In every industry, some people are forward-thinkers, embracing futuristic methods and ideals, but others lean more into holistic ideations, and it’s become a growing trend even in the field of dentistry.
The land down under, Australia, embraces this type of approach in various fields, but it’s pretty interesting to see how there are multiple factors they also take into account when practicing it. Let’s discuss how this approach is different from traditional techniques as it takes into account a broader sense of one’s health.
How stress takes a toll on oral health.
Dental health may be just one aspect of our overall health, but it’s still a crucial part; it’s directly tied to our systematic health. Even having great teeth affects our social status, resulting in more success and opportunities. Have you ever noticed how people who have great teeth tend to be more confident and successful compared to others? Furthermore, there are even studies that cite how certain illnesses, like diabetes and even heart disease, are tied to gum disease. Did you know? Even long-term stress can contribute to poor oral hygiene, which results in mouth, teeth, and gum problems. Some people suffer from painful mouth sores and dry mouths, while others develop poor habits like tooth grinding.
In line with this, holistic dentistry aims to address not only the symptoms of your oral problems but also the root cause of them. One of the first steps to do so is to identify the underlying cause of your stress and create a plan of action on how to deal with the issues.
Mindfulness and relaxation practices you should adopt.
Working on your issues isn’t a guaranteed quick fix, but you can start small by talking to your dentist to ease your dental anxiety. After all, it can be pretty overwhelming once you’re seated in the dentist’s chair, but communicating your fears and anxieties with your dental healthcare provider can help alleviate at least a small portion of your worries; plus, they can even give advice and suggestions on relaxation techniques to help you cope better. Your local dentist in Bentleigh is sure to hear you out on any of these concerns and would be happy to help you out with their fellow professionals in the field.
How nutrition affects oral health.
It’s a well-established fact that whatever we consume in our bodies will sooner or later show results in our overall health. This also means that consuming food that is high in sugar and processed carbs can be detrimental to our oral health since it encourages plaque buildup, cavities, and other periodontal diseases. On the other hand, having a healthy diet that consists of a balanced meal made up of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains leads to optimal overall health. As early as now, you should decrease, if not totally avoid, consuming foods that are high in sugar as well as acidic ones that can lead to tooth decay and other gum problems. Opt for fiber-rich foods instead, like fruits and vegetables, to promote clean gums and teeth.
Integrative therapies you should explore for oral health.
Apart from having a good diet and stress management, holistic dentistry also includes a couple of alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture. The latter has been around for thousands of years and is a popular treatment method used for a variety of illnesses and disorders. Dentistry-wise, acupuncture is commonly used in dental procedures like chronic facial and jaw pain, gag reflexes, inflammation, and dental anxiety.
Herbal remedies are also an integral part of holistic dentistry. Oil pulling has been gaining traction lately for its oral benefits, as well as using turmeric to improve one’s gum health and saltwater gargles for overall oral health. These are just a few herbal remedies that are natural alternatives used to treat dental and oral problems.
Holistic dentistry offers personalized treatment plans for patients who want to explore various methods.
Although there are many modern methods we use in the field of industry today, not everybody has fully embraced those ideas. With holistic dentistry, dentists can create a personalized treatment plan that considers the interconnection between overall health and oral health. This is ideal for those who also want to address other underlying health issues by using a mix of alternative techniques and modern approaches.