Are you ready to take control of your dental health? But this is only one small factor in your overall well-being.
Traditional dental practices are quickly becoming outdated. Patients want comprehensive solutions that address their whole body rather than their teeth alone. We’ll discuss why holistic approaches to dental health care are becoming increasingly important. This guide will explain the importance of holistic dental health care as well as the features that are going to set forward-looking dental practices apart from those that are not.
This blog is the holy grail for those looking to transition to a more balanced way of treating their teeth and gums.
In this article, you’ll find out:
- Why Holistic Dental Care Is Essential
- How Your Oral Health Affects Your Mind and Body
- How Holistic Dental Practices Incorporate Holistic Approaches
- A Holistic Dental Practice: What to Look For
Why Holistic Dental Care Is Essential
Holistic dental care isn’t a fad; it’s a necessity.
Surprising fact:
Gum disease is associated with chronic diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. When gum disease is present, it allows bacteria to get into the blood and trigger inflammation in your body.
Your mouth is the entryway to your body, and when you find an experienced dentist in Surrey Hills, you are getting expert dental care services that are looking after both immediate needs and future well-being.
Did you know:
- 25% of adults in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay
- Almost half of Americans put off going to the dentist because they are concerned about the cost of the dental procedures.
Hold on; here’s the best part.
Holistic dental practices help prevent and treat root causes of dental problems. In the long run, this type of care actually saves patients money because there are no costly procedures.
How Your Oral Health Affects Your Mind and Body
The link between your mouth and your body is closer than you think.
Recent studies have found that the presence of periodontal disease and chronic inflammation can have a strong impact on how oral bacteria are transferred to the bloodstream. When the bacteria from the oral cavity is in the bloodstream, it can lead to higher stress hormones that impact your mental health and your wellness.
Hold on to your seats:
Research found that having gum disease could put a person at a higher risk for developing depression and anxiety. The bacteria from the gums infected with disease could lead to neuroinflammation in the brain.
Holistic dental health care is about drawing the connection between your oral symptoms with your overall health.
Instead of the current practice of treating gum disease, holistic practices will assess:
- Stress levels and the impact it has on oral health
- Sleep patterns and teeth grinding habits
- Nutritional deficiencies that impact the immune system
- Medications that are affecting the production of saliva
How Holistic Dental Practices Incorporate Holistic Approaches
The good news is, smart dental health practices are innovating in the way that they provide care.
Say goodbye to mercury fillings and standard treatments. Today, holistic dentistry and dental care services will include:
Holistic Dental Care Materials
Holistic dentistry utilizes materials that complement your body. These are:
- Mercury fillings that are free from mercury
- BPA-free composite fillings
- Ceramic implants for patients with allergies
- Safe and non-toxic teeth whitening systems
Nutritional Guidance
What you eat and the nutrients that you intake have a large impact on the health of your mouth. Holistic dental care practices will also guide you in:
- Eating the right foods to build strong teeth and gums
- Supplements that can help to promote healing
- What changes you can make to help reduce inflammation
- Probiotics to ensure a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Professionals
Holistic dental health providers coordinate care with:
- Physicians to create comprehensive dental care services
- Nutritionists to ensure the right diet for overall health
- Sleep specialists for those that have sleep apnea or other breathing disorders
- Mental health professionals for those with high stress and anxiety
When working with your dental health provider, it is important that there is an open communication and that all aspects of health and wellness are taken into consideration.
Custom Treatment Plans
There is no such thing as a one size fits all when it comes to holistic dental health care.
This is what makes this treatment so unique:
Each patient will receive a personalized treatment plan that will cater to their individual needs. This will often include:
- Genetic testing to help understand the potential of disease
- Microbiome testing that will give an understanding of the bacterial balance
- Stress levels to help with the clenching or grinding of teeth
- Lifestyle choices that impact dental health
The focus is not just on solving the dental health issue, it is about preventing them.
Technology and Holistic Care
Holistic dentistry will use technology to support natural healing.
Some of these advances include:
- Laser therapy to treat gum issues without surgery
- Ozone treatment to help to naturally kill bacteria
- Digital imaging to reduce exposure to radiation
- 3D printing that is biocompatible for a perfect restoration
All of these technologies reduce the need for invasive treatments and allow the body to heal in a more natural state.
A Holistic Dental Practice: What to Look For
Just because a practice has the name “holistic” on it, doesn’t necessarily mean that they have these characteristics.
These are a few characteristics to look out for:
- Dentists that are trained in either biological or holistic dentistry
- They use biocompatible materials
- Dentists that inquire about your general health history
- Dentists that provide nutritional counseling
- Practices that are happy to coordinate with other healthcare professionals
Ask questions about their approach. A holistic dentist will be more than happy to share their views and treatment plans.
The Future of Dental Health Care Services
The industry is heading towards the full integration of holistic approaches.
By 2025, it is predicted that there will be a high level of medical and dental integration that will be widely available. This will result in:
- Electronic health records being shared between both medical and dental practitioners
- Coordinated treatment plans for people that are facing a medical issue that affects dental health
- Insurance that is available to cover integrated approaches
- Holistic training of providers in relation to whole-body health
It is an exciting time, as the changes in the approach of dentistry are not only a service but a fundamental shift in the mindset of dental health and wellness.
The Path to Holistic Care
Are you ready to give holistic dental care a go?
This is what will happen when you walk into your first appointment:
The dentist will look at your complete health history, not just your dental health. The dentist will ask you a series of questions regarding:
- Stress and sleeping habits
- Medications and supplements
- Diet and lifestyle choices
- Symptoms that you may not associate with your teeth
The idea of a holistic dental visit is to try and identify the root cause of a dental health problem instead of only treating the symptoms.
Tying It All Together
Holistic approaches to dental health care are not only changing the way we treat our teeth and gums. It is changing the entire way in which we look at total body wellness.
By integrating dental health services with overall health and well-being services, patients are receiving a better outcome, less complications and an improved quality of life.
The evidence of how oral health affects general health is a two-way street. When you take a holistic approach, it is not only about fixing your dental issues, it is about long-term health and a higher quality of life.
The future of dentistry is now, it is comprehensive, personalized and more effective than ever before. It’s time to make the change to holistic dental care, and you will be glad that you did.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
