A Milestone in My Functional Dentistry Journey: Your Questions Answered
I’m happy to share that I’ve passed the first examination of the Institute for Functional Dentistry, as part of its inaugural cohort. I’m still on the way to certification, but what excites me most is how much this training has changed the way I think about your care. Here are some questions you may have.
What is functional dentistry?
It’s an approach that looks beyond teeth and gums alone. It recognizes the connections between oral health, the oral microbiome, systemic inflammation, nutrition, sleep, and overall wellness. Your mouth is part of your whole body, and each affects the other.
What does the oral microbiome have to do with my health?
Your mouth is home to a community of bacteria that can support health or contribute to disease, depending on its balance. Research increasingly links that balance to inflammation elsewhere in the body. This training deepened my understanding of that relationship and gave me a clearer framework for using evidence-based protocols that we include now in our treatement plans.
What is salivary microbiome testing, and will I need it?
It’s a test that analyzes the bacteria in your saliva. Most of our patients benefit from it. These tests are not simply about identifying bacteria. When used appropriately, they help us understand risk factors, guide treatment decisions, and monitor your progress over time. I now have a clearer sense of when this information is clinically meaningful, which helps us guide you better toward your health.
Can what I eat really affect my oral health?
Yes. Food choices influence inflammation throughout the body, and therefore in the mouth. Nutrition affects immune function, the balance of your oral microbiome, metabolic health, and your body’s ability to heal. By addressing nutrition alongside dental care, we can help create conditions for a healthier oral ecosystem and support the body in managing chronic inflammation.
Why do you ask about my sleep?
Sleep quality and sleep-disordered breathing can affect inflammation, immune function, recovery, cardiovascular health, and oral health. Sleep tests are not only about identifying sleep apnea. They help us understand how your sleep may be influencing your overall wellness. When further evaluation or treatment is needed, we recommend myofascial therapy as a functional approach and we collaborate with the appropriate healthcare providers.
Why does it matter that you’re learning alongside other professionals?
Being part of a cohort of dedicated clinicians who share a vision of more comprehensive, collaborative care keeps me engaged and learning from others’ experience. The field continues to evolve as new research emerges, and I’m proud to be part of helping shape it.
In conclusion
Passing this first exam is a milestone I am proud of, but the real reward is what it means for you: a more complete picture of your health and a more thoughtful, personalized approach to your care. Healthy teeth and gums are important, and they are even more meaningful when we understand how they connect to the rest of you.
If you are curious about your oral microbiome, your nutrition, or your sleep, we would love to talk about it at your next visit.
Questions are always welcome!
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