Michael on Dental Care

[Janet]

Originally posted by Sophie on 9/21/13.

 

Q:

What would you consider the ideal daily dental care routine to keep teeth healthy and prevent cavities?

 

I‘ve heard that there are other, non-invasive (i.e. no drilling & filling) methods for healing cavities. What it seems to boil down to is a low-carb, low-dairy diet. It also seems there are essential oils like tea tree or wild oregano oil which can be applied to afflicted teeth to stop bacterial growth. Can you comment on the usefulness of these techniques and/or name other effective approaches?

 

Michael:

Ideal, daily dental care is a systemic consideration, as the teeth are reflective of nearly all systems in the body. With that in consideration, dietary considerations are of the utmost importance, while topical care is of equal importance.

 

Topical care of the mouth is fairly standard in that anti-bacterial washes, regular cleaning/brushing, and an open mouth are important. By "open mouth," we mean that it is helpful for the mouth if it has movement of air flow, and not just stagnant heat and moisture. If one does not speak a lot during the day, it can be helpful to implement breathing practices (just breathing in, blowing out) randomly throughout the day can help.

Diet is important to consider, as well, and we think the suggestions you mentioned are valid, with the inclusion of sugars for consideration, as well, particularly in terms of remaining in the mouth. When there is a chronic condition and susceptibility to caries, it can be helpful to rinse more often than usual.

Essential oils are valid for consideration, and can be quite effective and pleasant over time.

Q: I do rinse after every meal/snack, and I still get cavities whenever there is a spot I can't clean very well.

Michael: If you find "corners" and other parts of the mouth are being missed, it may be helpful to practice enduring a mouthful of treatment for a set period of time, such as 5 minutes of "swishing" that is more likely to reach areas that are difficult to reach.

Q: what would I swish the mouth with? water? soap? [add.: I usually brush my teeth with soap; no, it doesn't taste bad as long as you don't swallow it] essential oil solution?

Michael: Anything that has been effective, in general. This is different for different bodies for various reasons. We think the more soluble is helpful for holding in the mouth, while oils are helpful for more topical spreading.

Q: Anything else to consider on this topic? How about "healing" cavities using such means? Is that valid?

Michael:

Invasive versus non-invasive is a matter that usually cannot be resolved in one direction or another in these cases. There tends to be the necessity for both. At this point, there is little to do to do heal a cavity without both invasive and noninvasive procedures. Prevention is the only key for now.

Because the teeth are so connected to the rest of the body as a reflection of systemic strength or challenges, the treatment of them cannot be so easily said to be one thing or another, but there are some generalities, such as the cleaning and diet.