Functional dentistry spotlights the oral microbiome

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 10 December 2024

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LONDON, England: The inextricable relationship between a person’s oral and overall health has the potential to radically transform the dental industry and elevate the role of dentists. Over the last decade, a wealth of research has irrefutably demonstrated that compromised oral health is closely associated with a range of systemic diseases. This crucial link positions dentists uniquely to identify and screen for general health conditions. At the forefront of efforts to pursue this holistic approach to oral health is functional dentistry, which places emphasis on the state of the oral microbiome in assessing health.

As the designation suggests, this emergent field takes a deeply pragmatic approach to oral health, considering not only the condition and appearance of the teeth and gingivae but also how these are related to general well-being. Among the vanguard of functional dentists is British dentist Dr Victoria Sampson, who has played a vital role in pioneering salivary diagnostics and oral microbiome testing in dentistry. Speaking in a recent interview with Steven Bartlett on his podcast, The Diary of a CEO, Dr Sampson explained her exploratory research that suggested a well-supported link between a high bacterial load in the mouth and COVID-19 complications: “We … found that COVID-19 sufferers who had gum disease were nine times more likely to experience complications,” she said. Her study pointed out that the primary comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, associated with an increased risk of complications and death from COVID-19 are also associated with altered oral microbiome and periodontal disease.

From this potent insight, she realised the fundamental importance of systematically screening for medical conditions based on salivary diagnostics. She said, “What struck me was, why aren’t we using saliva more regularly? Why isn’t this a more commercialised tool for our patients?” It was these gnawing questions that compelled her development of further testing, which has proved highly illuminating. For a patient with rheumatoid arthritis whom Dr Sampson had recently treated for periodontal disease, the results were nothing short of miraculous: “She was able to stop taking steroids and walk again,” Dr Sampson recounted. It is these revelatory connections that are at the heart of functional dentistry.

The central importance of thinking holistically about oral health is shared by Vancouver-based functional dentist Dr Lila Popa. In an interview with Oral Health Group, Dr Popa spoke about the value of the approach and the increasing interest dentists are beginning to show. “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. Some are even starting to integrate functional principles into their own practices,” she said.

Like Dr Sampson, Dr Popa underscores the essential role played by saliva and oral microbiome testing. “I work with an oral microbiome testing team who helps me interpret, analyse and compare reports to ensure we’re getting a complete picture of each patient’s oral health. For example, one standard I’m working toward is integrating routine oral microbiome testing into regular dental check-ups. By assessing and monitoring each patient’s unique microbial profile, we can catch imbalances early, helping prevent issues like gum disease and even systemic inflammation,” she said.