Treatment Spotlight: Holistic Dentistry
Treatment Spotlight: Holistic Dentistry
Rather than focusing solely on your oral health, holistic dentistry looks at the connection between your dental health and your overall physical and mental health. This relatively new approach to dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, as we develop a clearer understanding of how physical and lifestyle factors influence the health of our teeth and gums.
If you’re curious about holistic dentistry and how it can benefit you, read on to discover more about a whole-body approach to oral health.
What is holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry is a form of dentistry that considers your lifestyle, habits and diet in addition to your dental health.
These factors are then used to assess your oral health issues and develop treatment plans that go beyond just dental work. The underlying principle of holistic dentistry is that all areas of health in our bodies are connected.
For example, a holistic dentist will work closely with other health practitioners - such as nutritionists, chiropractors and other medical practitioners - in order to provide an integrated approach to care.
How does holistic dentistry differ from traditional dentistry?
In traditional dentistry, the primary focus is on dental health and is generally confined to the areas of the teeth, gums, and jaws, as well as the head and neck when affected by the mouth.
Holistic dentistry, on the other hand, treats dental issues by focusing on the link between dental health and the rest of your body. This may involve examining how physical and physiological influences are causing or contributing to your oral health issues, as well as how these factors can be modified to improve your dental health outcomes.
What kind of treatments are offered in holistic dentistry?
While traditional dentistry generally involves treatments that are focused on the mouth, holistic dentistry may introduce other types of treatments where needed to address an oral health issue.
Here are some examples of how a holistic approach to dentistry may be used to treat your dental health problem:
● If you have pain in your jaw, head or neck, you may be referred to a chiropractor or physio for more targeted treatment.
● If you’re suffering from gingivitis, a holistic dentist may discuss nutritional therapies to help alleviate your condition.
● For people experiencing cavities or gum disease, holistic dentistry might incorporate the services of a dietitian to help develop a healthier diet that’s lower in sugar.
● Issues such as teeth grinding or jaw clenching may be addressed through lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and anxiety through mindfulness.
What are the benefits of holistic dentistry?
By working in conjunction with a wide range of allied health professionals, holistic dentistry offers a more comprehensive approach to treatment and care.
As the link between our dental health and our overall physical and mental health becomes increasingly clear, holistic dentistry allows dentists to go beyond traditional methods, exploring new and integrated ways to help patients improve their oral health.
If you’d like to discuss how holistic dentistry can benefit you, visit your local National Dental Care or DB Dental practice today. You can book an appointment online.