Oral Systemic Connection: How Functional Dentistry Addresses Whole-Body Health

Are you ready to explore a new perspective on your dental health? Think of a functional dentist as someone who views your mouth as an integral part of your overall well-being. Imagine a dental professional who understands that your oral health is closely linked to your general health. Welcome to the world of functional dentistry.

Throughout this article, we will explore the key differences between functional dentistry and conventional dentistry, as well as how functional dentistry acknowledges and utilizes the connection between oral health and overall well-being. Discover a new approach to dental care that prioritizes your overall health.

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What is Functional Dentistry?

Functional dentistry is a unique approach to dental care that extends beyond conventional dentistry practices. It focuses on the relationship between oral health and overall well-being, recognizing that the mouth is intricately connected to the rest of the body.

Unlike conventional dentistry, which mainly addresses advanced dental diseases and manages symptoms as they arise, functional dentistry takes a comprehensive, whole-body approach. It aims to identify and address the underlying factors of oral health issues, emphasizing prevention and using the most biocompatible and least toxic materials available.

Functional dentists are trained in conventional dental schools but further specialize in functional dentistry through continuing education. They understand the impact of oral health on systemic health and vice versa, considering factors such as the oral microbiome, gut health, inflammation, genetics, hormones, and lifestyle habits. 

By examining the patient's eating, sleeping, breathing, and lifestyle habits, functional dentists strive to uncover the underlying factors of oral health imbalances. This approach not only focuses on managing dental issues but also recognizes the potential impact of oral health on systemic conditions. 

Functional dentists view each tooth as a living organ, understanding that it is connected to the rest of the body through nerve, blood, and lymph supplies. Thus, they see themselves as "physicians of the mouth," taking a more holistic and proactive role in their patients' oral and overall health.

Functional dentistry also emphasizes patient education, empowering individuals to take control of their oral health and implement preventive measures. It may involve discussing functional nutrition related to oral health and personalized dietary strategies. 

Additionally, functional dentists may collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal care and monitor the impact of oral health changes on systemic health.

What is The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Body Health

The digestive tract is home to millions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that form a complex ecosystem. When the balance of this ecosystem is disrupted, it can lead to oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay. However, these oral health problems can also have systemic implications.

The mouth can serve as a gateway for bacteria and inflammation to enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting other organs and systems in the body. Furthermore, the relationship between oral health and overall body health is bidirectional. 

For example, studies suggest that chronically inflamed gums may contribute to systemic inflammation, which is associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain autoimmune disorders. 

Inflammation in the mouth has been linked to increased levels of inflammatory markers in the bloodstream, which can contribute to systemic inflammation and its associated health risks. Additionally, oral infections and periodontal disease have been linked to an increased risk of systemic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. 

Systemic health conditions can also influence oral health. For example, certain medications used to manage systemic conditions can have side effects that affect oral health, such as dry mouth or changes in the oral microbiome. 

Additionally, systemic health issues like diabetes can impair the body's ability to manage infections, increasing the risk of gum disease and other oral infections.

Functional Dentistry’s Whole-Body Approach to Oral Health

Functional dentistry takes a comprehensive approach to dental care by considering the entire body's health, unlike traditional dental care, which primarily focuses on oral health alone. Functional dentists strive to identify and address the underlying factors of oral health issues rather than just managing the symptoms. They understand that oral health and overall body health are interconnected. 

One of the main differences between functional dentistry and traditional dental care lies in the focus. Conventional dentistry primarily concentrates on maintaining oral hygiene through practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Functional dentistry, on the other hand, goes beyond these routine practices and explores how oral health influences the overall health of the body.

Functional dentists prioritize prevention and education. They work closely with their patients to educate them on proper oral hygiene practices and prevention strategies. By addressing the root causes of oral health imbalances, functional dentists aim to promote long-term oral health and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. 

Another distinguishing factor is the use of biocompatible and least toxic materials in functional dentistry. Functional dentists strive to minimize the use of materials that may have adverse effects on the body. They prioritize the use of materials that are less likely to cause allergic reactions or have toxic effects.

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Key Takeaways

• Functional dentistry and conventional dentistry have distinct approaches to oral health and overall well-being. While conventional dentistry focuses on maintaining oral hygiene through practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, functional dentistry takes a more comprehensive approach. Functional dentists consider the whole body's health, recognizing the bidirectional relationship between oral health and systemic health. 

• Conventional dentistry tends to address advanced dental diseases and primarily manages symptoms as they arise. In contrast, functional dentistry takes a proactive approach by emphasizing prevention, education, and finding the underlying factors of oral health imbalances. Functional dentists aim to identify the root cause of issues rather than solely managing the symptoms.

• To find a functional dentist, individuals can search online using terms such as functional dentistry, biologic dentistry, or holistic dentistry. Several organizations and databases, such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) and the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), provide lists of dentists with additional training who take a more functional approach to dental care.