The mouth is a window to the health of our bodies. Often people see their hygienists more often than their primary care physicians. Learn several important chairside tests that can be done to help evaluate the nutritional needs of your patients as well as how and when to refer your patients out.

Inflammation and infection are two key components to accelerated aging disease and ultimately death. It is becoming more apparent that these pathogenic conditions within the oral cavity and systemically are directly or indirectly related. Systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s/dementia and various cancers have an oral pathogens and inflammation component. Recent understanding of light and sound technologies reveal that they can allow us to see inflammation and infection. This presentation will discuss using the Velscope to cause autofluorescence of inflammation and infection. A brief discussion will be on using ultrasound (Point of care) to screen for cardiovascular disease and thyroid problems. These technologies in the hands of dental professionals, should allow our patients to have information about their health That usually goes undetected until disease is significantly advanced.