When the Best Dentistry is No Dentistry

Holistic dentistry means thinking about your overall well-being, including your oral health. And with that in mind, we think that the best dentistry can mean no dentistry. As much as we love to see our patients, we don’t want you to have to come into our office more often than you have to. 

Ounce of Prevention

There’s a reason they say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventative maintenance of your teeth and gums is the cornerstone of holistic dentistry. We believe that the more you can care for your teeth, the better you will feel and the less often you have to see your dentist. 

On the flip side, if you ignore your oral health, gum disease can set in and cavities can form. You may require root canals or other treatments. Letting bacteria and plaque build up and turn into tartar can have painful or expensive consequences.

What Does Prevention Look Like?

How can you prevent gum disease, cavities and other oral health problems from setting in? The answer comes with healthy daily habits. Caring for your teeth and mouth on a consistent basis keeps you from having to see the dentist too often. The basics of daily oral health routines include:

• Brushing at least twice a day with a quality toothbrush, and after meals or snacks
• Flossing daily
• Using an oral rinse or mouth wash, if your dentist recommends it

You also want to make sure you are protecting your mouth from injuries or damage. If you participate in contact sports, speak with your dentist about using a mouthguard. If you tend to grind your teeth or have bite or jaw problems, speak with your dentist about treatments to avoid further problems down the road. 

Apple a Day 

Just as an apple a day may keep your doctor away, a healthy, nutritious diet may keep you from visiting the dentist too often. Basic holistic dentistry begins with keeping your whole body healthy to support your oral health. We encourage you to seek a nutrient-rich diet, including foods that are good for your teeth, such as fiber-rich, low-sugar ingredients. Meanwhile, avoid nutrient-deficient foods that can tax your body and are bad for your teeth. Steer clear of sugary, sticky foods and drinks that encourage bacteria and plaque growth in your mouth and can burden your body. 

Appointments to Avoid More Appointments

When we say “the best dentistry is no dentistry,” it really comes down to those regularly scheduled appointments with your local dentist. We don’t want to encourage you to never see the dentist. We do believe that if you maintain those twice a year appointments and the habits mentioned above, you can keep those appointments to a minimum and avoid emergency or last-minute appointments. 

Speak with your dentist about any pain or discomfort you are having so she can help you get the root of the problem and avoid future problems. 

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with us, call us or contact us here.