North Texas Dentistry Volume 8 Issue 1 NTD 2018 ISSUE 1 DE | Page 15

of the disease’s divergent symptoms, pemphigus patients often consult profes- sionals outside the dental spectrum, such as dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and ear, nose and throat doctors. “I think the primary goal should be recognition that something unusual is going on,” Rees says. “Certainly dental colleges often have specialists on their faculty who are at least somewhat familiar with these diseases and who can help with the diagnosis and treatment.” Dr. Nancy Burkhart, adjunct associate professor in periodontics and a regis- tered dental hygienist, reiterates that getting patients to a dental school with a stomatology center or oral pathology de- partment is key. It’s something she un- derstands well, as she and Rees have counseled, supported and provided re- sources to thousands of patients through the college’s web-based Oral Lichen Planus Support Group, which they founded in 1997. Their ongoing dedica- tion to early diagnosis and treatment of patients with oral mucosal diseases, in- cluding those with pemphigus and pem- phigoid, their participation in patient seminars, and their efforts to expand the knowledge of these diseases among den- tal professionals recently earned them the 2017 Professional of the Year Award from the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation. Among other initiatives, the organization offers an an- nual meeting for patients and caregivers and even free continuing education pro- grams for dental professionals. Then healing can begin on multiple fronts. “The medications that are used are key in stabilizing and controlling these dis- eases, but providing emotional support for any mucosal disease is also very cru- cial,” Burkhart says. “Patients often be- come discouraged because they may have seen multiple practitioners without an accurate diagnosis. When they get a complete diagnosis, they become much more involved in their own health care.” Strong, like many patients, responded to a mix of immunosuppressants, but a vast array of treatment options is available. She no longer needs active treatment on an ongoing basis but still monitors lesion flare-ups just in case. Strong avoids acidic or alcohol-containing mouth rinses like the plague, and she sticks only to bland toothpaste and soft-bristled tooth- brushes, such as the UltraSuave Red Brush, less likely to create lesions. Since avoiding dry mouth is crucial for these patients, Rees and Burkhart often rec- ommend gel products such as MighTeaFlow, with green tea extract as the key ingredient, and Xerostom, which utilizes olive oil extract. Strong lives with the reality that relapse is a possibility, but with a diagnosis and medical team now in place, feelings of desperation are kept at bay. “I’m left with the hope that sharing my story with you could one day help one of your patients,” Strong said during her presentation. “Dentists can help reduce fear and anxiety by giving clear, concise information. “There is a whole patient wrapped around the mouth. Compassion is key.” Texas A&M College of Dentistry (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry) in Dallas is a part of Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Health Science Center. Founded in 1905, the College of Dentistry is a na- tionally recognized center for oral health sciences education, research, specialized patient care and continuing dental education. Learn more at den- tistryinsider.tamhsc.edu or follow @TAMUdental. Jennifer Fuentes is a communications coordinator at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. A 2006 graduate of Texas Christian University, she has worked in the communications and editorial field for 10 years. Rees and Burkhart hope that the more knowledgeable dentists are of the au- toimmune condition, the more apt they’ll be to refer patients to the specialists who can help them. The faster patients can get to these professionals, the sooner they can complete necessary testing — in most all cases, a biopsy with histopatho- logical evaluation and special stain plus immunofluorescence studies will be per- formed — and the sooner a diagnosis can be reached; in some cases, as early as two weeks. www.northtexasdentistry.com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 15