Oral Pathogens, Genetics, and Systemic Inflammation: The Oral Connection to Systemic Disease

Presented by: Thomas Nabors, MD

Original Presentation Date: September 26, 2014

Course Description: 

Dive into a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between oral microbiology and human health in this course. By delving into medical and dental peer-reviewed literature, you'll uncover the behaviors of specific oral bacteria, their interactions with local tissues, and their unique mechanisms to activate various inflammatory pathways. As a clinician, you'll develop the skills to discern the risks to both oral and systemic health associated with these oral pathogens, particularly in the context of periodontitis and implant infections. Moreover, this course will shed light on the compelling findings from peer-reviewed literature in both medical and dental fields, unveiling the connections between the spread of specific oral pathogens and heightened cardiovascular risks, including hypertension, atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart attacks, and ischemic strokes. Gain valuable insights that will empower you to enhance patient care and health outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze medical and dental peer-reviewed literature to investigate specific oral bacteria, their interactions with local tissues, their immune evasion mechanisms, and their capacity to activate distinct inflammatory pathways.
• Evaluate the clinician's ability to interpret the risks associated with specific oral pathogens in the context of both oral and systemic health, especially with periodontitis and implant infections.
• Synthesize information from peer-reviewed literature in both medical and dental fields to establish connections between the spread of specific oral pathogens and heightened cardiovascular risks, encompassing conditions like hypertension, atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart attacks, and ischemic strokes.

Speaker Bio:

Thomas Nabors received his undergraduate education at Lipscomb University and Mississippi State University, majoring in biology and chemistry. He received his dental school education at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. He founded OralDNA Labs and wrote many articles for peer-reviewed dental publications and several peer-reviewed continuing education courses.

Dr. Nabors speaks to universities, national & state dental organizational meetings, and physician groups. He speaks on a variety of topics, including our case today, as well as the role of the dental team in preventing heart attacks and stroke. He serves on advisory boards for many companies.