What is holistic dentistry, or holistic oral health care?

 

Holistic dentistry is an approach to oral health that also encompasses many other areas of our health and well-being. It is health care that extends beyond the confines of the mouth. By taking care of the entire body (and of course, our mouth’s), our total health will improve and have a positive impact on our lives.

You’ve probably heard me mention before how gum disease is connected to so many systemic imbalances and disease processes throughout the body…. well, the next step is understanding how that connection can occur and how by improving your oral health you can improve whole body health.

Maybe you have questions around products, such as what is the safest toothpaste to use? How does abrasion of toothpastes affect teeth over the long term? Is teeth whitening safe? What is the long term effect on the body of ingested titanium oxide, sodium laurel sulphate, calcium carbonate…all common ingredients in toothpastes? Should we be brushing after every meal? All worth a conversation… as knowledge is power right!

Here at All About Smiles we predominately use and promote products that are SLS free, paraben free, and contain herbal extracts. I’m also a huge fan of good old fashion salt water mouth rinse!

Along with this belief we also practice minimally invasive techniques. This approach emphasises the preservation of natural mouth tissues – preferably preventing the disease from occurring in the first place.

We also care about our environment and take active steps to minimizing waste and reducing plastic use where possible. We are predominantly a digital based clinic; reducing paper usage, and using biodegradable products where we can.  To finish with one of my favorite quotes‘’We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly’’.