As an experienced dentist, I have yet to see a mouth come into my office all by itself. All the mouths I see and treat are intimately attached to and highly coordinated with a body that has blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, an immune system, and other connective tissues.
So, it is no surprise that research over the past 20 years or so in the field of dentistry and oral health has confirmed the causative relationship between bacterial-induced chronic inflammatory diseases of the mouth with chronic inflammatory diseases of the cardiovascular system and other whole-body systems. And that diseases of the rest of the body exacerbate oral cavity diseases.
So why is it that in the 21st century, diseases of the mouth are treated as secondary compared to diseases of the rest of the body, both from an economic and a clinical standpoint? The teeth are treated as expendable (“just yank the sucker”), like pieces of jewelry (“I want shiny white teeth”), or like pieces of wood (“drill and fill ‘em”). And about the gums, it is common to hear: “Gum bleeding is normal, isn’t it?” or “I forgot to brush my gums today,” or “Using this special toothpaste or mouthwash (you name the product) will prevent gum disease.”
We have handheld computers that can solve complex math problems in fractions of seconds and have access to research conclusions worldwide on a myriad of health-related problems, but we still get cavities and gum disease—the two most prevalent diseases affecting humankind. Why? Because we have disassociated the health and care of the mouth from the health and care of the rest of the body.
It’s about time we treat the mouth and its contents with the respect and care that the gateway to the rest of the body deserves. Take the time and make the effort to help your mouth deliver on its promise of health for a lifetime. Both you and your respected, trained professional dental care provider are responsible for ensuring years of worry-free, comfortable, and health-promoting function by your teeth and gums. Keep your smile healthy for a lifetime. Your body will be glad you did.
Kevin Norige, DMD, is the founder and chief dentist at South Windsor Smiles, a private dental practice that focuses on oral health as part of the whole-body system. For over 35 years he has worked with patients to achieve a healthy mouth and live a healthier life.
Call 860.288.2111 or www.SouthWindsorSmiles.com.