Find a Complete Health Dentist Kelso, WA
Having optimal oral health can be beneficial not just for the mouth and teeth but also for the body. Taking good care of the mouth, teeth, and gums is essential to maintaining general health. A complete health dentist is a provider who works with patients to improve overall wellness, starting with dental treatments.
Complete health dental services are available at Meadowlark Family Dentistry in Kelso and the surrounding area. Our providers focus on systematic dental care to improve patient outcomes and overall wellness. The oral health connection to a healthy body requires regular dental checkups and healthy routines that keep teeth and gums free from inflammation and infection.
Our providers have a comprehensive approach to dental health care. We can provide strategies to help you attain a healthier mouth, even if you suffer from chronic conditions. Call us at (360) 218-2322 to get more information about how we can work with you to develop a complete health dental treatment plan.
Oral Health Shows In Your Overall Wellness
Many patients see their dentist at least twice a year, sometimes more, for regular treatments. During a standard dental checkup, the dentist may be the first health provider to find signs of disease or other indicators of a patient's overall wellness. According to WebMD, dental exams may give a provider the first clues of chronic disease.
When examining the gums, if the dentist notices inflammation, swelling, and bleeding, this may be a sign of diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic condition. Unusual spots in the mouth may be an indicator of oral cancer or HIV, even before other noticeable symptoms start. A dentist may also be able to see signs of stress if the teeth are worn down or chipped. Some practitioners use salivary testing to measure bacteria levels or potential periodontal disease.
“During a standard dental checkup, the dentist may be the first health provider to find signs of disease or other indicators of a patient’s overall wellness.”
Conditions a Complete Health Dentist Treats
A review from the Institute of Medicine suggests there is evidence linking superior oral health to overall wellness. A complete health dentist's primary focus is in promoting and treating dental conditions while also improving outcomes for other chronic diseases. These dental providers are also partners in a patient's comprehensive health plan. Dentists can complement the care patients get from their primary care physician and work to advance wellness.
Gum disease is one treatment option that can improve or enhance overall wellness. Patients who show signs of early gum disease may have complications ranging from inflammation to severe conditions, such as diabetes. Dental providers treat the causes of gum and periodontal disease by eliminating bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy gum routines.
“Patients who show signs of early gum disease may have complications ranging from inflammation to serious conditions, such as diabetes.”
Building Healthy Habits With a Complete Oral Health Dentist
Seeing a complete health dentist allows patients to discuss how they can maintain a healthy body. The provider can encourage patients to stop smoking, eat a balanced diet, and brush and floss regularly to prevent chronic conditions. Additionally, Meadowlark Family Dentistry may talk to patients about staying at a healthy weight and adding exercise to their daily routine.
“Seeing a complete health dentist allows patients to discuss how they can maintain a healthy body.”
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Plaque, Bacteria, and Infection Treatment Options
The root cause of many dental and gum problems is bacteria. Meadowlark Family Dentistry and our office offers a variety of treatment options to keep the mouth free of plaque, bacteria, and infections. Here is how we typically treat these conditions in-house:
- Plaque: Effective treatment for dental plaque starts at home with regular brushing and flossing. Using a mouth rinse may reduce the amount of plaque left behind after eating. Our staff also removes plaque during a standard dental cleaning, which you should schedule every six months.
- Bacteria: Bacterial infections in the mouth or gums may lead to periodontal disease and an increased risk of other severe conditions. Our providers can help treat bacteria before it becomes a severe problem. We may use antimicrobial treatments, antiseptic mouthwashes, or other options to reduce bacteria.
- Infection: Dental infections may lead to problems such as an abscess, cavity, or gum disease. The first line of defense against infection is prevention with routine checkups and a solid oral hygiene routine. For active infections, dental providers use various treatment options such as antibiotics, cavity fillings, or gum tissue treatments.
“The first line of defense against infection is prevention with routine checkups and a solid oral hygiene routine.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can a dentist tell that I have other health concerns?
Q. What are some conditions that a complete health dentist can diagnose?
Q. What treatment options offered help defer complications?
People Also Ask
Q. How can I find an insurance plan that will cover my preexisting conditions?
Q. How is comprehensive dentistry different from traditional dentistry?
Q. How does oral health affect the gut and immune system?
Q. Beyond regular checkups, what additional procedures might a dentist recommend?
Preventative Options
Preventing health problems starts with awareness and patients being proactive about their health care. At the dentist, patients should focus on having direct, open discussions with their provider and asking for tips about their dental care routine at home. The ideal course of preventative care involves patients engaging in a healthy lifestyle that includes daily activity, a wholesome diet, and brushing and flossing after meals.
Patients should also avoid or limit their consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drink, caffeine and alcohol intake, and smoking tobacco products. Replacing a few of your daily drinks with water can dramatically enhance your oral health as well as the whole body system.
FAQs
Q. How can oral health exams diagnose cancer?
A. The Oral Cancer Foundation explains that mass oral cancer screening and early diagnosis is key for better outcomes. Sometimes the signs of oral cancer may be spotted during a scheduled dental visit, or the dentist may conduct a screening. During a screening, the dentist examines the mouth for symptoms such as mouth sores, white patches, or lumps.
Q. What are the benefits of seeing a complete health dentist?
A. More research is showing a probable connection to dental health and the entire body's wellness. Seeing a complete health dentist gives patients more opportunities to thrive physically. By starting with a healthy mouth, patients may be able to focus on preventing chronic illnesses and maintaining healthy habits.
Q. What is the oral health connection to diabetes and heart disease?
A. Gum disease is often a sign of inflammation, which can be associated with conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Bacteria from diseased gums may be able to travel to the body through the blood vessels. Gum disease also makes it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Q. How does a complete health dentist treat the whole body?
A. Complete health dentists look at the whole body holistically. One way is by using a systematic approach to inflammation. Reducing gum inflammation may offer whole-body benefits. Additionally, treating oral infections may provide relief to the patient's entire system and stop their spread.
Q. How does oral health relate to pregnancy outcomes?
A. Patients with poor oral health may be more at risk of pregnancy complications as bacteria build-up and infections often start in the mouth and work their way to the womb. Using effective dental health strategies and preventative care may help lower these risks. Pregnant patients should talk to their providers for more information.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
If you want to learn more about our complete approach to dental care and overall wellness, call us at 360-218-2322. In Kelso, we offer complete health dental services. You may just gain a brighter smile and a healthier body.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Meadowlark Family Dentistry was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cowlitz County and Clark County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Kelso, Longview, Castle Rock, Kalama, Clatskanie, Rainier, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Yacolt, Woodland, Long Beach, Astoria, East Side, and Oregon
- WA. View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1144550773). View NPI Registry Information
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