An increasing number of patients in the Federal Republic of Germany suffer from one of the classic systemic inflammatory diseases. The most common are allergies, diabetes, rheumatic diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, osteoporosis, chronic infections or cardiovascular diseases.

Why these diseases are increasing is unknown. Today it is assumed that several individual trigger and co-factors are significant as triggers of chronic inflammatory diseases. In our modern society, we have to deal with more and more irritant factors, which in sum constitute the inflammatory trigger.

Good dentistry can help

Dentistry without the introduction of foreign materials into the organism is not possible. However, any material can cause an inflammatory focus if the patient is allergic to it or if material components affect the organism in higher concentrations due to poor processing. On the other hand, dentists can help to detect and eliminate hidden foci of inflammation. A scientifically based interdisciplinary and holistic treatment can help to eliminate inflammatory stimuli and thus relieve the organism.

What do allergies, diabetes, rheumatism, gastrointestinal inflammation, osteoporosis, chronic infections or cardiovascular diseases have in common?

An increasing number of patients in the Federal Republic of Germany suffer from one of the classic systemic inflammatory diseases. The most common are allergies, diabetes, rheumatic diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, osteoporosis, chronic infections or cardiovascular diseases.

Why these diseases are increasing is unknown. Today it is assumed that several individual trigger and co-factors are significant as triggers of chronic inflammatory diseases. In our modern society, we have to deal with more and more irritant factors that add up to the inflammatory trigger.

Good dentistry can help

Dentistry without introducing foreign materials into the organism is not possible. However, any material can cause an inflammatory focus if the patient is allergic to it or if material components affect the organism in higher concentrations due to poor processing. On the other hand, dentists can help to detect and eliminate hidden foci of inflammation. A scientifically based interdisciplinary and holistic treatment can help to eliminate inflammatory stimuli and thus relieve the organism.

Dentists are forced to permanently place foreign materials into their patients' bodies. Whether it is metals, plastics, ceramics or other materials, each material can be individually incompatible and a trigger for chronic inflammation. Each material interacts with the organism. Because every organism reacts differently, the most suitable material for the patient and the best individual therapy option must be chosen preventively.

On the other hand, dentists are also confronted with the situation that more and more of their patients already suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases. In their case, they have to work closely with general practitioners and specialists to specifically search for incompatible materials or interfering factors. The teeth and the periodontium are often the source of the inflammation, which has effects on the whole organism.

Is dentistry facing up to this problem?

Many dentists have now recognized their responsibility. They have acquired knowledge at certified continuing education courses that goes far beyond what is taught in the study of dentistry at universities. You know general medical diseases and see the connections between the oral cavity and the organs. They have studied toxicology, immunology, allergology, and materials science and can use the full range of diagnostic capabilities to increase patient safety. Many of them have earned the Environmental Dental Medicine qualification after successfully completing curricula. They work in a network because they have recognized that they can only solve the complex problems of their patients in cooperation with other medical disciplines.

Environmental dentistry is often a lifeline for the chronically ill patient.

But diagnostivs alone are not enough

It is also important that the dentist knows what can replace the problematic material. He must clarify in advance whether there is any sensitization or individual intolerance to the new tooth replacement material to be inserted. Otherwise there is a possibility for the patient to "jump from the frying pan into the fire". The environmental dentist will also consider the interactions between new and old materials. Beginning with the planning of new dentures, the Environmental Dentist will work hand-in-hand with qualified dental technicians.

Environmental Dentistry is an important addition to the art of dentistry. The environmental dentist is a competent partner for chronically ill, but also healthy people, if they are not exclusively concerned with aesthetics and functionality, but also with a generally healthy dental treatment.

After a detailed questioning about the overall health situation, a thorough examination is carried out in the oral cavity to look for factors that can cause an inflammatory process via a toxicological permanent load or an immune activation. These can be as simple as displaced wisdom teeth, a previously unnoticed chronic periodontal disease, previously undetected inflammation at root tips, one or more root-dead teeth or a filling, crown, bridge, prosthesis or implant material that is immunologically unsuitable for the patient. But bonding materials such as adhesives and cements can also be disruptive factors that should not be underestimated. All this has to be found out by means of toxicological, immunological and environmental medical expertise. The environmental dentist has the expertise to set diagnostic and therapeutic priorities.