A Healthy Mouth is the Gateway to Overall Wellness
Our biological dentistry approach targets this vital connection
Dr. Craig Janssen is a firm believer in a biological dentistry approach to his practice, with the mouth-body connection serving as the foundation of that philosophy. That description sounds like a mouthful (no pun intended), but it is a basic concept that sets Janssen Dental Clinic apart from most dental practices. Biological dentistry focuses on the impact oral health has on our body’s overall wellness, and vice versa.
Dentistry is more than cleanings and procedures. It involves the integral role our mouths play in overall well-being and helping our patients understand that dynamic. Dr. Craig and the Janssen Dental team are here to empower you to take charge of your oral health so you can live your healthiest life possible.
As unpleasant as it may sound, our mouths are home to billions of bacteria. Scientists refer to this as the oral microbiome, and it is a complex ecosystem unto itself. Some types of bacteria are more beneficial than others, but they all actively influence our health. An imbalance of the more harmful types of bacteria can lead to problems such as gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and potentially contribute to other more serious health issues.
What can a healthy mouth do for you?
Committing to good oral hygiene is the first step in cultivating a healthy environment inside your mouth. Some of the benefits of good oral health are:
Enhanced overall health – Research suggests maintaining good oral hygiene can contribute to a longer, healthier life by limiting chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline.
Fresh breath and improved confidence – Regular brushing and flossing removes the food particles that cause bad breath and helps you feel better about yourself.
Reduced risk of gum disease and cavities – Bacteria love sugary foods and drinks, and the acids they produce erode tooth enamel and inflame the gums. Brushing and flossing disrupts this process by removing the fuel bacteria needs to thrive.
Poor oral health can lead to other physical issues
The mouth-body connection is most profound when it comes to the negative effects that can develop over time. In addition to the obvious dental issues of cavities and gum disease, studies suggest there is a link between poor oral health and chronic health conditions.
Diabetes – Gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, and conversely, severe diabetes can increase the risk of developing gum disease.
Heart disease – Inflammation in the gums may contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body, including the blood vessels. This can allow bacteria in your mouth to enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart.
Respiratory infections – Poor oral health and the bacteria it generates may increase the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory issues.
Pregnancy complications – Severe gum disease has been linked to premature births and low birth weights.
Alzheimer’s disease – There is some research that suggests a possible link between poor oral health and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis – Additional research has shown gum inflammation as a potential contributing factor to the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
The role of biological dentistry in your overall health
Dr. Craig and the Janssen Dental Clinic team take the time to educate our patients and learn all we can about their health. Our goal is to empower you to take control of your health and help you understand the importance of good oral hygiene. In addition, we use modern and biological materials in our procedures that are safe for your body.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment and leverage the advantages of a positive mouth-body connection.
About Janssen Dental Clinic in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Janssen Dental Clinic features the dental expertise of Dr. Craig Janssen, a third-generation dentist serving patients in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. Dr. Craig and his staff specialize in oral health as a component of overall well-being, a philosophy of care known as biological dentistry. They have expertise in reducing the fear and anxiety that people of all ages feel over going to the dentist, with services ranging from routine cleanings to restorative and cosmetic procedures. Call (920) 983-8383 to schedule an appointment. New patients are always welcome.