You have probably heard these song lyrics: “The head bone’s connected to the neck bone, the neck bone’s connected to the back bone” and on down to your toe bones! This children’s song has some wisdom that speaks to our body being one functional unit.
How can they possibly be connected …
The mouth can be a window to the body, telling a story, providing clues to what is going on in your body’s systems. Diseases and disorders could possibly be raising their hands with evidence shown on your mouth tissues or in your saliva.
Inflammation is the key …
When you think of the word “inflammation” the words angry, upset or out of balance can immediately come to mind. So when we are talking about our bodies, inflammation is where there is infection, lack of health, and, frankly, where our body’s building blocks – called cells – are just not at the top of their game. For instance, when your gums are inflamed (red and bleeding), the cause could be poor oral hygiene or systemic factors, leaving this disease-causing bacteria to enter into your bloodstream. It can then travel throughout your body, which can damage arteries and organs contributing to major health concerns. Any infection in our bodies creates a lower-functioning immune system, so healing is slower and we are more vulnerable to new infectious diseases. It might surprise you to learn that heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, preterm low-birth-weight babies and Alzheimers have been shown to have, not necessarily a causal relationship, however increased progression by active gum disease. The research is ongoing.
Did you know that most cardiologists will not perform heart surgery before getting a clean bill of health (no diseased teeth or gums) from the patient’s dentist? Now that’s what you call great collaborative medicine, prioritizing the best outcome for the patient!
The future looks bright…
The good news is that there is hope on the horizon! There is scientific evidence showing that noninvasive saliva testing can give screening information, not just for cavities and gum disease, but also for inflammatory markers leading to systemic diseases such as diabetes. Also, dentists and doctors are more open to consulting conversations to support, discuss options and create the best path toward their mutual patient’s health. No specialty is an island. Understanding what challenges, medications and symptoms other doctors/dentists are seeing could open doors to creating shared diagnosis and treatment. We believe that we are all reaching for the same goal– healthy futures for our patients.
At myKIDSdds we are happy to communicate with your child’s physicians or guide you to a partnering specialist as we truly believe in the oral systemic connection. Drs. Cohen, Alex and Neema are committed to helping you be proactive versus reactive to your child’s health…head bones to toe bones!
Contact our office today!
If you have any concerns, contact our office and speak to one of our administration team members about your dental health concerns. Our team works diligently to partner with your family to achieve more excellent overall health and wellness. We feel grateful to provide comprehensive pediatric dental care for your family’s unique needs.
Healthy Smile, Healthy Child
Of course, a beautiful smile begins with a healthy smile. Our team will help your child achieve good oral hygiene through regular cleanings and one on one education. Your little one will receive an oral hygiene score and coaching each time they visit us for a cleaning, cultivating a sense of responsibility and accomplishment while also building their confidence each time they improve their score. Don’t forget, a clean mouth promotes total body health and wellness too! This is why our doctors will screen for airway issues, talk about nutrition, eating habits, and much more. We want our patients to be empowered in the knowledge we provide to them on the health of their facial complex and how it relates to their overall systemic health. We are excited to partner with you throughout your child’s pediatric dental journey into orthodontics, and beyond!
We Are Honored to Be Your Trusted Dental Home
Check out the whitening kit products we offer with a wear time of just 30-60 minutes a day and whiter teeth in only 5-10 days. What better way to complete your total teeth makeover than with a brighter, whiter smile! Schedule an appointment in our office by calling now! Our team is looking forward to working with you and your child to provide excellent, metamorphic results. Don’t delay, a customized beautiful smile awaits!
