Functional Dentistry Cambridge
Oral Care That Supports Your Overall Health
All too often, oral health and overall health are separated into different categories. The truth is, though, that they are one in the same! What happens in your mouth has a profound effect on the rest of your body and vice versa. Our Cambridge team fully recognizes that truth, so we offer functional and holistic services that have the goal of supporting your head-to-toe wellness. Learn more on this page, or contact us to ask questions about this approach to care.
Functional Dentistry vs. Conventional Dentistry
We are passionate about remaining at the forefront of dentistry, and we are determined to keep abreast of the latest research and techniques to give our patients the best possible care we can. Research in the past decade has exploded with support for the oral-systemic connection, the idea that the health of your mouth affects the rest of your body and vice versa. Well of course it does, logically, right? It’s all connected!
Holistic dentistry, also known as biologic, functional, or integrative dentistry, always considers the mouth-body connection. It is evidence-based and utilizes the latest advancements in technology and oral health science.
In contrast, conventional dentistry is not quite as concerned about the intricacies between the oral cavity and other systems.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Overall Wellness
A microbiome is simply a community of microorganisms that occupy a specific area.
The oral microbiome is the second largest microbiome in the body following the gut, and research suggests it is important in overall health. Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that can exacerbate other inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers. There is a strong bidirectional association with many conditions, meaning gum disease makes systemic disease worse and systemic disease makes gum disease harder to control.
In our office, we use a microscope to evaluate your oral biofilm and track the progress of treatment. We can look at your bacteria in real time and see just how healthy or dysbiotic it appears. We frequently send out dysbiotic samples for a detailed analysis of your bacteria and risk, allowing us to tailor treatment specific to you.
How We Use Functional Dentistry to Boost Your Health
Dr. Todd has taken continuing education in biological and wellness dentistry, and she believes the practice of dentistry is about more than just teeth. While we do care for your mouth, we also look for oral-systemic connections to improve your overall health and wellbeing. We believe a healthy mouth is an essential part of overall wellness.
In order to serve you, we offer a variety of treatments that you may not find at conventional dental offices. For example, our hygienists are highly trained in periodontal laser therapy and use ozone water in their treatment of periodontal disease. We use biomimetic treatments, such as Curodont, whenever possible instead of taking a drill and fill approach to care.
We also happily discuss fluoride-free alternatives, such as nanohydroxyapatite, with those who are interested. This is a judgement-free zone! We love when people take an active interest in their health and what they are putting into their bodies. Fluoride is still an important tool in our toolbox for some patients, but it is not a one-size-fits-all approach in our office. For most people, diet and homecare are the most important aspects of disease prevention. We take our time to go over dietary and oral care recommendations tailored to each person’s needs and desires.