Functional Dentistry

When thinking about oral health, we often focus only on the health of the teeth, gums, and other oral structures. This myopic view of oral health, however, is flawed in that it fails to take into account the health of the rest of the body and the impact general health has on oral health and vice versa. Functional dentistry aims to correct this flaw with a whole-body approach to dental care designed not only to improve and maintain a patient's oral health but their overall wellness, as well.

With functional dentistry, we strive to improve the oral and general health of all of our patients in addition to ensuring their bodies have everything they need to develop and grow into strong and healthy adults.  

What Is Functional Dentistry?

Functional dentistry is a type of functional medicine. The term refers to a specific, systemic approach to dental care that views every part of the human body as a part of a larger, interconnected, whole system. In functional dentistry, the mouth, its parts, and the ailments that affect it are all understood in the context of the whole body and the whole body's overall health.  

Functional dentistry recognizes that a patient's oral health can impact their general health, and their general health can impact their oral health. With this basic principle in mind, functional dentistry aims to improve general health by improving a patient's oral health and to improve their oral health through modifications intended to improve their general health.

This approach is often also referred to as whole-body or total-body dentistry, wellness, or health.  

The Functional Dentistry Approach: What to Expect With a Functional Dentist

When visiting a functional dentist, you can expect your child to receive similar care to that which you would receive at a regular dentist but with a broader and more mindful approach, greater attention to detail, examinations aimed at understanding the root cause of oral health problems, and treatments targeted to address underlying issues in addition to symptoms.  

A Complete Medical History and Whole-Body Approach

With functional dentistry, we closely examine the current health and medical history of each patient. We use this information to evaluate their oral health in the context of their general health, taking into account any potential issues or concerns that could be impacting overall wellness.  

Non-Toxic and Safer Treatment Materials

Since the principles of functional dentistry aim to promote total-body wellness, functional dentists do not want to introduce any potentially harmful or unhealthy chemicals or materials during dental treatment that could negatively impact a patient's health. For this reason, we use non-toxic materials whenever possible and always choose the least harmful alternatives.  

For example, we treat dental caries (cavities) with tooth-colored composite resin, rather than silver amalgam to reduce your child's exposure to toxic heavy metals.  

Nutritional Counseling

While brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are vital to oral health, a patient's diet and nutrition are also essential. Throughout life, but especially during childhood development, eating a diet designed to improve oral health creates a strong foundation for good oral and general health. A nutritious, balanced diet and good hydration help your child build strong teeth, strong bones, and healthy soft tissues while reducing inflammation and mitigating tooth decay.  

Maintaining Periodontal Health

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a common oral health problem that can develop as a result of poor oral hygiene, genetic factors, and as a result of other systemic diseases. Periodontal disease, unfortunately, is not reversible, and it can significantly increase a child's risk of developing other health problems throughout his or her life. For example, periodontal disease is correlated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, reproductive health problems, certain cancers, and dementia.  

Functional dentistry places a strong emphasis on preventative care and treatments designed to prevent your child from developing gum disease and reducing their risk of suffering from related systemic health problems.  

Focus on Oral Microbiome

While some types of bacteria can hurt oral health, others are a highly beneficial part of your child's microbiome. These healthy bacteria can help reduce the risk of periodontal disease, improve digestion, and benefit overall health. Functional dentistry provides strategies and advice for supporting the good bacteria within your child's microbiome and addressing bacterial issues overall for better health.  

Healthier, Functional Dentistry for Children With Our Pediatric Dentist in Dallas

Functional dentistry offers all of the benefits, treatments, and approaches of traditional dentistry paired with the advantages of the whole-body functional approach. With a functional dentist, your child will be completely cared for. Rather than simply treating the signs and symptoms of oral health problems, a functional dentist will delve in further, searching for the root cause of your child's oral health issues.  

With a functional dentist, your child can look forward to better oral health in addition to improved general health through the total-body approach of functional dentistry. To learn more about functional dentistry or to request an appointment for your child with our pediatric dentist in Dallas, we welcome you to contact our office today.  

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