Listen Up! Communicating the Oral/Systemic Connection

Attention Please
“It’s all about getting your attention,” said Dr. Kammer. The second of 3 half-day seminars, Dr. Kammer’s opening lecture focused on the need to communicate with the public about the oral/systemic connection and the benefits of xylitol for both oral and overall body health.

“The media is picking up on the oral/systemic connection,” said Dr. Kammer, adding, “infections in the mouth are killing people.” However, the communication of this message is still falling short, according to Dr. Kammer. In his lecture, Dr. Kammer said that
he has seen several cases in which patients are told to floss more, but are not told that they have gum disease. “That’s a problem,” said Dr. Kammer, citing some striking statistics in his presentation:

• Eighty percent of the population has or has had gum disease.
•  More than 90% of patients with existing gum disease go untreated.

Call to Action
In his lecture, Dr. Kammer said that 90% of patients get prophies; however, he added that if the disease is already present, dental professionals should not provide a prophy. Expressing his sentiments through an audio clip from the film, Network, Dr. Kammer played the following: “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Entertaining, yes, but this clip was more than an attention grabber, it was a call to action and
Dr. Kammer continued to prompt the audience to take action saying, “Let’s do something about it.”

Doing Something About It
In 2011, Dr. Kammer founded the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) as a way to educate the public, media, and health professionals on the connection between oral health and overall body health. “Dentistry has always been a quiet profession,” said Dr. Kammer. One of the ways that Dr. Kammer and the AAOSH are calling attention to the oral/systemic connection is through the distribution of press releases that educate the public and the media on this connection. “We need to take gum disease as serious as a heart attack,” he said. According to Dr. Kammer, the foundation is currently in the process of defining what requirements are necessary to join AAOSH. One of the
proposed measures would be to require professionals to demonstrate a working knowledge of the benefits of xylitol to become AAOSH certified.

Sweet Treats
Another way that Dr. Kammer is hoping to raise awareness about oral health is through the Halloween Candy Buy Back program—a unique initiative that allows dentists to buy back children’s unwanted Halloween candy. In his lecture, Dr. Kammer suggested that participating
offices trade toothbrushes, dental check-ups, or cleanings in exchange for unwanted candy. The candy is then donated to military troops overseas.

During the Q&A panel, an audience member asked Dr. Kammer about the potential negative oral health problems that the troops could experience as a result of the consumption of these donated candies. Dr. Kammer said that these sweet treats are a well-deserved indulgence for the troops and he hopes to see the day when candy is made with 100% xylitol.

Celebrity Dentist
One of the most theatrical presenters at Xlear’s conference, Dr. Kammer cited the need for a celebrity within the dental industry to communicate the connection between oral health and overall body health. “The power of the celebrity can help us all win the battle against oral disease,” said Dr. Kammer. But the question he posed about who that celebrity might be currently remains unanswered.

Perhaps dentistry may find its most worthy celebrity dentist candidate in Dr. Kammer. Judging by his toothbrush rap on American Idol’s Milwaukee auditions, Dr. Kammer is certainly not camera shy. For Dr. Kammer, the American Idol audition and interviews were a chance to spread his message, during which he said to the camera, “There’s a connection between the mouth health and the body health.”

Battle Against Gum Disease
Dr. Kammer believes xylitol is an important part of attacking gum disease. In his lecture, he said that professionals need to get the public’s and media’s attention and educate them about xylitol and its benefits to oral health and overall body health. “The help you can bring to your patients can add years to their life, and add life to their years,” said Dr. Kammer.

Whether it’s in the form of press releases, educating the media, or educating patients, Dr. Kammer said communicating the message is key. And where American Idol is concerned, Dr. Kammer assured the audience that the show hasn’t seen the last of him. Good luck Randy!

—Elyse Fetherman