Dentists are Doctors, Too!

There are many kinds of doctors out there – Doctors of English, Doctors of Philosophy, Doctors of Medicine, Dr. Pepper… (wink). Of course, when we use the term “doctor”, we most often mean a physician or doctor of medicine. But did you know that dentists are doctors, too? Every doctor has a specialty – and a dentist’s specialty is oral health. Dr. Gordon, your St. Augustine dentist, explains that dentistry is a branch of medical science – and more about the link between oral health and overall wellness.

Dentists Are Doctors

Dentists are every bit as trained and educated as physicians. They have the same general education in science as physicians prior to clinical training in dentistry. This background education helps dentists look at “the whole package” when taking care of patients’ teeth. Dentists are specialists in the science and mechanics of oral health, which extends to your head, face, and neck (the craniofacial region)—important parts of your body! Your oral health is an MVP when it comes to overall health and wellness, and dentists are just as important as other doctors when it comes to total body health. Is your image of the dentist expanding in your mind?

The Oral-Systemic Link

Have you had your whole printer get jammed because one tiny piece of paper is out of line? It’s endlessly frustrating and time-consuming, and a reminder that machines require all parts, big and small, to be in good shape and working together to get the job done. While you are not a printer, you are made of countless cells, organs, muscles, and bones that all collaborate to make you human, allowing you to survive and be healthy.

Dentists look at your mouth, gums, and teeth, but they also look at your jaw (TMJ), face, head, and neck, keeping an eye out for signs of a problem such as swelling, discoloration, and more.  Dentists can tell just by the look of your mouth if you might have other health issues like stress, chronic inflammation or poor quality of sleep. Dentists also perform tissue biopsies, diagnose illnesses, and screen for high blood pressure and oral cancer.

Time and time again, doctors, dentists, and researchers come together to find important overlaps in medicine and dentistry. We call these overlaps “the oral-systemic link.” There are already many studies “in the books” about oral health links to diabetes and heart conditions. Seeing the dentist regularly is important for assessing your risks for health conditions all over your body. For example, respected family physician and renowned expert in the dental industry, Dr. Bradley Bale, says: “Periodontal disease is a medical disease with a dental solution.”

Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease that can be linked to other chronic and acute illnesses like cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. The best dentists and physicians will insist on working together to help you reach your optimal health. Good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits accomplish much more than just polishing your pearly whites. Everything from eating and sleeping to working and playing depends on a healthy smile. The healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier your whole life will be.

Choose a dentist who asks questions about your personal goals for life and health. Ask them about their views on whole body dentistry that works toward your wellness as one, big, interconnected machine. If you’re ready to take care of your health from top to bottom, make an appointment with us at Gordon Dental Associates today!

Sources

http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/01/enough-talk-about-the-oral-systemic-link-its-time-to-bridge-the-gap-between-dentistry-and-medicine.html

http://periolinks.com/2015/09/30/how-does-periodontal-disease-affect-systemic-health-a-simple-answer-to-a-complex-question/

http://jamiethedentist.com/periodontitis-gum-disease/what-is-gum-disease-periodontitis

http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/dentists-doctors-of-oral-health

 

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from Gordon Dental http://www.gordon-dental.com/blog/dentists-are-doctors-too/

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