In this article we are diving into holistic dentistry and how to support your oral microbiome. I'm going to share my top 7 tips for using essential oils to support your oral health, natural ways to whiten your teeth, and how to keep your mouth smelling and feeling fresh.
What is holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry, also known as biological or integrative dentistry, is a philosophy and approach to dental care that considers the overall health and well-being of the patient, not just the dental issues at hand. It considers the interconnectedness of the mouth and the rest of the body and emphasizes the importance of oral health in relation to the entire body's health.
The key principles of holistic dentistry include:
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Holistic dentists prioritize preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible and using minimally invasive procedures. They aim to avoid unnecessary drilling and procedures that might weaken the teeth.
- Biocompatible Materials: Holistic dentists are careful in selecting dental materials to ensure they are biocompatible and won't cause adverse reactions or contribute to health issues in the long term. This may include avoiding mercury-containing amalgam fillings and using alternatives like composite resins or ceramic restorations.
- Focus on Prevention: Preventive care is a core aspect of holistic dentistry. Dentists educate their patients on proper oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and lifestyle choices that promote overall health and prevent dental problems.
- Oral-Systemic Connection: Holistic dentists recognize the relationship between oral health and overall systemic health. They understand that dental issues, such as gum disease and oral infections, can affect other parts of the body and may contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Holistic dentists tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs and health considerations. They consider factors like allergies, sensitivities, and the patient's overall health status.
- Dental and Emotional Health: Holistic dentistry acknowledges the connection between dental health and emotional well-being. Dentists may use relaxation techniques and create a calming environment to help patients feel more at ease during treatments.
- Avoiding Harmful Practices: Holistic dentists may avoid using fluoride, which is common in traditional dental care, due to concerns about potential health risks associated with its long-term consumption.
- Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers: Holistic dentists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as naturopaths, nutritionists, and medical doctors, to provide comprehensive care that considers the whole person.
T3 Reflexology Chart
One interesting concept is the T3 Reflexology chart, where each tooth is linked to a specific organ in the body. For instance, teeth in the front are associated with organs like the kidney, bladder, uterus, prostate, liver, gallbladder, lung, and colon. As we move towards the back, we find teeth linked to the heart and small intestine. Taking care of your teeth can often result in improved heart health—a fascinating revelation that highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth.
My top 7 tips for achieving excellent oral health starting today:
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential oral health benefits. The technique involves swishing oil around in your mouth for an extended period, typically about 15 to 20 minutes. I recommend using
coconut or
sesame seed oil for this process.
The Process of Oil Pulling
Start by taking about a tablespoon of your chosen oil into your mouth.
Swish the oil around in your mouth gently, pulling it between your teeth and along your gums.
Continue the swishing motion for the recommended time, usually 15 to 20 minutes. If 15-20 minutes feels daunting, try only doing it for 5 minutes and slowly increase that time. To amp up the benefits of oil pulling I like to add spearmint, peppermint, supermint, On Guard, clove or copaiba in my oil pulling. Choose one or two of the oils I just mentioned and add them to your coconut or sesame oil before you begin swishing. This will provide extra oral health benefits to your oil pulling routine and improve the taste. My current favorite combination is one drop of clove and one drop of spearmint. I will get into the oral health benefits of the oils I mentioned later in this article. When you are done oil pulling make sure to spit the oil out in the trash and not your sink.
Oil pulling is believed to work through the process of emulsification, where the oil mixes with the saliva and turns into a milky fluid. This mixture is thought to attract and pull-out harmful bacteria, toxins, and debris from the mouth, which can then be spit out. Sometimes the teeth with the most plaque buildup will result in dysfunction within the organ that it linked to those teeth as referenced in the reflexology chart above.
The potential benefits of oil pulling for oral health include:
- Reducing harmful bacteria
- Supporting gum health
- Teeth whitening
- Supporting a healthy oral microbiome
2. Mouth Rinse
Maintain your oral health by using a mouthwash or mouth-rinse daily. doTERRA's On Guard Mouthwash is an excellent option. This mouthwash contains doTERRA’s On Guard essential oil which is great for its immune boosting properties. On Guard contains the following essential oils, Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. The On Guard Mouthwash has a great refreshing taste, taste like Christmas to me, and it also contains enamel supporting benefits.
You can also make your own mouth rinse by combining water with oils like On Guard, clove, copaiba, peppermint, or spearmint. I like to keep a shot glass by my sink, fill it up with water, and then add a drop of one of the essential oils I mentioned.
