When you think about getting healthy, you probably picture eating more vegetables, hitting the gym, or getting a good night’s sleep. While these are all crucial, there is one major player often left on the sidelines: your teeth. specifically, the health of what’s inside your teeth.
At Cascade Endodontics in Orem, Utah, we see firsthand how closely your oral health ties into your overall physical well-being. Dr. Jon Jenson wants patients to understand that saving a natural tooth does more than keep your smile intact—it can protect your entire body.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Good oral health is crucial for overall health, as it prevents gum disease, reduces inflammation, and lowers risks of heart disease, diabetes, and systemic infections
Your mouth is essentially the gateway to the rest of your body. It is teeming with bacteria. Most of these bacteria are harmless, and your body’s natural defenses, along with good oral care like brushing and flossing, keep them under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
When a tooth becomes infected deep inside the root, it’s not just a localized pain problem. That infection can potentially spread. Years of research have suggested links between oral inflammation and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. By addressing the infection at its source—often through a root canal—you are helping to reduce the inflammatory burden on your entire system.
Why Endodontics Matters
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerning dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.”
Dr. Jon Jenson is a specialist in this field. As a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Utah Dental Association, the Utah Association of Endodontics, and the American Association of Endodontists, Dr. Jenson has dedicated his career to saving teeth that might otherwise be extracted.
Why is saving the tooth so important? While modern replacements like implants are excellent, nothing functions quite like your natural tooth. Preserving your natural tooth structure maintains your proper bite, ensures efficient chewing, and protects your jawbone from the deterioration that often follows tooth loss.
Debunking the “Root Cause” Myth
You may have heard scary stories online or from friends about root canals causing illness. There is a long-standing myth, stemming from poorly conducted research in the 1920s, claiming that root canal treatments trap bacteria inside the tooth which then causes diseases elsewhere in the body (like arthritis or heart disease).
Let’s be clear: This myth has been thoroughly debunked.
Modern medicine and dentistry have proven that there is no valid scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth to disease elsewhere in the body. In fact, the opposite is true. A root canal removes the infection. It eliminates the bacteria causing the problem. Leaving an infected tooth untreated is the real danger to your health, as the infection can spread into the jaw, neck, or head.
Dr. Jenson utilizes state-of-the-art technology, such as 3D imaging and advanced microscopes, to ensure that the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This precision care ensures the infection is gone and your health is protected.
Prioritize Your Health in Orem
If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, or swelling, don’t ignore it. Your body is telling you something is wrong. Addressing endodontic issues promptly is a vital part of maintaining your overall health.
At Cascade Endodontics, Dr. Jon Jenson and our team are here to provide compassionate, expert care. We focus on saving your natural teeth and keeping your whole body healthy.