Episodes

  • Episode 69: The Hidden Harms of Vaping and Nicotine Pouches - What Dental Professionals Need to Know

    Episode 69: The Hidden Harms of Vaping and Nicotine Pouches - What Dental Professionals Need to Know
    Jun 17 2025
    Episode 69: The Hidden Harms of Vaping and Nicotine Pouches - What Dental Professionals Need to Know Hosts: Tabitha Acret (Australia) & Melissa Obrotka (USA) Episode Description In this critical episode, Tabitha and Melissa tackle one of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in oral health today: the harms of vaping and nicotine pouches like Zyn. Far from being "harmless alternatives," these products present significant risks that dental professionals need to understand and address. Key Topics Covered What Are Vapes and Nicotine Pouches? 🔑 Vaping devices (e-cigarettes): Heat liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals for inhalation 🔑 Nicotine pouches (Zyn): Tobacco-free pouches placed between the lip and gum, absorbed through the oral mucosa 🔑 Nicotine concentration: One Zyn pouch contains 6-12mg of nicotine (potentially more than a cigarette) Marketing Tactics: Big Tobacco 2.0 Bright colors and fruity flavors targeting teens and young adultsLifestyle branding and social media influence campaignsPackaging designed to look like gum or mintsStanford 2023 study: Flavored vaping products are the #1 reason adolescents try e-cigarettes Ingredient Breakdown E-liquids contain: NicotinePropylene glycolGlycerinFlavorings (including diacetyl linked to "popcorn lung")Heavy metals (lead, nickel)Volatile organic compounds Nicotine pouches contain: Nicotine salts (more bioavailable)pH adjustersFlavoringsFillers and binders Oral Health Impacts Vaping effects: Xerostomia (dry mouth)Gingival inflammationIncreased caries riskDelayed healingOral microbiome disruption Nicotine pouch effects: Localized gum recessionMucosal irritationLeukoplakia-like lesionsIncreased calculus formation Systemic Health Concerns Cardiovascular impacts: Increased blood pressure, heart rate, inflammation2022 JAMA study: Daily vaping linked to increased myocardial infarction risk in young adultsRespiratory conditions: 34% higher risk of chronic respiratory issues (2023 Lancet meta-analysis)Mental health: Potential links to increased anxiety and depression in teens Addiction Potential Single Zyn pouch may deliver more nicotine than a cigaretteAdolescents using nicotine pouches show similar addiction profiles to daily smokersProducts represent "harm redirection" rather than harm reduction Regulatory Landscape Australia Non-prescription nicotine vapes banned for importationEnforcement challenges remainZyn and similar pouches available through online retailers despite restrictions United States Zyn legally available (not classified as tobacco product due to no leaf content)FDA slow to regulate; issued warnings in 2023 but sales continue growingLimited oversight compared to traditional tobacco products Clinical Guidance for Dental Professionals Assessment Questions Ask specifically: "Do you vape? Use nicotine pouches?" not just "Do you smoke?"Include all age groups, especially adolescents and young adults Clinical Signs to Watch For Gingival traumaMucosal changesHalitosisIncreased bleeding during proceduresLocalized recession patterns Intervention Strategies Patient education about actual risks vs. perceived safetyInclude nicotine cessation counseling in treatment planningProvide referrals to cessation programs when appropriateUse uncomfortable conversations as opportunities for life-changing interventions Key Takeaways Reframe the narrative: These products aren't "better than smoking" – advocate for health, not just harm reductionEducation is essential: Many patients believe these products are safePrevention is our responsibility: Use clinical encounters to identify and interveneKnowledge sharing: Discuss with colleagues, patients, and community members Research References JAMA Network Open (2022): "Electronic Cigarette Use and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease"The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2023): "E-Cigarettes and Respiratory Health: A Meta-analysis"Tobacco Control (2022): "Adolescent Use of Nicotine Pouches"Stanford Research (2023): Impact of flavored vaping products on adolescent initiationAustralian Government Department of Health: Vaping Regulation Updates BONUS - Listen for a spontaneous guest on current events/trends in high school as Melissa's 17-year-old son, Jade Obrotka, makes his debut on the show and shares the vaping and Zyn (anecdotal) stats from his peers. Resources for Practitioners Cessation counseling tools and scriptsPatient education materialsCurrent research papers and clinical guidelinesRegulatory updates by region Connect with Disrupting Dentistry Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts and other major platforms Website: Disrupting Dentistry Podcast Share this episode if it resonated with you – knowledge sharing drives change in our profession! Instagram: Follow ➡️ @disruptingdentistrypodcast Follow ➡️ @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ Follow ➡️ @itsthebadasshygienist Send us an 📧 ...
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    44 mins
  • Episode 68: Beyond the Chair: Trauma-Informed Care in Dentistry

