Conditions Linked to Dental Health

The emergence of complete health dentistry has seen an astounding advancement in the dental industry as researchers find a connection between oral and general health. The mouth is the leading entryway to the body and is known as the window to a person's general health. A complete health dentist understands the connection between oral and overall health, running their practice on the application of modern dentistry with a focus on systemic relief.

People who take proper hygiene measures to ensure their oral health is up to par may have fewer general health problems. Although many conditions, illnesses, and diseases are genetic, it is possible to combat others through proper oral hygiene. Understanding and applying the oral-systemic link can profoundly enhance a person's health and well-being.

Complete health dentistry is available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you learn more about the oral-general health connection. Call us at (619) 354-5136 to schedule a consultation appointment today.

Habitual Vs. Genetic

Habitual

Dental problems stemming from behavior, habit, and maintenance affect a person's oral health from birth to adulthood. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is crucial from the moment the first teeth erupt. A healthy routine for adult teeth consists of brushing 2-3 times a day, flossing daily, rinsing before and after meals, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Genetic

A variety of oral health conditions are primarily genetic and may be out of a person's control. In most cases, health conditions are a combination of genes and the environment. Oral conditions found to be genetic to some extent include periodontal disease, cavities and caries, tooth decay and erosion, oral cancer, cleft lip or palate, and misaligned teeth. These conditions can escalate with improper or inadequate oral hygiene and impact other body systems.

How to Prevent These Issues

Oral care in early infanthood (wiping down or brushing the infant's gums several times a day) is the first step in the oral health journey and can significantly decrease a person's risk of other diseases through adulthood. More severe conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral cancer can be treated by a dental professional through surgeries and various treatments when found early on.

“In most cases, health conditions are a combination of genes and environment.”

Cavities and Sensitive Teeth

Cavities and caries are the root causes of initial tooth decay caused by a breakdown of the tooth's enamel. As tooth structure decays, the teeth and surrounding areas become sensitive to hot and cold food, drink, air, and temperature. Sensitive teeth tend to bleed more or cause discomfort when brushing and flossing, leading to poor oral hygiene.

Other Effects of Cavities

Cavities are also the leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. According to the CDC, "Untreated tooth decay can lead to [an] abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results." Infections include gum disease, and, in more severe cases, periodontal disease, which can both profoundly impact the body systems, especially the digestive and respiratory tracts.

“As tooth structure decays, the teeth and surrounding areas become sensitive to hot and cold food, drink, air, and temperature.”

Cracked and Broken Teeth

Cracked teeth can happen in a variety of ways: craze lines, cracked cusps, cracked teeth, and split teeth. Craze lines are common in adults and are not harmful as they are merely on the surface enamel but may lead to a cracked tooth. Cracked cusps can lead to a broken tooth, and cracked and split teeth need immediate attention as they can cause damage to other parts of the mouth, especially the gums.

Cracked or broken teeth can cause many oral and general health problems, as cracks give way to bacteria and infection. The Oral Health Foundation found that "If they are not treated, cracked teeth can lead to the death of the nerve, and an abscess might grow." An abscess is full of pus and bacteria, and when it opens, the bacteria travels through various tracts to the body.

“Cracked or broken teeth can cause many oral and general health problems, as cracks give way to bacteria and infection.”

Oral Cancers

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer most commonly result from behavioral factors such as smoking, excessive drinking, and poor nutrition. People with a weak immune system are at the highest risk of developing oral cancers, as the body is unable to fight bacteria and infection as effectively. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can also cause oral cancers because of their effect on the mouth and throat.

Oral hygiene plays a vital role in reducing the risk of oral cancers along with preventing oral and general health concerns. The American Cancer Society found that "the overall health of the mouth, teeth, and gums may impact oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer risk because of changes in the normal bacteria in the mouth." Poor oral hygiene may be linked to these cancers because of bacterial infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.

“Oral hygiene plays an important role in both reducing risk of oral cancers and preventing oral and general health concerns.”

Gum Disease Link to General Health

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth decay, tooth loss, and, in severe cases, periodontal disease. The CDC found that "Certain chronic conditions increase one's risk for periodontal disease including diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, and heredity." Gum and periodontal disease, characterized by sensitive and inflamed gums, are linked to decay and can result in tooth and bone loss when left untreated.

Diabetes is another common condition that both affects and is affected by gum disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, "By reducing the body's resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes since people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels." Gum and periodontal care can help manage diabetes while maintaining stability in blood sugar can also help mitigate gum and periodontal disease.

Questions Answered on This Page

Are oral conditions genetic or a result of environmental factors?

How do cavities relate to teeth sensitivity?

How can a cracked or broken tooth affect other body systems?

Frequently Asked Questions About Conditions Linked to Dental Health

Complete health dentists understand the oral and general health connection and implement this understanding throughout their practice. They utilize only biocompatible, non-toxic materials, eliminate infections in the mouth that can affect other systems, and promote optimal health between the jaw, head, teeth, and neck structural relationships. The main difference is that a complete health dentist identifies areas of oral disease and structural dysfunction that may be impacting your overall health, pinpoints the causes, and treats these issues using holistic methods.

Some of the treatments complete health dentists provide are natural dental cleanings that do not involve the use of fluoride, dental fillings that are BPA-free & metal-free, IV therapy, nutritional counseling, crown replacement using metal-free components, and metal-free dental bridges. They can also refer a patient to a complete medical professional who can examine them for issues found by the dentist or related to oral health concerns.

Complete health dentists first target essential problems that can cause tooth decay and tooth loss, such as cavities and caries. They also test for gum disease and periodontal disease to detect harmful bacteria, as many of the symptoms do not arise until there is a significant effect on the teeth. They also conduct an oral cancer screening to catch the disease in its early stages, which can eliminate it while also preventing other diseases from occurring.

Yes. Complete health dentists and complete health physicians work hand-in-hand to relieve symptoms and target issues that affect both the mouth and other body systems. A complete health physician understands whether a general health condition is related to oral concerns. A patient can be referred to either when diagnosed with an issue, and oral and general concerns can be combated simultaneously to achieve more effective results.

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Dental Terminology

Abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus the forms in the tooth root from a bacterial infection.

Cleft Palate

A cleft palate is a congenital deformity in which there is no fusion of the soft and/or hard palate.

Cracked Teeth

A cracked tooth is a common condition where the tooth cracks, breaks, or fractures due to injury or trauma.

Dental Caries

Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.

Dental Checkup

A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.

Dental Floss

Dental floss is a thread that cleans food and debris from in between the teeth.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes cancers of the cheeks, lips, tongue, mouth floor and roof, and gums.

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the practice of maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth, teeth, and gums through brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.

Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.