Your mouth is the first entrance into your body, which makes your body a primary influence on your overall health. “To truly appreciate the systemic effects of oral health, consider how oral bacteria can migrate into your bloodstream. This can elevate the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.” (4) Not all dental approaches are viewed the same in the holistic health community. For example, mercury-containing amalgam fillings have prompted many people to take a closer look at their oral health choices. Let’s explore what holistic dentistry is and how it differs from conventional dental care.
A history of dentistry
“The first person who was explicitly referred to as a dental practitioner can be traced back to ancient Egypt. A tomb dedicated to a person called ‘Hesy Re’ is our best proof of this. The person was described as ‘the greatest of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians’. The techniques used by Hesy Re and potential colleagues were effective for dental decay, ranging from lost teeth, dental abscesses, and decaying gums.” (1) While we do not know the exact methods Hesy Re employed, his reputation indicates that he was viewed as a trusted practitioner who helped support the oral health of those in his care.
Then in 1728 the publication Le Chirurgien Dentiste by Pierre Fauchard established a “detailed anatomy of teeth, cavity treatment methods, dental fillings, dental prosthetics, orthodontic devices, professional tools, and professional instruments. In addition to the process of organizing dentistry, Pierre Fauchard also achieved practical contributions to the evolution of modern oral care. He came up with dental fillings and prosthetics to restore damaged teeth and emphasized the importance of hygiene and diet. Specifically, he discovered that excessive sugar was one of the biggest causes of cavities. His methods were scientific observation mixed with practical methods and these methods were the foundation of preventive and restorative dentistry. This work of Fauchard became a textbook on dental practice and dental education over centuries.”
“Revolutionary Advances began to emerge in the 19th Century. Horace Wells introduced nitrous oxide for pain management, George F. Green invented the dental drill, Thomas W. Evans developed porcelain teeth, dental schools and associations formalized education, and G.V. Black standardized cavity preparation and silver amalgam fillings, shaping modern dentistry.” (2)
Modern dentistry is beginning to “use technology like digital radiography, laser dentistry, CAD/CAM technology, new sedation, and the introduction of AI, which sped up the development of modern dentistry. It revolutionized the way patients are treated and the efficiency of clinical practice.” (3)
A Quick Summary of Philosophies
Extraction-based care was one of the earliest approaches to dentistry. The philosophy was straightforward: if a tooth was causing pain, infection, or disease, it was removed in an effort to eliminate the problem.
In the 1700s, restoration and replacement dentistry philosophy emerged. And by the 1950s, a philosophy of preventative dentistry emerged leading to the acceptance of fluoride into treated water systems and oral care products. In a few short years, in the 1960s, the diagnostic dentistry philosophy began to become widely accepted.
In our present-day dentistry, all of these philosophies have been integrated into what we know as conventional dentistry, but there is one more important philosophy that is being researched, and that is the philosophy of regenerative dentistry, considering the applications of AI diagnostics and the ethics of that.
What causes bad oral health
“Dental caries is the most common disease worldwide. The term dental caries can be used to describe both the disease process and the cavitated or noncavitated lesions that form as a result of the disease process. The caries disease process is biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, and dynamic in the phasic demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues.
The relationship between caries and carbohydrates is fairly well understood; dental hard tissues are demineralized by acidic by-products produced by bacteria in biofilm (dental plaque) via fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. More specifically, there is a rapid fall in pH (to 5.5 or below) in tooth biofilm after carbohydrates are ingested. This lower pH can also affect the balance of microbes in the biofilm, such that there is a higher proportion of acidic biofilm species, compounding tooth demineralization. Carbohydrate consumption is therefore an important nutritional factor in the development of caries.” (5)
But the “relationship between carbohydrates and dental caries depends on the type of carbohydrate (sugars or starches) consumed because the cariogenic potential (i.e., promoting the development of tooth decay) of a given carbohydrate is dependent on how efficiently it can be metabolized by the bacteria that ferment it. Sugars, specifically, are considered to be the most important drivers of caries development. The term free sugar includes all sugars added to food/beverages, as well as the naturally occurring sugars found in fruit juices and concentrates, honey, and natural syrups. Collectively, natural and free sugars (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose) are considered the primary necessary factors in the development of caries. Sucrose, a disaccharide of glucose and fructose, is the most cariogenic sugar. Sucrose acts as a substrate for the synthesis of intra- and extracellular polysaccharides in dental plaque. Additionally, dental plaque formed in the presence of sucrose has been shown to have lower concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphate, and fluoride, which are the ions required to remineralize enamel and dentin. Sucrose and its constituent monosaccharides, glucose and fructose, are also more cariogenic than starches because they enter the glycolytic pathway more rapidly and result in a more pronounced drop in pH. Although lactose is also a sugar, it is less cariogenic than sucrose, fructose, and glucose because its fermentation produces a smaller drop in pH.” (6)
