Total Oral Dentistry Aurora, CO
Total oral dentistry understands the connection between the mouth and the body. Dental procedures can have a significant impact on a patient's overall health. This connection means that it is crucial to consider various wellness factors, not just oral health, to determine the right approach to dental health.
Southland Smiles provides total oral dentistry in Aurora and the surrounding area. Call us today at (720) 599-2961 to learn more about our services to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
What the Mouth Reveals About Overall Health
The mouth offers valuable information about overall health. While the mouth reveals tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, it can also show diseases that affect the rest of the body. Nutritional deficiencies are also apparent in the mouth, showing if people are missing certain foods from their diet.
The mouth is also one of the first places where symptoms of illnesses affecting the entire body are visible. For instance, the gums can reflect certain blood disorders, jaw bone loss can reflect osteoporosis, and the teeth can show signs of diabetes. People's oral health can also reflect poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
“While the mouth reveals tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, it can also show diseases that affect the rest of the body.”
Total Oral Dentistry and Other Conditions
Multiple studies have shown an especially strong correlation between periodontal disease and heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Periodontal microorganisms are also associated with other heart conditions, like dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Research has also confirmed an association between periodontal disease and ischemic stroke, with regular dental care acting to reduce a patient's stroke risk.
Additionally, periodontal disease and diabetes exist bidirectionally — meaning that treating one condition can also address the other. This only seems natural when considering that diabetes can harm the eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, and other systems in the body. Periodontitis can also affect one's blood sugar levels. Thus, diabetic patients should pay extra attention to their dental health.
“Research has also confirmed an association between periodontal disease and ischemic stroke, with regular dental care acting to reduce a patient’s stroke risk.”
What Makes Total Oral Dentistry Different
Total oral dentistry differs from regular dentistry in that it focuses on the patient as a whole. Whereas a conventional dentist is likely to treat conditions, a total oral dentist will take the time to look for any underlying, hidden signs of larger health conditions. Total oral dentistry centers on patient education and empowerment, allowing patients to become more active participants in their care.
Many patients make the honest mistake of seeking out dental care only when they believe there is something to address. In reality, proper dental care should be a vital part of anybody's overall preventive health plans. Without regular checkups from a total oral dentist, many oral health conditions can go unnoticed until it is too late. This can lead to further oral health issues and other systemic diseases later on.
“Whereas a conventional dentist is likely to treat conditions, a total oral dentist will take the time to look for any underlying, hidden signs of larger health conditions.”
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Conditions a Total Health Dentist Can Prevent
Total health dentists may provide a range of services to protect teeth and help patients maintain their oral and overall health. They can prevent the same conditions that a regular dentist can prevent. However, total health dentists consider the mouth-body connection when treating patients. They can treat problems including tooth decay and gum disease and prevent related conditions.
Total health dentists may also provide restorative treatments for damaged teeth and even cosmetic procedures to improve dental aesthetics. Education and nutritional counseling can help patients understand how to prevent decay. Each total health dentist has a unique range of services. People interested in treatment should contact our team for more information about our available services. We may refer patients out to a specialist for treatments that are out of our scope.
“They can treat problems including tooth decay and gum disease and prevent related conditions.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Can treating my oral health help treat my diabetes?
Q. How is a total oral dentist different from a regular dentist?
Q. What does the mouth reveal about overall health?
People Also Ask
Q. What is HealthyStart dentistry?
Q. How does oral health affect heart health?
Q. What can a total health dentist do for me?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. What lifestyle choices help promote good oral health?
Q. What are some of the reasons one might need a tooth extraction?
What to Expect From a Total Oral Dentist
Total oral dentists look at the whole patient, not just their isolated conditions. As a result, total oral dentistry tends to give patients a more involved role in their care. For this relationship to be successful, patients should take careful consideration in picking a doctor they feel comfortable maintaining an open and honest line of communication.
Total oral dentistry looks at not just at a patient's isolated conditions, but also their overall health. Intake forms for total oral dentistry will typically ask patients for more information to allow the team to best understand the patient's unique and individual needs. As a result, treatment is able to move beyond a one-size-fits-all method and become more tailor-made for an individual's needs.
Since total oral dentistry is more involved than conventional dentistry, patients should also expect their initial visits to take about two hours. During this time, the patient will become acquainted with each team member, including the patient coordinator, hygienist, and dentist.
FAQs
Q. What is involved in good oral hygiene?
A. Brushing and flossing are essential parts of good oral hygiene. Everyone should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. People should also have regular wellness visits to check the status of their oral health.
Q. What training does a total health dentist have?
A. A total health dentist must attend an accredited dental school. They complete the same dental training as a regular dentist. However, they have additional education and experience with holistic treatment methods.
Q. What is a good diet for oral health?
A. It is important to eat nutrient-rich foods since it affects people's oral and general health. People should restrict sugary foods and beverages and drink lots of water. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy.
Q. What is diabetes?
A. Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects how the body uses blood sugar. It causes the body to make insufficient amounts of insulin or ineffective use of its insulin. People with diabetes have high blood sugar, damaging the nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.
Q. How often should people visit the total health dentist?
A. Typically, people should have a wellness visit with our team at least once or twice a year. Every patient is different, and some people may require visits more often to maintain their oral health. Our team will determine the optimal visit frequency for each patient.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Maintaining your oral health is a proactive step in preserving your overall health. The right total oral dentist can help. Call Southland Smiles at 720-599-2961 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
About our business and website security
- Southland Smiles was established in 2009.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Arapahoe County, Adams County and Douglas County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Aurora, Centennial, Parker, Englewood, Foxfield, Castlewood Rock, Lone Tree, Elizabeth, Franktown and Highlands Ranch
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