Whole-Body Health Symposium 2025

Abstract

Oral health is far more than just a bright smile — it is a vital indicator and influencer of overall health and wellness. This lecture explores the dynamic relationship between the mouth and the body, revealing how oral conditions can both reflect and contribute to systemic diseases. Mounting evidence shows that poor oral health is closely linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes. Periodontal disease, in particular, has been associated with heightened risks of heart disease and stroke due to the inflammatory and microbial pathways that connect oral and systemic health. Likewise, individuals with diabetes often face greater challenges in managing gum disease, which in turn can worsen glycemic control, creating a two-way relationship.

Through an exploration of current research and clinical insights, this session will illuminate the biological mechanisms that bridge oral and overall health, emphasizing the crucial role dental hygienists play in prevention, early detection, and patient education. By understanding the mouth-body connection, participants will be better equipped to promote comprehensive health — one patient at a time.

Abstract

In his thought-provoking presentation, Prof Avijit Banerjee, the world-renowned expert in cariology and minimum intervention / minimally invasive operative dentistry from King's College London, will outline the modern team-delivered, prevention-based, person-focused and susceptibility-related MIOC delivery approach to managing dental caries in primary care. He will, using clinical translational research evidence, emphasise the move away from the unsustainable traditional approach of simply "treating disease", to the contemporary salutogenic approach of "maintaining oral and dental health". He will focus on care plan strategies that empower people to manage and value their personal oral health, "bringing the mouth back into the body" with behaviour change management at the forefront.

Learning objectives

• Eescribe the MIOC delivery approach to managing dental caries.
• Explain the move away from "treating dental caries" to "its prevention and maintenance of good oral health".
• Describe primary prevention strategies.
• Describe the scope of practice of the oral healthcare team workforce to deliver prevention.

Abstract

An overview of the role nutrition has in the dental surgery and how you can support your patients safely and improve patient outcomes with nutrition and lifestyle interventions.

Aim

To introduce participants to safe nutritional advice that can be used in the dental setting to improve patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the need for nutritional support with dental patients and to be aware of the supporting evidence
• Apply safe nutritional support or refer to an appropriate person for a multidisciplinary approach
• List oral and general signs and symptoms of nutrient insufficiencies/deficiencies
• Be aware of lifestyle considerations that may impact patients and how to support them

Abstract

Dental discoloration can cause, in addition to an unpleasant aesthetic, also psychological and relational problems.

Teeth whitening is a practice that, if properly used, can be very satisfactory with low cost and high biological respect. Of course, as all the therapies that we do, the best results can be obtained only with specify protocols and safety and efficacy materials.

During the lecture we’ll talk about materials and techniques we use to fix very bad discolorations, for example non-vital teeth, teeth affected by fluorosis, tetracycline discolored teeth etc.

Learning objectives

• Recognize different discolorations.
• Discuss how to treat them.
• Choose the safest and best performing products on the market.
• Manage clinical cases that involve both whitening and conservative or prosthetic therapies.
• Manage possible complications and side effects.

Abstract

This lecture explores the intricate and evidence-based relationship between oral health and systemic wellness, emphasizing the dentist’s pivotal role in early disease detection, patient education, and interdisciplinary care. Drawing from recent clinical research, it highlights the bidirectional links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and autoimmune disorders. The session further addresses the growing influence of supplements and herbal therapies on oral and systemic health, underscoring the importance of detailed medical history-taking and risk assessment before dental procedures. By integrating advancements in brushing technologies, supplement awareness, and medical referral protocols, participants will gain practical strategies to elevate patient outcomes through collaborative, holistic care.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the Oral–Systemic Connection
• Describe the biological mechanisms linking periodontal disease to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular events, diabetes control, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Identify Clinical Indicators for Medical Referral
• Recognize oral signs and symptoms that warrant referral for medical evaluation, including uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, and autoimmune manifestations.
• Evaluate the Impact of Supplements and Multivitamins on Oral Health
• Discuss how common herbal and nutritional supplements (e.g., ginseng, ashwagandha, berberine) influence bleeding risk, healing, and drug interactions in dental practice.
• Promote Evidence-Based Preventive Strategies
• Compare manual versus electronic brushing technologies, interpreting recent clinical evidence to support personalized recommendations for improved oral and systemic outcomes.
• Integrate Collaborative Care Models
• Develop a multidisciplinary approach to patient management that enhances communication between dental, medical, and pharmacy teams for comprehensive health promotion.