Snacking has a significant impact on oral health. Frequent snacking alters the pH levels in the mouth, creating an environment that is ideal for growing biofilm and cavities. This is especially true when consuming snacks that are high in free sugars. Further compounding the chances of bad oral health are the frequent interruptions in the ideal oral PH which also interrupts the opportunities for the teeth to naturally remineralize themselves. Once the enamel has been worn through and the dentin is exposed, it is harder to remineralize due to dentin’s semi-porous nature. Remineralization of carious dentin can occur either by a spontaneous incorporation of ions (calcium, phosphate and fluoride) from the oral fluid onto remnant crystallites in the demineralized tissue. (7)
Saliva plays several protective roles: neutralizing acids in the mouth, washing away food particles, helping prevent bacterial overgrowth, and supporting remineralization of enamel. Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps maintain these protective functions. (10)
Dry mouth does not allow your saliva to perform its protective job, so being aware of which commonly used drugs can cause dry mouth is important to your oral health. These include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines in these categories may cause dry mouth are: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antidepressants, Muscle Relaxants, Antihypertensives, & Antipsychotics. (11)
The role of diet and holistic health
A holistic approach to remineralizing has to consider the whole body approach, which includes changing bad habits such as frequent snacking, drinking multiple free sugar beverages daily, eating an abundance of carbohydrates, and inconsistent brushing. Furthermore, diet and nutrition need to be considered alongside stress levels. Stress impacts the body on all levels: emotional, physical, and psychological, thus impacting sleep/repair, impairing digestion, and impeding nutrient absorption. Stress also impacts your hormonal health, which can result in dentinal fluid reversing its flow. Sucking bacteria from the mouth into the teeth, which causes tooth decay and cavities. This process is governed by the hormonal system. It’s regulated by a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus, which is an integral part of the nervous system. (9)
Nutrients to keep in mind when assessing your diet and if there are any gaps are: vitamins A, B1, C, E, iron, folate, and phosphorus. Without these nutrients, the severity of periodontal disease increases. (8) Vitamin A plays an especially important role. Vitamin A deficiency affects the development of enamel and dentin (outer tissue layers of the tooth), delays oral tissue formation, and increases the risk of gum disease. Food sources of vitamin A include: Liver, Cod-liver oil, milk, eggs, carrots, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and papaya. (12)
How to improve or maintain good oral health
- Consider taking some probiotics & digestive enzymes to help with your digestive system and nutrient absorption. This can also improve the PH of your oral health.
- Look for xylitol as an ingredient in your oral care products. Xylitol binds with calcium ions, aiding in the remineralization of tooth enamel. A sugar alcohol, xylitol creates a polyol when fermented, which helps reduce plaque and gingival inflammation. (13)
- Organic mouth rinses formulated to neutralize acids, balance oral pH, strengthen enamel, reduce harmful bacteria, and support overall tooth health may help prevent and manage dental caries.
- Eating crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery is not only refreshing but also assists in cleaning your teeth naturally, acting as a scrub to remove plaque and debris. Incorporating foods high in calcium and phosphorus, such as yogurt and cheese, can help to remineralize your teeth, making them stronger and more resilient against decay.
- Using natural toothpastes and flossing regularly can significantly contribute to your oral health. Consider incorporating rinses with herbal solutions known for antibacterial properties to maintain gum health and reduce inflammation.
Natural oral care products
Bamboo toothbrush – The handle is made from sustainable bamboo and this brush has soft, BPA free nylon bristles.
Biodegradable Bamboo Charcoal Dental Floss with Refillable Stainless Steel Container – VEGAN AND CRUELTY-FREE unlike silk floss – This ECO FLOSS is biodegradable, made from Bamboo Charcoal Fiber and flavored by peppermint essential oils.
Davids Hydroxi™ kids + adults nano-hydroxyapatite premium toothpaste / orange vanilla – This hydroxyapatite toothpaste uses rod shaped nano hydroxyapatite (nHa), the form proven most effective. As you brush, these tiny particles are redeposited into microscopic cracks and dentin tubules, helping to remineralize enamel, smooth rough spots, and reduce sensitivity by shielding exposed nerves. Coconut oil and gentle polishing agents lift surface stains without damaging enamel. Xylitol further protects by preventing plaque-forming bacteria.
Organic Whitening Pulling Oil – Upgrade your daily oral care routine with Organic Whitening Pulling Oil by Plant Therapy, a simple way to support a brighter smile and fresher breath using an age-old Ayurvedic practice. Oil pulling involves gently swishing oil through the mouth to help remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles that brushing alone can miss.
All of the above products can be found on our website or in our store in Hayfield, MN, affectionately referred to as ‘The Dande’. You can also find an array of products that will support your holistic health in our brick-and-mortar store, including tinctures, natural beverages, sourdough crackers, and so much more!
Resources:
https://historycooperative.org/the-history-of-dentistry/ (1)
https://dentallcy.com/history-of-dentistry-ancient-practices-innovation/ (2)
https://dentallcy.com/history-of-dentistry-ancient-practices-innovation/ (3)
https://americandentalwave.com/holistic-dentistry-8-steps-to-healthier-teeth/ (4)
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/nutrition-and-oral-health (5), (6)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2698028/ (7)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10285321/ (8)
https://empoweredsustenance.com/holistic-oral-care/ (9)
https://dentistryforpatients.com/role-of-nutrition-in-oral-health/ (10)
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_teeth_gums_say_about_health/article.htm (11)
https://myacare.com/blog/role-of-vitamins-and-minerals-in-maintaining-oral-health (12)
