When people think of the dentist, naturally they think of teeth cleaning, restorations, and all things related to the mouth. However, as dentists know, dentistry—especially now more than ever—extends beyond the oral cavity, with dental health being increasingly recognized as a gateway to overall well-being. As the oral condition continues to be associated with systemic health, the role of the clinician is expanding.
In a continuing education (CE) article this month, the authors review the potential connection between periodontal disease and infertility. They examine current evidence as well as the proposed mechanisms of action of the associations between oral and reproductive health—and what the implications for clinical practice are. The article stresses the importance of interprofessional collaboration that focuses on “whole-person” healthcare.
Another CE article talks about something that isn’t talked about often—foreign body ingestion or inhalation. With the growth of implant dentistry, and its use of small components and sharp instruments, the accidental ingestion or aspiration of dental devices poses serious risks to patients. In this article, the authors, who have provided expert opinions in legal cases pertaining to this issue, present a detailed management protocol on accidental ingestion or aspiration related to dentistry. With little industry-wide guidance available to clinicians on this topic, this nine-step algorithm offers a practical solution. Notably, the dentist’s responsibility to the patient goes beyond simply calling for emergency medical services.
Another area where dentists can impact patients’ quality of life is through treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). In our “online only” feature, we present a statistical study of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and its relation to SDB. As the authors point out, an increase in better sleep, something in which dentists can play a role, can enhance a child’s attention, behavior, and neurocognitive processes, contributing to the child’s future health.
Other content featured in this issue includes a case report on treatment of occlusal dysfunction, a review of contemporary nonsurgical endodontic retreatment, and our Special Report on adhesion/bonding.
While the mouth will always be the dentist’s domain, as the medical and dental realms continue to coalesce, let’s always remember to consider patients’ overall wellness when providing treatment.
Sincerely,
Markus B. Blatz, DMD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
markus.blatz@conexiant.com
