Health Centered Dentistry
Dr. Bracken Godfrey, DDS, MS provides health-centered dentistry in Somersworth, NH. Call 603-692-2045 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
No system in the body works in isolation. Everything is connected—and yet for decades, dental health was widely regarded as separate from the health of the rest of your body. These days, we know that your oral health and your overall health are closely linked. Diseases elsewhere in the body may manifest symptoms in the mouth, while inflammation and infection in the mouth can cause or exacerbate systemic disorders.
What Does Health-Centered Dentistry Mean?
Because health-centered dentistry is sometimes referred to as holistic dentistry, there is some degree of confusion about what it means. Health-centered dentistry is rooted in science; it is evidence-based dentistry that prioritizes preventive care and acknowledges the connection between oral health and overall health. It simply seeks to shift the model from controlling disease to preventing it.
Health-centered dentistry means:
Treatments
Lifestyle Changes
Minor sleep disruptions can often be addressed with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, smoking cessation, or clearing your nasal passages.
Custom Sleep Appliances
Snoring and sleep apnea can both be treated with oral appliance therapy. These simple appliances change the position of the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway unobstructed, and many patients find them to be a more comfortable solution than CPAP machines. Dr. Godfrey can create a custom-designed Mandibular Advancement Device to help you sleep better. If you snore or suspect that you have sleep apnea, ask us about oral appliance therapy during your next visit to our office. Learn More
Breathing Devices
For moderate to severe sleep apnea, a breathing device called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) may be helpful. A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose and gently blows air into your throat. This air pressure helps keep your airway open while you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health-Centered Dentistry
What is the difference between a regular dentist and a dentist with a health-centered approach?
While traditional dentists provide preventive care, the traditional dental model is similar to the model of medicine in our country—the main focus is on treating disease or fixing problems, rather than preventing these issues from occurring. A health-centered dentist doesn’t simply treat your dental or periodontal issues, but also seeks to understand why they have occurred in the first place.
Is health-centered dentistry the same as holistic dentistry?
Health-centered dentistry is holistic in that it treats oral health as an integral part of your overall health. This does not mean that health-centered dentistry is “alternative” dentistry; we use science-backed techniques, technologies, and materials.
What health conditions are linked to poor oral health?
There is evidence that inflammation and bacteria in the mouth is connected to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, preterm birth, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease. Anemia, GERD, sleep apnea, and even stress can all manifest symptoms in the mouth.
Can gum disease cause inflammation in the body?
Yes, research has shown that gum disease can cause systemic inflammation throughout the body. The good news is that when caught in its earliest stages, gum disease can be treated and reversed.
How does poor dental health affect overall health?
There are a number of ways poor dental health impacts the rest of your body. Bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream, causing infection. The inflammation caused by gum disease is linked to systemic inflammation. When teeth are missing or too painful or weak to bite and chew with, malnutrition can result.
Call 603-692-2045 to learn more or schedule an appointment.