Holistic Dentistry: A 5-step Routine for Healthy Teeth

holistic dentistry

The human body and oral health systems are connected, and they’re constantly changing. Modern medicine and even traditional dentistry treat symptoms for diseases and conditions. However, many bodily issues begin or end in the mouth. Holistic dentistry focuses on the mouth-body connection to treat and heal the root cause as opposed to just treating the symptoms. And there are many things you can do right at home to give your body its best fighting chance. Here’s a five-step routine for healthy teeth.

Practice Oil Pulling

There are hundreds of different strains of bacteria in the human mouth, and not all are helpful or good. The practice of oil pulling has been around for thousands of years to help combat bacteria and decay, so don’t think it’s a new wave topic. Natural oil pulls out hidden toxins and bacteria when swished in the mouth for 15 minutes. Coconut oil is the most common choice due to its current popularity and enjoyable taste. Just be sure to get extra virgin, let it melt into a spoon at room temperature, and don’t swallow it! Instead, spit it into a trash can to avoid plumbing issues.

Rinse with Sea Salt

Different types of sea salt help to alkaline the body which also kills acidic bacteria in the mouth. This is a good daily practice to do regardless of whether you opt to oil pull. Use a little non-toxic and aluminum-free sea salt or pink Himalayan salt and purified water. If the taste bothers you, add a few drops of essential oil. Clove, peppermint, or citrus works well. Swish in the mouth for a minute, spit, repeat. It’s simple and you’ll notice a difference quickly.

Avoid Fluoride Toothpaste

Brushing twice a day with soft bristles is essential to maintaining clean teeth and gums while reducing inflammation–a primary symptom of gum disease. But according to the Lancet Neurology Journal, fluoride and sulfates found in toothpaste are known neurotoxins. A study by Harvard Medicine backed it up stating that children with access to high-fluoride content in their water supply have significantly lower IQs than their counterparts. There are plenty of safer pastes and polishes on the market. Simply ask your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist for a recommendation.

Use a Tongue Scraper

Bacteria don’t just live on the teeth and gums. They also reside on the tongue. Yet, most people forget that part of the mouth when performing their daily oral health care habits. The human tongue can hold plaque and encourage bad bacteria to flourish even after you brush and rinse the rest of your mouth. These pathogens can release Volatile Sulfur Compounds responsible for decay, infections, and halitosis. Using a tongue scraper daily can reduce the bacteria and help restore good enzymes to fight off the rest.

Floss Daily or Get a Waterpik

Brushing isn’t enough when it comes to maintaining and improving oral health. Food and bacteria also love to hide between teeth and along the gumline. So flossing once a day is also essential… but only when it’s done correctly and continuously. Many people simply skip that step and suffer the consequences later. Fortunately, using a Waterpik or other high-quality oral irrigator can work just as well, be a lot more fun, and ensure your future appointments with your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist sparkle.

Ditch the Silver! Benefits to Tooth-colored Composite Fillings

Dental amalgam fillings certainly aren’t new, but they may not be as old as some people think. Although silver fillings are the most common restorative option nowadays, they were invented in 1815. They made their way across Europe and finally into America in 1830. And almost immediately, there were reported problems and health concerns. Amalgams are made from several types of metal. And while the combination and consistency haven’t changed, human tolerance to the toxins certainly has. Fortunately, non-mercury tooth fillings can help you avoid amalgams permanently. But what are the benefits of these metal-free fillings?

Non-Mercury Tooth Fillings Are Aesthetically Pleasing

Amalgams are also known as silver fillings due to their uniform gray metallic coloring. While they’re strong and do the intended job, as soon as you smile, laugh, eat, or open your mouth for any reason, there’s no doubt they’re there. Over time, the metal can corrode and stain the teeth they’re protecting as well as surrounding enamel. In many cases, these stains end up being black or blue and they’re often permanent. That’s not the case with composite fillings. The resin alternative is customized to the patient’s needs and dyed to match surrounding teeth. So all anyone can see is your beautiful smile.

Composite Fillings Are Quick and Durable

Tooth-colored resin sets quickly and is easy to work with, so the procedure is relatively fast. In fact, a tooth or two can be filled within an hour. Composite resin isn’t quite as strong as amalgam but it’s not meant to be. It’s customized to match surrounding teeth and then molded into position before being cured. When properly cared for and maintained, composite fillings can last a decade or longer. But bad habits or behaviors such as chewing on ice, hard candy, inedible items, or even fingernails can cause the fillings to loosen and pop out.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Are Biocompatible

Non-mercury tooth fillings are biocompatible which means they provide a non-toxic solution for the body while preserving more of the tooth structure. Unlike amalgams which simply fill the decayed gap in the tooth, composite fillings actually bond to the remaining tooth structure. Tooth-colored fillings are therefore a more conservative treatment and your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist will take every precaution to save as much of the healthy natural tooth as possible.

You Won’t Have to Worry About Mercury

Over 90% of Americans have some form of dental decay, and the average American has lost 12 teeth by the time they reach the age of 50. That includes wisdom teeth, so don’t worry that you’ll suddenly become edentulous. Nonetheless, many Americans eventually need to consider fillings to preserve at least some of their natural teeth. Amalgams may be the most common type of filling material, but it’s important to realize they contain up to 50% elemental mercury. Over time the vapors can leak and absorb into the bloodstream causing the body to break down as a result. While some people seem immune to the effects, serious health consequences can occur for others. Is it really worth the risk? Give your Fort Lauderdale Holistic Dentist when you’re ready for non-mercury tooth fillings.