3. Good Quality Toothpaste
Use a good quality toothpaste that is also going to help restore the enamel of your teeth. My favorite toothpaste to us is doTERRA’s On Guard toothpaste. The toothpaste contains hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that helps re-mineralize and strengthen tooth enamel. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with weak enamel or those who are at risk of dental erosion. It also helps maintain a bright smile by gently removing surface stains and discoloration. Its natural whitening properties provide a non-abrasive way to achieve a radiant smile without harsh chemicals.
What makes this toothpaste my favorite is before I started using it my dentist pointed out that I was experiencing receding gums. I started using doTERRA’s ON Guard toothpaste and at my next 6-month dental cleaning the dentist pointed out my gums were improving and within a year my gums were back in normal range. Needless to say, I have turned her into a doTERRA fan. I get a lot of compliments on how white my teeth are as well, and I swear it is due to the ON Guard toothpaste. I used those Crest White Strips once, back in 2011 before my wedding. While the strips did help with surface stains, they made my teeth super sensitive. Now all I use for whitening is the On Guard Toothpaste.
4. Tongue Scraping
While not everyone's favorite, tongue scraping effectively removes excess bacteria from your tongue, promoting a healthier oral microbiome. This practice that might seem a bit peculiar at first but holds immense benefits for our oral health. When I first heard about it, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it, but after trying it myself, I became a firm believer in its magic!
Tongue scraping is another old Ayurvedic tradition that involves using a small, specially designed tool to gently remove bacteria, debris, and toxins from the surface of the tongue. Apart from the immediate freshness and improved taste sensation, tongue scraping offers several health benefits. By removing bacteria and toxins from the tongue's surface, we help prevent the buildup of plaque and harmful oral bacteria. This, in turn, reduces the risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Not to mention, it supports our digestive system by promoting the proper breakdown of food particles and enhancing our sense of taste.
So, how does tongue scraping work? After brushing your teeth, take the tongue scraper and gently glide it from the back of the tongue to the front, removing any residue along the way. Rinse the scraper between each pass to prevent re-depositing the impurities.
If you're curious about giving tongue scraping a try, you can find tongue scrapers online or at health stores. They come in various materials, such as stainless steel or copper, and are usually quite affordable.
5. Flossing
This classic dental practice remains vital for maintaining oral health and is especially significant for your heart health and connected organs. Flossing is not just another tedious step in our oral care routine; it's a powerful practice that can make a world of difference for our dental and overall health.
Like many, I thought brushing alone was sufficient to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, a visit to my dentist opened my eyes to the true importance of flossing. During my check-up, my dentist explained that even with the most diligent brushing, certain areas between our teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush alone. These narrow spaces become a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria, which can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay if left unattended. Hearing this made me realize that flossing was not just an optional add-on—it was essential for my oral health.
Since then, I've made flossing a non-negotiable part of my daily routine, and the results have been remarkable. Not only has it helped prevent gum disease and cavities, but my gums also feel healthier and less prone to bleeding.
My favorite floss to use is of course doTERRA’s On Guard floss, but it is currently only offered at limited times, so be sure to stock up whenever it is offered.
6. Water Flosser
For a convenient and effective alternative to traditional flossing, try using a
water flosser. It reaches along the gum line and can be infused with essential oils for added benefits.
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, are ingenious devices that use a steady stream of water to remove plaque, food particles, and debris from those hard-to-reach areas that traditional floss often struggles to access.
I first discovered the magic of water flossers when I was searching for an alternative to traditional flossing. Don't get me wrong; I understood the importance of flossing, but I often found it cumbersome and time-consuming. That's when a friend recommended trying out a water flosser, and my oral hygiene routine has never been the same since!
One of the best things about water flossers is their user-friendly design. They typically come with a water reservoir that you can fill with warm water or a dental rinse. I like to add a drop of essential oil to mine, such as peppermint or spearmint, to enjoy a refreshing burst of flavor during the process.
Using a water flosser is incredibly easy. After filling the reservoir, you simply point the nozzle at your gumline and between your teeth. When you turn on the device, a powerful jet of water shoots out, effectively dislodging any debris and flushing away plaque. The sensation is gentle yet invigorating, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
One of the biggest advantages of water flossers is their ability to reach deep into the gum pockets, where harmful bacteria can accumulate and cause gum disease. The water pressure from the flosser effectively massages and stimulates the gums, promoting better blood circulation and overall gum health.
Personally, I find using a water flosser to be more enjoyable and efficient than traditional flossing. It takes just a few minutes to cover all areas of my mouth, and I can do it while in the shower, which makes it even more convenient. Plus, there's no risk of the floss snapping between my teeth or hurting my gums.
Water flossers are also an excellent option for people with braces, bridges, or implants, as they can effectively clean around these dental appliances without causing damage. It's no wonder that many dental professionals recommend water flossers as an effective and gentle alternative to traditional flossing.
