What is holistic dentistry?

Many people call our dental office in Winnipeg, Manitoba to inquire about holistic dentistry. Are you curious about it too? To shed some light, we talk about what holistic techniques are and their difference from traditional dentistry. Let’s dig in.

What is Holistic Dentistry?

Holistic is the understanding that the parts of the body are all interconnected - that conditions affecting one area can also affect another. Holistic treatments identify and treat issues involving not only the specific area of concern but the whole body as well.

Holistic dentistry is an approach that goes beyond the mouth. Achieving improved oral health takes looking into other aspects, such as nutrition and relaxation. The guiding philosophy is that taking care of the body is crucial to maintaining good oral health and improving well-being.

Holistic dentistry is also known as alternative dentistry, unconventional dentistry, or natural dentistry. General dentists can offer holistic advice to improve oral health.

What’s the Difference Between Holistic Dentistry and Traditional Dentistry?

Holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry both aim to improve a person’s health.

Traditional approaches focus on the mouth and nearby structures related to it, such as the neck and head. Holistic techniques, meanwhile, look at the bigger picture. It involves other factors that affect the body and, hence, oral health too.

Your dentist may talk to you about nutrition, diet, and lifestyle. And discuss how habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking can impact your mouth and body. They may also recommend alternative options to improve symptoms, such as herbal medicine or relaxation classes.

For dental procedures, they use materials and products that are natural or biocompatible. For example, they likely won’t offer fluoride or mercury as treatment materials due to health risks associated to improper or excessive use.

Holistic Techniques that May Help You Feel Better

A dental appointment may not always be feasible. You might need urgent care outside of practice hours or during holidays. Here are some home remedies or holistic options you may try while waiting for your dental visit.

1. Slow breathing. Breathing techniques or controlling breathing have been linked to reduced stress and anxiety. It’s also claimed to help improve body functions, such as blood flow to the heart.
2. Body massage. Body massage has several types. Its main benefits are increased relaxation and reduced stress. It’s also thought to relieve pain, boost energy, and improve circulation.
3. Diet control. Getting the right nutrients can protect the teeth against common problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.4 Increased water intake and reduced sugar consumption can slow plaque formation and prevent tartar buildup.
4. Muscle relaxation techniques. Simple jaw exercises may offer relief from jaw pain. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can make normal tasks, such as opening the mouth, painful. Relaxing muscles can ease the tension that causes the jaw joints to stiffen.
5. Saltwater rinse. A saltwater rinse can help reduce harmful bacteria levels in the mouth, lower acidity, and minimize bad breath. It can also help ease a sore throat. Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater is advice you may hear not only from your dentist but from other doctors as well.
6. Meditation. Practicing mindfulness meditation has various benefits. This includes improving sleep quality, managing eating behaviors, and reducing symptoms of depression. 5 It can also offer help to those who are anxious about dental visits.
7. Herbal tea. Ginger tea, chamomile tea, and hibiscus tea are herbal teas associated with various health benefits. Ginger tea can help relieve pain and morning sickness. Chamomile tea eases anxiety and provides some immune system support. And hibiscus tea can help lower blood pressure and minimize cravings for unhealthy sweets.

Please note that these remedies don’t address dental and medical conditions. Nor should they be used as a substitute for seeking consultation with the dentist or your primary healthcare provider. But they may serve as a supplement to your multifaceted custom treatment plan.

For more questions about holistic treatment options or professional dental care advice in Winnipeg, Manitoba, contact us today at (204) 663-3423. Our friendly receptionists will help you arrange a consultation with one of our dentists.