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Oral Health: A Holistic Health Perspective

by | Mar 15, 2023

A holistic approach to health recognizes that all components of your wellbeing are interconnected. By taking a step back and taking an integrative approach, we can address health issues at a deeper level.

Oral health is an excellent example. Your teeth and gums can have a profound influence on your overall health. Oral health isn’t just a matter of improving the appearance of your smile. The impacts of oral health are wide-ranging.1

Girl in a jacket

Let’s take a look at the importance of oral health and how you can optimize yours.

The Impact of Oral Health, and Overall Health

Cardiovascular health

Scientists are discovering new links between bacteria in the mouth and the cardiovascular system. Although more research is needed, some evidence suggests that gum inflammation may contribute to systemic inflammation. This could potentially have an impact on cardiovascular health.2,3

Gut health

Bacteria in the mouth also affects your gut when bacteria enter the intestines.

Mental health

The connection between oral health and mental health goes both ways. People with mental health conditions can neglect their oral health. One study found that the risk of losing all teeth is as high as 30% for patients with depression.4 At the same time, good oral health can positively impact mental health, in part because of confidence about appearance and fresh breath and feeling of physical comfort.

Risk Factors for Your Oral Health

Oral health is a broader category than many realize. It extends beyond the number of cavities you have and includes the health of your gums, tongue, and jaw.

Many factors influence your oral health. Some are obvious, like your oral hygiene routine, but the influence of others can be more subtle. Some things that impact oral health include:

  • Your hormones
  • Your diet — particularly consumption sugary foods and beverages
  • Genetics
  • Smoking
  • Digestive issues
  • Some medications
  • Overall health

Many of these factors shift over time, so you may have to adjust your oral hygiene routines throughout your life. For these reasons, any assessment of, or treatment plan for, must take your overall health into account.

Assessing Your Oral Health

Because of its intimate connection with your overall wellbeing, any complete health assessment must include your oral health. Some warning signs that need prompt attention include:

  • Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
  • Bleeding or tender gums.
  • Any sore in your mouth cavity or on your lip.
  • “Clicking” noises in your jaw.
  • Cracked teeth.
  • Pain when you chew or bite down.
  • Receding gums.
  • Gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth.
  • Bad breath – if you’re not sure, ask someone you trust.

Holistic Approaches to Improving Oral Health

Because it is a systemic issue, optimizing your oral health moves beyond conscientious brushing and flossing – although that’s obviously important!

Here are some tips for better oral health. As always, consult with your doctor before starting any new regimen.

Use activated charcoal.

Even though it is the exact opposite color you’re looking for, activated charcoal is an effective stain remover.

Take oral probiotics.

Promoting the balance of good bacteria in your mouth, probiotics may help support a healthy inflammatory response, which may be helpful for bad breath.*

Scrape your tongue.

This is a simple step that goes a long way in improving bad breath. That thin film on your tongue is composed of dead cells and half-eaten food.5 It may even help your sense of taste! 6

Try oil pulling

Oil pulling involves “swishing” oil through your mouth, with the aim of supporting oral health and microbial balance.7 Many people find that it can help support overall cleanliness and fresh breath. Because it tastes better than many oils, coconut oil is a popular choice.

Eat an alkaline diet

A highly acidic diet can erode the minerals in your teeth. Instead, focus on foods high in antioxidants and minerals, such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, avocado and blueberries.

Supplement with essential minerals

Just as we want to ensure strong bones, we want to keep teeth strong by giving them the nutrients they need. In addition to calcium, minerals like magnesium and potassium support healthy teeth.* As always, consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplements.

Do your best to not neglect your oral health! It’s an important component to your overall wellbeing.

With gratitude,

Kerry

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources
  1. Byrd KM, Gulati AS. The “Gum-Gut” Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Hypothesis-Driven Review of Associations and Advances. Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 19;12:620124. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.620124. PMID: 33679761; PMCID: PMC7933581.
  2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596495/
  4. Kisely S. No Mental Health without Oral Health. Can J Psychiatry. 2016 May;61(5):277-82. doi: 10.1177/0706743716632523. Epub 2016 Feb 10. PMID: 27254802; PMCID: PMC4841282.
  5. Almas K, Al-Sanawi E, Al-Shahrani B. The effect of tongue scraper on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in patients with caries and periodontal disease. Odontostomatol Trop. 2005 Mar;28(109):5-10. PMID: 16032940.
  6. Timmesfeld N, Kunst M, Fondel F, Güldner C, Steinbach S. Mechanical tongue cleaning is a worthwhile procedure to improve the taste sensation. J Oral Rehabil. 2021 Jan;48(1):45-54. doi: 10.1111/joor.13099. Epub 2020 Nov 22. PMID: 32978806.
  7. Kaushik M, Reddy P, Sharma R, Udameshi P, Mehra N, Marwaha A. The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2016 Jan 1;17(1):38-41. doi: 10.5005/jp- journals-10024-1800. PMID: 27084861.