Healthy mouth, healthy body: The power of regular dental exams in Santa Barbara, CA

Regular dental exams at our office support your teeth and gums; however, they also promote healthy joints and muscles and the wellness of organs and systems that are distant from the oral cavity. As a biological dental practice, Whole Health Dentistry of Santa Barbara, CA acknowledges in everything we make the connection between the teeth, gums, and other oral structures, and the well-being of your entire “system”: your body. 

Since we depend on our teeth and other oral structures for so many basic yet vital functions, when oral health falters, it can affect the ability to digest food properly. Chewing may be painful. Nutritional deficiencies arise. Likewise, tooth pain can interfere with the quality restorative sleep that we need to be productive, alert, and to operate our cars (and other “machines”) safely. Broken or otherwise damaged teeth can furthermore affect how we pronounce words or how we feel about how we look. We may become depressed and anxious. Anxiety can be a risk factor for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) symptoms rooted in an “over-stressed” jaw joint. 

The oral cavity doesn’t exist in isolation. Researchers have implicated oral conditions in the development of systemic diseases. For instance, oral bacteria responsible for gum disease have been found in the arteries of individuals with cardiovascular disease. Harmful bacteria do not “stay put”; they travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. How your body responds to inflammation caused by gum disease conditions is thought to set off a cascade of effects, including vascular damage to the heart and brain. So, consistent oral care has positive effects that reach far beyond the mouth. 

Routine dental visits

Semi-annual visits to our office are “standard”; however, if you are at elevated risk of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or other conditions, we will schedule appointments with you more frequently. Risk factors include comorbidities, such as diabetes, and habits such as smoking and use of tobacco products. While each visit or service is tailored to your needs, all patients can generally expect: 

• Oral examination – Dr. Copeland will inspect your teeth and gums for hidden or early signs of problems. By treating problems early, you can avoid pain and other symptoms. Early-stage treatment is also associated with conservative, non-traumatic, and efficient interventions that preserve maximum natural structures. Dr. Copeland will take pictures to monitor for changes. We can compare these images to photos taken during your next visit. As appropriate, we will use sophisticated imaging to detect potential problems that can’t be seen upon visual inspection. 
• Oral cancer screening – Dr. Copeland will gently feel for abnormalities that may require further evaluation by a specialist. She will look for lumps or swelling inside of your mouth, such as on the inside of the cheeks and the palate. Bumps on the tongue, and tongue movements, will also be assessed. 
• Professional cleaning – No six-month visit would be complete without a cleaning. Specialized instruments in skilled hands remove hardened plaque or tartar on the teeth and at the gum line. Toothbrushes and floss can’t remove tartar. If allowed to build up, plaque irritates and inflames gum tissue and erodes the teeth. As a bonus, professional cleanings remove stains, and patients love how minty-fresh their mouths feel afterward! 

Routine visits also present great opportunities for our team to make tailored recommendations that enrich your health. For instance, we may identify ways to improve your brushing and flossing technique. We may even recommend preventive services, such as dental sealants, to seal out bacteria and food debris from decay-prone back teeth. 

Additionally, Whole Health Dentistry is privileged to share in this wellness journey with you and your family. We track changes that can affect oral health and overall health on an ongoing basis. It is not unusual for patients to encounter new challenges to their oral health over time, brought on by conditions such as dry mouth caused by many diseases and the medications used to manage them. We will work with you to surmount those hurdles to your healthy, stunning smile. We encourage correspondence through text or email whenever possible. Please text us at +1 (855) 441-0001 or email us at WholeHealthDDS@gmail.com.