As part of its long-standing support of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and its Oral Health Curriculum, Delta Dental of Virginia recently sponsored the 11^th Annual Delta Dental Oral Health Endowed Lecture. Dr. Mark Ryder, Professor of Orofacial Sciences at the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, gave a highly informative and interesting presentation, Floss to Remember/Remember to Floss: The Mouth-Brain Connection. Dr. Ryder provided the most current information on the growing evidence of links between periodontal diseases and Alzheimer’s, focusing on the association, potential mechanisms and the impact of periodontal treatment on Alzheimer’s disease.

Some of you had the opportunity to attend the presentation and inquired how you can incorporate the information presented, along with medical-dental integration in general, into day-to-day practice. Many dentists already identify patients who indicate that they have conditions associated with poor oral health (ex. in addition to Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, poor pregnancy outcomes, etc.) and patients who might benefit from more intensive education on the importance of good oral health to their particular disease, along with reminders to keep up with prevention and periodontal treatments (ex. periodontal maintenance). Dentists might also be able to pick up on signs and symptoms, such as high blood pressure or HbA1c, in their practices leading to a follow-up referral to that patient’s physician.

In response to these requests, our colleagues at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine shared the review article, “Association between periodontal pathogens and systemic disease.” We hope you find the information helpful as you look for ways to support your patients with chronic medical conditions.

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