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Intriguing research in the past 10 years has shed light and raised many additional questions regarding the interrelationship of oral health to general health. Designed for nurses and other health professionals, this webinar will emphasize practical applications for patient care and referral for dental care in addition to reviewing relevant research findings related to the oral health/general health connection.
Please look below to view a video archive of this live presentation. To download handouts for the webinar, click here.
During this ADVANCE informational webinar, attendees ask questions via a chat box. At the end of the presentation the speakers replied to as many questions as time allowed. During the Jan. 12, 2012, webinar, a few questions were unanswered due to time constraints. The speakers graciously agreed to reply to them in writing and they appear here.
Q: We have a scoring system to assess patients when they come to the hospital and in this way we have been able to identify those patietns who are at high risk and we institute a care plan requiring increasing the frequency on oral hygiene and monitoring the oral assessment while they are in the hospital trying to minimize more complications as a hospitalized patient.
A: A scoring system is a great idea because it can highlight those patients who are at high risk and identify them for special care while hospitalized. Glad that you are using this system and best wishes in helping your patients ensure good oral health.
Q: Is there a direct link with periodontitis disease and sinus problems?
A: Sinus infections often cause increased pressure on the roots of the teeth and many patients complain of tooth pain which is related to the sinus pressure rather than a dental problem. In a review of the literature, we found no published research regarding the connection between sinus infection and periodontal diseases. A recently published scientific review (Azarpazhooh, 2011) identified fair evidence that chewing xylitol gum was helpful in reducing ear infections in healthy children due to the antibacterial effect of xylitol, and recommended further study. Although no studies have been completed regarding xylitol and sinus infections, patients may want to consider using xylitol mints or gums to increase antibacterial activity.
Q: What are some foods that may help promote a healthy mouth? What are some dietary measures to decrease inflammatory processes and diseases
A: Dietary patterns that promote good oral health include the following: Eating a well-balanced diet that includes foods from all major food groups each day, limiting snacking and limiting sugar containing foods and beverages. Eating a high sugar diet, especially snacking on sugar containing foods and beverages, has been associated with dental decay. Poorly balanced diets that are lacking calcium and vitamins B and C can be associated with increased levels of periodontal disease.
Regarding dietary measures to decrease inflammatory processes, there is a growing body of evidence that shows that foods typical of a "Mediterranean diet," including fruit, vegetables, fish, walnuts, olive oil, canola oil, and foods especially rich in omega-3 fats may help patients to lower their levels of inflammation.
 About the presenters: Sue Giorgio, RDH, clinical dental hygienist focusing dental hygiene services to medically compromised and phobic patients. She also provides continuing education courses in the areas of oral health-systemic involvement and periodontal treatments for graduate and student dental professionals.
 Joan I. Gluch, RDH, PhD, is director of community health and responsible for the direction of the community service learning courses and outreach activities at Penn Dental Medicine, Philadelphia. She also serves as associate dean for academic policies with responsibilities in accreditation, faculty development and interdisciplinary community based programs.
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