On the forefront of holistic dentistry is the exploration of the connection between the mouth, the digestive system, and the brain. This is called the oral-gut-brain axis.
Your mouth is a major gateway to the rest of your body, and what’s happening there can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. Looking at these systems as a whole rather than separate can help identify the root cause of issues like acid reflux, IBS, anxiety and depression, and even ADHD.
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Request an AppointmentMore than 50 systemic health conditions have been linked to gum infections, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), according to a study published in Frontiers in Immunology.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is an uncomfortable condition where stomach acid rises up into the esophagus, throat, mouth, and sometimes even the sinuses.
This is often worsened by citrus, spicy foods, wearing tight-fitting pants, and laying down flat on your back. Frequent or constant exposure to those harsh acids can cause dental problems like:
Treating acid reflux, especially when chronic, should include regular dental visits and cleanings to keep bacteria at a minimum and identify potential problems before they can get worse.
Gut dysbiosis is a condition where the delicate microbiome of the gut has been disrupted and there are more harmful bacteria present than beneficial ones. Over time, this leads to digestive discomfort, lower immunity, and dental health problems. Potential causes of gut dysbiosis include:
Often, conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be traced back to an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the gut. Treatment includes making dietary changes, taking probiotics, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common but sometimes debilitating condition that causes stomach discomfort, bloating, pain, constipation, and diarrhea. These symptoms are a hallmark of chronic inflammation, which can affect other areas of the body too. People with IBS often struggle with:
If you or a family member have IBS, regular dental exams and cleanings should be high on your list of preventative care.
The relationship between oral health, anxiety, and depression is complex and multi-directional. Each one can affect the other in different ways, like:
Good oral care is essential to prevent complications for individuals with mental health challenges and help them to feel better about themselves. Our office environment is dedicated to reducing anxiety commonly felt at the dentist, and patients love our spa-like atmosphere and amenities.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been linked to the improper development of the sinus cavities, usually as a result of lack of breastfeeding as an infant or having braces as a child. Surprisingly, ADHD can contribute to other conditions, specifically those related to oral health, such as:
Patients with ADHD can benefit most from regular dental care that focuses on developing good hygiene habits and incorporates testing and treatment for sleep apnea.
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Our Union Square dentist in San Francisco ensures our office is a place where you can relax and put your health and wellness first, allowing yourself recovery and restoration. We provide a number of spa-like services to our patients in order to relieve discomfort and improve relaxation, such as:
We believe in “green dentistry with a green thumb.” Let’s work together to help improve the environment and fight climate change.
Every year, your tree will:
We look forward to welcoming you and helping you on your journey to an amazing smile and life-long health!
Dr. Nammy Patel and her team at Green Dentistry in Downtown San Francisco, California, provide quality dentistry with a holistic approach. They offer their patients exceptional care and service in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign treatment, laser dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, general holistic dentistry and so much more. They even offer sedation dentistry to their patients. They serve patients throughout the Bay Area. SF Green Dentist is within walking distance from Downtown and the Financial District.
