Connecting Oral Health to Overall Wellness with Integrative Dentistry

Integrative dentistry, focuses on the intersection of oral health and overall well-being. Dentists who adopt this philosophy go beyond treating teeth and gums to consider the broader connections between oral health, systemic health, and patient lifestyle. This comprehensive perspective offers transformative benefits to both practitioners and patients, redefining the dental experience. Santa Teresa Smiles practices … Continued

Ignoring Oral Health Compromises Gut Health

When addressing gut health, many focus solely on dietary changes, probiotics, and addressing imbalances within the gastrointestinal tract. However, this narrow approach often neglects a key player: oral health. The mouth serves as the entryway to the digestive system and plays an essential role in the health of the gut. Overlooking the oral microbiome can … Continued

Mercury Filling Removal the SMART Way: An Integrative Approach to Health and Wellness

As health practitioners recognize the connection of the mouth to overall health, one critical area of concern in integrative dentistry is the presence of mercury amalgam fillings. These “silver” fillings, which have been used for decades, are composed of approximately 50% mercury—a known neurotoxin. For patients seeking to reduce their toxic load and optimize their … Continued

The Oral Microbiome: How a Healthy Mouth Supports Your Overall Health

The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms that form various microbiomes, including those in the gut, skin, and mouth. Among these, the oral microbiome—a dynamic community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes—plays a crucial role not only in maintaining oral health but also in influencing overall health. The balance of this microbial … Continued

The Importance of Addressing Tongue Thrust

Tongue thrust, also known as *orofacial myofunctional disorder* (OMD), is a condition where the tongue exerts an abnormal forward or lateral force against the teeth during swallowing, speaking, and even at rest. This seemingly small habit can lead to significant dental and orthodontic problems if left untreated. Understanding how tongue thrust affects the oral structures … Continued

The Power of Red Light Therapy for Healing and Oral Health

Red light therapy (RLT) is rapidly gaining popularity due to its ability to speed up recovery, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in a natural and non-invasive way. BioRejuvenation dentistry focuses on restoring the health and balance of the oral structures using the body’s natural healing mechanisms rather than relying on invasive procedures. By integrating red … Continued

The Critical Role of the Jaw, Skull, and Neck in Airway Dentistry

As an airway-focused dental practice, we see firsthand how deeply interconnected the structures of the jaw, skull, and neck are when it comes to oral health and overall well-being. Integrative dentistry is no longer just about treating teeth in isolation; it’s about understanding how the entire craniofacial system functions and how these structures affect critical … Continued

Myofunctional Therapy: Re-Educating Muscles for Better Health

Myofunctional therapy is gaining increasing attention for its ability to address a range of health issues, from TMJ disorders to airway obstructions like sleep apnea and tongue tie. This therapy involves retraining the muscles of the mouth, face, and throat to improve function, posture, and overall health. It is a natural, non-invasive approach that can … Continued

Expansive Clear Aligners: An Integrative Approach to Dental Alignment and Overall Health

Integrative and bio rejuvenation dentistry focuses beyond aesthetics or symptom treatment. Instead, it seeks to promote long-term health and harmony within the body. One tool that we use at Santa Teresa Smiles that aligns with these principles is expansive clear aligners, which are helping our patients see not only beautiful smiles, but also improving their … Continued

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