Jessica Harmon

Whole Patient Treatment Philosophy in Dental Practice

Dentists are beginning to adopt a philosophy of treating the whole patient in their dental practice. This philosophy accomplishes several goals: 1 - preventing other bodily diseases through proper oral care; and 2 - identifying existing disease through regular, thorough dental examination.

“There is more to good health than conscientious brushing and flossing your teeth, even though they remain important. The mouth must be taken care of like any other part of the body,” says a local dentist. Dentists say this is because, “it’s linked to the rest of the body.”

Charlotte dentists believe in the medical philosophy of “treat the whole patient.” Indeed the New York Times reports that studies show gum disease is associated with an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, altered glycemic control in people with diabetes and adverse pregnancy conditions like pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure), low birth weight and preterm birth.

A major impact can be made on the body when periodontal disease is treated by reducing inflammation and lowering the quantities of harmful bacteria in the mouth. “It isn’t nailed down yet,” according to Dr. Martin J. Davis, professor of clinical dentistry at the college of Dental Medicine at Columbia, “but there seems to be a link between the inflammation of gums and the inflammatory markers of heart disease.”

It is possible that oral bacteria enter the bloodstream. They then attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries, causing clots to form. Or perhaps inflammation itself increases plaque buildup. A study conducted in 2007 showed that periodontal disease increased the risk of heart disease. The increased risk for men was one third and the risk doubled it in women, even after controlling for smoking.

And there are more serious problems that neglecting oral care can lead to, including loss of life through oral cancer. Oral cancer kills about 8,000 people a year and afflicts 34,000. According to the New York Times, Dr. Michael Kahn, a professor of oral pathology at Tufts University compares oral cancer with the 11,000 cases of cervical cancer that are detected by the 60 million pap smears administered every year. “A person dies every hour around the clock from oral cancer,” he said.

Prevention, screening and early treatment are critical to lowering the death rate.
The first symptom of oral cancer is often a very small white or red spot in the mouth. All of these problems are aggravated by patient smoking, taking certain medications, stress and other factors that the dentist should be informed about. That is why, according to the Charlotte area dentists, “We treat the whole patient.”

New dental research indicates that as many as 80 percent of Americans may have one form or another of gum disease that could be indicators of other medical concerns. When addressed and treated those same dental issues could save lives.

Dentists go on to add that they are aware of patients’ anxieties and other special needs as well. “My experience as a dentist has made me aware of the patient point of view,” says a local dentist. “I’m dedicated to mastering patient care as well as the science of dentistry,” he says.

Article Tags: Oral Cancer

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