Coral Gables Endodontist

Find a Complete Health DentistCoral Gables, FL

Complete health dentistry emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall health. Taking good care of your mouth helps ensure the health of the rest of your body. A complete health dentist is one who cares for the patient’s well-being including and beyond oral health.

Complete health dentistry is available from Bushdid Smiles in Coral Gables and the surrounding area. We take this approach because we believe it leads to a better quality of care for our patients. The mouth is connected to the digestive and respiratory systems, taking in nutrients that help these systems function optimally. Therefore, we should focus on the mouth as the gateway to the rest of the body.

Learn more about the oral health connection to your overall well-being. Choose a dentist who offers a complete health perspective. Call (305) 740-1443 to schedule an appointment today.

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Oral Health Reflecting Overall Health

In some cases, oral health can be an early warning sign for other health issues. Sudden changes in gum or dental health may reflect conditions such as diabetes. According to WebMD, oral health can both contribute to and be affected by a diverse range of conditions, from heart disease to osteoporosis.

Patient saliva also shows signs of general health. For example, dry mouth can reflect dehydration or an adverse reaction to some medications. Some autoimmune diseases also cause reduced or changed saliva production.

Conditions Treated by Complete Health Dentists

A complete health dentist is, first and foremost, a dentist. Patients can receive treatment for all the conditions that a general dentist treats such as tooth decay and gum disease. However, understanding and monitoring the oral health connection to overall health means that these dentists can be more involved in the patient’s well-being. These are some conditions that a complete health dentist may watch for:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Endocarditis
  • Pneumonia

By considering the interaction between oral and overall health, a dentist can provide advice and insight to the patient. This may include ways to improve oral health for the betterment of general well-being. It may also include suggesting a patient speak with a medical doctor about a possible condition.

Lifestyle Habits To Support Complete Health Dentistry

The mouth is directly connected to both the digestive tract and the respiratory system. Through these, it is indirectly connected to every major system in the body. Therefore, proper oral care can help support overall health and minimize the risk of infections and other issues.

Establishing dental habits is an essential part of good healthcare. Maintaining general health requires daily care. Our doctor recommends practicing habits that benefit oral and overall health, such as the following:

  • Avoid going to bed without brushing
  • Brush at least twice per day for two minutes
  • Clean the tongue
  • Floss and use mouthwash
  • Avoid constant snacking
  • Limit sugary and acidic drinks
  • Drink more water

Ways a Complete Health Dentist Helps With Infections and Bacteria

The mouth is home to more bacteria than there are people on Earth. Despite this, there is typically little risk because these bacteria are mostly harmless. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, bacteria left unchecked can manifest infections both in the oral cavity and elsewhere in the body.

A complete health dentist helps patients to better manage their oral health, including eliminating bacteria. Much of this is achieved by teaching and encouraging healthy dental habits. Additionally, the dentist may provide treatment for oral infections, gum disease, and other bacterial conditions. In some cases, complete health dentists offer referrals to other practitioners.

Preventative Measures To Discuss in a Consultation

During an examination and consultation, complete health dentists may offer preventative treatment to ensure lasting good health. The most significant treatment is cleaning and polishing the teeth. Additionally, the dentist may provide the patient with guidance on how to better practice dental hygiene between visits.

In some cases, the dentist may provide additional treatments such as sealants and fluoride applications. Additionally, the examination and routine X-rays help complete health dentists to stay ahead of potential risks for the patient. Finally, the dentist may recommend lifestyle changes such as those described above.

Get on the Path to Wellness With Complete Health Dentistry

There is a connection between your mouth and general well-being. Choose a complete health dentist who will work to help both your dental and overall health. Call (305) 740-1443 today to schedule an appointment at Bushdid Smiles

FAQ

How are gum disease and heart disease connected?

Gum disease can cause chronic inflammation in the mouth. Although complete health dentistry does not fully understand the connection, it is known that gum disease correlates with a greater risk of heart disease. According to WebMD, research suggests that ongoing inflammation of the gums may lead to inflammation elsewhere, including the heart. This can cause or worsen heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Can poor dental health affect the rest of my body?

Yes, poor oral health is connected to other health issues. It can cause bacteria in the mouth to affect other parts of the body. Additionally, inflammation causes by oral infections and gum disease can result in inflammation elsewhere. Some conditions, such as diabetes, appear to both increase the risk of oral infections and be negatively impacted by them.

How often should I visit a complete health dentist?

Patients should schedule a visit with the complete health dentist every six months. Additionally, the dentist may recommend more regular visits as necessary. Some procedures may require separate visits as well.

Should pregnant women visit complete health dentists?

Every patient can benefit from visiting a complete health dentist. Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing gum disease and dental cavities. Taking a comprehensive approach to oral health can help to mitigate health risks for pregnant people.

What is the oral health connection with diabetes?

People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease due to poor blood sugar control. This is believed to increase the risk of infection, especially in vulnerable areas such as the gums. Furthermore, people with gum disease may have a harder time managing diabetes because the infection can negatively impact blood sugar control. This two-way relationship underscores the importance of complete health dentistry.

Contact Us

Bushdid Smiles is located at 3005 Salzedo St Coral Gables, FL 33134.

(305) 740-1443