In today’s episode, Dr. B answers a listener's question about whether the Epstein-Barr virus is responsible for her bleeding gums. EBV is a systemic infection with an oral manifestation meaning it acts as a great springboard to talk about the oral-systemic connection as well. EBV is more colloquially known as the ‘kissing disease’ and commonly flares up in patients who have contracted it when they are run down, causing symptoms such as bleeding gums. Dr. B takes us through the signs, symptoms, and manifestations of EBV and also gets into some of the other conditions it has been linked to. After covering the basic facts about the virus, we take a deep dive into the oral-systemic connection which EBV illustrates so well. Dr. B traces a chain of connections between outbreaks of EBV, inflammation, spikes in glucose, diet, and the immune system. We also hear tips and tricks for managing EBV involving periodontal treatments, eating to combat inflammation, and keeping a close eye on glucose levels.
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