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Most people know that taking good care of their teeth and gums is important for their oral health… but did you know that is also essential for total body health and well-being? At Go Natural Dentistry in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dr. Yolanda Cintron and our entire team of dental professionals have a deep understanding of the intricate connection between oral health and your overall health and wellness. Every diagnosis and treatment we provide is designed with this connection in mind, from the use of biocompatible materials to therapies that help restore health and harmony to your teeth, gums, bone, and oral joints—and in turn, the rest of your body. Read on to learn more about the link and just how your oral health affects your entire body.
For many decades in dentistry, teeth and gums were treated with little regard for the effects they had on the rest of the body. The best example of this is the pervasive use of metal amalgam fillings, which have a high mercury content and while effective at filling teeth, could lead to potentially toxic effects, allergies, and other issues in the body… not to mention long-term dental problems such as tooth fractures due to the use of a material that expands and contracts at a different rate than natural teeth.
The Meridian system from ancient Chinese medicine has long been used to describe the connection between the teeth and other areas of the body, impacting how energy (or “qi”) flows through channels or meridians that link different areas of the body. Each tooth is connected to one or more areas of the body through these meridians, and if a particular tooth is unhealthy, you may experience negative health effects in that corresponding bodily area – even though the health issue, such as digestive problems, may be in a completely separate area of your body from your mouth!
Modern research has also begun to shed light on just how interconnected your oral health and total body health really are. One of the most well-researched topics in this regard is the link between gum disease and other chronic, and potentially deadly, conditions.
As you can see, while it can be easy to think that periodontal disease only affects your gums, in reality it has a negative impact on nearly every system in your whole body. The reason for this connection is not entirely understood, but researchers believe it is due to the underlying inflammation from the bacterial infection. When you have gum disease, the bacteria and corresponding inflammation can travel through your bloodstream to every area of your body, creating a cascade of inflammatory responses.
The mouth and jaw area are very complex and consist of many different structures that need to be in balance to work properly—in addition to the oral microbiome, which is invisible to the naked eye.
When your bite is off, you clench and grind your teeth at night, or even just one or a few teeth have uneven biting surfaces, it can cause problems for your entire mouth and the sensitive temporomandibular joints (TMJs), leading to unnecessary pain in both the mouth and other areas such as the head, neck, and shoulders. Restoring health to these areas through holistic and biocompatible treatments can help eliminate pain and improve your health.
The oral microbiome is the ecosystem of over 700 types of bacteria and other microorganisms that reside in your mouth. Just like the bacteria in other parts of your body (such as your digestive system), not all of these microorganisms are harmful—in fact, some are neutral and others are actually quite beneficial and promote better health. However, some of these microorganisms are pathogenic and can cause serious health problems. The goal in restoring oral health is to create a better balance between the different types of bacteria so that the damage caused by pathogenic bacteria is minimized and the benefits from the good bacteria are amplified. Both science and industry have caught on to this and exciting new developments are currently being explored, such as salivary diagnostics, to help identify the types and relative numbers of different types of microorganisms in a patient’s mouth.
Dr. Cintron is here to help you learn about the vital connection between your oral health and overall wellness, and is happy to answer any questions you may have. In addition, you can trust the team at Go Natural Dentistry to place your overall health and well-being first in any treatment recommendation they provide. Call our Fort Lauderdale, FL office today at (855) 381-6001!
Dr. Yolanda Cintron's passion for cellular biology and chemistry led her to join The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, where she learned about the safe removal of toxic substances and the body's response to dental materials. She believes that she's God's instrument to get you healthy.
Dr. Cintron graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1987 and has gained over 27 years of expertise and 15 years of experience in oral implantology ever since. She is an IV Sedation credentialed and a recognized physician who is a member of several recognized organizations. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Cintron constantly seeks new knowledge and techniques to provide her patients with the most innovative and effective treatments.
Dr. Cintron's patient-centered approach to care means that she puts the needs and well-being of her patients above all else. With her expertise and compassion, she provides the best care possible and strives to help her patients achieve maximum health and wellness. She has cared for hundreds of satisfied patients and looks forward to meeting all your requirements while keeping your trust in safe hands.