While you might not see the connection at first, there is a connection between poor oral health, poor sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. To interview this week’s guest about the subject, Michelle is joined by the similarly named Machell Hudson, who co-hosts the Reflection Health Podcast on channel 1 of A Tale of Two Hygienists’ own Dental Podcast Network!
Anne O. Rice is a registered dental hygienist and the Sleep Care Coordinator for Sleep Group Solutions, which specializes in dental treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Anne wants to change the trajectories of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and she believes dental professionals can help achieve that by educating patients and taking greater precautions when it comes to bacteria, yeast and other infections.
In this episode, Anne discusses the relationship between bacterial infection and Alzheimer’s/dementia, explains when you need to say “no” to a patient, and reveals why you need to become very good friends with berry hibiscus tea.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Interview starts: 3:17
– Michelle and Machell reflect on when they first met and how they realized they were kindred spirits.
– How bacteria, yeast and the herpes virus are “flamethrowers” that kickstart Alzheimer’s and associated conditions.
– Why dental professionals need to impress the long-term effects of bacterial infection to patients, rather than just the aesthetic effects.
– What should hygienists be looking for when examining patients for bacterial infection?
– Anne’s argument for why dental professionals need to be extremely supportive of patients living with Alzheimer’s and similar diseases.
– Breaking down a study that revealed a significant link between blood pressure and brain health.
– The relationship between sleep apnea, poor sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases.
– The science behind why exercise is so crucial for brain health.
– Taking the proper precautions when working with patients dealing with bacterial infection.
– How can we make the most of long wait times in a way that benefits patient education?
QUOTES:
“When I looked at these modifiable risk factors to prevent the disease, it was stuff that I was doing in my practice.”
“I’m not asking anyone to do anything more than what they’re doing, just tweak a little bit and be a little more educated.”
“Vessel health is so crucial to brain health.”
“Mid-life high blood pressure astronomically increases your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”
“Sleep is one of the biggest things. We just really need to take it seriously.”
“Let me be crystal clear: if somebody has a cold sore, please, don’t treat them. For their own sake!”
“Let’s protect ourselves a little bit more.”
“You have to get past your fear, and you have to make a difference in some way.”
LINKS:
Oral Systemic Seminars – https://www.anneorice.com/
Anne’s email: anneorice@gmail.com
Sleep Group Solutions – https://join.sleepgroupsolutions.com/
Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test – https://www.mocatest.org/
Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode!
Go here to take the test and get your CE credit!
Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences!
THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! – but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state.
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