Worldwide, one in five pregnancies has an adverse outcome. Think of premature birth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia and foetal loss. Miscarriage and stillbirth therefore represent a major clinical, psychological and public health problem. The causes are complex and multifactorial, but one factor has received increasing scientific attention in recent years: the oral health of the mother. What if dental professionals could make a difference here? Yalda Ahmadzai and Nina Nijland

In the December 2014 edition, T.H. van den Berg and B. Preckel published an article entitled ‘Light intravenous sedation with midazolam by the dentist’. Broers et al responded with the view that intravenous sedation with midazolam in the hands of a dentist is unsafe for the patient. In this publication, the authors Van den Berg and Preckel address the points of criticism.

Periodontist Nina Nijland specialises in the treatment of gum and dental implant problems and has a particular interest in the link between oral health and general health. An article recently appeared in the professional journal Diabetes Pro in which she highlights the relationship between periodontitis and diabetes. In the article, she explains how inflammation in the mouth can affect blood sugar regulation. Her contribution underlines the importance of collaboration between oral care and general practice in patients with diabetes.

Alongside conservative approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and general anaesthesia, the use of light intravenous sedation by the dentist is an interesting treatment technique that can add real value in the treatment of anxious patients in the dental practice. Tijl van den Berg, who uses light intravenous sedation, is hugely enthusiastic about the innovative developments in this technique. It would be good if more dentists were open to it, according to Benedikt Preckel, professor of anaesthesiology.

Around 800,000 people in the Netherlands do not go to the dentist because of fear. The psychological, behavioural-therapy approach to treating dental anxiety is taught extensively at the various university dental schools in the Netherlands and applied in practice. For pharmacological treatment, dentists in the Netherlands use nitrous oxide sedation, oral administration of benzodiazepines and general anaesthesia.

Acute periodontal conditions develop rapidly and can severely damage the periodontium and the surrounding structures. They are often accompanied by pain, tissue breakdown and infection, which makes timely intervention essential. One of the most severe forms is an acute necrotising periodontal disease. This condition requires urgent care, as it not only causes severe symptoms but can also lead to rapid destruction of the periodontium and negatively affects the prognosis of the affected teeth. How do you recognise this condition in general practice and, more importantly, how do you manage it?

In the December 2024 edition of Dentista, periodontist Nina Nijland was interviewed at length about her vision of periodontology, her PhD research and the relationship between periodontitis and general health, such as diabetes. She speaks candidly about her passion for the profession, her approach in the treatment room and her research into collaboration between medical and dental care providers. An inspiring interview about communication, motivation and the wider impact of oral health.

In the Netherlands, almost 16% of adults are obese. That is a problem, because obesity is a recognised risk factor for many health problems, including in the mouth. Obesity also has social and societal consequences. For dental professionals, it is important to know how obesity can be treated and what is known about the effects of those treatments in the mouth.

In this publication in Dentista, periodontist Nina Nijland explains why periodontitis cannot be seen in isolation from general health. She discusses, with supporting evidence, the relationship between periodontitis and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and argues for better collaboration between medical and oral health professionals. Using a clinical case, she shows how a multidisciplinary approach leads not only to better oral health but also to improved systemic health.