The Mouth-Brain Connection Gets More Complicated
As life expectancy increases, age-related conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases and periodontitis, are becoming more prevalent.1,2 Mild cognitive impairment is one of the earliest signs…
The Oral-Gut Connection in Colorectal Cancer Care
While advancements in oncologic therapy significantly improve survival rates for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), the collateral damage to the oral cavity remains a formidable…
Blood Clots Can’t Be Ignored in the Dental Chair
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), and its clinical manifestations deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), are uniquely dangerous conditions due to the range of their…
The Hidden Sleep Disorder Linked to Oral and Systemic Health
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) occurs in 1% to 6% of children, making it a significant public health concern.1 POSA can be linked to a variety…
How the Epstein-Barr Virus Impacts Periodontal Health
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the human herpesvirus IV family, is a widespread and impactful pathogen with a complex history.1 Recognized in 1968, EBV…
When Cancer Treatment Affects the Mouth
Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to identify, assess, and contribute to the management of complex oral manifestations of systemic diseases and their treatments. Among the…
Building Inclusive, Affirming Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients
Understanding terms that patients may use to identify themselves is an easy first step to improving patient care. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromatic/agender…
Sickle Cell Disease in the Dental Chair
Sickle-cell disease (SCD) refers to a group of genetic blood disorders that impact hemoglobin — an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells (RBCs) — leading…
Connecting the Mouth and Mind in Patients With Alzheimer Disease
Neurological and/or cognitive issues, such as depression, delirium, dementia, and Alzheimer disease (AD), are common among older adults. While they may appear to have similar…