Gastrointestinal System in Health and Disease

Catalog description

The practice of dentistry focuses on the mouth, the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, an understanding of processes like swallowing and salivation are central to the practice of dentistry, while a basic understanding of digestive function is central to the continued well-being of the patient because it is the portal for entry of nutrients to the body. Disorders associated with the digestive tract, or which impact the function of the digestive tract (for instance, bulimia) can have profound effects on oral health, while some pharmacological agents used in the treatment of those disorders have potential adverse effects on oral health. Therefore, a firm understanding of the gastrointestinal tract in health and disease is a necessity for modern dental care.