8 Steps to Transform Your Mouth with Daily Holistic Dental Care
The Importance of Oral Health: How to Take Care of Your Teeth Holistically
Straight, white teeth can be beautiful. But your dental health is more than vanity. Your mouth is the doorway to your body. It is where digestion begins. It’s only logical that your oral health affects the rest of your body. In this article, I wanted to discuss the importance of oral health and offer some tips on how to take care of your teeth naturally.
Importance of Oral Health and the Oral Microbiome
Your oral cavity is also home to millions of microbes. It’s true. Not only your gut has a microbiome, but your mouth has one too. Some of the microbes in your oral microbiome are beneficial to your health. Others are harmful. The goal is to have a healthy oral microbiome balance with more beneficial microbes than harmful ones.
Beneficial bacteria in your mouth may support the remineralization of your teeth, transport molecular oxygen to your gums, assist the removal of toxins and waste materials, and reduce the risk of infections. Harmful bacteria, yeast, and other harmful pathogens, on the other hand, may disrupt oral microbial balance and harm your health.
Unfortunately, our modern-day Standard American Diet (SAD) is full of refined sugar, refined oils, and artificial ingredients that may trigger the growth of harmful microbes and cause an oral microbiome imbalance. Since your oral microbiome is critical for your oral and dental health, as well as your overall health, oral microbiome imbalance and other oral health issues can lead to chronic symptoms and serious health issues in the long run (1, 2). A 2019 study published in Food Science and Human Wellness has found that an imbalance in your oral microbiome may increase the risk of oral diseases, obesity, diabetes, and cancer (3).
Signs and Causes of Poor Oral Health
Plaques, bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, bleeding gums, swelling, loose teeth, and pain are all signs of oral microbial imbalance and poor oral health. Poor dental hygiene, low pH in your mouth, eating a diet high in refined sugar, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, hormonal changes, acid reflux, frequent vomiting, lack of access to dental care, and genetics may all contribute to oral microbiome imbalance and poor oral health. Furthermore, conventional dental products and dental practices may also increase your risk of certain health issues (4).
Problems with Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, plants, rocks, air, and your bones and teeth. Conventional dentistry believes that fluoride may help to reduce the risk of cavities and recommend toothpaste and dental care products with fluoride and fluoride treatments at dental offices. However, the use of fluoride is a controversial issue and it may cause more damage than good (5, 6, 7).
Numerous research studies have warned us that high fluoride exposure may increase the risk of a variety of health issues, including cognitive problems, diabetes, hormonal issues, and cancer. According to a 1995 study published in Neurotoxicity and Teratology fluoride exposure during the prenatal period may increase the risk of hyperactivity and cognitive issues (8). A 2017 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives has found that fluoride exposure in children may be connected to lower IQ scores (9).
According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research, higher levels of fluoride in water may increase the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes (10). According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, fluoride may increase the risk of hypothyroidism (13). A 1993 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Fluoride has found that fluoride exposure may increase the risk of cancer (14).
Other Problems with Conventional Oral Care and Dentistry
Beyond the use of fluoride, there may be other problems with conventional oral and dental care.
Dental Amalgam Fillings
Dental amalgam fillings are a mix of liquid (elemental) mercury and powdered alloy made with silver, copper, and tin. Amalgam fillings have been used for about 150 years. Though the American Dental Association (ADA) claims that these fillings are safe, durable, and low-cost, there may be some health risks associated with their use (15).
A 2012 study published in Toxicology International has found that amalgam fillings can cause hypersensitivity in some people (15). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has linked mercury toxicity to headaches, migraines, respiratory problems, insomnia, fatigue, nerve damage, kidney problems, and other health issues (16). On the other hand, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation has found that removing mercury fillings may improve both oral and overall health (17).
Root Canals
Root canals are regularly recommended for individuals with very deep cavities or cracks too close to the gum line. Though according to the ADA, root canals are commonly used, safe, and may help to avoid extractions, they are not without issues (18, 19, 20). Imperfect seals, instrumental breakage, and other human error can occur which may lead to infection and inflammation.
According to a 2008 study published in the International Endodontic Journal, bacteria overgrowth in the tooth with a root canal can happen even in asymptomatic patients (21). According to a 2015 study published in Virulence, bacteria overgrowth can lead to asymptomatic, chronic, and systemic inflammation (22). Oral infections and chronic inflammation may increase the risk of various chronic health issues arthritis, peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, circulatory issues, abnormal pregnancy outcomes, and more (23).
Radiation and Chemicals in Dental Care
Though x-rays can be a necessary diagnostic tool in many cases, conventional dental offices rely on them too much. Getting an x-ray twice a year during your dental check-ups and getting countless x-rays during any procedure is a lot of radiation, which may increase your cancer risk (24, 25).
Furthermore, there are a lot of chemicals in conventional toothpaste and dental care products. Beyond fluoride, some toxins you have to be aware of may include triclosan, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), diethanolamine (DEA), carrageenan, parabens artificial sweeteners, and artificial colors (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34).
