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Improving Oral Health with Holistic Dentistry: A Natural Approach to Gum Wellness

Your gums perform many essential functions. They help anchor your teeth and protect the underlying connective tissues and bone. They also provide a nourishing foundation for your tooth roots and help prevent harmful bacteria found in the mouth from harming your overall health.

While maintaining gum health is fundamental to good oral health, more than 42 percent of adults aged 30 and older have some form of gum disease. Holistic dentistry is an effective solution to achieving gum wellness and is the preferred approach for patients seeking an alternative to traditional dental care.

Holistic Dentistry: What Is It and What Does It Involve?

One of the fastest-growing branches of dentistry is holistic dentistry. This specialized form of dentistry goes beyond traditional dental practices, incorporating alternative methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental problems. This widespread practice is based on the belief that oral health is directly connected to a person’s overall health and well-being.

Conventional dentistry focuses on dental health and its specific components, such as the teeth, gums, jaws, and areas of the neck and head affected by the mouth. Holistic dentistry treats the entire person rather than just the mouth’s components. More than brushing and flossing, holistic dentistry involves alternative therapies, such as nutrition education, to improve oral health.

There are several advantages of choosing holistic dentistry, including the following:

  • Use of natural remedies
  • Avoidance of fluoride and mercury
  • Use of biocompatible materials
  • Integration of alternative therapies

Holistic dentistry is often used to resolve periodontal disease and prevent more severe side effects, such as tender gums, bad breath, painful chewing, and loose teeth. Gum disease generally worsens over time, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial. A holistic periodontist can thoroughly examine your mouth and determine whether or not you have gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease and What Causes It?

Gum disease is a common oral health condition that begins when harmful bacteria grow and build up in the mouth. This condition generally starts with gingivitis, which is caused by an overgrowth of plaque. Plaque, a thin layer of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth, may ultimately harden into tartar if left unchecked. You may develop a gum infection when plaque extends past the gum line.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is often accompanied by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If the condition progresses, you may develop a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. With periodontitis, the inner gum structure and bone pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that harbor bacteria. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to significant damage and, eventually, tooth loss.

Improving Gum Health with Holistic Approaches

When you visit a holistic dentist in Vero Beach, FL, you can expect your treatment to involve all aspects of your health, meaning your overall health will be considered. A holistic dental assessment will typically examine the patient’s health history and any problems they may face. Holistic dentists also look at the patient’s habits and lifestyle, such as drug use, and the impact that they can have on oral health.

Improving gum health often starts with periodontal maintenance. Regular periodontal cleanings involve examining the mouth and removing any new bacterial formations and calculus growth. If the periodontal infection has begun to impact the bone, surgical cleaning may be recommended to remove the infection from the teeth, gums, and bone. Guided tissue regeneration can help regrow lost bone and tissue.

Schedule an Appointment With Out Periodontist

At VIP Dental, Dr. Brown and his team of experienced professionals strive to preserve natural teeth and gum tissue. If teeth cannot be saved or gum tissue is compromised, treatment is available to restore a healthy smile. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact our Vero Beach dental office at 772.569.9700.