Functional dentistry is rapidly gaining momentum as more people recognize the crucial link between oral health and systemic well-being. While the concept of using saliva for diagnostics dates back decades, advancements in research and technology have propelled the field into mainstream healthcare. Today, dentists are not just treating teeth—they are uncovering deeper health insights that could transform lives.
Saliva as a diagnostic goldmine
The idea of leveraging saliva for health diagnostics is not new. In 1959, scientists first explored salivary proteins to detect cancer. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the potential of saliva biomarkers began to unfold, spearheaded by experts like Dr. David T.W. Wong, a prominent figure in oral cancer and saliva diagnostics research.
In a 2011 interview, Dr. Wong predicted the pivotal role dentists could play in chairside diagnostics. Today, as Director of the UCLA Center for Oral/Head & Neck Oncology Research (COOR), he continues to champion saliva as the "next frontier of diagnostics," offering hope for detecting both oral and systemic diseases early.
COVID-19: A turning point in functional dentistry
The COVID-19 pandemic shed new light on the interplay between oral health and overall health. British functional dentist Victoria Sampson emerged as a pioneer in this field, connecting gum disease to poor COVID-19 outcomes. Her research revealed that COVID sufferers with gum disease were nine times more likely to face severe complications.
Motivated by these findings, Sampson and her sister launched The Health Society, a multidisciplinary health center in London. Her practice integrates oral microbiome testing, a revolutionary approach to uncovering imbalances that can lead to gum disease, systemic inflammation, and autoimmune conditions.
“I’ve seen remarkable patient transformations,” said Sampson, citing a case where treating gum disease significantly improved a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Scientific links between oral and overall health
Studies from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have confirmed that gum disease-related bacteria, such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, can worsen autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, inflammation from dental bacteria is known to contribute to cardiovascular issues and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
In Vancouver, functional dentist Dr. Lila Popa has also embraced this holistic perspective. “Research now links oral health—particularly the balance of the oral microbiome—to autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases,” she explained. “Poor oral health disrupts digestion, immune function, and even cognitive health.”
Functional medicine meets dentistry
For Dr. Popa, the pandemic offered a turning point. Facing her own health challenges, she turned to functional medicine and earned certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). Applying these principles to her practice, she now prioritizes root-cause assessments, including oral microbiome testing, nutrition guidance, and stress management.
Popa envisions a future where routine dental checkups include comprehensive microbial profiling. “This approach allows us to catch imbalances early, preventing gum disease and broader systemic issues,” she said.
The growing popularity of functional dentistry
While "functional dentistry" remains an approach rather than a formal accreditation, interest is rising. More dentists are incorporating holistic methods to complement traditional care. From using biocompatible materials to collaborating with functional medicine practitioners, the field is evolving to address patients' overall health.
“This growing awareness is encouraging patients to take a proactive approach,” Popa remarked. “People now understand that a healthy mouth is integral to a healthy body.”
The future of functional dentistry
As functional dentistry continues to gain traction, its focus on prevention and holistic care is reshaping the industry. By bridging oral health with systemic wellness, functional dentists like Sampson and Popa are leading a revolution—empowering patients to take control of their health.