Lyme disease (LD) is insidious, working its way into every part of the body, often going undetected for years. As a result, patients come to us for consultations and may exhibit Lyme disease symptoms but have been diagnosed with something else. Alternatively, they may have received a Lyme diagnosis, in which case we know how to treat them accordingly.
Still, Lyme symptoms are notoriously tricky to diagnose. So, it is essential that we recognize this and manage your oral health effectively if you show signs of having this infection. It is also vital that we request proper testing before doing any dental work if we suspect that you have Lyme. Failure to do so can help spread the bacteria, which can lead to a decline in your health.
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What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is spread by blacklegged ticks that carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. When they latch onto people, they transfer these spirochetes to them. The result is often the well-known bull’s eye rash, but may be a raised or flat bump, a liquid filled sac or skin dying at the site of the bite.
These infectious organisms may lie dormant for months or years or cause unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms may also go undiagnosed or be incorrectly diagnosed, which often supports the spread of the bacteria throughout the body. As the bacteria spread, they cause widespread inflammation, that often lead to serious complications if untreated.
Why Lyme Disease Is Significant
Lyme disease has been a nationwide notifiable disease since 1991. Consequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has collected substantial nationwide data related to borreliosis cases.
As a result, recent statistics show that about 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated annually for this infection in the U.S. This figure includes those who are treated based on suspected Lyme infections.
Borreliosis Cases Are Rising
Reports of Lyme infections tend to increase in the warmer months (fall and spring), placing more people at risk of contracting B. Burgdorferi infections. Experts further claim that Lyme disease cases are rising across the country, with suspected cases being much higher than those reported.
Lyme Infection Symptoms
Borreliosis symptoms generally appear within three to 30 days after the initial tick bite and go through three phases: early localized, early disseminated, and late persistent stage.
The severity of the symptoms increases with each phase. In the second phase, the bacteria enter the blood stream and disseminate throughout the. In this stage, symptoms may involve the heart, brain, and nervous system. Lyme carditis, facial nerve palsy, and acute lymphocytic meningitis are possible during this period. Migratory pain, muscle, joint, and bone involvement also become stark realities.
In the third and later persistent stage, also known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), widespread damage takes place. Nervous system and brain damage occur, and muscle weakness increases along with arthritis and global inflammation. Likewise, temporomandibular (TMJ) pain and disorders may be present.
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Dental Symptoms of Lyme Infection
Although dental problems are not necessarily directly related to LD, the bacteria does cause dental problems. Between the miles of dentin in the teeth (not the enamel) and the tooth pulp, root, nerves, socket, and jawbone, there are plenty of areas that can harbor B. Burgdorferi organisms just in the face and head.
Their presence creates discomfort and may link to other oral issues. These issues present as burning or tingling in the mouth and lips, difficulty closing the mouth or chewing, bad breath, changes in taste perception, dry mouth, facial palsy, acute parotitis and others.
The Critical Dental Link
Understanding the presence of Lyme infections guides our treatment choices as natural dentists. If we suspect the presence of these bacteria anywhere in the mouth including in existing root canals or tooth extractions, we take a precise course of action. We do this because certain dentistry procedures in the presence of borreliosis can cause further harm, which nobody wants.
But even if discomfort in the mouth, jaw, face, and head regions may not be directly related to the Lyme bacteria, we investigate the possibility of their presence. Should we suspect that you have contracted a borreliosis infection, we will advise you accordingly.
This recommendation typically involves a referral to a medical doctor for serological testing. Depending on the results, we will tailor our treatment to meet your needs. This might mean undergoing a microbiome test, ozone therapy, laser dentistry or something else as part of an overall solution for your condition.
Whatever the case, it is essential for us as biological dentists to provide you with the best possible dental service in your situation. If that means recognizing possible Lyme symptoms and referring you to medical treatment before risking dental work, that’s what we’re trained to do.
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What Other Dental Treatments Do We Offer?
Whether you call us holistic dentists, biological or natural dentists, we offer a broad range of natural dental treatments to optimize your oral health. But no matter which treatment we provide, we are always cognizant that you are an individual with unique needs, which may revolve around dentistry for tick infections.
Whatever your specific needs, we provide a comprehensive list of safe, natural treatments. These treatment options are designed for maximum effect, and include the following:
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Veneers
- How To Get The Perfect Smile
- Invisalign Clear Braces
- Teeth Whitening
- Emergency Dental Care
- General Holistic Dentistry
- Dental Exam
- Dental Fillings
- Holistic Dentistry
- Professional Dental Cleanings
- Homeoblock™
- Gum/Periodontal Therapy
- Deep Cleaning
- Ozone Therapy
- Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation
- Laser Dentistry
- Oral Microbiome Testing
- Restorative Dentistry
- All on 4 Implant Dentures
- CEREC Same Day Restorations
- Dental Crowns And Bridges
- Dental Implants
- Root Canals
- Sedation Dentistry
- Sleep Apnea
- TMJ Treatment
Natural Dentistry: Maximize Your Oral Health
We offer premium dental services from a natural, holistic perspective, based on extensive training and experience. Part of our training means recognizing Lyme disease symptoms and referring patients to medical doctors while designing an optimum course of dental treatment around this condition.
Because of our training, we contribute positively to your dental health. In the process, we avoid any possible harm linked with ignoring the presence of Lyme bacteria or being unaware of its presence. This combination of training and experience means we can give you the best treatment possible, while simultaneously avoiding unnecessary harm linked with inappropriate treatment protocols.
When you need a biological dentist who can treat you in a safe, comforting environment, you can rely on us for the best service. Between Dr. Nammy Patel and her team, you can rest assured that you will receive excellent dentistry to maximize your oral health.
What Our Green Dentistry Patients Say About Us
“Dr. Patel and staff are amazing! If you’re looking for a great meticulous, and caring dentist I highly recommend Dr. Patel. She and her staff will do everything necessary to make your dental visit pleasant and stress free. They also will work with your budget should you require financing.” Phil La Mere, 5/5.
“Have been coming to Dr. Patel for a few years now and no longer have bleeding gums and my overall oral health is amazing. She also has an amazing hygienist, David! He is great, the cleaning was thorough and Zen!” Maimuna Sayyeda, 5/5.
“I had a great experience getting my teeth cleaned at this office. Dr. Patel educated me on how to keep my teeth and gums healthy, but also recommended steps to fix my sleep apnea. The best part about this visit was that Dr. Patel and her staff made me feel incredibly comfortable!” Jimmy Nguyen, 5/5.
“My oral health has improved tenfold since coming to Dr. Patel’s practice. I’ve also noticed a marked improvement in my digestive health and my confidence in my smile is unmatched. Ask for David for your hygienist! He’s super friendly, fast and thorough. The entire staff is wonderful, and Christine does a great job working with you on finances. This is more expensive practice, but your health is worth it. They do offer payment plans.” Gillian Hanson Torres, 5/5.
