Whole-health dentistry treats your oral wellness as inseparable from your total-body wellness. Without one, you can’t have the other. We screen for nutritional deficiencies and systemic-disease markers at every visit, and use the most biocompatible materials available.
Whole-health dentistry is a term used to describe an approach encompassing total-body wellness, not just oral wellness. According to the American Dental Association, your mouth can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or systemic disease, making regular dental visits an important part of maintaining your overall health.
Bacteria in your mouth can travel to other parts of your body via your bloodstream. Researchers have linked common oral health issues to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature or low-weight births. Tooth loss and gum disease have also been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
At Mesa Dental, this is how we practice, every cleaning is a screening, every consult considers the body around the mouth.
Your doctor sits down with you, asks questions, and gets to know your health history, lifestyle, diet, and unique oral health goals. This is also a great time to ask any questions, about your mouth, your body, anything else.
A whole-health oral exam encompasses more than checking for cavities. We look for patterns that could be signs of larger issues, unusual redness, ulcerations, canker sores, dull teeth, eroded enamel, elevated blood pressure, mouth breathing.
Every patient is unique and your treatment plan is built that way. Your doctor explains the role your diet plays, may recommend supplements or vitamins, and uses the most biocompatible and least toxic materials possible for the best long-term outcomes.
Patients have reported improved energy levels, better digestion, and greater concentration after receiving nutritional counseling from their whole-health dentist.
Whole-health dentistry doesn’t just keep you feeling your best, it keeps your smile bright and beautiful too. Improved complexion, healthy gums, and a functional bite are all results of good oral and dietary health.
By adding nutritional counseling to your regular preventive care, your dentist can track your oral and whole-body health together, identifying when changes may indicate a more serious concern.
Dentistry and nutrition are directly correlated. Poor oral health affects your ability to properly eat and digest. Conversely, poor nutrition puts you at risk for tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Your dentist can help improve your oral health, digestion, and overall wellbeing by identifying dietary contributors to negative health issues.
In most cases, the answer is yes. Whether it’s as simple as learning more about supplements and proper nutrition, or taking steps to make significant improvements to your overall wellbeing, your dentist can help. It’s as simple as coming in for an exam and can be added to any preventive appointment.
Yes. Dentists undergo extensive training in the healthcare field, specifically dealing with health issues related to the mouth and digestion. This includes looking out for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, GERD, HPV, and more.
Nutritional counseling is usually considered elective by most insurance providers. We’re happy to review your specific plan with you. We also offer flexible financing and an in-house membership program if cost is a barrier.
