EVERY year, tens of thousands of Guyanese needlessly suffer from a broad range of preventable illnesses. Less serious conditions such as excessive fatigue and headaches may go unnoticed or will be incorrectly attributed to ageing or stress. Hundreds of individuals develop more serious symptoms such as arthritis, colitis, heart disease, infections, hypertension, thyroid imbalances, migraines, kidney damage and other diseases. These people will become ill for no apparent reason.

But often, there is a reason for these diseases: their mouths. The renowned German physician, Dr Reinhard Voll, based on more than 40 years of research and observation, estimated that 80 percent of all illnesses are related entirely or partially to problems in the mouth. This important statistic would surprise all healthcare practitioners. Most physicians and dentists, despite knowing better, soon overlook entirely the fact that attached to every tooth is a person.

Traditional dental practices can often cause physical illness and trauma and can do more harm than good. The truth is that every dental procedure is an invasion of the human system, and many generate an adverse response somewhere in the body. The milder symptoms are often confused with what we have been led to believe are the normal side effects of stress-filled lives or the natural ageing process.

By now, you are wondering why you go to the dentist if there is the distinct possibility of acquiring something negative. That may explain why a new breed of dental practitioners is emerging. These dentists are offering important alternative solutions to traditional dental practices. While the profession’s name cannot be officially changed for obvious reasons, many refer to the new concept as Whole-Body Dentistry.

Consider for a moment that the human body comprises entirely of billions of tiny energy particles. Within this energetic system, there are pathways called meridians. Every organ and every part of your body is linked to a specific
tooth or area of the mouth via these meridians or energy highways.

This connection is so strong that any dentist embracing the concept of Whole-Body Dentistry can often accurately “guess” your dental history simply by reviewing your physical symptoms.
For example, a patient came to me with chronic sinus problems which have no cause or cure. Without even examining him, I immediately asked if he had any root canal work done on his upper molar, which relates to the maxillary sinuses. He was amazed that I “guessed” correctly, and further conversation revealed that the sinus problem started after the root canal therapy. The offending tooth was removed, and within a week, the sinusitis disappeared. Needless to say, this is by no means a common occurrence.

It can often be that simple. The new concept makes the dentist look like a detective, sorting through clues and signals and putting the information together uniquely, to discover the real source of problems. Extracting a misaligned or offending tooth will alleviate a whole host of unrelated physical symptoms in days. Some problems will correct in the chair. You cannot underestimate the impact of your teeth on your entire body’s health.

Patients must appreciate the relationship between their mouth and the rest of their bodies, so they can participate in their own treatment decisions.