    Episode 68: Beyond the Chair: Trauma-Informed Care in Dentistry
    Jun 6 2025
    Beyond the Chair: Trauma-Informed Care in Dentistry Show Notes - Disrupting Dentistry Podcast Episode Description This isn't just about patient experience — it's about humanity, dignity, and creating safer, more responsive dental environments for everyone who walks through our door. In this powerful episode, Tabitha and Melissa delve into trauma-informed care, exploring why every dental professional needs to understand its impact on both patients and providers. What You'll Learn The real definition of trauma (it's not what you think)Why dental visits are perfect storms for trauma activationThe five pillars of trauma-informed care and how to implement themHow to recognize trauma responses in the dental chairThe difference between PTSD and Complex PTSDWhy trauma-informed care matters for your team, tooActionable steps to start practicing differently TODAY Episode Timestamps 0:00-3:00 - Introduction & Host Catch-Up 3:00-8:00 - What Is Trauma? Why It Matters in Dentistry Redefining trauma beyond "big events"Types of trauma our patients carryWhy dental visits trigger trauma responses 8:00-18:00 - The 5 Pillars of Trauma-Informed Care Safety (physical and emotional)Trustworthiness and transparencyPeer support and collaborationChoice, voice, and empowermentCultural, historical, and gender considerations 18:00-25:00 - Recognizing Trauma in the Chair Signs to watch for during appointmentsUnderstanding PTSD vs Complex PTSDReal-world examples and case studies 25:00-30:00 - Trauma-Informed Care for Dental Teams Addressing vicarious traumaCreating psychologically safe workplacesSelf-care strategies for providers 30:00-35:00 - Systems Change in Dental Education What dental schools need to teachMoving away from shame-based learningPolicy and clinic transformations 35:00-40:00 - Where to Start: Practical Implementation The magic questions to ask patientsSmall changes with big impactShifting from "what's wrong" to "what's needed" Key Takeaways 🔑 Trauma is any experience that overwhelms someone's ability to cope - not just "big" events 🔑 Dental visits can be triggering due to loss of control, intimate procedures, and power dynamics 🔑 The 5 pillars provide a framework for creating safer, more responsive care 🔑 Trauma responses show up in the body - watch for physical and emotional signs 🔑 This work isn't just patient-facing - teams need trauma-informed cultures too 🔑 Start with curiosity and presence - you don't need all the answers to care differently Resources Mentioned SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - Framework for trauma-informed care Action Items for Listeners ✅ Ask these questions in your next patient interaction: "How can I make this space safer for you today?""What do you need from me right now?""What would help you feel more comfortable?" ✅ Implement the five pillars gradually: Start with one pillar per weekPractice explaining procedures before touchingOffer choices throughout appointments ✅ Check in with your team: Normalize debriefing complex casesCreate space for emotional check-insEncourage self-care and boundaries ✅ Share this episode with colleagues, faculty, and your dental community Connect with the Hosts Instagram: Follow ➡️ @disruptingdentistrypodcast Follow ➡️ @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ Follow ➡️ @itsthebadasshygienist Connect With The Disrupting Dentistry Movement 🔥 Send us an 📧 disruptingdentistrypodcast@gmail.com with your stories, reflections, or questionsShare your trauma-informed care journey using #DisruptingDentistryPodcast Next Steps Ready to go deeper? Here are ways to continue your trauma-informed care education: Research SAMHSA's trauma-informed care principlesAttend trauma-informed care training for healthcare providersStart conversations with your dental team about implementing these practicesConnect with mental health professionals in your community for referral resourcesAdvocate for trauma-informed care curriculum in dental education Episode Credits Hosts: Tabitha Acret & Melissa Obrotka Podcast: Disrupting Dentistry Episode: Beyond the Chair: Trauma-Informed Care in Dentistry Remember: This work can't fall solely on individual clinicians — it must be embedded into education, policy, and the very culture of how we practice dentistry. Let's build a more human profession — together. Stay kind, stay present, and keep disrupting! Thank you for listening! 🤟
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    49 mins
  • Episode 67: Neuromarketing for Dental Pros: Understanding the Science Behind Effective Marketing

    Episode 67: Neuromarketing for Dental Pros: Understanding the Science Behind Effective Marketing
    May 13 2025
    Episode 67: Neuromarketing for Dental Pros: Understanding the Science Behind Effective Marketing

    In this enlightening episode, we delve into the fascinating world of neuromarketing with Yoli Dick, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience at the intersection of dentistry and marketing. Discover how understanding the brain's 🧠 decision-making processes can transform your dental practice's marketing strategy from merely functional to deeply resonant and compelling.

