PROSTHODONTICS Michelle Cantwell, DMD
Oral Hygiene
We recognize the relationship between a healthy mouth and body. Many years of research have established a solid connection between oral health issues no longer being considered localized, but rather an interrelationship of systemic factors. Potential risk factors of an unhealthy mouth could play a role in a number of diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease (heart), respiratory infections (lung), osteopenia (reduction of bone mass), stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, and premature low birth weight babies. Medications can also cause complications such as xerostomia (dry mouth), fungal infections and increased salivary glucose, which in return could contribute to cavities and gum disease. Our focus is on your total health, function, and well being of your mouth as well as your body. Dr. Cantwell and her staff meticulously evaluate not only your smile but the health of your body as a whole. We are able to recognize the symptoms, diseases and associated risks in order to provide optimal care for our patients. At each continuing care visit patients blood pressure is recorded and an oral cancer screening of the head and neck is completed. Continuing Care visits with a hygienist at a prosthodontic practice may differ from an appointment in a general practice. For example, our hygienist, Angela, has experience and training in the necessary care and maintenance of dental implants and prosthetics. She has also treated people who have congenital abnormalities (cleft lip or palate), patients with a history of traumatic injuries or cancer/radiation treatment to the head and neck. She also provides all patients with important home care instructions.
We recognize the relationship between a healthy mouth and body. Many years of research have established a solid connection between oral health issues no longer being considered localized, but rather an interrelationship of systemic factors. Potential risk factors of an unhealthy mouth could play a role in a number of diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease (heart), respiratory infections (lung), osteopenia (reduction of bone mass), stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, and premature low birth weight babies. Medications can also cause complications such as xerostomia (dry mouth), fungal infections and increased salivary glucose, which in return could contribute to cavities and gum disease. Our focus is on your total health, function, and well being of your mouth as well as your body. Dr. Cantwell and her staff meticulously evaluate not only your smile but the health of your body as a whole. We are able to recognize the symptoms, diseases and associated risks in order to provide optimal care for our patients. At each continuing care visit patients blood pressure is recorded and an oral cancer screening of the head and neck is completed. Continuing Care visits with a hygienist at a prosthodontic practice may differ from an appointment in a general practice. For example, our hygienist, Angela, has experience and training in the necessary care and maintenance of dental implants and prosthetics. She has also treated people who have congenital abnormalities (cleft lip or palate), patients with a history of traumatic injuries or cancer/radiation treatment to the head and neck. She also provides all patients with important home care instructions.