Holistic dentistry is an approach to dental care that focuses on the connection between oral health and overall wellness. It takes the whole person into consideration when creating treatment plans, not just the mouth.
Mindfulness is the ability to be fully aware and in the moment. It is a mental health strategy that can help people manage anxiety and avoid harmful thought patterns and actions.
What do these terms have in common? Perhaps more than you might think. Learn about mindfulness and oral health, and how holistic dentistry techniques can improve your overall health.
Mindfulness and Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is common for patients of all ages. Feeling nervous or stressed when it comes to receiving dental treatment can make it difficult to maintain your oral health. But practicing mindfulness can help you manage your anxiety at the dentist. By focusing on the present and using breathing exercises, patients can have a more relaxing experience at the dentist without the use of sedation.
Holistic Dentistry Techniques
There are a wide variety of procedures and techniques that can make dentistry more wholesome, such as:
- Holistic dental cleanings. The use of laser dentistry or ozone therapy can make dental cleanings gentler and more comfortable.
- Ozone therapy. The teeth and oral tissues can be cleaned using ozone therapy, which is a powerful, yet completely natural disinfectant. It can be used to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Thermography. Thermography is a diagnostic tool that detects inflammation, which can provide useful information about the mouth as well as the rest of the body.
- Non-toxic fillings. Cavities can be filled with safer materials that don’t contain metal or BPA (a chemical contained in certain resins that is known to cause cancer).
- Fluoride free options. Fluoride free toothpaste provides a more natural option for cleaning your teeth.
- Ceramic dental implants. For those who prefer to avoid having metal placed in their body, ceramic dental implants provide a non-metal alternative. Ceramic dental implants attract less bacteria than titanium and may be more biocompatible.
- Digital imaging. Digital X-Ray and CBCT scanners provide imaging with minimal radiation exposure.
- TMJ treatment. Rather than treating the symptoms, holistic dentistry aims to address the source of TMJ disorder to provide long term relief and prevention of symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holistic Dentistry
Is anesthesia used in holistic dentistry?
In holistic dentistry alternative methods for managing discomfort may be used instead of anesthesia. However, when necessary or preferred, traditional anesthesia is still available.
Can metal fillings be removed safely?
If you have metal fillings that you would like to have removed, we provide safe removal and replacement of metal fillings with non-toxic materials.
Why Choose Holistic Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry is effective for the vast majority of patients, but some want more than the status quo. Being mindful can also mean that you think carefully about your dental care and how it affects your oral health as well as your total health. Holistic, natural dental care is safe and still effective without the risks and side effects that may come with traditional dentistry.
TMJ Plus Wellness Center provides holistic dentistry in Grapevine, Texas near Dallas. If you’re interested in a more natural approach to dental care, we are currently accepting new patients.
Call 817-481-6888 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.