Kathleen Carson

April 2026 | By Dr. Kathleen Carson, DDS Founder, Oral-Vitality Introduction:Strong opening statement Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition affecting 0.5–2% of adults. While historically viewed through a purely immunological lens, emerging evidence indicates that oral dysbiosis both fungal and bacterial may significantly influence its persistence and clinical behavior . This evolving understanding reframes OLP as a condition shaped not only by host immune responses...

April 2026 | By Dr. Kathleen Carson, DDS Founder, Oral-Vitality Candida species particularly Candida albicans  are common members of the oral microbiome. In most individuals, they exist in a balanced, commensal state, regulated by intact mucosal immunity, healthy saliva composition, and the presence of competing microorganisms. However, shifts in host physiology, immune function, or the oral environment can transform Candida from a benign colonizer into a clinically significant pathogen....

April 2026 | By Dr. Kathleen Carson, DDS Founder, Oral-Vitality Introduction CPAP is widely considered the gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea, and oral appliance therapy is often framed as a "less effective alternative." This framing is misleading. While CPAP is more effective at reducing the apnea-hypopnea index, mandibular advancement devices (MADs) achieve comparable improvements in patient-centered outcomes such as sleepiness and quality of life likely because patients use them...