As your Wilmington holistic dentist, the team at All About Smiles cares about both your oral health and your overall wellness or well-being. Did you know how closely these two are connected? If not, don’t be worried. It’s something we speak about with patients all the time and they are often surprised at the depth of the correlation between your oral and general health.
Remember, while conventional dentistry primarily addresses oral issues in isolation, holistic dentists like Dr. Lewis Yu and Dr. Grace Liu take a comprehensive approach. They understand the interconnectedness between oral health and the body’s systemic health, particularly concerning heart health. Take a minute and find out what you can’t afford not to know!
At the Heart of the Matter
When you get to the very core of holistic dentistry, there lies the principle that oral health is not only about treating cavities or gum disease but also about promoting overall wellness. One crucial aspect is reducing inflammation in the mouth, as it has a profound impact on systemic inflammation, a key factor associated with various chronic conditions, including heart disease. Your mouth serves as your gateway to the rest of your body, and any inflammation or infection can potentially trigger an immune response that spreads throughout the bloodstream. Holistic dentists in Wilmington, like ours, emphasize the importance of addressing oral inflammation through natural and biological approaches to prevent its detrimental effects on the heart.
Reducing Inflammation: Holistic Dental Practices to Try at Home
At our Wilmington holistic dental office, we sometimes advocate for at-home care techniques like oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice involving swishing oil (typically coconut or sesame oil) in your mouth to pull out toxins and reduce harmful bacteria. This method not only helps maintain oral hygiene but also contributes to reducing inflammation in the gums and oral cavity. You can also try adding herbal remedies into your care routine using:
These products can help some patients alleviate inflammation while also promoting healing. They pose less potentially harmful side effects than other chemical-based hygiene products you would choose for your mouth.
No Reason Not to Count Nutrition
Nutrition is important to oral and overall well-being. We take the time to understand a little more about your personal approach to what you eat or drink. You’ll find that emphasizing nutrition as a foundational aspect of oral health forms a cornerstone of holistic dentistry. Your entire body can benefit from a diet rich in:
Get the right balance of these three things and enjoy improved gum health and overall well-being. Avoiding processed sugars and incorporating foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and probiotics can foster a healthy oral microbiome, reducing inflammation and benefiting heart health. Who doesn’t love that?
The Heart-Oral Health Nexus
Scientific research has established a strong association between periodontal disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke. Periodontal disease, characterized by gum inflammation and infection, can contribute to systemic inflammation, potentially impacting the heart.
We’re holistic dentists in Wilmington who practice functional medicine. This means wholeheartedly believing in collaborative care between us and your cardiologist, for example. As our practice, philosophy, and knowledge continue to grow, we are also expanding to include a full range of holistic strategic partners. They include:
The good news is collaboration between dentists and cardiologists in a holistic healthcare approach is gaining traction. Dentists, being frontline guardians of oral health, and cardiologists, focusing on heart health, are recognizing the need to work together to address the common link of inflammation.
This collaboration involves shared knowledge, patient education, and a joint effort in preventive measures. For instance, individuals with a history of heart disease or at risk may receive specialized dental care to address potential oral issues that could exacerbate their heart condition.
Are you someone who’s concerned about your oral health? Contact our Wilmington holistic dental office today for a consultation and some time to ask the questions you need answered. Our team is here to help you and your family be healthy!
It all adds up to better health, smile, body, and spirit!