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.