“Oral health is a gateway to general wellness”

Prairie Doc Perspective Week of June 22, 2025
“Oral health is a gateway to general wellness”
By Paul Meyer DDS MS


For much of modern healthcare, dentistry has existed apart from the broader medical system.
Patients commonly have separate providers for medical and dental care, and this division is
reflected in insurance models, education, and even cultural perception. Yet biologically, this
separation is artificial. The mouth is a central part of the body, and its health is intimately tied to
overall well-being.


Studies of centenarians—people who live into their 100s—have shown a correlation between
good oral health and longevity. While flossing alone may not extend your life, oral hygiene often
reflects broader patterns of self-care. People who maintain their teeth through regular checkups
and good habits tend to engage in other positive health behaviors, supporting the idea that oral
health is a gateway to general wellness.


Beyond its connection to systemic health, oral health also has a major psychosocial impact. A
healthy smile can influence confidence, job opportunities, and social interactions. Teeth support
essential functions like speech, eating, and self-expression—all of which contribute to quality of
life at any age. This means not only is there a reason to maintain your teeth with brushing and
flossing, but there are also benefits to improving them for both esthetics and function.


One way to enhance a smile is by improving tooth alignment, which can benefit both function
and appearance. Orthodontics—the dental specialty focused on straightening teeth and
correcting bite issues—is often associated with adolescence, but treatment is increasingly
common among adults. Advances in digital imaging and clear aligner therapy have made
orthodontics more accessible and discreet. For many patients, even minor adjustments, such as
moving one tooth or closing a small space, can be completed efficiently and comfortably with
modern treatment options.


These treatment options can now range from simple corrections to comprehensive care using
either clear aligners or traditional braces. Importantly, they are often more convenient than
people expect, with flexible solutions to fit different lifestyles and goals.


The first step toward improving your oral health—or enhancing your smile—is establishing or
re-establishing a dental home. Regular dental evaluations help detect and address problems
early, before they become more serious or expensive to treat. Once a foundation of oral health
is in place, patients can explore options to improve the shape, color, alignment, or function of
their teeth.


Whether you’re considering tooth whitening, replacing missing teeth, or straightening your smile,
having a trusted relationship with a dental provider makes all the difference. Open
conversations, regular care, and modern dental tools make it possible to achieve not only a
healthier mouth but a healthier life overall


Paul Meyer, DDS, MS, is an orthodontist proudly serving the Brookings, South Dakota community. After earning his dental degree from the University of Minnesota and completing his orthodontic residency at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Meyer returned to his hometown to carry on the family practice at Meyer Orthodontics. He is honored to continue the practice founded by his father, Dr. David Meyer, providing expert, personalized orthodontic care to patients of all ages. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB), providing health information based on science, built on trust.