Feb
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.
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:
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.