Have you ever wondered if there’s more to dental care than just treating the symptoms? Swollen gums, toothaches, and other dental issues can often be an indication of underlying health issues. That’s where holistic dentistry comes in. Unlike conventional dentistry, holistic dentistry takes a comprehensive approach, considering the interconnectedness of oral health with nutrition, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
Imagine holistic dentistry as a puzzle, with each piece representing an essential aspect of your health. In this puzzle, your oral health piece is not separate or isolated—it’s intricately connected to the larger picture. By addressing the root causes of dental problems and focusing on preventive care, holistic dentistry aims to improve not just your oral health, but also your physical and emotional well-being.
From routine checkups and hygiene treatments to restorative procedures and major dentistry, holistic dentists evaluate each patient individually, creating personalised treatment plans for lasting results. Holistic dental care helps minimise dental issues and detect potential problems early while providing immediate care for any current concerns.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of holistic dentistry and how it can help improve your overall health. So join us as we dive into the world of holistic dental care and discover the interconnected pieces that lead to a harmonious and balanced approach to oral and systemic wellness.
What is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dental care considers whole body health, not just the teeth and gums. It focuses on the connection between oral and overall health to promote wellness through preventive, natural and minimally invasive treatments.
Holistic dentistry takes a comprehensive view of your health when diagnosing and treating dental problems, understanding the fact that oral problems can affect other parts of the body and vice versa. This whole-body approach aims at identifying the underlying cause of dental issues for targeted treatments and lasting results.
Benefits of Holistic Dentistry
Some of the benefits of holistic dentistry include:
Improved Overall Health
Holistic dentistry recognises the connection between oral health and systemic health. By addressing oral health issues and promoting a healthy oral environment, holistic dental care can lead to improved overall health and well-being.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Holistic dentistry seeks to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible during treatments. It involves using a conservative approach to restoration, using less painful methods with personalised treatments.
Prevention and Education
Holistic dentists focus on preventive care and patient education by guiding proper oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and lifestyle choices that promote oral as well as overall health.
Individualised Treatment Plans
Holistic dentistry considers the unique needs and circumstances of each patient for more tailored and efficient care.
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers
Holistic dentistry involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals to facilitate a more comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare which covers the scope of their overall health.
Focuses on Root Causes
Holistic dentistry aims to identify and address the underlying causes of oral health issues rather than solely treating symptoms. By addressing the root causes, holistic dental care can provide long-term solutions and help prevent recurring problems.
Biocompatible Materials
Holistic dentistry involves using biocompatible dental materials, avoiding potentially harmful substances and opting for safer alternatives to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, sensitivities, and other adverse effects on systemic health.
Integration of Alternative Therapies
Holistic dentists use alternative therapies, focusing on lifestyle, nutrition, relaxation techniques and treatments, such as occlusal splints and mouthguards to manage dental problems – promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health.
Holistic Dental Procedures at Superior Smiles
At Superior Smiles, we combine holistic and traditional dentistry for all-encompassing care involving the scope of your oral health for a healthier lifestyle. With a range of dental procedures tailored to your dental needs and a holistic approach to overall wellness, we’re your health partners for life.
Some of the holistic dental procedures we offer at our Fremantle Clinic include:
Dental Hygiene Visits
Regular dental hygiene visits help prevent gum disease, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and improve oral health. They involve a thorough cleaning of your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup, along with guidance on proper oral hygiene practices. We also provide personalised hygiene treatment plans, product recommendations and tools, teaching you the correct brushing and flossing techniques.
At Superior Smiles, we strive to offer minimally invasive and gentle treatments to help you achieve optimal oral hygiene comfortably. Our innovative Airflow Therapy provides a refreshing, whole mouth clean using only air, specially formulated powder particles and warm water. With minimal contact, Airflow removes bacteria from teeth, gums, tongue, deep periodontal pockets and even around orthodontic appliances for an unmatched hygiene treatment.
Sleep Dentistry
Dental fear or anxiety can be extremely difficult to deal with. Debilitating fear or panic at the thought of going to the dentist or the sound of dental tools triggering such feelings can prevent you from getting the treatment you need. At our North Fremantle Clinic, we offer sleep dentistry for individuals who need help managing their dental anxiety. We understand that this fear can be a result of a negative experience in the past or just a natural reaction to getting dental procedures. As such, we offer several types of sedation options, including IV or twilight sedation, to help make you feel more comfortable during treatment and get the necessary dental care. Talk to our dentists to find out more about sleep dentistry and if it’s a viable option for you.
Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, helping prevent tooth decay in the deep grooves and pits of these teeth. The sealants act as a barrier, preventing bacteria and food particles from getting trapped in the crevices and reducing the risk of cavities. Fissure sealants are typically made from biocompatible materials and provide a non-invasive and effective way to protect teeth from decay. This is a quick and economical treatment to prevent and protect against dental caries, especially for children,
Custom Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards help protect against sports-related injuries to the teeth, gums, lips, tongue, and jaws. By wearing these custom-fitted mouthguards, you can prevent dental trauma and injuries from falls or accidents in sports. At Superior Smiles, we use only the highest quality materials, tailoring the mouthguard to your mouth size and shape for a precise fit and superior protection.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can cause jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Holistic dentists often take a comprehensive approach to TMJ treatment, addressing the underlying causes and providing non-invasive or minimally invasive therapies. This includes consulting with other healthcare practitioners to identify the cause and prepare treatment plans to cover both the physical and emotional aspects of TMJ dysfunction. It may include techniques like relaxation exercises, physical therapy, acupuncture, or using oral appliances to help align the jaw and relieve TMJ-related symptoms.
Occlusal Splints
Occlusal or bite splints are custom-made devices for treating conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMJ disorders. These splints help create a proper alignment of the upper and lower jaw, reducing pressure on the jaw joint to minimise the effects of clenching or grinding. Occlusal splints help protect your teeth from wear during grinding, relieve muscle pain and allow for a more restful sleep.
We also provide cosmetic, orthodontic and complex dental treatments to help restore your smile and maintain your oral health.
Holistic Dental Care: Your Path to Whole Body Wellness
Holistic dental care is your gateway to a healthier, more balanced life. It offers a transformative approach that goes beyond cosmetics, treating symptoms and root causes for a healthier smile, inside and out. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of holistic dental care with our Fremantle dentists, don’t hesitate to book a consultation today.