Fall/Winter 2023 • Jo-Anne Jones, RDH • Compliments of CDHA Oh Canada!

Chronic inflammatory disease within the oral cavity has the potential to heighten systemic disease risk. Within a health care landscape that often focuses on reactive care, dental hygienists play a pivotal role in proactively addressing this issue. It is essential to employ effective strategies and communication approaches to help patients understand the critical connection between oral health and overall wellness, empowering them to take positive steps towards a healthier future.

The quest for optimal health, supported by achieving oral health and reducing chronic inflammation, is gaining attention and has become the benchmark of health care delivery. In many cases, though, our health care system is reactive rather than proactive. Chronic diseases, such as periodontal disease, tip the body’s balance towards chronic systemic inflammation.

As dental hygienists, we have a profound opportunity to have a positive impact on both the quality and quantity of life of every patient we treat. Chronic inflammation in the oral cavity essentially communicates with every organ and system in the body. Do our patients truly understand this connection and value the critical need to reduce the inflammatory burden?