ total well-being.

Complete Health Dentistry embodies robust dental care with an all-inclusive approach to patient care. It transcends mere cavity checks and cleaning teeth to delve into lifestyle factors like systemic diseass, medications, supplements, nutrition, sleep patterns, and stress levels, etc, etc. Dentistry has moved from treating a tooth and “cleaning teeth” to a whole body approach.

This holistic approach goes beyond the routine dental appointment. For example when a patient presents with gingivitis, discussions extend beyond brushing techniques to encompass medications, health – disase history, family history, dietary habits, hydration levels, and stress-induced acidity. The patients appointment will include a discussion about systemic diseases associated with oral inflammation. These patients who seek Complete Health Dentistry, understand the consequences of untreated oral inflammation and disease.

The Complete Health Dentistry paradigm shift redefines the dentist-patient and dental hygienist-patient interaction, starting from the initial consultation, medical history review, a list of medications, systemic disease, heart attack, stroke, Crohns disease, etc. Today’s dentistry is about understanding the patients total health. Treatment diagnosis, recommendations, and specific products, all align with the patients total health.

Complete Health Dentistry includes evaluating saliva acidity, pH levels, and microbial analysis under the microscope. These are services and assessments crucial for understanding oral-systemic health connections.

Patient education plays a pivotal role in this paradigm. By elucidating how oral health influences systemic well-being, dental professionals empower patients to make informed choices. Discussions on how oral bacteria affect our systemic health, coupled with microscopic insights, foster patient engagement and accountability. In today’s world of dentistry we talk to our patients about inflammation and how oral inflammation can lead to other systemic diseases. We are treating the patients total health not just a tooth.

We explain oral inflammation in a way that helps our patient “own their disease” and want what they need.

Communication of health-related information and inspiring behavior change reinforces this partnership with our patients. Patients who understand this complete health module will heed our advise, make behavior changes and or maintain health journals, fostering a proactive approach to wellness. In this sense, dentists and dental hygienists transform into complete health coaches.

The choice of dental materials is pivotal. The importance of biocompatibility, considering patients’ varying sensitivities becomes paramount. Understanding our patients sensitivities to specific ingredients will guide our selection of the dental materials we use when treating our patients. Post-procedure following these protocols provides a more holistic approach that supports each patient’s individual health needs.

As a dental hygienist, I understand that many patients have a specific sensitivity to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. In this situation I have a list of recommended home care products that do not have this ingredient.

Among biocompatible composites, VOCO’s Admira Fusion emerges as a favored choice, backed by extensive patient testing. Its compatibility with diverse patient profiles makes it a reliable option. Using a product with hydroxyapatite or xylitol versus sodium fluoride for caries prevention can be beneficial to your patients and supports many of your patients needs and desires.1, 2

Beyond clinical excellence, Complete Health Dentistry serves as a practice catalyst. Patients appreciate the personalized care and holistic approach, fostering loyalty and positive referrals. Moreover, collaboration with medical professionals enhances patient care and boosts professional satisfaction, enriching the dental practice ecosystem. Elevated patient care leads to happy patients. Happy patients usually renders a thriving practice

In essence, Complete Health Dentistry heralds a new era in dental care, where oral health intertwines seamlessly with overall well-being, empowering patients to embrace a holistic approach to dental wellness.

References.

Register Here for the Biologic Dentistry webinar and February 29, 2024 and learn more about this interesting topic.

The Dental Hygienist’s Role: Treating the Patient’s Total Health

By: Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

June 14, 2023

When we think about the role of a dental hygienist, we think about a person who cleans teeth. However, the role of a dental hygienist goes far beyond just cleaning teeth. Dental hygienists in today’s world play a crucial role in promoting oral health and overall well-being by identifying oral inflammation. The dental hygienist and the entire dental team has an important role to share with their patients that what happens in the mouth can travel through the blood stream and cause other systemic diseases.

