Healthy Mouth Baseline New York, NY
A healthy mouth baseline establishes the standards of oral health that a patient should meet for optimal health. This tool helps patients align their goals and the necessary treatments to achieve them. Communicating this baseline with patients can help them feel empowered about their role in treatment.
The healthy mouth baseline can help patients achieve better oral and overall health. Our team at M.Y. Dental Spa in New York and the surrounding area can help. Call us today at (212) 786-5757 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
The Role of a Healthy Mouth Baseline During an Annual Wellness Visit
The healthy mouth baseline is a helpful tool that helps patients understand the connection between their oral and overall health. This tool is important because many patients do not understand the standards of a healthy mouth. Using a healthy mouth baseline during an annual wellness visit allows our team to establish the benchmarks of a healthy mouth with patients.
During a wellness visit, establishing a healthy mouth baseline allows identifying healthy soft and hard tissues and positive lifestyle choices to maintain oral and overall health. Showing and explaining the healthy mouth baseline to patients help them understand the importance of treatment and dental care maintenance. The healthy mouth baseline can transform the health of patients.
“The healthy mouth baseline is a helpful tool that helps patients understand the connection between their oral and overall health.”
Doctor-Patient Relationships in Complete Health Dentistry
Traditional dentists tend to treat their patients as passive recipients of care. Complete health dentists, on the other hand, work collaboratively. This process involves some patient education from the doctor and more active participation from the patient.
Patients of complete health dentistry take an active role from the first consultation when they must identify any discrepancies between the healthy mouth baseline and their dental health. The complete health hygienist and doctor will use these concerns as a jumpoff point to fully assess the mouth and formulate a customized treatment plan for the patient's unique needs.
Our team aims to help patients maintain their overall health by treating and preventing severe dental conditions. However, there may be occasions when we must refer our patients out to a specialist. Generally, this occurs when we see signs of systemic conditions that we cannot treat on our own. Examples include heart disease, diabetes, and more.
“Complete health dentists … work collaboratively with their patients.”
The Mouth is the Gateway to the Body
The mouth acts as an entrance to the rest of the body. There are billions of bacteria in the mouth. While most bacteria are harmless, some types can cause issues, such as gum disease. Since the mouth is the gateway to the digestive and respiratory tract, some bacteria can increase the risk of developing diseases when there is a lack of good oral hygiene.
Maintaining dental hygiene can prevent oral health issues such as gingivitis and gum disease. Proper brushing and flossing are necessary to remove harmful bacteria. This can subsequently minimize a person's risk for developing more serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis.
“Since the mouth is the gateway to the digestive and respiratory tract, some bacteria can increase the risk of developing diseases when there is a lack of good oral hygiene.”
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Symptoms to Watch For
A person's oral health is a reflection of their overall health. A healthy mouth should be free of swelling, cavities, and bleeding gums. Our team will watch for symptoms that may indicate issues with oral and overall health
Some signs of gum disease or other oral infections include:
- Consistent bad breath
- Painful gums
- Red or purplish gums
- Shifting teeth
- Sores
“A healthy mouth should be free of swelling, cavities, and bleeding gums.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What does a complete health dentist do differently than a traditional dentist?
Q. What is the role of a healthy mouth baseline during an annual wellness visit?
Q. How is the mouth the gateway to the body?
Q. What are symptoms that people should watch for?
Q. How can I prevent dental issues?
People Also Ask
Q. What is the difference between traditional dentists and total health dentists?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What research bridges the gap between physical health and oral health?
Q. What are the benefits of having a complete health dentist as a dental provider?
How to Prevent Dental Issues
Having an annual wellness visit is a great way for people to maintain their overall health and prevent dental issues. However, patients need to take certain actions at home to maintain their health at home between appointments. The most important thing to do is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth.
Forgoing smoking and tobacco products and avoiding alcohol can also benefit people's oral and overall health. Diet and nutrition also play a significant role in preventing dental issues. We recommend eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables high in fiber and cutting back on sugary foods and drinks that can eat away at tooth enamel and cause decay.
“Having an annual wellness visit is a great way for people to maintain their overall health and prevent dental issues.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is dental plaque?
A. Dental plaque is a sticky film that constantly builds on the surface of teeth. It contains millions of bacteria that produce acid, which eats away at the enamel and causes decay. Without removal, plaque can cause other issues like gum disease, increasing the risk of other health complications.
Q. What are other systemic conditions linked to oral health?
A. Oral health issues can cause more than just pain and functionality issues. It can lead to dental issues, such as gum disease, which has a connection to issues including cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, stroke, and pregnancy complications. The bacteria in the mouth can also impact the heart if it enters the bloodstream and attaches to the plaque in the blood vessels.
Q. What are the risks associated with gum disease?
A. A lack of proper oral hygiene and the resulting accumulation of plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, there are additional factors associated with gum disease. Other factors include hormonal changes, age, certain illnesses, genetics, bad habits, and some medications.
Q. What is the difference between a total health dentist and a traditional dentist?
A. All dentists, whether total health or traditional, receive the same training and education in dental school. However, they differ in their approach to patient care. When treating patients, total health dentists focus on the role oral health plays in overall health.
Q. What are some components of a healthy mouth baseline?
A. Our team will check for the standards of a healthy mouth. This includes healthy gums, teeth, mouth, bite, jaws, and teeth. Cosmetic oral health and healthy habits are also aspects of a healthy mouth baseline.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Good overall health starts with a good complete health dentist. We at M.Y. Dental Spa may be able to help. Call us today at 212-786-5757 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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