    Key 🔑 Topics Discussed:

    • How the brain processes marketing messages and makes healthcare decisions
    • The science behind building trust signals into your dental brand
    • Creating emotional connections that drive patient loyalty
    • Practical neuromarketing techniques that dental professionals can implement immediately
    • The importance of consistent brand touchpoints from website to waiting room

    Highlights ✳️ from the Conversation:

    • Yoli explains how emotions, not logic, drive most healthcare decisions and what this means for dental marketing
    • The physiological responses that patients have to different marketing approaches and environments
    • Why traditional dental marketing often fails to connect with potential patients
    • Practical strategies for designing your practice around the patient's emotional journey
    • How to train your team to become authentic brand ambassadors

    About Our Guest: Yoli Dick helps dental professionals and healthcare providers build brands that feel as good as they perform. She creates purposeful, emotionally intelligent marketing that genuinely connects with patients by blending deep industry knowledge with neuroscience-driven strategy. Through her consulting and training programs, Yoli empowers dental teams to communicate clearly, connect authentically, and grow their practices with heart and purpose.

    Connect with Yoli: 📥 Subscribe to Yoli's Blog

    • 🌐 Yoli Dick Marketing Services | Neuroscience Marketing Strategies
    • 📲 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolidick
    • 📲 Instagram: Yoli Dick | Human-Centered Marketing (@yolidickneurosciencemarketer) • Instagram photos and videos

    Connect With The Disrupting Dentistry Movement 🔥

    🚀 Share this episode with colleagues who can benefit from listening to it!

    🚀 Subscribe to stay on the cutting edge of disruptive dental practice techniques!

    Follow ➡️ @disruptingdentistrypodcast

    Follow ➡️ @tabitha_dental_hygienist_

    Follow ➡️ @itsthebadasshygienist

    DentalMarketing #Neuromarketing #PatientExperience #DentalBranding #EmotionalIntelligence #HealthcareMarketing #PracticeGrowth #PatientLoyalty #DentalBusiness #BrandStorytelling #DentalPracticeSuccess

    Thank you for listening! 🤟
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    42 mins
  • Episode 66: Breaking Boundaries: Owning a Specialist Perio Practice as an OHT 🚀

    Episode 66: Breaking Boundaries: Owning a Specialist Perio Practice as an OHT 🚀
    May 6 2025

    Special Guest Dental Disruptor: Alan Timmerman, Oral Health Therapist & Specialist Periodontal Practice Owner

    In this groundbreaking episode, Tabitha sits down with Alan Timmerman, an Australian Oral Health Therapist who has shattered traditional career expectations by purchasing and running his own specialist periodontal practice. This conversation explores Alan's unconventional journey from clinical practice to business ownership and provides valuable insights for OHTs looking to expand beyond conventional roles.

    Key Topics Covered

    🔄 From Clinician to Owner: Alan's Journey

    • Alan's background and early career as an Oral Health Therapist
    • The pivotal moments that led him to consider practice ownership
    • The transition process and unexpected challenges faced along the way
    • How his clinical background prepared him for business leadership

    💼 Business Ownership Realities for OHTs

    • Navigating the financial aspects of purchasing a specialist practice
    • Building credibility in a specialist setting as an OHT
    • Managing the dual responsibilities of clinical work and business operations
    • Creating systems that maintain quality while allowing for growth

    ⚖️ Scope of Practice Considerations

    • How Alan structures his practice to respect the scope of practice limitations
    • Building effective referral relationships with periodontists
    • Creating clear protocols for case management and referrals
    • Innovative approaches to team structure in a specialist setting

    🌱 Practice Growth Strategies

    • Marketing a periodontal practice in today's competitive landscape
    • Building relationships with general practices for consistent referrals
    • Investing in technology that elevates periodontal care
    • Staff development and creating a perio-focused culture

    💡 Advice for Forward-Thinking OHTs

    • Essential skills OHTs should develop beyond clinical expertise
    • Business education and resources Alan recommends
    • Common pitfalls to avoid when expanding your career horizons
    • Building a support network for unconventional career paths
    Key Takeaways
    • OHTs have more career possibilities than traditionally recognized
    • Business ownership requires both clinical credibility and leadership skills
    • Specialist practices can thrive under OHT ownership with proper structure
    • Expanding your vision requires stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new challenges
    • The future of dental practice ownership is becoming more diverse and inclusive
    Connect With The Movement 🔥

    🚀 Join the dental revolution!

