Changing Concepts in Preventive Dentistry

Description

with Special Guest Speaker:  Dr. Mark Cannon

Recorded on April 10th, 2020

Course Description: The participant will understand how to properly diagnose and manage preventive dental concerns and the true objectives of the “age one” visit. The astonishing research into the microbiome, the effects of probiotics and dysbiosis being the root problem of dental diseases with many systemic implications will be presented.

Part 1. “Probiotics: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
Probiotics by definition are “live bacteria that confer a health benefit upon the host”. The concept of probiotic bacteria has been understood since 1907, but the practice of fermenting food and beverages is thousands of years old. Indeed, agriculture and then civilization, evolved around fermented beverages. Many thousands of scientific articles have been published confirming the benefits of probiotics. Then
why aren’t probiotics universally accepted? There are more than a few reasons, some revolving around the unfortunate circumstance that many probiotics on the market are worthless, not even the correct species let alone a beneficial strain, others are cautious due to the few seemingly negative reports, and then we have those that just can’t accept the fact the bacteria are important in health, let alone control our behavior. This presentation will provide the attendee a complete over view of probiotics in health and especially in regards to oral health and the oral systemic link. Oral probiotic products from a number of reputable companies will be discussed, along with their supporting research. The attendee will be able to explain the history of probiotics, the research supporting their role in health, and implement probiotics into an office protocol.

Part 2. “Polyols in Preventive Dentistry”
Polyols are sometimes referred to as “sugar alcohols” which makes them sound like a “rum and coke”. Nothing could be more mis-leading, as these naturally produced sugars (even human cells make small amounts) help regulate the microbiome. Xylitol and erythritol have been demonstrated in many studies to benefit oral health, but research into the microbiome of hunter-gatherers proves that the polyols have many more benefits that just oral. This presentation will discuss the over-all health benefits of polyols and the many mis-conceptions commonly expressed. A review of all the polyol products, their applications, and how to successfully integrate the products into a prevention centered practice will be
discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Part 1.

The attendee should:
– understand the rationale supporting the health benefits of probiotics
– understand the mechanism for boosting the immune system
– recognize “research” with hidden agendas
– be able to implement the probiotic protocol best suited for their practice

Part 2.

The attendee should:
– understand the history of polyols and how they first were introduced
– recognize the role of polyols in gut protection and epigenetics
– be able to utilize xylitol and erythritol products in dental prevention
– educate patients as to good choices in dental care products for children

2.0 CEU

AGD PACE Subject Code: 150 – Nutrition (Electives)

Course Review Date: March 24, 2025
Course Expiration: March 24, 2028
Cancellation/Refund Policy: There are no refunds given for this event