Driven to Discover: The Mouth-Body Connection

Frank Scannapieco wasn’t too interested in school as a kid; he went to college largely because his father insisted. But a few inspiring teachers, a growing fascination with biology, and a chance enounter with oral microbiology set him on a path that would lead to an internationally recognized career.

In this episode, Laurie Kaiser talks with Scannapieco, a SUNY Distinguished Professor in UB’s School of Dental Medicine, about his pioneering research linking oral health to systemic diseases such as pneumonia, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. He explains—in plain terms—how inflammation and bacteria in the mouth can affect the rest of the body, why dentistrty and medicine have long been disconnected, and what simple steps we can all take to protect our oral and overall health as we age.

Credits:
 
Host: Laurie Kaiser
Guest: Frank Scannapieco
Writer/Producer: Laura Silverman
Production and editing by UB Video Production Group 

Driven to Discover is a podcast that explores innovative University at Buffalo research through candid conversations with the researchers about their inspirations and goals