CATEGORY 54 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST WWW.PROFDENT.COM.AU plaque disclose #SUPPORTAUSTRALIAN WHAT WILL YOUR PATIENT’S MOUTH REVEAL? EVENTS you elaborate on the most pressing systemic health issues that dentistry needs to address in relation to this research? I am sure that there should be much more dissemination of information regarding the association between oral streptococcal species and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It should be known that Streptococcus mutans, a major caries pathogen, is one of them. Reducing the bacteria in the oral cavity is crucial, especially for people with underlying heart disease. Additionally, elderly individuals with decreased immunity should also take precautions. Endothelial dysfunction can occur in people without heart disease due to various factors. Dentists should be prepared to treat such patients to maintain their oral health. Streptococcus mutans is a well-known contributor to dental caries. How do you think the dental profession should adapt its preventive and treatment strategies in light of the emerging evidence regarding its systemic impact? S. mutans is present in the oral cavity of most people, with varying amounts. Recent discoveries have shown that S. mutans with a collagen-binding protein called Cnm on their cell surface can exacerbate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Currently, there is no straightforward way to identify individuals carrying these high-risk bacteria. erefore, it is important to reduce the amount of S. mutans overall. For individuals with dental caries, treatment of the carious lesion can help reduce bacterial levels. Professional dental cleaning is another way to achieve this reduction. Furthermore, providing guidance on personal oral care at home is crucial. FDI WDC Presenter: Dr Jason Pang (Australia) Topic: Oral microbiome and Periimplantitis Why did you choose this topic for your workshop presentation? e topic is about managing the oral microbiome and early detection of complications, speci cally peri-implant mucositis, to prevent implant periodontitis. Instead of waiting for symptoms like pocketing, bleeding, and bone loss, we can use a phase contrast microscope to identify species likely to cause complications. For instance, if we observe a signi cant presence of spirochetes, such as Treponema denticola, along with white blood cells, we can identify individuals at risk of complications. is allows us to detect and address issues months, or even years, before they progress to severe bone loss, ultimately preventing major problems. Peri-implant complications are a global concern for practitioners, and currently, there’s no de nitive treatment for periodontitis. However, the best approach we have is managing implant mucositis early to prevent implantitis. erefore, early detection and treatment are crucial to addressing these issues before they escalate. FDI WDC Panelist: Prof. Lakshman P. Samaranayake (Hong Kong) Topic: e Year in Review FDI is one of the few dental organisations that unites the world through national representation. What are your thoughts about FDI and events like the FDI World Dental Congress that convene and address the challenges facing the dental profession in various dental communities worldwide, and whether it serves as a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing? As the editor-in-chief of International Dental Journal (IDJ), I often come across manuscripts, like one from a developing nation, where they investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the dental industry. Interestingly, there have been a notable number of dentist deaths in that country – around 20, I believe. While it’s challenging to attribute these deaths directly to dental practice, it appears relatively high in that region. ey attribute this partly to controversies regarding infection control recommendations between the Health Department and the government, as well as con icts with the professional dental association. People were left uncertain about what to do, and the government’s support was lacking. My point here is that we must unify our e orts. Authoritative bodies like FDI, with their wealth of expertise, can disseminate guidelines. ere should be a direct line of communication with organisations like the WHO or other global health bodies, where representatives from FDI and other organisations can convey these directives. A uni ed response will be more authoritative and less confusing. I believe we should nd a way to establish a coordinated response during pandemics, involving regional, local, and international dental organisations, as well as the WHO. u The full version of this article can be found at: www.dentalresourceasia.com/conversations-with-fdi-world-dentalcongress-2023-speakers/
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