Oral Manifestation of Systemic Diseases

LIFEHOUSE’s Functional Nutrition Examination (Physical Exam, Anthropometrics, and Selected Biomarkers) Informs Personalized Wellness Interventions

Each individual has a unique and interacting set of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that are reflected in their physical exam and laboratory biomarkers and significantly impact their experience of health. Patterns of nutrient deficiency signs and biomarker levels below health-promoting thresholds have been identified in national nutrition surveys. However, identifying these patterns remains a challenge in clinical medicine for many reasons, including clinician training and education, clinical time restraints, and the belief that these signs are both rare and recognizable only in cases of severe nutritional deficiencies. With an increased interest in prevention and limited resources for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, a functional nutrition evaluation may augment patient-centered screening evaluations and personalized wellness programs. During LIFEHOUSE, we have documented physical exam, anthropometric, and biomarker findings that may increase the recognition of these wellness-challenging patterns in a population of 369 adult employees working in two occupational areas: administrative/sales and manufacturing/warehouse. Distinct and significant physical exam differences and constellations of biomarker abnormalities were identified. We present these patterns of physical exam findings, anthropometrics, and advanced biomarkers to assist clinicians in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that may stem the loss of function that precedes the development of the non-communicable chronic diseases of aging.

The perceived association of oral diseases and general pathology among doctors of different specialties

This study aimed to highlight the perceived associations between general and oral pathology, among clinicians of different specialties. Data was collected through a questionnaire with 22 questions, with single or multiple answers, to 88 dentists, general practitioners, or pediatricians. The majority of participants were women (89.8%), aged between 30 and 39 years (52.3%), with a professional experience mostly under 10 years (61.3%). Many doctors considered that there was an association between oral and general pathologies (39.8%). The most common general pathologies associated with oral pathology were digestive disorders (n=21, 23.9%), followed by cardiovascular, genetic, endocrine and metabolic, neuropsychiatric, respiratory, hematological, immunological, and oncological pathologies. Tooth decay was mainly found in patients with digestive, respiratory, or neuropsychiatric disorders, and periodontal disease was more common in patients with obstetric disorders. Diseases of the oral mucosa, such as canker sores and gingivostomatitis, were more common in patients with digestive pathology, endocrine and metabolic, or reproductive disorders. The study pointed out that physicians, regardless of their medical training, often observed a relatively rich general pathology associated with oral conditions. It is important to differentiate between primary and secondary oral pathology, associated with general pathology and medication, establishing a correct diagnosis of the disease and treatment according to general or oral diseases and their manifestations.

Dental follow-up and maintenance index: the development of a novel multidisciplinary protocol

Objectives

To develop a comprehensive yet simple dental follow up and maintenance protocol based on existing guidelines and recommendations.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team reviewed available maintenance and follow up guidelines and recommendations then developed a single protocol for adult dental patients.

Results

The protocol includes ten questions that categorize dental patients into one of three risk categories. Based on the risk category, each patient is assigned a recall interval and recommendations for in office and at home dental care.

Conclusions

Development of a single multidisciplinary follow up and maintenance protocol.