Our dental philosophy and approach focuses on the term “Oral and Dental Wellness.”  But what is it, and why is it so important?

Oral and dental wellness is a concept that consists of several components.

First, the concept ties together the health of the body to the health of the mouth.  Increasingly medical evidence is showing the important link of oral health to overall body health. The mouth serves as a major point of introduction to infections that can enter the body. Cavities and poor gum health can lead to infections entering the body and bloodstream.Evidence is pointing to many illnesses resulting from these infections. Thus,an important component of oral and dental wellness is to ensure that your first line of defense (your mouth) is healthy and does not allow infections to enter your body.

Second,aside from infections, the structure of the mouth and teeth are critical to overall well being. The position of the jawbone to relation to the skull can lead to symptoms such as headaches, back aches, neck pain, and other problems.Grinding of teeth due to stress can lead to problems. The position of the jaw during sleep can affect the quality of rest and sleep you get. Thus, another important component of oral and dental wellness is insuring a stable structure of the mouth and teeth to alleviate structural pain issues.

Third,oral and dental wellness consists of the functionality your teeth are able to provide you when they are in good condition. Many people with missing teeth can enjoy a good meal due to dental problems.  In fact, there are many cases of malnutrition that result from having dental issues which prevent the eating of a healthy and balanced diet.

Fourth,the smile is an important component to self-esteem and the impression you make with others. A beautiful smile consists of several factors, including the size,position, and color of the teeth, the relationship of teeth to gums and lips,and the relationship of the smile to the face. We all appreciate the importance of a great smile, and oral and dental wellness includes the feeling of wellness you get from being happy and proud about your smile.

Finally,oral and dental wellness consists of the feeling of pride and comfort you receive in knowing that you are taking care of yourself, your health, and yourself-esteem.

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