Why Oral Health Matters in PD
• Oral–systemic connections (neuroinflammation, cardiovascular risk, microbiome)
• Parkinson’s-specific vulnerabilities: dysphagia, dry mouth, decreased dexterity, altered microbiome
• Goal of session: move beyond “teeth” into whole-body health
The Intestinal Tract Starts in the Mouth
• Saliva as the first digestive fluid (enzymes, immune factors)
• Oral–gut axis: how oral microbes influence gut microbiota and systemic inflammation
• Role in alpha-synuclein misfolding and neurodegeneration
Oral Microbiome & Biofilms
• Composition of the oral microbiome in health vs. dysbiosis
• Biofilm formation: protective vs. pathogenic states
• Influence of oral dysbiosis on systemic inflammation and progression of PD
Clinical Challenges Specific to Parkinson’s
• Tremors during exams: patient safety and dentist ergonomics
• Reduced manual dexterity → hygiene support strategies
• Dysphagia and aspiration risk during dental procedures
• Medication-induced xerostomia and caries risk
Check Out Dr. Mischley's Picks for Oral Hygiene!
Dr. Mischley has curated and placed all of her preferred products for oral hygiene in one place.
Find them here
Mischley Seminar Series
On the 28th of every month, Dr. Mischley selects a topic relevant to the community and does a in-depth review. Following her lecture, attendees have an opportunity to contribute their own experiences and ask questions.
These courses are information dense!
Lecture slides, references, and session recordings are made available for those who want to rewind or take breaks.
Example Curriculum
About Dr. Mischley
Laurie Mischley, ND PhD MPH studied naturopathic medicine (ND) at Bastyr University and epidemiology (MPH) and nutritional sciences (PhD) at the University of Washington and she maintains appointments at both Universities. Her work is focused on identifying the nutritional requirements unique to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and has published on coenzyme Q10, lithium, NAD+, and glutathione deficiency.
She is Principal Investigator of the Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism (MVP) Study (MVP-study.com), which is attempting to describe why some people with PD progress slower than others. She developed the Patient Reported Outcomes in PD (PRO-PD) rating scale (www.PD-symptoms.com), created the Parkinson Symptom Tracking App, and has trained dogs to detect the scent of Parkinsonism (ParK-9.com).
She is working on ways to study, package and deliver evidence-based lifestyle modification as a therapeutic strategy.
