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.