Dental professionals have long understood that oral health is an important part of whole-person health. Today, dental and medical providers are increasingly working together to deliver more coordinated, personalized care.
Oral health does not exist in isolation. Medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors can all affect the health of your teeth and gums.
“The mouth is not separate from the rest of the body,” said Cristina Sanchez, dental director and clinical advisor at Blue Shield of California. “When physicians and dentists collaborate, we’re able to better understand the complete picture of a patient’s health and create care plans that are both clinically effective and realistic for that individual’s life.”
Before joining Blue Shield, Sanchez supported Gainwell Technologies’ Medi-Cal Dental Care Management Program and was an assistant professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and director of its general practice residency program. There, she worked closely with physicians caring for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers.
Cristina Sanchez, Blue Shield of California
According to Sanchez, effective care goes beyond diagnoses and treatment plans. “We spent time understanding each patient’s lifestyle, daily routines, support systems, personal values, treatment goals, and risk factors, and incorporated those insights into care plans they could realistically follow and maintain. It was essential that those plans supported not only their oral health, but their overall health and well-being,” she said.
Understanding oral dysbiosis
One reason gum health is receiving greater attention is growing research on oral dysbiosis, an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth.
The mouth contains billions of bacteria, many of which help maintain a healthy environment. When that balance is disrupted, harmful bacteria can increase, raising the risk of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
While the term oral dysbiosis may be relatively new, the concept is not. Dental professionals have long recognized that controlling harmful bacteria is key to maintaining healthy gums and preventing disease.
The most important care happens at home
Despite advances in dental care and research, the foundation of good oral health still begins at home.
Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, monitoring your gum health, making healthy lifestyle choices, and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent gum disease and support overall well-being.
“As we continue to learn more about the connection between oral health and overall health, one thing remains clear: there is no quick fix,” Sanchez said. “Healthy gums and teeth come from consistent daily habits and preventive care. These simple habits can have a lasting impact on your overall health for years to come.”
Open enrollment season is approaching soon, which is always a great time to evaluate your health benefits – including dental plans – to make sure your coverage meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. For information about Blue Shield of California dental plans, visit Dental PPO & HMO plans California | Blue Shield of CA.