Holistic Dental Care

1. Your teeth are alive and can regenerate with proper care

Teeth are more than just bone. The enamel is alive. The dentine is alive. So are the pulp, the blood vessels, the nerves, the saliva, and the gums.

Living teeth can heal. The internal structure of teeth includes a pulp chamber containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This living core allows teeth to respond to nutrition, bacteria, and trauma. The dentine, which supports the enamel, contains miles of microscopic tubules that carry nutrients throughout the tooth.

Teeth have a self-healing mechanism. When decay begins, odontoblast cells in the pulp can produce new dentine to repair damage. This process is supported by proper nutrition, especially minerals and fat-soluble vitamins. The body's "invisible toothbrush" - a flow of fluid from inside the tooth outward - helps resist decay by flushing out toxins and delivering nutrients.

Key components of living teeth:

• Pulp chamber with blood vessels and nerves
• Dentine with nutrient-carrying tubules
• Enamel that can remineralize
• Surrounding gum tissue

2. The mouth's ecosystem is interconnected with overall health

Dr. Reinhard Voll, the father of electrodermal screening, which is now referred to as electroacupuncture, estimated that eighty percent of all illness is related to decay in the mouth.

Oral health reflects body health. The mouth serves as a portal and mirror to the rest of the body. Gum disease and oral infections have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues. The health of the oral microbiome - the balance of bacteria in the mouth - impacts overall immune function and inflammation levels throughout the body.

Saliva plays a crucial role. As a key component of the oral ecosystem, saliva contains enzymes and compounds that protect teeth, control bacterial flora, and aid digestion. Maintaining the proper pH and mineral content of saliva is essential for remineralizing teeth and preventing decay. Stress, diet, and hydration all affect saliva quality and quantity.

Connections between oral and systemic health:

• Gum disease linked to heart disease
• Oral infections impact immune function
• Saliva quality affects whole-body health
• Oral microbiome balance influences inflammation

3. Commercial oral care products often contain harmful chemicals

We would not want to put anything in, on, or around the body that could not be swallowed.

Most toothpastes contain toxins. Many common ingredients in commercial oral care products are actually industrial chemicals that can be harmful when absorbed through the delicate tissues of the mouth. These include fluoride, which can disrupt hormones and accumulate in the body, and detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate that irritate gums and increase tooth sensitivity.

Natural alternatives are safer and effective. Simple ingredients like baking soda, salt, and essential oils can effectively clean teeth and support oral health without introducing toxins. Botanical oils offer antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Homemade tooth powders and oil-based serums provide gentle yet powerful oral care.

Harmful ingredients to avoid in oral care products:

• Fluoride
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Triclosan
• Propylene glycol
• Artificial colors and flavors

4. Diet plays a crucial role in dental health and development

Processed food = Processed teeth

Nutrient-dense foods build strong teeth. A diet rich in minerals, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K2), and nutrients from animal foods supports optimal dental development and ongoing tooth health. Traditional diets high in these nutrients resulted in excellent dental health and proper facial development, as observed by Dr. Weston A. Price in his global studies of indigenous cultures.

Modern diets promote decay. Processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugar disrupt the endocrine system and alter the flow of nutrients to the teeth. They also create an acidic oral environment that promotes bacterial growth and demineralization of tooth enamel. Phytic acid in improperly prepared grains and legumes can block mineral absorption.

Key nutrients for dental health:

• Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium
• Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, K2
• Nutrients from grass-fed animal products
• Fermented foods for beneficial bacteria

5. Successful self-dentistry involves an eight-step daily routine

When you follow the Successful Self-Dentistry protocol every day, you will be amazed at how effective it is at preventing decay, gum bleeding, inflammation, and even the onset of colds.

A comprehensive approach is key. The eight-step protocol includes salt rinsing, tongue scraping, gum brushing, tooth polishing, gum line cleaning, flossing, final rinsing, and extra gum care. This thorough routine addresses all aspects of oral health, from removing plaque and bacteria to stimulating gum tissue and supporting the oral microbiome.

Mindful practices enhance effectiveness. Performing these steps with awareness and intention, rather than on autopilot, improves their impact. Using tools like ionic toothbrushes, essential oils, and oral irrigators can further boost the benefits of the routine. Consistency is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

The eight steps of successful self-dentistry:

1. Salt rinse
2. Tongue scraping
3. Gum brushing
4. Tooth polishing
5. Gum line cleaning
6. Flossing
7. Final rinse
8. Extra gum care

6. Botanical oils offer powerful benefits for oral health

All botanical oils are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral; this means they remove unwanted oral microbes.

