November 20, 2024
What is a holistic dental routine?
Today’s conventional dental care products are full of chemicals and toxins so it is important to be conscious of what we put in our mouths. The goal in dental care is to have balance in our oral microbiome and use products that support this goal. Some simple and inexpensive switches we can make in our dental routine that can change the long-term effect on your health. A good starting place is to avoid the dental aisle at most superstores. Look for local health food stores or alternative options that offer natural plastic-free dental products that support the microbiome instead of destroying it.
The Problem with Conventional Dental Products
Most conventional dental products are marketed to kill bacteria. This is not the goal. Killing bacteria, good or bad, in the oral microbiome is not the solution. When trying to achieve a balance of microbes in the mouth, wiping out all of one type of bacteria leads to dysbiosis in the mouth. An example is a mouthwash with alcohol or bacteria-killing properties. After using it, your mouth smells good for a few minutes but after your microbiome is trying to balance itself again. A simple alternative to mouthwash that supports the microbiome is mineral salt (a natural antiseptic) and water rinse. Swish it the same as you would mouthwash.
Forget the Flouride
Besides being full of bacteria-killing chemicals, conventional toothpastes have fluoride in them. Ingesting too much fluoride can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, be toxic to the brain and nerve cells, as well as many other side effects of a toxic overload. When exposed over a long period fluoride may cause discoloration in the teeth, stiffness or pain in joints, nerve damage, neurological problems, high blood pressure, acne, and more. Overall the benefits, which basically are none because fluoride is a toxin, do not outweigh the cons in using fluoride. If you can’t find or afford a good remineralizing toothpaste without fluoride it is better to brush without any.
Oil Pulling
A gentle approach to removing toxins from the mouth is oil pulling. Swish a teaspoon of melted coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and spit it out. This simple but ancient practice is known to draw toxins from the mouth and remove them from the body. Toxins and bacteria are different and we do not want toxins remaining in the body.
Non-Plastic Toothbrushes & Floss
Plastic toothbrushes introduce microplastics into the mouth and can get stuck in between our teeth. Various types of alternative toothbrushes that would be good options include bamboo, compostable, biodegradable, charcoal, BPA-free, or reusable handled toothbrushes. All toothbrushes are prone to cultivating bacteria quickly. Changing out your toothbrush every 3 to 4 weeks can be very helpful in keeping the oral microbiome balanced and preventing the introduction of harmful bacteria back into the mouth through the means you are using to clean it.
Alternative flosses include non-plastic, BPA-free, natural fibers like silk, biodegradable, or charcoal. Alternative toothbrushes and flosses are becoming more popular and easily accessible. Buying in bulk can be less expensive and you are more likely to change out your toothbrush more often this way. Do your research to discern which type is right for you.
Conclusion & Other Resources
High-quality dental care products are worth investing in for the long-term health of your oral microbiome. There are tons of great products available today but keeping it simple is key. If you are proactive in eating nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed foods your dental health will be affected. Our ancestors didn’t need to brush their teeth because their diet was so nutritious. Let’s not forget that the mouth is linked to the rest of the body. For furthering your research I recommend looking into Dr. Burhenne’s dental information.