Our overarching message needs to be, “Optimal oral health leads to a longer, healthier life!”

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of the dental hygienist’s expanded role and how it positively impacts patients’ total health.

Beyond Teeth: A Holistic Approach

Traditionally, dental professionals focused solely on oral health, a single tooth treating dental issues, and maintaining clean teeth and gums. A growing body of evidence has revealed that oral health is intimately linked to our overall health and well-being. Dental hygienists, as primary oral health care providers, have embraced a more holistic approach, understanding that oral health is a vital component of a person’s total health.

Oral-Systemic Link

Research has established a strong connection between poor oral health, gum disease and various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s, low-birth weight babies, etc. During the dental hygiene appointment and the data collection phase, dental hygienists must identify oral inflammation, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and periodontitis, which will lead to timely intervention and improved patient systemic health..

Preventive Care and Education

Dental hygienists are at the forefront of preventive care, advocating for proper oral hygiene practices and educating patients on the significance of maintaining good oral health. Beyond brushing and flossing techniques, they educate patients about the importance of a well-balanced diet, tobacco cessation, excessive alcohol consumption, and the impact of systemic factors on oral health.

By fostering a strong patient-provider relationship, dental hygienists empower patients to take charge of their oral health, leading to a positive ripple effect on their overall well-being, living a longer, healthier life.

The dental hygienist must understand how to empower their patients and effectively communicate so patients will want to “own their disease” and they want what they need.

Detection and Early Intervention

Routine hygiene preventive care appointments provide an opportunity to detect oral inflammation and other oral conditions sooner than later. Dental hygienists visually examine their patient’s mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other abnormalities.

By identifying these problems in their infancy, hygienists can take intra-oral pictures and show patients what they see. When dentists complete the hygiene-patient exam, dental hygienists have a great opportunity to communicate with the doctor in front of the patient what they and the patient have been looking at and discussing for the patient’s best care. It is a huge benefit for hygienist’s to be the advocate to their patient while they and the patient are looking together, at the patient’s mouth.

When doctor enters to complete the patient exam he or she is brought into the conversation the hygienist and patient have been having. This saves time during the exam when the hygienist has collaborated with the patient as their advocate for their best dental care options.

One message to the patient: “Prevention costs a little money but treating disease can cost a lot of money.”

To the patient who does not want to spend money at a dental office, here’s an example conversation: “Over time, not treating this gum disease can cause a lot more than loss of money on gum treatment and possibly surgery. It can cause loss of teeth and/or various systemic diseases. Optimal oral health will lead to a longer, healthier life, saving money in the dental office and other medical procedures and medications.”

Collaboration with the Healthcare Team

Recognizing the interplay between oral health and the patient’s overall well-being, dental hygienists and the dentists’ conversation with the patient and must effectively communicate in a way that ensures comprehensive patient care.

It’s important to understand the patients value and then use words and phrases that at attached to what the patient values.

Use words like gum disease, infection and bleeding gums vs. periodontal disease, cleaning, and deep cleaning. If your patient has money as a value and when they have gum disease speak about prevention costing less money than disease. Explain that waiting to treat or not treating disease will eventually cost a lot more money on expensive treatment of the disease, tooth loss, other systemic diseases which take a toll on their life.

This collaborative approach between hygienist, doctor and patient fosters a more comprehensive understanding on the patient’s behalf, allowing patients to take ownership of their disease.

Conclusion

The role of a dental hygienist has evolved significantly, emphasizing the importance of treating a patient’s total health rather than merely focusing on cleaning their teeth. By embracing a holistic approach, dental hygienists contribute to early detection of inflammation and prevention of systemic diseases, they promote preventive care, and empower patients to take control of their health.

Through collaboration with the dentist and dental team, dental hygienists enhance the overall well-being of patients, recognizing and promoting the vital connection between oral health and systemic health. Dental hygienists are no longer just cleaning teeth but playing a pivotal role in promoting total health of the patient.