General Dentistry - Serenity Healthy Smiles

basic dentistry TAKEN TO THE NEXT level

Dr. D believes that most dental diseases can be prevented, and this is a key to overall wellness. Fostering a healthy mouth with proper nourishment, hygiene, function and sleep is essential. We respect the healing abilities of the body and provide a variety of screenings and treatments to enhance the health of the mouth and far beyond.

early detection AND Prevention IS KEY

We take blood pressure. We check both gum health and tooth health. We look to see if the jaws and face have developed creating good airway and straight teeth. Crooked teeth mean that more is going on. We find connections with the rest of the body.

Many children and adults in today’s society have poorly developed faces, and as a result, suffer from asthma, allergies, depression, bed wetting, snoring and other sleep problems. Our exams will often find narrow faces, sunken eyes, mouth breathing and muscle tenderness of the head and neck. Treatment plans for dental work may take this into account. Sometimes the primary goal is improving facial structures and straightening teeth at the same time. Many of the chronic conditions which these individuals suffer with improve or resolve!

Sleep questionnaires are given to both children and adults. If more information is needed, we provide sleep rings to take home and sleep with. If needed, a referral is made to a sleep physician.

General Services

Regular cleanings don’t just stop with the meticulous removal of plaque, tartar and stain. If there is gingivitis, we want to know why. Is it poor brushing, diet, mouth breathing or systemic disease? How does it relate to the rest of the body?
Cavities are viewed as a whole body disease. It’s not just a little hole in a tooth. The acidity of saliva has increased, and calcium levels in both saliva and blood are altered. Decay has the potential of becoming a focal infection adversely affecting organs on the far reaches of the body. Research finds that people with tooth decay are more susceptible to other degenerative diseases.

Exams are done knowing everything in the body is connected. For example, if the teeth are worn, is there stress? An airway problem? Tension elsewhere in the body? We look for the root cause and address it if possible.
Root canals, crowns, and implants are procedures we would like to avoid. They are costly and stress the body. If needed, we discuss options and patients can choose the best option for themselves.

DID YOU know

Sleep apnea not only heightens cardiovascular disease risk, but can exacerbate its impact. Specifically, obstructive sleep apnea is associated with elevated rates of high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary artery disease. (American Heart Association)
Chronic mouth breathing has been linked to a range of health issues, including dry mouth, bad breath, and an increased risk of dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. (American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery)

The Oral Health Foundation endorses the benefits of preventative dentistry, attesting that “conditions such as mouth cancer and denture stomatitis can be spotted during regular visits to the dental team and then treated.” (Oral Health Foundation)
Research indicates that TMJ disorders can be associated with small airways, as anatomical factors like a retruded chin or a narrow upper airway may contribute to both conditions. (Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)