How Oral Health Supports Whole-Body Health
The Mouth-Body Connection
Studies have shown that periodontal disease—often caused by high-risk bacteria—doesn’t just affect your gums and teeth. It’s also a major contributor to systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. This is why addressing oral health is about so much more than keeping your smile bright; it’s also about protecting your entire body.
but the truth is that oral health and overall health are deeply intertwined.
It’s easy to think of your mouth as separate from the rest of your body...
In collaboration with a dentist and/or a healthcare provider, I start by using salivary diagnostics to assess what’s really going on in your mouth. These tests identify the presence of bacteria and look at yeast and viral contributors that may be playing a role in your gum disease and inflammation. Studies have shown that periodontal pathogens can enter the bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation and contributing to conditions like atherosclerosis and heart disease. By identifying these pathogens early, we can take targeted steps to prevent more serious health outcomes.
Advanced Salivary Diagnostics: Getting to the Root Cause
Here’s how I do it:
At Beyond the Brush, I believe in taking a comprehensive, science-backed approach to supporting your health goals.
I don’t just work in isolation. Because I know that oral health impacts the whole body, I collaborate with your physicians, while consulting with dietitians, and nutritionists to create a well-rounded strategy. This multidisciplinary approach enhances patient outcomes by addressing all aspects of your health, not just your mouth. Research has shown that patients who receive collaborative care and coaching for both oral and systemic health issues experience better long-term results.
Collaborating with Your Medical Team for Optimal Results
What sets Beyond the Brush apart is the integration of functional medicine principles into oral health screenings. In concert with your dentist and/or healthcare provider, we’ll use functional blood testing and genetic testing to assess your overall health, track inflammation levels, and adjust your plan/goals as needed. This approach allows me to see the bigger picture—how your body is responding to treatment and where we can make improvements. Monitoring inflammation in real time helps us pivot quickly, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible results.
Using Functional Medicine Principles to Enhance Healing
There’s a growing body of research showing that gum disease can significantly increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. In fact, studies suggest that people with periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. By addressing oral health issues like chronic inflammation and bacterial infection, I can help you reduce the overall inflammatory burden on your body, lowering your risk for cardiovascular events.
The Connection Between Oral and Cardiovascular Health
The goal is simple: to coach you along a path of healing that allows you to achieve optimal total health in a way that supports your entire body.. With a collaborative approach to health goals and supportive coaching , I aim to provide you with the tools and guidance you need to live a longer, healthier life. Oral health is the gateway to systemic health, and at Beyond the Brush, I’m committed to helping you thrive.
