Why do some patients struggle with anesthesia, requiring multiple cartridges just to get numb?

Could your TMD patients have an underlying systemic condition that’s been missed?

Are you overlooking the signs of a connective tissue disorder?

https://youtu.be/gaoJKPTV_Z0

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”When you can’t connect the issue, think connective tissue!”

Dr. Audrey Kershaw joins Jaz for a fascinating deep dive into the world of connective tissue disorders and their hidden impact on dentistry. Together, they explore how hypermobility, unexplained joint issues, and even a history of spontaneous injuries could be key indicators of an underlying disorder.

They also break down why dentists play a crucial role in screening and identifying these conditions, ensuring better patient outcomes and a more holistic approach to care. Because sometimes, when things don’t seem connected… they actually are.

Protrusive Dental Pearl: Don't just take a "relevant" medical history—take a comprehensive one! Encourage patients to share all health issues, even those they don’t think relate to dentistry. You might uncover important clues about conditions like connective tissue disorders or sleep-disordered breathing, leading to better care and stronger patient trust.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Take-aways

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed.

Patients with connective tissue disorders often face skepticism from healthcare providers.

POTS is a common condition associated with EDS that affects blood pressure regulation.

Many TMD patients may have undiagnosed connective tissue disorders.

Awareness and education about EDS are crucial for better patient outcomes.

The healthcare system can be challenging for patients seeking diagnoses.

Research on local anesthetic effectiveness in EDS patients is lacking.

Personal experiences can help in understanding and diagnosing connective tissue disorders.

Collaboration between healthcare professionals is essential for patient care. Genetic testing is crucial for diagnosing rare types of Ehlers-Danlos.

Dental professionals should be aware of the signs of connective tissue disorders.

Diagnosis can empower patients to understand their health better.

Holistic care is vital in managing symptoms associated with EDS and TMD.

Medical histories should be seen as relevant in dental practice.

Highlights of this episode:

02:17 Protrusive Dental Pearl

04:21  Dr. Audrey Kershaw's Journey and Insights

09:45 Personal Experiences and Professional Observations

11:55 Diagnosis and Management of Connective Tissue Disorders

13:31 POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

15:30 Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

24:55 Hypermobile EDS and the Need for Awareness

27:53 International Consortium of EDS GP Checklist

28:34 Genetic Testing and Red Flags

31:44 The Role of Dentists in Identifying EDS

40:32 Journey to Diagnosis

43:47 The Value of a Diagnosis

48:43 Dental Implications of EDS

55:00 Final Thoughts and Resources

"If you know one case of EDS, you only know one. Every case is different. Many are severely debilitated, unable to work or carry out daily tasks, often denying their struggles after years of being dismissed." - Dr. Audrey Kershaw

Promised Resources

Podcast Recommendation:

Linda Blustein’s Podcast (about POTS and connective tissue disorders)

Specialists & Research:

Dr. Alan Hakim – A specialist in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) research based in London.

Norris Lab (U.S.) – Researching genetic markers for hEDS

Local Anesthesia Information

Resources for Screening & Diagnosis: 

Diagnostic Criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos SyndromeDownload

5-part-questionnaire-for-hypermobilityDownload

Symptomatic Joint-Hypermobility GuideDownload

Red Flag PatientsDownload