Welcoming Wellness: 3 Ways to Begin Practicing More Holistic Oral Healthcare

Jan 8, 2021

The start of a new year is a great time to incorporate healthy new habits into your routine…hello new year’s resolutions!  This year, we want to encourage you to take a holistic approach to your oral health.  Yes, we still would love if you started flossing every day, but we also want you to think bigger.  That means going beyond the toothbrush and thinking about how your mouth is connected to the rest of your body.  From your mind to your stomach, how you treat yourself impacts the health of your teeth and mouth.  Chances are, you’ve heard Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos talk about this oral health care philosophy before, or read about holistic oral health care on our blog.  But it is a message worth repeating!  We thought it would be useful to share 3 tips to help you begin practicing more holistic oral health care in 2021.

1. Meditate

More and more, we see signs of stress are showing up in dental exams.  Not only does stress increase the likelihood of clenching or grinding teeth, but it can also cause dry mouth, a neglect of oral hygiene, and decreased immune function.   While we can help address the symptoms that arise with these issues, it is just as important to think about the root cause and find ways to lower your stress levels.  One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to meditate.  Meditation not only helps reduce stress, but it also improves your oral health by boosting your immune system, reducing chronic inflammation, and increasing saliva production.  There are loads of resources out there to help you get started and please feel free to ask our team of compassionate care providers to recommend an app or breathing technique at your next appointment.  We are here to support you!  So breathe in…and breathe out for a healthier mind and a healthier mouth.  

2. Eat Your Greens

Perhaps eating more vegetables was already on your list of new year’s resolutions, which is great!  Eating a healthy diet is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mouth too.  In particular, leafy greens like kale and spinach pack a real punch!  These superfoods are full of calcium which support teeth enamel, and folic acid which may help treat periodontal disease.  We love to recipe share, and there are plenty of tasty options like blueberry-spinach smoothies and kale pesto that will make incorporating more greens into your diet a cinch!

3. Turn to Tea

Fancy a cup of tea?  Go for the green!  Dating back some 4,000 years as a popular and medicinal beverage enjoyed in China and Japan, recent studies have shown that green tea protects against cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.  The tasty beverage is full of antioxidants and compounds called polyphenols, which help reduce bacteria and promote the health of gums.  Studies have also shown a decreased risk of oral cancer in green-tea drinkers, another important reason to incorporate a cup into your day.  It’s important to remember that sweeteners can still erode your teeth, so for the best health benefits skip the sugar and honey.

 

While these tips are a great way to more holistically support your oral health, they are no replacement for the tried-and-true routine of brushing twice-a-day, flossing daily, and coming to see us for regular check ups.  If you have questions about how you can incorporate more holistic health habits into your oral health care routine, please let us know!  We are your partner in your oral health care and want to support you.  Call our office at 207.781.5900.

 

Frankie Says Relax… at the Dentist!

Jul 13, 2018

It’s common to feel overwhelmed by going to the dentist. Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we strive to make your appointments with us as easy and comfortable as possible. Here are some techniques we’ve found to be helpful for many patients:


Communication

If you experience fear or anxiety before or during your dental appointment, tell us!  We care about the well-being of our patients and want to help our patients feel comfortable.  Patients tell us that talking through their fears and learning the step-by-step of a procedure can help alleviate anxiety.  We are always happy to take the time to answer questions and to listen to you.

Talking to your family and friends can help, too.  People may have tips and suggestions for what helps keep them calm and relaxed for dental procedures.  

Distraction

Directing your mind toward something more pleasant often helps reduce anxiety.  Many patients find it helpful to bring headphones to a dental appointment so they can listen to music, a book-on-tape, or even a guided meditation.  Find something that puts you at ease and bring it to your next appointment! If you forget your headphones or music, we’ve got you covered!

Focus on Breathing

The technique of breathing deeply and slowly can be quite effective and is central in meditation and yoga.  By focusing on your breath, you are giving your body more oxygen and helping your nervous system calm down. Practice deep breathing at home and as you come to your appointment.  Our clinical team can help remind you to keep taking deep breaths during your appointment as well. We are here to help!

For some people, overcoming their anxiety remains a hurdle to receiving dental care.  If the above relaxation techniques don’t calm your fear, we also offer oral conscious sedation. Dr. Brunacini will discuss the oral conscious sedation process further in our next article.  

As always, we are here to help you get the best dental care possible.  If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900.

 

*Image courtesy of www.certifiedmexdentist.blogspot.com