Holistic Dental Care: 10 Healthy Tips
You’ve most likely been taking care of your teeth for most of your life. But, let’s face it: there is always room for improvement. Just ask the 50% of Americans over age 30 who are currently experiencing some form of gum disease. While you may have been visiting your traditional dentist for regular dental cleanings and check-ups, you might remain unaware of the massive impact your oral health has on your daily life. At Natural Dentist Associates, we believe that your teeth, mouth, and gums are an integral part of your body and your overall health. From our natural and holistic treatment methods to the use of biocompatible and non-toxic materials, as a Holistic Dental Care Provider, we aim to create dental solutions while working in harmony with the rest of the body.
The truth is: good oral health starts at home. Which is why we encourage you to incorporate as many healthy habits as possible into your regular routine. Here are some simple, yet effective holistic dental hygiene tips to improve your oral hygiene and promote whole-body wellness:
1. Brush for two minutes, twice a day, at a 45-degree angle, using a soft-bristle brush (unless otherwise specified by your dental care provider). Brushing decreases gum swelling, and helps remove food, plaque, and bacteria. Due to bacteria that builds up on your toothbrush over time, it is best to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or more often if the bristles are matted or frayed.
2. Choose toothpaste free of fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate. Though both ingredients can be found in most over-the-counter toothpastes, these substances can have a negative effect on other bodily functions and cause health problems. We highly recommend RiseWell toothpaste, which is fluoride-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, SLS and sulfate-free, vegan, safe enough to eat, and it includes Hydroxyapatite, the same mineral that makes up your teeth and bones. Hydroxyapatite helps to re-mineralize your teeth, the same way your body does naturally.
3. Eat alkaline foods such as beans, fruits, and greens to help maintain a good body pH. An acidic environment is a breeding ground for bacteria, disease, decay, and inflammation. Eating an alkaline diet can help to counter these effects, supporting your internal organ systems and overall body function.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm sea-salt water and a few drops of clove or mint oil instead of mouthwash. Traditional mouthwash can destroy healthy bacteria, disrupt natural saliva production, and otherwise irritate your mouth. Salt-water rinsing (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water), soothes swollen gums, fights bad breath, and reduces bacteria, gingivitis, and plaque-in a completely natural way with no hard-to-pronounce chemicals.
5. Clean your gums with an oral irrigator instead of dental floss, which can contain harmful chemicals. Dental floss is often coated with chemical substances that help the floss slide smoothly between teeth. These chemicals do not break down easily in the environment or in the body. Additionally, floss is often made from plastic, which can contain toxic chemicals that negatively impact your health. Finally, flavored dental floss can contain synthetic and undisclosed materials, making it nearly impossible to know what ingredients might be in the product. Opting for an oral irrigator over traditional dental floss can be a safe and effective switch.
6. Get plenty of sleep and exercise daily to ward off whole-body inflammation. A weakened immune system makes you more prone to oral infection. When sleep quality or quantity is poor, our immunity can be compromised, which could result in potential damage to teeth and gums. Regular physical activity can boost gum health and decrease the risk of periodontitis.
7. Seek a holistic dentist to take care of your mercury/amalgam fillings. Mercury is deemed a toxic substance and can adversely affect your overall health. Amalgam fillings are made of about 50% mercury and a 50% mix of tin, silver, and copper. The more silver/mercury fillings you have, the higher blood mercury level you have. Though you may have had these fillings for years with no obvious issues, it is best to have these potentially harmful fillings checked, and removed if necessary, by an experienced holistic dentist who is trained and certified in the safe mercury amalgam removal technique (SMART).
8. Have your teeth cleaned and a check-up with your dentist twice a year, or every 6 months. The best way to ensure a healthy smile is through PREVENTION. Having your teeth cleaned by a registered dental hygienist reinforces your existing oral hygiene routine. Your hygienist has the proper tools to remove persistent plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up that you may miss during regular brushing and flossing. When left untreated, built up bacteria can release into the bloodstream causing many health problems. Periodic exams help your dentist catch and treat potential dental issues before they develop into larger, more expensive, and painful problems.
9. Invest in a tongue cleaner, a U-shaped wire that scrapes off any residue. When not regularly cleaned, dead cells, food particles, toxins, and bacteria can build-up on your tongue, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. If you constantly have a white coating, then consider taking probiotics to control internal yeast and create a balanced pH. The mouth is the beginning of your digestive system and works alongside the immune system to keep harmful bacteria from becoming too dominant. Balancing the pH in your mouth is extremely important to oral and overall health.
10. Invest in a dentist’s mirror so you can see all the areas in your mouth that you may normally miss while brushing your teeth. This may come as obvious, but you cannot fix what you cannot see. Being able to see all areas of your mouth will help you know when you may be experiencing a problem and can also help you to see what areas you might accidentally miss during your homecare routine.
At Natural Dentist Associates we offer the highest quality in Natural Dentistry, Dental Implants, Sedation Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and Emergency Dental Services. We invite you to visit our state-of-the-art office, located in North Bethesda, MD. It is our mission to provide a well-balanced approach to dentistry that promotes dental and whole-body health and wellness.