    🚀 Share this episode with colleagues who can benefit from listening to it!

    🚀 Subscribe to stay on the cutting edge of disruptive dental practice techniques!

    Follow ➡️ @disruptingdentistrypodcast

    Follow ➡️ @tabitha_dental_hygienist_

    Follow ➡️ @itsthebadasshygienist

    #DisruptingDentistry #StopBleedingGums #OralSystemicConnection #DentalInnovation #PerioHealth
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Episode 65: Stress & Your Smile: The Silent Oral Health Saboteur 😬💥

    Episode 65: Stress & Your Smile: The Silent Oral Health Saboteur 😬💥
    Apr 22 2025
    This episode FINALLY exposes how stress is silently destroying your patients' mouths! 🚨 Melissa and Tabitha break through the traditional dentistry noise to reveal the science behind why stress might be the #1 oral health saboteur your patients (and YOU) aren't talking about. Key Topics Covered 🧠 The Science of Stress & The Oral Cavity (3:00-12:00) How the HPA axis is literally bathing your patients' mouths in cortisol! 💦The SHOCKING immune suppression that's happening beneath our patient's gingivaRevolutionary research that mainstream dentistry isn't discussingWhy your patients' stress behaviors are creating a perfect storm for oral disease 🌪️ 😬 Stress-Related Oral Conditions (12:00-25:00) Bruxism: The silent nighttime destroyer most dentists just band-aid with a nightguardTMD: It's not just about the jaw—it's about the WHOLE PERSONThe stress-triggered conditions conventional dentistry misses: Aphthous ulcers that keep returning 🔄Lichen planus that won't respond to traditional treatmentsBurning Mouth Syndrome—it's NOT just in their heads! The REAL reason periodontal treatments fail: STRESS! 🔥 🦷 What Dental Professionals NEED To Do (25:00-40:00) Ditch the antiquated screening methods and start asking the RIGHT questionsSalivary diagnostics: The game-changing tool traditional practices ignoreThe MIND-BLOWING connection between stress, bruxism, and sleep apnea 😴Breaking the vicious cycle your patients are trapped inRevolutionary signs you should be looking for: Scalloped tongues = RED FLAG 🚩Constricted airways that are SCREAMING for attentionHigh-arched palates telling a story of dysfunctionForward head posture that traditional dentistry overlooksMorning symptoms that connect to nighttime problems Why collaborating with sleep medicine is NO LONGER optional! 🤝 Key Takeaways That Will DISRUPT Your Practice Tomorrow 💪 Start seeing stress as the root cause, not just a contributing factorImplement stress screenings TODAY—your patients' health depends on itStop treating symptoms and start healing causes—your oath demands it!Embrace the mouth-body connection that traditional dental education ignoredTake care of YOUR stress, too—you can't pour from an empty cup! 🧘‍♀️ Because We ALWAYS Bring the Research Receipts 🧾 Al-Jewair, T., et al. (2023). Association between obstructive sleep apnea, periodontal disease, and systemic inflammation: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Camacho, M., et al. (2021). Palatal expansion therapy as a treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews. Carra, M.C., et al. (2022). Sleep bruxism and sleep-disordered breathing: A systematic review of polysomnographic studies. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Gómez-Moreno, G., et al. (2022). Effects of psychological stress on the oral microbiome: A systematic review. Journal of Oral Microbiology. Iwasaki, M., et al. (2022). Association between salivary cortisol levels and periodontal clinical parameters. Clinical Oral Investigations. Lobbezoo, F., et al. (2023). Bruxism and temporomandibular disorders: A comprehensive review of comorbidities and management. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. Manfredini, D., et al. (2022). Electromyographic assessment of masseter and temporalis muscles in individuals with different stress levels: A controlled study. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. Martins, R.P., et al. (2023). Impact of psychological stress on periodontal disease progression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Oral Investigations. Mendes, F.S., et al. (2023). Cortisol levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews. Patil, S., et al. (2022). Psychological stress and oral lichen planus: A case-control study. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine. Peruzzo, D.C., et al. (2021). Psychological stress, salivary cortisol, and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Periodontal Research. Scully, C. (2021). Aphthous ulceration: A comprehensive review of etiopathogenesis. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine. Silva, L.A., et al. (2023). Burning mouth syndrome and psychological factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine. Connect With The Movement 🔥 🚀 Join the dental revolution! 🚀 Share this episode with colleagues who can benefit from this episode! 🚀 Subscribe to stay on the cutting edge of disruptive dental practice techniques! Follow ➡️ @disruptingdentistrypodcast Follow ➡️ @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ Follow ➡️ @itsthebadasshygienist #DisruptingDentistry #StopBleedingGums #OralSystemicConnection #DentalInnovation #PerioHealth
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    17 mins
  • Episode 64: STOP Normalizing Bleeding Gums: Making Diagnosing Gingivitis Sexy 🚫🩸

