Katie Melko, RDH, MSDH
Katie Melko, RDH, MSDH, has been practicing clinical hygiene since 2009. She has her Masters in Dental Hygiene from the University of Bridgeport, FONES. Katie is active in her community and professional organizations. She enjoys writing, providing CE, and mentoring.
Drug Addiction: The Importance of Patient Disclosure before Dental Treatment
Working for a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is rewarding, yet the variety of patients I serve can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. Patients I see regularly range from drug and alcohol addicts, special needs, juvenile delinquents, patients who are starting over after being in prison, AIDS/HIV, and more. Each patient is unique and has a set of health...
Crohn’s Disease and its Effects on the Oral Cavity
What is Crohn’s Disease?
“Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract; this disease belongs to a group of conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).1” This disease can be triggered by an autoimmune reaction in your body; what happens is the immune system might mistake the bacteria in your digestive tract and cause your body to...
The Oral Bacteria Prevotella intermedia and its Link to Gout and Hyperuricemia
Prevotella intermedia is a species that is found in gingival crevices; it is commonly found in patients who have gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other oral infections.3 Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and juvenile gingivitis have also been found with this strand exhibited in their bacteria makeup. “The Prevotella species are small anaerobic, gram-negative rods frequently identified when the microbiome of...
Behcet’s Disease: What Dental Hygienists Should Know & Look For
Behcet’s disease is an autoimmune disorder which attacks the blood vessels and creates inflammation. “It is known as a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by ulcers affecting the mouth and genitals, various skin lesions, and abnormalities affecting the eyes.3” Behcet's disease is most commonly found in Japan, China, Turkey, and Iran, also known as the “Old Silk Route;” it is...
An Expanded Look at Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Periodontal Link
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Commonly referred to as RA, this disease is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, thinking a bacterial or viral infection is present. When the body attacks joints, it results in inflammation of the joints and usually is bilateral, meaning if one hand hurts the other one will too. The most common joints...
Should Essential Oils Be Used in a Dental Setting?
Essential oils have been around for a very long time, but recently over the last few years using essential oils have been becoming more popular to help naturally treat the body. There are many types of oils you can buy and from many different companies. One of the most important things about buying essential oils is making sure that...