The growing recognition of the link between oral health and overall health is poised to reshape the dental industry, elevating the role of dentists as critical healthcare providers. Over the past decade, extensive research has revealed a significant connection between poor oral health and various systemic diseases, positioning dentists as key players in identifying and screening for broader health conditions. At the forefront of this transformative approach is functional dentistry, a field that emphasizes the oral microbiome’s role in assessing overall health.
Functional dentistry takes a holistic approach to oral care, focusing not just on the condition of teeth and gums, but also on how these oral factors interact with a patient’s overall well-being. Dr. Victoria Sampson, a leading British functional dentist, has been instrumental in advancing salivary diagnostics and oral microbiome testing. During a recent interview on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Dr. Sampson discussed her groundbreaking research that linked high bacterial loads in the mouth to increased complications from COVID-19. She revealed, “We found that COVID-19 sufferers with gum disease were nine times more likely to experience complications.” Her study also highlighted that common comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease—conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes—are often associated with an altered oral microbiome and periodontal disease.
This discovery led Dr. Sampson to question why saliva isn’t more widely used as a diagnostic tool in routine healthcare. “What struck me was, why aren’t we using saliva more regularly? Why isn’t this a more commercialized tool for our patients?” This curiosity spurred her further exploration into salivary diagnostics, which has since yielded remarkable results. Dr. Sampson recounted a case where a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, after receiving treatment for periodontal disease, was able to stop taking steroids and regain mobility, underscoring the powerful connections between oral health and systemic well-being.
Another advocate for this integrated approach is Dr. Lila Popa, a Vancouver-based functional dentist who has seen increasing interest in the field. In an interview with Oral Health Group, Dr. Popa explained how more dentists are becoming receptive to the idea that a holistic approach can complement traditional dental practices. “While it’s still a relatively new field, more dentists are open to learning how a holistic approach can complement traditional methods. I often find myself in conversations with colleagues intrigued by the link between oral health and systemic conditions,” she noted, adding that some practitioners are beginning to incorporate functional principles into their own practices.
Like Dr. Sampson, Dr. Popa places great emphasis on saliva and oral microbiome testing. “I work with an oral microbiome testing team who helps me interpret, analyze, and compare reports to ensure we’re getting a complete picture of each patient’s oral health,” Dr. Popa explained. She is working toward integrating routine oral microbiome testing into regular dental check-ups, which would allow for early detection of microbial imbalances, helping prevent gum disease and even systemic inflammation. By monitoring each patient’s unique microbial profile, dentists can catch potential health issues before they develop into more serious conditions.
The emerging field of functional dentistry represents a shift toward a more comprehensive understanding of oral health, emphasizing the importance of the oral microbiome as a reflection of overall health. With practitioners like Dr. Sampson and Dr. Popa leading the way, the integration of these insights into routine dental care could have profound implications for both oral and systemic health, ultimately improving patient outcomes and paving the way for a more holistic approach to healthcare.
Related topics:
Conservative Approach to Severe Tetracycline Staining with Porcelain Veneers
Dr Dent’s Crystal X Teeth Whitening Powder: Affordable, Visible Results in Just One Week
Smilie Teeth Whitening Kit: The Affordable, Dentist-Approved Solution for a Brighter Smile
