Naples Family Dentist recently welcomed a new addition to their team, Dr. Johanna Valdes, who specializes in biological and cosmetic dentistry. This approach promotes minimally invasive treatment methods and uses the most biocompatible materials for fillings, crowns, and implants, all while considering the health of the entire body. “Oral health is directly connected to overall well-being. When there are issues in the mouth, they can often lead to problems elsewhere in the body,” says Dr. Valdes.

Often referring to her specialty as cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Valdes explains that it encompasses everything related to restorative dentistry and aesthetics, especially her expertise in smile design with a functional and biological approach. “For simple smile design cases, like realigning the teeth, I recommend Clear Correct, invisible braces that straighten the teeth. For more extensive cases involving complex alignment issues between the upper and lower jaw, I refer patients to an orthodontist. To achieve a bright, beautiful smile, I might suggest teeth whitening or dental veneers.”

Dr. Valdes has been practicing dentistry for nearly 20 years. “When I was doing my Master’s in Restorative Dentistry at UNINGÁ University in Brazil, the mouth was still viewed in isolation. Issues in the mouth weren’t considered connected to the rest of the body, as we now understand they are. That was a misconception. Dentistry needs a systemic approach because what goes into the mouth can either enhance or jeopardize your overall health. Thankfully, dentistry has evolved, and biological dentistry now integrates oral health with the health of the entire body,” she says.

The pandemic downtime in 2020 gave Dr. Valdes the chance to expand her knowledge in biological and holistic medicine, studying with Dr. Mark Hyman, a nationally recognized physician specializing in functional medicine. After discovering Dr. Hyman’s work in 2017 and watching his podcast, The Doctor’s Farmacy, she bought his books and quickly absorbed the information. “I started following him and realized, as I had originally thought, that the mouth and body are connected, and good health begins with good nutrition. Instead of just addressing symptoms, he taught me to look for the root causes,” Dr. Valdes explains. She’s now a proud member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine.

Dr. Valdes emphasizes that holistic, restorative, and biological dentistry focus heavily on educating patients about the importance of nutrition, good oral hygiene, the oral microbiome, and preventing decay and other oral health issues. “Biological dentists shine when it comes to educating patients about the mouth-body connection. Instead of just filling cavities, performing root canals, placing crowns, or recommending implants, we teach our patients daily oral hygiene practices to help prevent these issues. It takes time, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the results. Patients appreciate learning that many dental issues are preventable, and they can take more control of their health.”

Naples Family Dentist is located at 877 111th Ave. N., Ste. 3. Call 239-566-7737 for more information or to make an appointment. Visit NaplesFamilyDentist.com.

Naples Family Dentist - 877 111th Ave N, 3, Naples, FL

NAPLES FAMILY DENTIST Dr. Paul Mabe D.D.S. Yvette Mabe, R.D.H. Welcome to Naples Family Dentist, Your Center for Complete Dental Care – Holistically, Biologically and Naturally! ... Read More »