What is Holistic Oral Health Care?
Your oral health impacts your total health!
We all know that brushing our teeth is important. We learn as children and build the habit into our daily routines. You might have grown up hearing a parent or caregiver telling you to brush your teeth so they wouldn’t fall out from “all that sugar”, even though you probably didn’t want to at the time.
Brushing your teeth is great for keeping your smile pearly white and selfie-ready and your breath fresh for first dates, but did you know that brushing is just one part of a good holistic oral health care routine?
Let’s break it down.
What Does Holistic Mean?
Holistic oral health care - woah! There’s a lot of words in that phrase that might be unfamiliar. Let’s start with the basics.
Holistic is defined as “whole or complete systems rather than the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.” In this context, “holistic” means that we are concerned with your entire body’s health and wellbeing - not just your teeth.
What is Oral Health?
Oral health is defined as the “teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew” (CDC). According to the World Health Organization, oral health is a “key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life.” It refers to the health of your whole mouth - more than just your teeth!
Oral health includes your gums, teeth, tongue, and everything in between. The CDC reports that more than 40% of Americans have experienced pain in their mouth in the past year. Additionally, it is estimated that 3.5 billion people across the world are impacted by oral diseases.
What is Holistic Oral Health Care?
The World Health Organization states that “there is a proven relationship between oral and general health.”
For example, diabetes is associated with the development of gum disease, also known as periodontitis.
Periodontitis is also associated with a risk for the development of heart disease. Poor dental health has the potential to affect the heart valves, as a bacterial infection from the mouth can make its way into the bloodstream.
How Can You Practice Holistic Oral Health Care?
There are many ways to incorporate holistic oral health care into your daily routine! One great, easy way is to make sure you are regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.
Our toothpaste is another wonderful addition to your oral care routine. In addition to helping fight bacteria and stains, our organic ingredients are designed to provide you with a naturally healthy beautiful smile! Your mouth - and your whole body - will thank you.