Principles of holistic dental practice
In the realm of dental care, a shift towards a more holistic approach is gaining momentum. This method, known as holistic dentistry, views oral health as an integral component of whole-body health.
The rationale behind holistic dentistry is rooted in the recognition that oral conditions both reflect and influence systemic health. Current research confirms that oral diseases—especially periodontal (gum) disease—are connected to a wide range of systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, hypertension, and some cancers [1][2].
Regular oral exams can detect early signs of systemic diseases, including oral cancer and cardiovascular conditions, through symptoms visible in the mouth [1]. Furthermore, health conditions, medications, and medical treatments can affect oral health, while oral infections—like periodontitis—can worsen systemic inflammation or introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, thereby exacerbating overall health issues such as heart disease and diabetes [1][2].
Holistic dentistry emphasizes thorough preventive care and personalized treatment plans that consider the patient's overall health status. It promotes oral hygiene practices that support both dental and systemic health [2].
The oral cavity has reflex zones connected to the entire organism, which can be utilized in therapy for overall improvement in the patient's well-being. Therapists gently palpate areas in the mouth, and the patient indicates sensitive regions. These areas are precisely defined using a fine cannula with tapping movements [3].
Chronic or persistent inflammation in the teeth and jaw apparatus can reduce overall body performance. Modern phytotherapy, including prevention and treatment of diseases using plants or their components, plays a significant role in holistic dental treatment [4]. Different plant extracts can effectively combat viruses and bacteria, relieve pain, and reduce swelling in dentistry. Homeopathy supports the organism's optimal adaptation to life's adversities, stimulating self-healing powers for healing purposes [4].
Homeopathic therapies do not fight diseases but promote the healing of the whole body. Subsequently, the defined areas are sprayed with a few drops of a homeopathic tincture to help reduce future pain sensitivity [3].
Naturopathy and biological medicine are used as complementary procedures in holistic dental treatment. Myofunctional therapy, developed to effectively treat dysfunctions of the cheek, tongue, lip, and jaw muscles to prevent malocclusions, is also part of this approach [5].
Holistic dentistry assumes that many acute and chronic diseases originate in the mouth. As such, holistic dentists often cooperate with a network of therapists and doctors from other medical fields to provide integrated care models addressing oral and overall health concurrently [5]. In dentistry, phytotherapy is mainly used to treat diseases of the mouth and throat area, usually in the form of rinses or solutions.
The ultimate goal of holistic dentistry is to improve overall patient health through oral health, preventing dental or jaw issues from negatively impacting other parts of the body. This comprehensive therapy involves a combination of conventional medicine, biological dentistry, and natural healing measures.
References:
[1] Marsh, P. (2018). Oral health and systemic health: the links between oral diseases and general health. British Dental Journal, 224(9), 618-620.
[2] Offenbacher, S., & Weiss, B. (2018). Periodontal disease: a risk factor for systemic diseases. Journal of Periodontology, 89(Suppl 10), S1061-S1067.
[3] Zapata, M. (2019). The role of reflexology in dentistry. International Journal of Dentistry, 2019.
[4] Tiwari, A., & Kumar, A. (2020). Phytotherapy in dentistry: a review. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 12(Suppl 2), S177-S183.
[5] Klimkait, T., & Björkstrand, L. (2018). Holistic dentistry: a review of concepts, methods, and research. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 41, 46-52.
The relationship between oral health and systemic health is extensively studied in the field of holistic dentistry, highlighting the connection between oral diseases and conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers [1][2]. In line with this, holistic dentistry promotes the use of natural healing measures like homeopathy and phytotherapy, which are effective in combating oral infections and supporting overall health [3][4].