Embracing Holistic Oral Care: The Path to a Brighter Smile and a Healt – LivLong

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Embracing Holistic Oral Care: The Path to a Brighter Smile and a Healthier You

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Oral health is far more important than most of us realize. A healthy mouth does more than prevent cavities, gingivitis and root canals, it is connected to our overall well-being. 


Why? The mouth is the primary pathway to the digestive tract, and therefore body. Emerging research has been validating what has been known in the holistic space for quite some time: there is a crucial relationship between the health of the mouth and the health of the body.

As new research comes to light, how we approach oral health is shifting, and we are entering a new paradigm of dental care.

Just as there has been a shift in general health from the conventional model to more of a holistic model- we are seeing the same in dentistry. The most influential dentists are adopting a more holistic approach to oral care that not only supports dental health but improves overall quality of life and promotes whole body wellness.  


How are the Health of the Body and the Mouth Interconnected


The mouth is home to a diverse community of bacteria, much like the microbes in our gut—most of which are harmless and actually have several benefits. The caveat is, an imbalance in the oral environment can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, crowding out the good bacteria and leading to potential issues.

When there is an overgrowth of the harmful bacteria, they don’t just wreak havoc in the mouth, they enter into circulation where they travel around the body- disrupting normal physiological function and prompt immune and inflammatory responses.

 

Research has linked harmful oral bacteria to gum inflammation and an increased risk of an ever-evolving list of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's, diabetes, respiratory illness, a variety of cancers and autoimmune conditions. 


The negative implications on systemic health stem from the connection between the mouth and the immune, circulatory and digestive systems. 


How do We Create a Healthy Mouth and Oral Microbiome? 


Traditional oral care that consists of brushing, flossing and gargling with conventional products isn’t sufficient for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They  promote a poor oral microbe, increasing risk for dental disease and chronic illnesses.  


From a holistic lens, supporting a healthy mouth involves balancing the oral microbiome and ensuring adequate intake of the nutrients that make teeth and gums less susceptible to cavities, inflammation and disease. 


To sum it up, great dental health is dependent on what is on our plates and the quality of our oral care products.


Food and Dental Health 


There has been a longstanding and well-established connection between sugar and cavities- but the relationship between diet and oral health runs much deeper. 


Just like the rest of our body, our mouth requires nutrients to perform its innate physiological functions. A few examples: 


  • Just like our bones, our teeth require minerals to keep them strong
  • Our gums are made out of connective tissue and need collagen to keep them intact 
  • Salvia, a critical part of cavity prevention requires adequate hydration to be produced in sufficient amounts

Nutrition is so important for dental health, that we can look at a healthy mouth as a reflection of a well nourished body. 


A few general dietary rules for supporting dental health: 

  • Focus on getting enough of the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E & K - these are essential to keep teeth strong, ensure the enamel stays healthy and  interestingly they control inflammation in the gums.  

Fun fact:  vitamin D regulates the production of antimicrobial compounds to keep harmful bacteria at bay directly the mouth! Check out our favorite Vitamin D here 


  • Increase vitamin C. The gums are largely made of collagen & Vitamin C is needed for collagen production. There is also substantial research showing higher levels of vitamin C reduce the risk of receding gums and periodontal disease. Increase consumption of foods high in vitamin C such as citrus fruit, berries and bell peppers. Since vitamin C is required for myriad physiological functions, consider a supplement for maximum benefit. Lypo-Spheric® Liposomal Vitamin C is our top pick! 

Conventional Dental Products 


As it stands, standard oral care does not take into consideration the complex ecosystem that resides on the mouth. Its primary focus is on eradicating bacteria through the use of antimicrobial agents. 


This becomes problematic as the antimicrobials in conventional dental products are not specific to the bad bacteria and they also eliminate the beneficial bacteria that live in the mouth. This effectively disrupts the delicate balance needed for a healthy mouth- which in turn creates an unhealthy oral environment. 


The antimicrobial approach to oral care is becoming an outdated paradigm. Current research is instead focusing on optimizing the oral environment to naturally prevent the growth of bacteria that cause dental disease and cavities.

This is where holistic dental products come into play 


A New Revolution In Oral Care 


Optimizing the diet is at the forefront of preventive and corrective dental care. Switching to oral health products that support a healthy oral microbiome instead of working as antibacterials is equally important to ensure a healthy mouth, and thus a healthy body! 


Choosing a natural toothpaste is a great first step toward optimizing dental health, whether for prevention or therapeutic support. However, not all holistic toothpastes are created equal. Revitin stands out as one of the most well-researched and clinically proven options.


Revitin, a toothpaste developed by biological dentist, Dr. Gary Curatola took 15 years of research and development to come to market. It is a prebiotic toothpaste that contains essential nutrients such as vitamins C, K and CoQ10 along with other ingredients that promote a healthy oral microbiome. 


Why make the switch to Revitin? 


It’s a fluoride-free toothpaste that has been clinically shown to strengthen enamel, promote a healthy oral microbiome, and whiten teeth. Revitin reduces the risk of gum disease, is scientifically backed, and represents the biggest revolution in over-the-counter dental care in the past 60 years! By supporting beneficial bacteria instead of simply eliminating all microbes, Revitin fosters a balanced oral environment that contributes to both dental health and overall well-being. Make the switch to experience a new standard in oral care. You'll notice a difference and so will your dentist! 


Check it out here! 



Author: Lisa Kowalyk, CNP B.Kin 



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