Looking at the Big Picture

OK - what do I mean by this? It means our bodies and are teeth are all part of one beautifully interconnected system. (A quick introduction and summary to this concept is also in the section titled "Why are we Different" for those of you who like it short and sweet)

To give you an idea the following list of disease states and their influence on our teeth are given.

1. Over 600 medications given to patients for medical conditions will cause a dry mouth or a change in the saliva flow.
2. Dry mouth will cause reduction of natural cleaning a lack of acid neutralization causing a much higher level of tooth decay. Root decay (softening of the tooth roots) is a later in life problem that is directly linked to a long list of commonly prescribed Medications. For example:
   • Antidepressants
   • Antihistamines
   • Narcotics, and
   • Certain antihypertensives.(high Blood Pressure drugs)
3. Diet - we are all aware that diet effects every system in our bodies. Well guess what? Your teeth are affected the most by a poor diet. Almost all the foods that are bad for your weight your heart as well as your ability to fight off disease and even cancer are just as bad for your teeth. For Example:
   • Sugar
   • High fructose corn syrup (in almost everything that is a manufactured or processed food.
   • High carbohydrate diet
   • All the foods that contain the above sugars in a hidden form.
   More on diet later but this is one of the most important influences on your dental and general health.
4. Breathing or Airway problems - This may be a little more medically related but it has a huge influence on many dental conditions in both adults and even more so in children. When I say breathing or airway it includes: Snoring, Sleep Apnea, Mouth Breathing, Allergies clogging of nasal breathing, chronic enlarged tonsils narrowing the airway. What dental conditions are affected by Breathing Problems:
   • TMJ or TMD
   • Wear- grinding and clenhing
   • Gum disease
   • Crooked teeth or orthodontics
   • Tongue Posture, facial growth and arch size
   • Decay- due to mouth breathing and the resulting dry mouth condition
   • Night time gastric reflux and acid wear on tops of back teeth.

In conclusion Dr. Spinner will look at your entire oral condition, including your medical and dental history to form a customized treatment plan that focuses on root cause of the problems to proactively avoid future disease. With a proper plan in place you'll be on the path to a lifetime of good dental health.

To learn more visit My Airways and My Teeth.