Essential oils are nature's oral care powerhouses. These concentrated plant extracts contain hundreds of beneficial compounds that work synergistically to support oral health. They can penetrate the gum tissue, stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and combat harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial microbes.

Specific oils target different aspects of oral health. For example, clove oil is analgesic and has a high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value, making it effective for pain relief and fighting free radicals. Neem oil alkalizes the oral environment and prevents bacterial adhesion. Tea tree oil has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Beneficial botanical oils for oral care:

• Clove: analgesic, high ORAC
• Neem: alkalizing, antibacterial
• Tea tree: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
• Peppermint: cooling, breath-freshening
• Oregano: broad-spectrum antimicrobial

7. Braces and orthodontics can impact facial development

Straight teeth do not create a good-looking face, but a good-looking face will create straight teeth.

Traditional orthodontics may hinder natural growth. Conventional braces and tooth extractions can alter facial development, especially in growing children. By artificially constraining jaw growth and removing teeth to make space, these approaches may result in a longer, flatter face and compromised airway development.

Functional orthodontics offers a holistic alternative. This approach aims to support proper facial development by gently expanding the jaw and palate, creating space for all teeth without extractions. It considers the interconnectedness of oral structures, breathing, and overall health. Proper nutrition and oral posture (tongue position, breathing habits) also play crucial roles in facial development.

Potential impacts of traditional orthodontics:

• Altered facial growth patterns
• Compromised airway development
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
• Need for future dental work

8. Root canals and mercury fillings pose significant health risks

Root canals present two major sources of potential trouble. First, when a root canal is performed, it is impossible for the dentist to fully decontaminate the inside of the tooth.

Root canals create chronic infection sites. The complex internal structure of teeth makes it impossible to fully sterilize a root-canalled tooth. This leaves behind dead tissue and bacteria that can continue to proliferate, potentially leading to systemic health issues. The lack of blood supply to the tooth means the immune system cannot effectively combat this ongoing infection.

Mercury fillings release toxic vapors. Amalgam fillings, which contain about 50% mercury, continuously release mercury vapor that is absorbed by the body. This can lead to a range of health problems, from neurological issues to autoimmune disorders. Safe removal of these fillings by a trained biological dentist is crucial for overall health.

Risks associated with conventional dental procedures:

• Chronic infections from root canals
• Mercury toxicity from amalgam fillings
• Disruption of oral microbiome
• Potential systemic health impacts

9. Holistic dentistry addresses underlying causes of oral issues

Freedom is the first step and the last.

Treating symptoms isn't enough. Holistic dentistry recognizes that oral health issues are often symptoms of deeper imbalances in the body. Instead of simply filling cavities or treating gum disease, this approach seeks to identify and address the root causes of these problems, which may include nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or systemic inflammation.

Comprehensive care supports whole-body health. Holistic dentists consider factors like diet, lifestyle, and overall health when developing treatment plans. They use biocompatible materials, employ minimally invasive techniques, and often work in conjunction with other healthcare practitioners to support total wellness. This approach empowers patients to take an active role in their oral and overall health.

Key aspects of holistic dentistry:

• Addressing root causes of oral issues
• Using biocompatible materials
• Considering whole-body health
• Empowering patient education and self-care

10. Children's oral health starts with prenatal nutrition

Babies are generally born without teeth, yet their teeth are already forming.

Tooth development begins in utero. A mother's nutrition during pregnancy plays a crucial role in the development of her child's teeth and facial structure. Key nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2, as well as minerals like calcium and phosphorus, are essential for proper dental formation.

Early habits shape lifelong oral health. Breastfeeding supports proper jaw development and provides immune-boosting factors for oral health. Introducing whole, nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed sugars and refined carbohydrates sets the stage for healthy teeth and gums. Teaching proper oral care habits from an early age, including gentle brushing and oil pulling, helps children develop a positive relationship with dental health.

Factors influencing children's oral health:

• Prenatal nutrition
• Breastfeeding
• Early introduction of whole foods
• Avoiding processed sugars and refined carbs
• Gentle, consistent oral care routines

Last updated: November 25, 2024