Studies upon studies point to the mouth as playing a major role in risk factors for many diseases. These studies are evidence-based scientific studies, and many are now being published in medical journals (not just in dental professional journals). The bottom line of most of these studies says the same thing. Dental infection (cavities, abscesses) and gum infection (gum disease, gingivitis) sets up opportunities for the development of deadly diseases (heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and many more). If you make sure your mouth is healthy, you reduce your risks for systemic disease. This sets the premise for Total Wellness Dentistry.
These studies are more recent (results in the last 10 years), and it takes a while for a profession to wholly embrace new science and the subsequent paradigm shifts even when the facts are solidly science based. So, unfortunately most dentists (and even most medical doctors) are unaware of this oral-systemic link. At Intown Smile Studio, our team understands the science, we keep ourselves updated with developments, and we implement the science into our daily practice. We understand we can positively affect the total health and wellness of our patients. We believe it is our responsibility to do so through education, along with preventive and progressive treatments. We wholeheartedly practice Total Wellness Dentistry for every patient every day.
Here are just some of the statistics that elevate our care to a higher level:
Other Mouth – Body Connections
- Oral pathogens are shown to cause lung infections and diseases (pneumonia, COPD).
- Inflammatory diseases (like arthritis, eczema, IBS, endometriosis, and more…) can be caused and exacerbated by dental and gum disease.
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren’s, and more…) can be exacerbated by dental and gum disease.
- Eleven oral pathogens are currently linked to systemic disease (18).
- Oral bacterial pathogens can be transmitted through kissing (16)
- Most medications cause dry mouth as a side-effect, and dry mouth can cause an unhealthy biofilm, dental infection, and gum disease.
- Acid reflux (even undetected subclinical acid reflux) and heartburn may create an oral environment prone to dental and gum disease. Current research is pointing to acid reflux as a causative factor for esophageal cancer (41)
Good News
Really, can there be any good news after all of this information about deadly and debilitating diseases that are linked to your mouth? Yes. In fact, if you’re already an Intown Smile Studio patient, there is GREAT NEWS. Dr. Estep and her highly-educated, highly-skilled team are looking out for you. We are your oral-systemic body guards. We study your medical history.
We thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to make sure you’re not at risk. We use non-invasive tests and screenings to measure your risks. When you have an unhealthy oral condition, we use leading-edge, minimally-invasive technology to deliver healthy treatment for you and your family. We keep ourselves constantly updated with the relevant science as it pertains to your health and wellness.
