A recent report has outlined a range of benefits that could result from improved collaboration and communication from dentists and family doctors. The report shows that a link between oral health and physical health conditions exist. Moreover, it points out that this integration could result in improved treatment outcomes and prevention of many conditions.
As part of our wider healthcare, we typically see a family doctor for issues relating to our physical health, while speaking to our dentist for our oral health needs.
While this is perfectly acceptable, a recent report has urged for there to be more collaboration between dentists and family doctors in order to maximize the effectiveness of the services provided [1].
By working closely, doctors, dentists and patients can all benefit, especially with there being a strong connection between oral health conditions and physical health.
The Consensus Report
This conclusion came from a report issued by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WOFD) [1]. Subsequently, they published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology [1].
This was a form of report called a “Consensus Report”. This is where a selection of experts come together to present a finding that they all agree on. This particular consensus report involved 18 global leading experts in periodontology and family medicine [1].
The report highlighted the association between periodontal disease and physical health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases [1].
The authors have suggested that family doctors and oral health professionals should exchange information and refer patients to one another [1]. This could help to treat these linking conditions, promoting wider benefits to health.
The authors are preparing an outreach campaign based on the findings of this report. They aim to canvas policymakers, as well as those on the frontline – dentists and family doctors [2].
The report provides further evidence that shows gum disease is independently associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases [1]. Furthermore, this appears to include an enhanced chance of Covid-19 complications [1].
What can collaboration achieve?
The report points out that there are several benefits to closer collaboration. These include effective prevention, early detection and management of widespread systemic health conditions [1].
The report used an example that involved dentists making family doctors aware if a patient of theirs is going through the early phase of gum disease [1]. This would have a negative effect on the health of the patient and increase their chances of getting a physical health condition outlined above. Therefore, by knowing this knowledge early, the family doctor could try to implement strategies to protect the patient from such conditions.
Additionally, another example given was that oral health professionals – when treating patients with periodontitis – should let them know that their risk of cardiovascular diseases is higher [1]. They could then report this to their family doctor.
This research builds on previous findings by the WOFD [2]. In the past, they had found a link between gum disease and cardiovascular diseases [2]. But this report goes further and will prove very helpful.
President of the WOFD, Shlomo Vinker, commented that “the current split between dental health professionals on one side, and systemic disease professionals on the other makes no sense” [2]. Therefore, he has urged there to be “greater integration and better sharing of information” [2].
Author Comments
The authors commented on their findings. Lead author David Herrera said that “our paper presents a critical update of the evidence supporting the associations between periodontitis and very important systemic conditions” [2].
Furthermore, Herrera states that their “main objective was to understand the interpretation of this information by the family doctors, and the derived implications, developed to improve the management of our patients’ health” [2].
Therefore, the aim was clearly to help their patients with their treatment outcomes. This is certainly something that can be achieved and would benefit many people.
The hope is that that the findings of this research will be taken into account by leading health figures. Closer collaboration could save lives and help save healthcare services significant money. Overall, such an idea would be highly beneficial to many.
Thinking points…
1) We would recommend sharing information about your oral health with your family doctor. Moreover, if you felt comfortable, you could share information about your physical health with your dentist. This could improve your overall health and provide health professionals with a more holistic view of your health. At your next appointment we recommend speaking to your dentist about this!
2) The topic of gum disease comes up a lot in this article. Gum disease can definitely be a difficult condition to live with, and it affects so many of us. It is important to make sure we look after our gums. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, you could have a discussion with your dentist at your next appointment. We recommend booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Herrera, D., Sanz, M., Shapira, L., Brotons, C., Chapple, I., Frese, T., Graziani, F., Hobbs, F. D. R., Huck, O., Hummers, E., Jepsen, S., Kravtchenko, O., Madianos, P., Molina, A., Ungan, M., Vilaseca, J., Windak, A., & Vinker, S. (2023). Association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases: Consensus report of the Joint Workshop by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the European arm of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA Europe). Journal of Clinical Periodontology. (Early View). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13807.
[2] European Federation of Periodontology. (2023). Periodontists and family doctors must collaborate to treat their patients’ overall health, says new study. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-periodontists-family-doctors-collaborate-patients.html. Last accessed: 7th April 2023.
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