    Episode 64: STOP Normalizing Bleeding Gums: Making Diagnosing Gingivitis Sexy 🚫🩸
    Apr 8 2025
    This episode challenges the dental industry's casual approach to gingivitis and reframes bleeding gums as a severe systemic health warning that demands attention! Melissa and Tabitha reveal why making gingivitis identification compelling to patients is crucial for oral and overall health outcomes. Link to Meissa's Post mentioned in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG0LnVGsrnT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Key Topics Covered 🚨 Why Gingivitis Is More Than "Pink in the Sink" The systemic connection between gingival inflammation and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, interleukin-6)How gingivitis serves as an early warning system for broader health issuesThe direct link between periodontal inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk (Bale-Doneen Method) 🔬 The Progression from Gingivitis to Periodontitis Research showing how untreated gingivitis commonly advances to irreversible damageHow inflammation increases oral mucosa permeability, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstreamThe systemic health risks associated with ongoing gingival inflammation: Diabetes complicationsCognitive declineAdverse pregnancy outcomes 💡 Tools for Compelling Gingivitis Communication Tech-forward approaches that transform patient understanding: Voice-activated perio chartingBiofilm disclosing for immediate visual impactSalivary diagnostics to personalize care and track improvements 🗣️ Reframing the Clinical Conversation Moving beyond "floss more" to delivering a blueprint for whole-body healthPowerful language shifts that motivate patient actionPositioning dental professionals as frontline preventive medicine specialists Featured Research: Because We ALWAYS Bring the Research 🧾 Page, R. C., Offenbacher, S., Schroeder, H. E., Seymour, G. J., & Kornman, K. S. (2002). Advances in the pathogenesis of periodontitis: Summary of developments, clinical implications, and future directions. Journal of Periodontology, 73(8), 935-951. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2002.73.8.935Sanz, M., Marco Del Castillo, A., Jepsen, S., Gonzalez-Juanatey, J. R., D'Aiuto, F., Bouchard, P., Chapple, I., Dietrich, T., Gotsman, I., Graziani, F., Herrera, D., Loos, B., Madianos, P., Michel, J. B., Perel, P., Pieske, B., Shapira, L., Shechter, M., Tonetti, M., Vlachopoulos, C., & Wimmer, G. (2020). Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report. Frontiers in Medicine, 7(25). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2020.00025Tonetti, M. S., Van Dyke, T. E., & Working Group 1 of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop. (2013). Periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(S14), S24-S29. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12089 Key Takeaways That Will DISRUPT Your Practice 💪 Reframe gingivitis conversations to focus on whole-body health implicationsImplement visual and auditory tools to make inflammation impossible to ignoreUse data-driven approaches through salivary diagnosticsPosition yourself as a preventive health specialist, not just a dental providerChoose language that conveys urgency and importance Connect With The Movement 🔥 🚀 Join the dental revolution! 🚀 Share this episode with colleagues who need to level up their gingivitis communication. 🚀 Subscribe to stay on the cutting edge of disruptive dental practice techniques! Follow ➡️ @disruptingdentistrypodcast Follow ➡️ @tabitha_dental_hygienist_ Follow ➡️ @itsthebadasshygienist #DisruptingDentistry #StopBleedingGums #OralSystemicConnection #DentalInnovation #PerioHealth
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    31 mins
  • Episode 63: Mastering Communication Skills for Dental Professionals

    Episode 63: Mastering Communication Skills for Dental Professionals
    Mar 26 2025

    In this episode of The Disrupting Dentistry Podcast, Melissa (USA) and Tabitha (Australia) dive into communication's critical role in improving patient outcomes. From explaining the oral-systemic connection to collaborating with medical professionals, they share actionable strategies to enhance patient engagement and drive whole-body health. You'll learn how patient-centered communication, visual aids, and interdisciplinary collaboration can transform your practice and reduce systemic inflammation. Tune in for practical tips backed by science!

