Prime Time Living 6.18.25 - Flipbook - Page 12
12 A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Wednesday, June 18, 2025
DENTISTRY
It’s Not Just Teeth:
Maintain Good Oral Health
to Keep the Whole
Body Well
A
s people age, prioritizing oral hygiene and regular dental checkups
become even more important to overall health due to its impact on the
body outside of just the gums, teeth and mouth. Research continues to
discover and confirm there are correlations between periodontal or gum disease
and hypertension, the ability to control diabetes, as well as an increased risk of
stroke which can be linked to oral bacteria.
“If we’re concerned about a patient’s
diabetic control, we’ll take their blood
sugar that day. We also take blood pressure at every appointment and can always
refer them to a primary care physician if
there are any concerns,” says Stephanie
Dennison, DDS, a clinical instructor at the
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
(UMSOD).
She adds that regular dental care can
also ease financial concerns and ensure
early intervention for more complex conditions. “If we catch a cavity early on, it
can prevent major issues in the future
trying to restore your dental health as well
as avoid and/or ensure timely treatment
for other systemic issues within the body
before they become serious.”
In addition to maintaining your overall health, Sami Abu-Alhuda, DDS, MS,
clinical instructor at UMSOD, notes that
procedures such as replacing or repairing
a damaged tooth can also boost mental
health. “I’ve seen so many people in their
early to late 60s and beyond that tell me
after we replaced a missing front tooth,
their lives feel so much better. They are
happy, going out more with their friends,
and traveling to see their grandkids,” he
says.
When it comes to choosing a health
care provider, you want someone who
is knowledgeable, well trained, and has
access to top-of-the-line technology, and
this includes for your dental care. At
the University of Maryland School of
Dentistry, patients can benefit from these
important care features typically at a
lower cost than seeing a dentist at a private practice.
“As the first dental college in the
world, and the only academic dental
school and academic dental practice in
the state, we are uniquely equipped with
the latest and greatest in terms of technology, the newest treatment options,
and innovative clinical research to help
us determine the best care plan for each
person,” says Abu-Alhuda. He adds that
the school has recently focused on digital
dentistry, which is more accurate and a
time-saver for patients.
“Additionally, we have interoral scanners, which is a camera that goes inside
the patient’s mouth, takes a video and
converts it into a 3D model instead of
using the old-school impression technique, which could be extremely difficult
for people who have Parkinson’s and
those with a strong gag reflex,” he says.
“And, if a crown is needed, we can simply
have the patient come in, prep the tooth,
scan and deliver the crown the same
day.”
In addition to the faculty dental prac-
tice at UMSOD, patients can be seen in
the student clinic under the supervision
of faculty dentists for care at a significantly reduced cost both in Downtown
Baltimore and in Rockville at the school’s
Shady Grove location.
“Every decision made, every step of a
procedure, is all approved and checked
by a minimum of one faculty member,”
says Dennison. “Our primary motivation
is providing optimal education for the
student and care for the patient. I have
heard feedback from many patients that
say, ‘You guys are so incredibly thorough,
and I really have a lot of trust in the care
you’re providing because there’s so much
oversight.’”
It is commonly recommended that
patients be seen by a dental provider
twice a year for teeth cleaning and an oral
cancer screening. However, that may vary
based on individual oral health needs,
habits, and general wellness.
In search of a new dental home?
Schedule a new patient appointment
at UMSOD in Downtown Baltimore by
calling 410-706-7101 or 240-665-6700
for the Rockville location.