If you're considering incorporating a water flosser into your oral care routine, I highly recommend giving it a try. There are various models available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and replace the nozzle regularly for optimal performance.
7. Soothing Teething Remedy
This one is for teething little ones. For little ones going through teething, create a gentle roller blend using essential oils like copaiba and lavender, diluted with fractionated coconut oil. Roll it along their jawline for soothing relief, this doesn’t have to be used on the gums. You can even use this with older kids that are losing teeth or even adults too. For babies I would only use about 2 drops each of copaiba and lavender. For older kids you will want to use 5-10 drops of each oil and for adults I recommend 10-20 drops of each oil.
6 Essential Oils I Recommend for Supporting Oral Health
1. Copaiba
Derived from the resin of the copaiba tree found in South America, this oil has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for its various medicinal benefits, including its positive impact on oral health.
One of the most significant benefits of copaiba essential oil is its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These qualities make it an excellent choice for soothing gum discomfort, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall gum health. If you've ever experienced gum sensitivity or discomfort, a drop or two of copaiba oil diluted in a carrier oil can provide much-needed relief. Copaiba essential oil has natural antiseptic properties, making it effective in warding off harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
In addition to its direct benefits for oral health, copaiba essential oil also contributes to overall well-being. It is known for its calming and relaxing effects, which can help reduce stress and tension. By reducing stress, you may indirectly improve your oral health, as stress is often linked to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can lead to dental problems over time.
2. Clove
Clove essential oil is a powerhouse when it comes to oral health, and its remarkable properties have been recognized and utilized for centuries. Derived from the flower buds of the clove tree, this oil contains a high concentration of eugenol, a natural compound with potent antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the most well-known benefits of clove essential oil is its ability to provide relief from tooth discomfort. Whether you're dealing with a toothache or sensitivity, a drop of clove oil diluted in a carrier oil can be applied topically to the affected area for fast relief. The numbing effect of eugenol helps to reduce pain and discomfort, making it a go-to natural remedy for dental woes.
Clove can also help combat harmful bacteria in the mouth. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy oral microbiome and preventing the development of cavities and gum disease.
3. On Guard
On Guard, is a fantastic option for enhancing oral health. This unique blend consists of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils, each carefully selected for their remarkable properties that support a healthy mouth. Plus On Guard supports a healthy immune system, so you can’t go wrong using this to support your oral health.
4. Supermint
This unique blend, consisting of Japanese Mint, Bergamot Mint, Spearmint, and Peppermint essential oils, offers a refreshing and invigorating experience for your mouth.
One of the primary components of Supermint, Peppermint essential oil, is widely known for its cooling sensation and minty flavor. Its natural antibacterial properties help combat harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Japanese Mint and Bergamot Mint essential oils offer unique benefits to Supermint. Japanese Mint provides a cooling effect that soothes the mouth and can alleviate minor discomfort. Bergamot Mint, with its citrusy and minty aroma, adds a delightful twist to the blend, making your oral care routine more enjoyable.
5. Spearmint
With its refreshing aroma and numerous beneficial properties, Spearmint oil can be a valuable addition to your daily oral care regimen.
One of the key benefits of Spearmint essential oil is its ability to combat harmful bacteria in the mouth. Its natural antimicrobial properties make it effective in reducing bacteria that can lead to plaque formation, tooth decay, and gum disease. By incorporating Spearmint oil into your oral care routine, you can promote a healthier oral microbiome and help prevent common dental issues.
6. Peppermint
essential oil is a powerful and versatile oil with many benefits for oral health. Its natural properties make it an excellent addition to your dental care routine, promoting a fresh and clean mouth while contributing to overall oral wellness.
Peppermint oil can also stimulate saliva production, making it helpful for those experiencing dry mouth. Proper saliva flow is essential for maintaining a healthy oral environment and preventing issues like bad breath and tooth decay.
If you are having some oral concerns one of my biggest tips is to obviously go to the
Dentist, but get a second opinion if you have a dentist that says that you have a
whole bunch of cavities and you don't think you do. If you've been recommended for a
root canal definitely get a second opinion – this would be a great opportunity to try out a holistic dentist. Many holistic dentists talk about how root canals will infect a lot of the organs associated with the tooth that the root canal is done on. It never hurts to get a second opinion; you are in charge of your health after all. I honestly cannot recommend holistic dentistry enough if you have one in your area. I hope you find these tips helpful, and you can start supporting your oral health today.
Stress Buster, Morning Bliss, and Immune Support are three things I can use more off as a busy mom. Luckily, I have a specific roller bottle for each of those things and I can easily apply them as I am driving my daughter to school each morning. If you want to make your own roller bottle blends with those recipes plus 12 other recipes, grab my free eBook below.
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