How Dental Wellness Fits Into a Holistic Approach to Self-Care

When thinking about self-care, what comes to mind? Probably yoga, meal prep, clean eating, skincare routines… stuff like that.

Here’s what people rarely include in that list…

Dental wellness.

And that’s a problem. Because the mouth is one of the biggest windows into overall health. Neglecting it can compromise the entire body.

But adding dental wellness to a self-care routine doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Here’s how:

• Why oral health is linked to overall wellness
• Everything to know about the mouth-body connection
• What “holistic dental care” actually looks like
• When to get an oral surgery procedure (as part of self-care!)
• How to create a daily dental wellness routine that sticks

Dental Health Isn’t Separate From Overall Health

This might sound surprising… but hear this out.

Most people don’t prioritize dentist visits. Appointments overdue? Cool. Book a cleaning once a year? No big deal.

Here’s the thing…

Regular dentist visits and dental care are part of a wellness routine. Like it or not.

Gum disease has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory disease. So why do so many people wait so long between check-ups?

Nearly one in every two U.S. adults has some form of gum disease. Yet roughly 33% of Americans will skip their dentist visit because of cost. That’s a big problem.

Teeth and gums aren’t separate from overall health. And if both aren’t being cared for, the body pays the price.

The Mouth Affects Every Part of the Body… Literally

As mentioned, dentist visits can affect more than just teeth.

Here’s what that means.

The human mouth is home to trillions of bacteria. And while most of them are harmless, some can spell big trouble for the body.

If brushing and flossing falls off for a while, that bad bacteria spreads. The body recognizes it as an intrusion and kicks the immune system into high gear.

The extra immune activity causes inflammation on a cellular level all over the body. And chronic inflammation has been shown to lead to some pretty serious diseases.

Which is why research confirms gum disease lifts heart risk 30%.

Oral health isn’t separate from overall wellness. So when building a self-care routine, the mouth deserves a place in it too.

Nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from oral diseases.

Oral diseases are among the most common health conditions in the world. Statistical proof that it’s time to start taking care of the mouth.

Exactly What Does “Holistic Dental Care” Look Like?

When most people think of dental wellness they think of going to the dentist.

Once every six months? Sure. Twice per year? If affordable.

But holistic dental care is about more than just dentist appointments.

It’s a proactive approach to the entire mouth:

• Preventive care
• Nutrition
• Stress management
• Daily oral hygiene
• Knowing when to take action (sometimes that means an oral surgery procedure!)

Speaking of dental surgery…

It’s not what most people think. In fact, getting teeth pulled is just one example of an oral surgery procedure. Surgical treatments also cover cavities, wisdom teeth removal, and gum disease.

Modern dentistry is all about preventative care. Avoiding surgery is always the goal. But sometimes, it’s the best way to stop a problem before it becomes something much worse.

And that is holistic dental care.

Partner with a trusted dentist in Joliet, IL and there’s a professional in the corner — someone who can explain exactly what’s going on and recommend what needs to happen next.

Sometimes, that’s an oral surgery procedure. Other times, it’s just a professional teeth cleaning.

An Oral Surgery Procedure = Self-Care… Sometimes.

The second most people hear “oral surgery” their mind probably jumps to “this is going to hurt!”

But look at it this way:

Do glasses count as self-care? Absolutely — they help take care of the body by ensuring clear vision.

Physical therapy is considered self-care too. When recovering from an injury and needing PT to get back on track? No question.

It’s time to start thinking of dental surgery the same way.

An oral surgery procedure allows the body to be taken care of the same way glasses and PT do — by:

• Restoring function (chewing food properly again!)
• Eliminating pain (something else feels like your teeth ache!)
• Preventing further damage or disease

Here are the most common oral surgery procedures:

• Tooth Extractions
• Dental Implants
• Gum Disease Treatment
• Wisdom Teeth Removal

These procedures are almost always performed to avoid future pain and problems. The holistic approach to dentistry is all about stopping issues before they become serious.

And oral surgery is no different. Waiting will always make the situation worse. And likely more expensive, too.

Creating a Daily Dental Wellness Routine That Sticks

Self-care is more than just brushing teeth. But that doesn’t mean the routine has to be complicated.

Focus on these daily, monthly, and six-month habits:

Daily:

• Brushing — Not just brushing, but brushing properly. Two minutes, twice per day.
• Flossing — Yes, every single day.
• Mouthwash — Again, twice daily. Preferably one with fluoride.

Monthly:

• Check teeth in the mirror for signs of sensitivity or pain.
• Take note of any changes in the mouth before the next appointment.

Every Six Months:

• Visit the dentist! Get a professional cleaning and check-up.
• Voice any concerns to the dentist or hygienist before leaving.

As Needed:

• Follow through with recommended treatments, like an oral surgery procedure.

Ignoring dental health isn’t self-care. Actively engaging in a dental wellness routine is.

Most Americans don’t visit often enough. Don’t be that person. Create a routine and stick to it.

Dental Wellness & Self-Care: One Last Thing

Here’s the thing about oral health.

The mouth is connected to every other part of the body. Teeth and gums can’t be treated as an afterthought. They’re part of the wellness journey too.

Brushing, flossing, and getting regular dentist appointments aren’t hobbies. But they are self-care.

And if an oral surgery procedure is suspected or recommended, don’t ignore it. Just like scheduling a doctor’s appointment to get a nasty rash checked out — the mouth deserves the same attention.

Everything about the body is connected to the mouth. That’s why dentist trips are self-care.

Don’t neglect your teeth & gums.

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