Metabolic Dysfunction and Periodontal Disease

Presented by:  Lauralee Nygaard, DDS, MS

Original Lecture/ Publication Date: July 8, 2026 (Webinar Series)

Course Description:

Poor metabolic health can cause irreversible damage to the periodontium. Dental Teams trained to identify oral signs of metabolic disease can offer the opportunity to partner with their patients to help them achieve optimal oral and whole-body health. Dental providers who identify oral signs of metabolic dysfunction can inform and educate patients, and develop optimal dental health treatment plans that reduce the risk of tooth loss and support patients’ overall health and longevity.

Learning Objectives:

1. What is metabolic dysfunction?
2. Why Metabolic Dysfunction matters to the dental team.
3. Identify oral and systemic signs and symptoms of metabolic disease.
4. Identify what dental teams can do to help their patients achieve optimal oral, systemic, and metabolic health.

Practical Applications:

• Recognize periodontal disease as a potential indicator of underlying metabolic dysfunction and incorporate oral health into routine patient assessments.
• Collaborate with dental professionals to coordinate care for patients with metabolic disorders, reducing inflammation and improving overall health outcomes.
• Educate patients about the connection among metabolic health, periodontal disease, and chronic disease risk, and reinforce lifestyle interventions that support long-term health.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Lauralee Nygaard is a Board-Certified Periodontist who has been in private practice in Spokane, Washington, since 1995. She is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, a fellow of the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She is the director of the Meridian Dental Study Group, an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club.

Dr. Nygaard was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and attended dental school and periodontics residency at Loma Linda University. She received both her Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master's in periodontal science degrees.

In 2005 Dr Nygaard suffered a stroke while doing surgery on a patient. As she battled to restore her health, she learned about the connection between her dental disease and her stroke. Since recovering from her stroke and fighting to regain her own optimal health, she has learned it is not possible to separate oral health from systemic health, and she is committed to partnering with her patients in their journey to achieve both oral and systemic health. Dr. Nygaard also provides her patients with the full range of periodontal services, including dental implants, osseous surgery, sinus lifts, ridge augmentations, and genetic testing and inflammation management. She has a passion for esthetic periodontal procedures as well as exceptional customer service.