Dentists are in the first line of discovery and defense of many systemic diseases.
We are often the first ones to discover diabetes, sleep apnea and oral cancer.
The three serious conditions listed above are all too frequently under-diagnosed.
New tools and techniques are now available for dental professionals to be able
to do far more as comprehensive caregivers for their patients.
An interdisciplinary approach, enabling conferencing and sharing of information
between patients' full medical teams will provide the most reliable diagnosis
and optimal treatment.
Oral Cancer Screening
-Oral cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer.
-It can form in any part of the mouth or throat.
-Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth.
-Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40,
use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer.
-The methods in use for oral cancer screening have been cumbersome and costly.
-Dentists now have an easy to use and economical system for oral cancer
screening and are calling this a "game changer".
- "Oral ID" has an impressive record of evidence-based testing, is sought after
because of its non invasive ease of usage, and its very affordable cost.
Sleep Apnea Screening
-Patients are realizing how a blockage of oxygen to the brain, caused by
nocturnal apnoeic events, can influence systemic damage.
-Sleep Apnea is connected to strokes, cardiac arrest, diabetes and dementia.
-The public asks their dentists for help- most dentists are unprepared.
-Less than 1% of practicing dentists are trained and qualified to screen and treat
the over 40 million victims of Sleep Apnea.
-One of the next three patients that walk thru your doors is a Sleep Apnea victim.
-Are you prepared to help them?
Diabetes Mellitus
The oral manifestations of diabetes include:
-Periodontal Disease, Xerostomia, tenderness, pain and burning sensation
of tongue, secondary enlargement of parotid glands with sialosis.
-Increased caries prevalence in adults.
-Increased risk of infection- reasons unknown, but macrophage metabolism
altered with inhibition of phagocytosis.
-Peripheral neuropathy and poor peripheral circulation,
-Oral mucosal diseases including Candidal infections, lichen planus and
recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
-Delayed healing of wounds due to microangiopathy and ultilization of protein
for energy may retard the repair of tissues.
-Increased prevalence of dry sockets.
-Immunological deficiency: -A high sugar medium decreases
production of antibodies.
Blood pressure and other "vitals"
Imagine administering a mandibular block, having your patient go into
cardiac arrest, and realizing that no one in your office has taken that patient's
blood pressure today.
Enough said about that!
Are you providing a Comprehensive Exam?
