For many, a trip to the dentist is about routine cleanings and the occasional filling. But for Bob Wilson, DMD, FICOI, dentistry is a crucial part of overall healthcare—sometimes it’s even life-saving.
Dr. Wilson is the owner and primary provider at Bellevue’s Warner Parks Family Dental. While he and his team are passionate about oral health, patient care goes far beyond the smile. Some of his patients have learned this firsthand when Dr. Wilson noticed something concerning during routine head and neck exams. He has found thyroid cancer, oral cancer, and thyroid nodules, then worked hand-in-hand with patients to make all the right follow-up appointments.
“Dr. Wilson bridges my dental issues to overall health and provides preventative tips that are easy to work into our routines,” one patient shares.
Patients see their dentists more often than their primary care physicians at a recommended twice-a-year cadence, making them an integral part of overall health. Because of this, routine cleanings and exams are a great opportunity to look at the full picture.
“I do a full look at medical history, making sure to look at the whole forest, not just the tree,” Dr. Wilson shares. From detecting periodontal disease—which is linked to cardiovascular issues—to identifying dental abscesses that could lead to major health complications and oral cancer, he believes that this proactive approach to oral health is, in itself, an investment.
“We’re given the gift of healthy teeth, and just like anything you invest in, you have to maintain it," he explains. "Cleanings, flossing, and brushing are like changing the oil or putting air in your tires—you’re preventing more expensive repairs by keeping up with maintenance."
Beyond cleanings every six months, Dr. Wilson shares tips to maintain oral health all year long.
"Only floss the teeth you want to keep," he quips. "Brush at night to keep your teeth, and in the morning to keep your friends."
Beyond that, Dr. Wilson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy pH in your mouth.
"Dry mouth is like running your car without oil—it can cause significant damage,” Dr. Wilson adds. Simple habits like rinsing with water after eating or drinking can help regulate acidity and reduce plaque buildup. Plus, the Warner Parks Family Dental office stocks probiotics specifically targeting a healthy pH.
“There are even some candies, like Basic Bites, that help keep the pH of your mouth more basic—they taste like chocolate and caramel,” says Anne Walker Wilson, office manager and Dr. Wilson’s wife.
From early cancer detection to everyday preventative care, Dr. Wilson’s approach to dentistry goes far beyond clean teeth—it’s about ensuring long-term health. To help patients prioritize their care, the Warner Parks Family Dental team offers a discounted membership plan for patients without insurance. One annual fee covers cleanings and preventative X-rays for a year.
"We are in the business of saving teeth," he says. "Preventative appointments matter. You can have a cavity before a tooth hurts, and I can treat it before it turns into something more major and expensive."
And in the event a healthcare concern should arise during a cleaning, Dr. Wilson will make all the right calls to get you taken care of.
Dr. Wilson’s practice extends beyond dental care—the team is passionate about investing in the local community.
"We are a member of the Bellevue Chamber, we were in the Belle Meade Christmas Parade, and we sponsored the Friends of Warner Parks Hummingbird Happy Hour," he shares. "We see our dental practice as a way to serve and invest in our community.