Importance of Working with a Holistic Dental Care Practitioner
Holistic or biological dental care practitioners offer an alternative, complementary, and natural approach to dentistry. At a holistic dental practice, you will be seen by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DSD) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) with a holistic and natural approach.
Holistic dentists offer safer diagnostic alternatives to regular x-rays, including 3D CT scans or Cone Beam Analysis (35). They may use dental ozone therapy, laser therapy, platelet-rich fibrin therapy (36, 37, 38). They don’t use amalgam fillings and offer safe strategies to remove them. Holistic dentists do not perform root canals and avoid unsafe chemicals at their offices. Instead of fluoride treatments and medicated mouthwash, they tend to offer herbal and natural alternatives
Beyond diagnosis and treatment related to your teeth, gums, and jaw, holistic dentists focus on your whole physical, emotional, and spiritual being. They may offer alternative strategies, including nutrition education, herbology, aromatherapy, hypnosis, electroacupuncture, Ayurveda, and spiritual healing. You may leave with dietary and lifestyle strategies along with natural oral care advice.
Holistic Dental Care at Home
A Carrot a Day website is reader-supported. Although there is no added cost to you, we may be compensated if you buy through links on our site. Thank you for your support!!
What’s even more important than choosing the right holistic dental office is practicing holistic oral care at home. Detoxing your mouth and an excellent dental care routine are essential for your overall health. Here is what I recommend to detox your mouth, remove pathogenic microbes, improve your oral health, and protect your teeth:
1. Try Fulvic Acid
Fulvic acid is an organic compound abundant in trace minerals, organic acids, vitamins, and amino acids. It supports detoxification, mineral absorption, and immune health. A 2014 presentation at the IUPUI Research Day, fulvic acid may help to fight oral bacteria and may lower the risk of cavities (39). I recommend Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals for detoxification.
2. Use Dental Products with Essential Oils
Essential oils are commonly found in natural toothpaste, dental floss, and other natural dental products. You may also use them as carrier oils during oil pulling. A 2014 study published in the Journal of International Oral Health has found that essential oils may help to improve oral hygiene, decrease bacterial overgrowth, support wound healing, and lower anxiety during dentist visits (40). Peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree, clove, and anise essential oils are often recommended by holistic dentists for inflammation, microbial overgrowth, plaques, and gingivitis.
3. Practice Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a commonly recommended natural strategy that helps to ‘pull’ out toxins from your mouth. It may help to fight bad oral bacteria, inflammation, and infections. I recommend practicing oil pulling every morning. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes before brushing your teeth. You may add some antimicrobial food-grade essential oils to it. Spit it out, then brush your teeth.
4. Brush Your Teeth
For optimal dental and oral health, brush your teeth two to three times a day. Use natural fluoride-free toothpaste without harmful chemicals. Clay-based toothpaste or toothpaste with essential oils may help to remineralize your teeth while removing bad bacteria and toxins. I recommend this Toothpaste Package with a natural toothpaste powder and gum serum and this Charcoal Toothbrush or Real White Sonic Toothbrush.
5. Clean Your Tongue
A 2005 study published in Odonto-Stomatologie Tropicale, tongue cleaning may help to remove bad bacteria from your mouth and lower the risk of dental issues (41). I recommend cleaning your tongue with a Copper Tongue Scraper every morning. Place the rounded end of the tongue cleaner at the back of your mouth and gently scrape forward. Repeat this twice or until you find that your tongue is clean. Remove any debris between scrapes and clean your tongue scraper with soap and warm water after use.
6. Floss Regularly
Flossing daily helps to remove food particles and bacteria stuck between your teeth. It helps to lower the risk of bad breath, plaques, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. I recommend using natural dental floss to avoid harmful chemicals. I personally love this Bamboo-Charcoal Dental Floss.
7. Try a Light Teeth Whitening System
If you want white teeth without peroxide and other harmful chemicals, try a light teeth whitening system. I love the V3 Reel White Teeth Whitening System. They combined the power of red and blue Led light with a V3 mouthpiece. The red light supports wound healing and blue light technology whitens your teeth (42, 43). They use Phathalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) to remove stains, hydroxyapatite (HAp) to protect your tooth enamel, white activated charcoal, clay, Phathalimidoperoxycaproic acid, olive oil, and essential oils to fight bacteria overgrowth, clean the gum, promote fresh breath, and whiten with gentle care. I’ve personally seen a big difference in my oral health and the appearance of my teeth since using this red light whitening system.
8. See your holistic dentist regularly
Final Thoughts
Holistic oral and dental care is your first step to overall health and energy. To protect your teeth, I recommend following a healthy, anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet rich in minerals and vitamins and low in refined sugar and carbs. Practice holistic oral care at home with natural products. I personally use and highly recommend the dental, body, and beauty products from Primal Life Organics for oral and overall body care. For your regular dental check-ups and any necessary care, work with a holistic dentist.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on personal experiences, opinions, and my own research. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, replace, treat or cure any medical or mental health condition. Please see your doctor with any health-related questions. Statements on this website have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. While perusing this site, please use your best judgment in conjunction with your Naturopath or other health care provider.
