Why Complete Health Dentistry is the Future of Oral Care
Dental care has come a long way, from solely focusing on dental health to a more holistic approach that considers the whole body. The concept of complete health dentistry has become increasingly popular in recent years, with practitioners seeing it as the future of oral care.
What is Complete Health Dentistry?
Complete health dentistry is a philosophy of oral care that looks beyond a patient’s teeth and gums to their overall health. This approach considers the entire body, recognizing the integral connection between oral health and systemic health.
Rather than solely focusing on the traditional scope of dentistry such as filling cavities and cleaning teeth, complete health dentistry examines a patient’s every health factor. This includes identifying and managing risk factors for disease, looking for signs of systemic inflammation, and even coordinating care with other health professionals.
Why is Complete Health Dentistry Important?
The connection between oral health and systemic health has been consistently shown by various research studies. A healthy mouth can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Moreover, oral infections or inflammation can impact various parts of the body.
Complete health dentistry not only identifies dental issues but also diagnoses other health problems that may have an impact on oral health. The holistic nature of the approach can lead to better patient outcomes.
What are the Benefits of Complete Health Dentistry?
Complete health dentistry can help patients in various ways, and here are some of the key benefits:
1) Early identification and management of health risks: Complete health dentistry uses advanced screening technology to identify any potential health risks, allowing the dentist to create an appropriate plan.
2) Improved dental health: As complete health dentistry takes a more holistic approach, it focuses on preventing dental issues from arising in the first place. Dentists can educate patients on the importance of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and stress management.
3) Better outcomes: By identifying and treating potential health problems early, complete health dentistry can lead to better outcomes.
Case Study: The Connection Between Gum Health and Heart Disease
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2018 found that people with gum disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease. The researchers analyzed eight years of data on over 150,000 adults in South Korea.
The study found that people with periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, had a 42% higher risk of high blood pressure and a 33% higher risk of heart disease. The study’s lead author, Dr. Moise Desvarieux, summarized the research findings by stating, “We now recognize that gum disease is important to overall health.”
Conclusion
Complete health dentistry is a crucial step forward in the evolution of oral care. By recognizing the connection between oral health and systemic health, practitioners can deliver better outcomes for their patients. Through early identification and management of health risks, improved dental hygiene, and better outcomes, complete health dentistry is indeed the future of oral care.
