The holistic approach can be defined as a bridge between oral health and overall wellness. It examines the patient’s oral health condition and evaluates their overall well-being by addressing their nutritional habits, lifestyle, and stress-related factors. This method emphasizes preventative strategies and is structured on the belief that oral condition is wholly connected to physical, environmental, emotional, and psychological wellness.
- Physical health is possible by maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, and routine dental examinations, which are essential for oral health.
- Teeth grinding, which is known as bruxism, is caused by anxiety. Paying attention to your emotional state can lead to better general health.
- Human means environment! Our oral and overall state can respond to questions, like: How polluted is the air I breathe? Are my cultural dietary patterns in line with my health?
Now, we will look deeper at all these factors and their relation to your oral and general health.
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You are What You Eat!
The role of your daily diet pattern is undeniable. Foods with sufficient minerals can increase tooth strength and resistance against gum and dental diseases. In contrast, a highly sugary diet and consuming acidic foods can contribute to tooth cavities and periodontal problems.
Let’s have a quick look at the properties of vitamins and minerals:
Calcium and Phosphorus: Adequate calcium and phosphorus intake is associated with the strength of tooth enamel and resistance to decay. They also play a significant role in keeping overall bone health, especially the jawbone. Good sources for using them are dairy products, nuts, leafy greens, fish, and meat.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D can contribute to better oral health due to its ability to absorb calcium and its essential role in tooth development and growth. This vitamin also prevents gum inflammations and cavities. The primary sources of this vitamin are fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods.
Vitamin C: They are necessary for producing collagen and can be found in fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin A: Some vegetables, like sweet potatoes and carrots, contain high amounts of vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for supporting the formation of tooth enamel.
Fluoride: In fact, it can’t be considered a nutrient, but you can find it in drinking water, certain foods, or most toothpaste. Fluoride has strengthening and preventative properties against oral issues.
Hygiene Practices from the Traditional and Holistic P.O.V
Traditional hygiene practices embrace all methods and routines we used to do from childhood (if we truly followed them!). They are the foundations of oral health maintenance and cornerstones for preventing teeth and gum problems if they are constantly performed.
These traditional hygiene practices are:
-Regular brushing and flossing
-Routine dental check-ups
-Fluoride use
-Healthy diet and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking
On the other hand, a holistic approach to hygiene practices is also based on using natural methods and substances than traditional ones.
-Oil pulling: This traditional oral hygiene method is often performed with coconut or sesame oil. The oil must be swished in the mouth and between the teeth for almost 15-20 minutes. This helps to remove toxins and bacteria.
-Natural toothpaste: Coconut oil, clay-based, baking soda, and activated charcoal are alternative kinds of toothpaste with natural properties and the ability to remove stains and plaques and whiten teeth.
All those methods mentioned have several advantages, including antibacterial properties and chemical exposure reduction.
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A Road Between Mind and Body
The key to your overall health lies in understanding your mind-body connection. Stress is addressed as the primary triggering factor for issues like bruxism, which results in jawbone problems and chipped or cracked teeth. It can also cause poor oral hygiene habits and increase the possibility of tooth cavities and gum diseases. Furthermore, the body’s immune system may weaken, losing the ability to fight against pathogens.
Devoting just a few minutes a day to meditation and mindfulness practices can significantly reduce daily stress levels and break the cycle of stress-associated habits, such as teeth grinding or clenching. Additionally, mindfulness exercises often enable individuals to identify behaviors caused by stress and make them adopt a healthier approach to their lives.
Prevention is better than Cure
Small steps toward health can produce significant outcomes. Committing to drinking sufficient water daily, setting limits on sugar consumption, and avoiding tobacco and its other forms can increase your immunity against oral cancer, gum issues, and tooth decay.
Staying hydrated: Adequate daily water intake can help balance acids by producing saliva to prevent cavities and dry mouth problems.
Sugar limitations: High sugar consumption provides a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria and plaques in the mouth, leading to tooth decay.
Smoking avoidance: According to studies, tooth decay has been observed in about 40% of smokers between the ages of 20 and 60. Besides the likelihood of oral cancer, cavities, and tooth discolorations, another common issue that can arise is gingival recession, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Material Used in Holistic Dentistry
In holistic dentistry, the main goal is to use methods and materials that align with the natural functions of the human body. Therefore, different opinions exist between traditional and holistic approaches in dentistry, particularly for using amalgam as a tooth-filling material or any mercury-based products. Biocompatible materials refer to substances that don’t cause allergic reactions and are accepted by the body.
Holistic dentists usually prefer using the following materials instead of traditional ones.
-No fluoride treatment
-Composite resins
– Ceramics
Finding Therapeutic Methods Across Culture and History
There are several therapeutic methods available with deep roots in culture and history. One of those methods is Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system from India that is over 5,000 years old. Ayurveda is based on the idea of interconnectivity of mind and body. These treatment practices include yoga exercises, meditation, and particular dietary and herbal medicines. Herbs like Neem or Turmeric, with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, have been utilized for years as traditional remedies, improving oral and overall well-being.
To Sum Up
Ultimately, adopting a holistic approach toward oral wellness emphasizes preventative solutions through good oral hygiene habits, emotional and mental well-being, proper diet, and a healthy environment. In addition to these principles, it’s crucial to consider specialized dental services that cater to both aesthetic and urgent dental needs.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in protecting teeth and gums, with a focus on adequate vitamin and mineral intake and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking. Holistic dentistry emphasizes using natural materials and methods due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties while reducing chemical exposure. To address cosmetic concerns and enhance the overall appearance of your smile, our clinic offers Cosmetic Dentistry services.
Furthermore, emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and it’s essential to have access to immediate dental care. Our clinic also provides Emergency Dentist services to address urgent dental issues promptly. Whether you are looking for aesthetic enhancements or need urgent dental attention, our holistic approach, combining traditional and specialized methods, ensures comprehensive oral care tailored to your specific needs.
Contact us
We eagerly await you at False Creek Dental Clinic in Vancouver, where we take pride in being recognized as the top-rated dentist in Vancouver. Our professional dentists are dedicated to offering a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services in a warm and friendly environment, all at the most affordable prices.
Whether you’re dealing with missing teeth, considering dental implants, or looking to enhance the brightness of your smile through teeth whitening, we have you covered. Our clinic specializes in various cosmetic procedures, including Dental Veneers to improve the appearance of your teeth and Dental Bridges to address the issue of missing teeth.
Contact us for more information and to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to create your sparkling smile, tailored to your unique needs and preferences. At False Creek Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing top-notch dental care that exceeds your expectations.