To acknowledge American Heart Month, I spoke with Tracey Jacobs, BSDH, RDH, of Philips, one of the most vocal supporters of oral-cardiac health. Caring for her mother as she suffered from a heart condition confirmed for Tracey that dental health-care practitioners can serve a major role in preventing heart disease.
The simple task of taking each patient's blood pressure at their appointments can call attention to a medical issue. Also, do you notice any other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, sweating, or swollen ankles? These can all be conversation starters about a patient's cardiac health.
People need to know that spitting "pink in the sink" when they brush is not normal, as many people seem to believe. Inform patients that this is a sign of periodontal disease, which can indicate a number of other systemic issues, including heart disease.
Tracey has found that the Philips Sonicare brush works well for her patients. Studies of the brush have shown its effectiveness in improving periodontitis. Tracey encourages all of us to start the conversation about heart health and perio health with our patients.
Listen here to what Tracey and I discuss, and visit Philips for more information.
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To watch more informative videos on today's topics with industry experts, visit dentaleconomics.com/videos or dentistryis.com/videos.
