The Whole Health Functional Dentistry Approach
- We shift the traditional disease-centered focus of dental practices to a more patient-centered approach, addressing problems as close to their root cause as possible, not merely treating symptoms and managing diseases.
- We spend time with our patients, listening to their stories and looking at the interactions among genetic, physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term dental health and complex, chronic disease.
- We integrate the latest emerging research of the best medical and dental practices of conventional western medicine with what is sometimes considered“alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on wellness.
- We thoughtfully recommend botanical medicines, pharmaceutical drugs, supplements, movement, food, detoxification programs, therapeutic bodywork, energy healing, and various stress-management approaches to help ignite the healing process.
- We bring the patient into the discovery process and tailor treatment to address the individual’s unique needs for better health and vitality.
- We value building authentic relationships with our patients that are grounded in deep listening, respect, honesty, options, and education.
Finding The Root Cause of Disease – It’s All Connected
The mouth is, and forever will be part of the body. The old model in traditional medicine of treating symptoms and body parts in isolation, is flawed. Pioneers in functional medicine like Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Mike Roisen, Dr. Axe, Dr. Fuhrman, Dr. Amy Doneen, Dr. Brad Bale, and a host of others are leading the charge in functional medicine. They do not ask questions like “what do we have, “but rather”why do we have it.” They understand that the body parts and organ systems are connected via the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and immune system. Separation of organ systems and body parts does not exist. They understand that what happens in one part of the body, affects the entire being. The mouth is just one example, albeit a very potent one. In order to get to the basis of inflammation, which is a key driver of metabolic syndrome, one must address all sources of inflammation in the body. The most common site of inflammation, the most easily observed, and importantly – the easiest to treat, is periodontal inflammation. Periodontal disease is not a local disease, as it is often treated. For instance, evidence suggests that periodontal changes are the first clinical manifestation of diabetes, as well as a significant risk factor for poor glycemic control.
In clinical practice, we are guilty of overlooking a host of other oral signs of diabetes beyond gingival/periodontal changes, such as salivary Finding the root cause of disease – it’s all connected dysfunction, candidiasis, taste interference, neurosensory disorders, and oral infections. Enamel changes are often the first clinical manifestation of silent reflux.
Periodontal pathogens and the subsequent inflammatory mediators go off-site throughout the entire body as is referenced in a variety of scientific, peer-reviewed literature. The consequences of periodontal disease are widespread and often devastating. Ignoring this premise and the emerging research is putting our patient’s health and possibly their lives at risk. Therefore, it is up to all of us as healthcare providers to look for the signs and document changes, then be able to communicate those findings with patients. The mouth is the very best arena for identifying physical risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea, Xerostomia from polypharmacology influences, Caries, erosion, chronic gingival inflammation, and Candidiasis. Food sensitivities and allergies often show mucogingival manifestations before G.I. disturbances such as pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation and you just must be looking for those risk factors on every exam. As AAOSH team members, we have heard and read evidence-based research from scientists studying infertility and pre-term birth, heart attack and stroke prevention, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease prevention, cancer prevention, metabolic syndrome prevention, and more. Every scientist has shown data that if we don’t treat underlying inflammation, we will not have long-term successful outcomes of systemic disease.
This is a profound time in healthcare reform and it’s important to not only get informed on the latest knowledge and facts regarding oral systemic health but know what to look for and help our patients understand their role in treating and preventing disease.
