TTH - Dental Health

Here's How I Tailor My Touch - by Dr. Erin

Many of us care for patients of all ages who face chronic dental conditions—whether in the early development of the palate and craniofacial structure, or later in life with TMJ stress, bone loss, or restorative needs.

Recently, while driving through a nearby town, I had a moment of reflection that connects to this work.

On one side of the street sits a small dental practice. The parking lot is always full, despite being run by a single practitioner. Just across the way is a Denny’s—also with a full lot, every morning and afternoon.

My first thought wasn’t, “That must be a great dentist.” 

Instead, knowing the quality and type of food Denny’s serves,

I wondered: Are people ever going to stop eating at Denny’s?

This is where tailoring my touch as a practitioner comes in.

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The Deeper Layers Behind Dental Health

When caring for patients, it’s important to peel away the layers of fear. Both your own as a doctor and your patient’s ability to trust your guidance.

Dental health is not just about brushing or flossing. It begins in utero. Craniofacial development shapes the sinuses that drain and filter, supports nutrient delivery to the brain, and builds the structural balance of the mouth and jaw. These are critical balance points that affect the entire body.

Beyond Brushing: True Dental Support

Of course, routine cleaning is essential. Visiting a dentist at least once a year helps remove buildup that daily brushing cannot, especially from acidic and harder substances like caffeine.

But long-term oral health depends on more than professional cleanings. Like every system in the body—visceral or skeletal—the mouth requires balanced nutrition and chemistry.

A few guiding principles:

• Moderate sugar: The number one place to start. Sugar feeds decay and inflammation before it even leaves the mouth.

• Support with nutrients: Healthy teeth and jaw development require balanced minerals, vitamins, and protein.

• Consider whole-body impact: TMJ issues, sinus drainage, and even postural balance tie back to dental and cranial integrity.

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Tailored Touch for You

When I look at a full dental office across from a full Denny’s, I see a reminder: health is built on choices we make daily, not just the appointments we keep.

For patients needing more than routine cleaning, struggling with long-term dental issues, developmental concerns, or restorative protocols, nutrition becomes the missing piece.

Download my Dental Health Booklet for a deeper look at foods, nutrients, and habits that support craniofacial development and lifelong dental strength.

Or, schedule a nutritional consultation with Dr. Erin to tailor a plan to your unique needs.