    What You'll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why effective communication is essential for improving patient compliance and health outcomes
    • Patient-centered communication techniques that enhance understanding and engagement
    • The power of visual aids, including biofilm disclosing and voice-activated periodontal charting
    • How to clearly explain the oral-systemic link to patients
    • The importance of collaborating with other healthcare providers for integrated patient care
    • Link to the episode referneced: The One Where We Talk About Communication

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Use patient-friendly language and open-ended questions to foster better communication.
    2. Leverage visual aids and real-time technology to help patients "see" their oral health status.
    3. Clearly articulate the connection between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
    4. Build interdisciplinary relationships to deliver holistic patient care.

    References Mentioned:

    • Bale, B., & Doneen, A. (2022). Beat the Heart Attack Gene: The Revolutionary Plan to Prevent Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes.
    • Epstein, R. M., et al. (2005). Patient-centered communication and diagnostic testing. Annals of Family Medicine, 3(5), 415-421.
    • Gurenlian, J. R. (2022). Patient-centered care in dental hygiene. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 96(2), 121-127.
    • Ha, J. F., & Longnecker, N. (2010). Doctor-patient communication: A review. Ochsner Journal, 10(1), 38-43.
    • Ide, M., et al. (2016). Periodontitis and pregnancy outcomes. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 43(6), 524-530.
    • Liccardo, D., et al. (2019). Periodontal disease and systemic inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(6), 1414.
    • Patel, N., et al. (2015). Real-time patient data and adherence. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 22(1), 74-80.
    • Slack-Smith, L., et al. (2017). Interdisciplinary dental and medical collaboration. Australian Dental Journal, 62(1), 115-121.
    • Slade, G. D., et al. (2020). Oral health and systemic disease links. Australian Dental Journal, 65(1), 58-64.
    • van der Sluijs, E., et al. (2018). Biofilm disclosure and patient compliance. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 16(3), 297-304.

    Connect With Us:

    • Listen wherever you get your podcasts
    • If you enjoyed this content, please leave us a review
    • Follow us on Instagram: @DisruptingDentistryPodcast
    • Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
    • Share this episode with your dental colleagues!

    Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for our next episode, where we explore how to prevent gingivitis by making it "sexy."
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    55 mins
  • Episode 62: The Heart of the Matter – Oral Health, Cardiovascular Disease & Salivary Testing

    Episode 62: The Heart of the Matter – Oral Health, Cardiovascular Disease & Salivary Testing
    Feb 28 2025

    In this eye-opening episode, Melissa and Tabitha dive into one of the most critical yet overlooked connections in healthcare: the link between oral health and cardiovascular disease. With heart disease remaining the #1 cause of death worldwide, they explore how chronic inflammation—particularly from periodontal pathogens—can silently drive heart attacks and strokes.

    They break down the Bale-Doneen Method, which challenges traditional cardiac screening by shifting the focus from cholesterol to inflammation and bacterial invasion as the true culprits of heart disease. They also discuss how salivary diagnostics can revolutionize dental care, helping professionals identify high-risk patients before a cardiac event occurs.

    Key Takeaways Include:

    ✅ How oral pathogens like P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum trigger arterial plaque formation.

    ✅ These are the biomarkers every dental professional should be testing for.

    ✅ Why standard cholesterol tests miss half of at-risk patients.

    ✅ Practical steps to integrate salivary testing and physician collaboration into daily practice.

    With Heart Health Month as the backdrop, this episode is a call to action for dental professionals worldwide: We're not just treating gum disease—we're saving lives.

    💡 Have you seen the perio-heart connection in your practice? Let's talk! Tag us, DM us, and join the conversation.

    #OralSystemicHealth #HeartHealthMonth #SalivaryTesting #PreventiveDentistry #PerioAndHeartDisease
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    34 mins