Remember the song “…the hip bone is connected to the thigh bone…?” Since our teeth are attached to our entire body, our biological system needs to be treated and considered in its entirety for our overall health and well-being. Our patients are families who are interested in safer, healthier and natural choices in dental care.
“Physicians are taking a more holistic approach to their patients’ overall health,” says Sally Cram, DDS, PC, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. And for good reason. In one recent study, people with serious gum disease were 40% more likely to have a chronic condition on top of it. [1]
Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with several other diseases. For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other disease in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions. [2]
Dr. Carla Yamashiro is The Ecologic Dentist, practicing Holistic Dentistry in beautiful Bonney Lake for the good of our community and our planet. She is a member of the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology).
Have a question? Please email questions and topics for discussion for The Ecologic Dentist to: ChewOnThis@EcologicDentistry.com
Article Sources:
[1] http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/oral-health-the-mouth-body-connection
[2] http://www.perio.org/consumer/other-diseases