This subject may seem a little off-topic at first. Oral care has not always been fully integrated into traditional healthcare systems for several reasons, although there has been a growing recognition of its importance in recent years. Throughout history, dental care and medical care were provided by different practitioners and considered distinct fields, creating a division between oral and general health. Insurance models reinforce this division, as dental care is separate from general healthcare. Part of the reason for this division is the preventive nature of dental care, as it focuses on maintaining oral health and preventing issues like cavities and gum disease. As a holistic nutritionist, I believe more healthcare should be preventative and not reactive like traditional medical care. There has been a growing understanding of the interconnectedness of oral health and overall health. Research has highlighted links between conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. So let’s bridge the gap between oral and general health by creating public awareness and personal behavior change. Integrating oral care into regular healthcare leads to a more comprehensive and holistic approach to overall health and well-being.
While dentists are highly trained professionals with valuable expertise, it is important for patients to actively engage in their dental care. Here are some important aspects to consider in an oral healthcare routine.
- Avoid harsh chemicals
The beloved qualities of our traditional toothpastes means that they contain chemicals, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Toothpaste is foamy due to the inclusion of chemicals knows as surfactants, which are compounds that lower the surface tension between two substances, allowing them to mix more easily. The most common surfactant in toothpaste is sodium laural sulfate (SLS). This foaming action can contribute to the perception that the toothpaste is actively working to clean the teeth, but the foam is only there to enhance the user experience and the presense of SLS is not necessary for effective cleaning. If you are buying toothpaste for sensitive teeth, these toothpastes contain numbing agents to alleviate tooth sensitivity. This means that the underlying cause of the tooth sensitivity is not being addressed. It is important to treat the mouth like any other part of the body by addressing symptoms and finding root causes. Chemicals in toothpaste can effect the oral microbiome which plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by influencing the balance of bacteria in the mouth, impacting dental and systemic health, and aiding in digestion and immunity.
2. Flossing
Flossing is a crucial component of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. Advantages of regular flossing include removing plaque, which if left untreated can harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation and contributing to dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues have been linked to gum disease. Flossing stimulates the gums and promotes good circulation, which contributes to healthier gums. Healthy gums are essential for supporting teeth and maintaining overall health. This next bit is what really shook me up when I started to learn about more natural alternatives to flossing. Traditional dental floss has been made from Teflon. Teflon coated flosses were developed to make flossing more comfortable and to help the floss glide between teeth smoothly. I won’t go into it here because that will be a separate blog post, but Teflon is not something we want to be stringing in between our teeth. Looking for floss that is teflon free is the first step. To maximize the benefits of flossing it’s important to use proper technique, gently gliding between teeth and along the curves of each tooth. Flossing should feel good, if gums are sensitive and bleeding, talk to your dentist. The floss I use is Scrubby Floss by Risewell. It adds remineralizing hydroxyapatite to the hard to reach spots between the teeth. Teflon free, paraben free, gluten free, and vegan, flavoured with beneficial essential oils. The material expands between the teeth which makes my teeth feel extra clean.
3) Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is an oral hygiene practice that involves using a tool to gently remove bacteria and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. For me this was a game changer. The majority of bacteria that contributes to bad breath resides on the tongue. A cleaner tongue enhances taste perception. The tongues surface can harbour bacteria and contribute to the formation of plaque. Regular tongue scraping helps prevent the accumulation of plaque contributing to overall gum health. The oral cavity is a gateway to the body, and maintaining oral health is linked to overall health. By reducing the bacterial load in the mouth through tongue scraping, individuals may support their immune system’s ability to fend off infections. Tongue scraping may also stimulate saliva production. Saliva is essential for maintaining a moist oral environment, aiding in digestion, and providing a natural defence against oral bacteria. Tongue scrapers are also very budget friendly, you can buy one on amazon for a few dollars.
4) Diet and nutrition
A healthy diet, combined with good oral hygiene practices and routine dental check-ups, contributes to maintaining optimal oral health. It’s important to remember that overall health and oral health are interconnected, and lifestyle choices can impact both.
My overall takeaway from this routine
I would consider myself cavity prone, but since switching to a more thorough oral care routine I have not had a cavity. I also used to experience canker sores a few times a year, and thankfully that has also subsided. I have confidence knowing my oral health care routine is contributing to my overall health and I look forward to it daily.
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