Your Mouth Mirrors the Health of Your Whole Body (8)

ORAL CAVITY WELLNESS AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT

The final part of our series is a summary and reflection on the topics covered in the previous parts, bringing you tips on how to contribute to oral cavity health beyond just using a toothbrush and toothpaste. Because everything in our body is interconnected, we will advise you on nurturing not only your mouth and teeth but also your body, mind, and soul through the oral cavity.

NUTRITION, VITAMINS, MINERALS 

We generally know that indigenous tribes consuming healthy food had remarkably good dental health. However, upon adopting Western eating habits, diseases, including those of the oral cavity, followed. Therefore, we believe that the most important step you can take to maintain oral health is to eat healthily and ideally supplement your body with vitamins and minerals. The healthiest diet consists of natural, unprocessed foods, with 80% comprising vegetables and fruits (with a higher ratio of vegetables), supplemented with legumes, seeds, and nuts. With beneficial nutrition and proper oral care, you can maintain healthy teeth and even remineralize them—strengthening enamel, whitening it, and healing gums.

HOMEOSTASIS, MICROBIOME 

For the proper, healthy, and harmonious functioning of all cells, our body needs to maintain a stable internal environment, homeostasis. This ensures a healthy oral microbiome. If homeostasis is disrupted by stress (unhealthy, high-carbohydrate diet, negative thinking), cells start producing unwanted substances that adversely affect bodily functions. Changes in homeostasis, i.e., changes in blood pH, are balanced by the body by using calcium—taking it from bones and teeth, thereby weakening them.

GARGLING 

In addition to a diet focused on alkaline-forming foods, it's suitable to rinse the oral cavity with saltwater. This helps not only teeth and gums and maintains the right oral microbiome balance but also benefits the intestine and, consequently, the whole body. The latest research highlights the "gut-brain axis," the communication between the brain, gut, and its microbiome, and the impact of imbalanced microbiomes on mental health. Gargling with saltwater is also an excellent remedy for sore throats as the alkaline salt neutralizes the acidic environment caused by bacteria in the mouth and establishes a healthy pH.

Interestingly, gargling positively affects the parasympathetic nervous system, which we cannot consciously control but that regulates internal organs and helps the body regenerate at a cellular level. This occurs through the vagus nerve, connected to the vocal cords and throat muscles. Gargling thus puts our body in a state where it can regenerate better. Oral health can also be supported by homeopathy; for instance, a solution made from Calendula officinalis (marigold) can be used as mouthwash, excellent for gum healing.

DENTAL CARE PRODUCTS 

Teeth can be damaged not only by diet but also by "healthy" choices, such as excessive consumption of dried fruits or wearing braces. Strengthening tooth enamel and restoring necessary minerals can be done by selecting the right toothpaste. Fluorides aren't the only components to avoid; commercial toothpaste typically contains chemical preservatives and artificial substances (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate - SLS, aspartame, triclosan...) that provide foaming, taste, color, and have various negative effects. Look for toothpaste with natural ingredients, herbal extracts, essential oils. They support what our teeth, and our entire body, need the most—an alkaline environment and antimicrobial properties. Use these pastes as dental masks too; they not only add minerals to enamel but their herbal healing components also affect the oral cavity's mucous membrane, tongue, and internal organs.

OIL PULLING 

The age-old Indian method—Ayurvedic "oil pulling"—is proven effective for preventing dental and gum diseases. In the morning, before drinking or eating, swish a teaspoon of coconut, olive, or sesame oil in your mouth for 15–20 minutes, then spit it out. These oils are anti-inflammatory and highly remineralizing. They not only protect and whiten teeth but also cleanse the oral cavity of toxins far beyond its limits. Moreover, gentle swishing strengthens jaw joints and associated muscles, aiding in preventing tooth clenching and snoring.

AROMATHERAPY 

Aromatherapy isn't just about beautiful scents that relax us. Specific herbs, besides creating a pleasant atmosphere, have a beneficial effect on the whole body. They induce a state of relaxation, allowing better healing. In our dental practice, we often use Zen aromatherapy spray for its calming effects on our minds and Spiron, which also disinfects and refreshes the environment. Lavender is our favorite for the aroma lamp—it relieves tension, reduces nervousness, and brings inner harmony.

HEALING FREQUENCIES 

How else can we support dental health with a holistic approach? We're fortunate to live in an era where we can utilize the latest scientific knowledge and technology. From infrared saunas with detoxifying and regenerating effects to relaxation systems that induce a state of parasympathetic dominance through specially composed music. This state activates the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system more, helping the body regenerate, renew, and relax.

Our bodies need oxygen (Latin: oxygenium) for all functions. In the form of ozone with a triatomic molecule, it's used to support various processes. It's beneficial for preventing tooth decay and non-invasively treating it in its early stages, activating immune responses, and tissue circulation, leading to faster healing—beneficial also for gum diseases, periodontitis, and oral cavity mucosa. It's applied by placing a small probe on teeth or gums. We also use classic oxygen therapy. During dental treatments, we introduce medical oxygen into the body through a nasal cannula, oxygenating tissues at a cellular level, boosting the immune system, stimulating cell regeneration, enhancing healing efficiency, and tissue restoration. Not only do we expedite healing, but we invigorate the entire body, leaving clients feeling refreshed after procedures.

The art of being healthy and healing resides in each of us. Let's take control of our health, bringing joy not only to ourselves but also sharing this joy and positivity with others around us.

MUDr. et MDDr. EVA and HANA LUSKAČOVY