HomeHealthHow to integrate traditional and modern dental practices for long-term sustainable dental...

How to integrate traditional and modern dental practices for long-term sustainable dental health

Oral hygiene is important for your overall health and well-being yet, according to WHO, 3.5 billion people in the world are affected by oral disease. In fact, untreated tooth decay is said to be the most common health condition according to the Global burden of disease report 2019. Dental diseases can have detrimental effects on your quality of life. From pain, to domino affects on our general health to the impact they have on our confidence if they become chipped or go missing.

Barriers to consistent dental health upkeep vary from high costs to education to fear fueled by bad experience’s. In the UK, a government report revealed that 19% of people in the UK were afraid to go to the dentist.

When you combine traditional practices with modern dental advancements, you get an opportunity that offers a thorough approach to your dental care and a sustainable way of maintaining the health of your teeth. Many of us try to lead a holistic lifestyle; and if you blend modern and traditional practices, you can have the best of both worlds.

Traditional Practices

Let’s start with traditional dental practices, which have been around for centuries and many are still in use today due to their effectiveness. One such practice is oil pulling , an Ayurvedic method that involves swishing oil (commonly sesame or coconut oil) in the mouth for a few minutes. This practice is effective because it helps reduce harmful bacteria, improve breath, and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Another traditional method is the use of herbal tooth powders, which are often made from a mix of natural herbs like neem, clove, and miswak. They can be an effective alternative to normal toothpaste due to the natural ingredients being free from harmful chemicals and they provide natural antibacterial properties that help maintain oral hygiene.

Modern Dental Methods & Restoration

Modern dentistry as we all know just keeps on improving and it offers advanced solutions that can significantly improve oral health. For example, if you have missing teeth, restorative dentistry could be the way to go. Restorative dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants, repair damaged or missing teeth, which can alleviate pain and prevent further oral health issues like infections or misalignment.

Furthermore, repairs for dental issues such as chipped teeth or discoloration can be helped with minimally invasive procedures such as composite bonding. Innovations such as Tokuyama’s dental composites are well known for their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. They are used in a number of dental procedures, including fillings, veneers, and restorations, giving you that natural look and feel.

Additionally, dental restoration boosts self-confidence and mental well-being by enhancing the appearance of the smile, reducing self-consciousness, and promoting a positive self-image. Overall, maintaining good oral health through dental restoration is integral to overall wellness, impacting physical, emotional, and social aspects of life.

Integrating Traditional and Modern Practices

The ways to integrate both modern and traditional dental practices together is to merge both treatments at the same time whilst of course informing your dentist of your plans. When you are combining traditional practices with modern dental products you get to create a holistic approach to your oral health that is not only effective but also sustainable and cost effective. Studies have shown that oral health serves as a gateway to general health which prompts the question of the best ways to take care of your oral health in the most sustainable way. Here are some of our suggestions below on traditional dental practices that can be merged with modern dentistry.

Morning Routine: Start with Oil Pulling

Best way would be to start your day with a quick oil pull to kick out toxins and reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth. It not only leaves your breath feeling fresh but also sets a great tone for the rest of your day- even if it is just mentally.

Natural Toothpaste

Try using herbal tooth powders or natural toothpaste with ingredients like neem, clove, and miswak- instead of using toothpaste riddled with chemicals that break down your teeth over time. These natural products are also gentle on your teeth and gums while offering powerful antibacterial benefits.

Regular Check-Ups

Traditional methods are great, but don’t skip your regular dental check-ups- the whole idea is to combine the two. Modern dentistry can catch problems early, before they become severe so rather be safe than sorry.

Holistic Lifestyle Choices

Choose a holistic lifestyle that supports your dental health and your unique dental needs. This means eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, staying hydrated (and also drinking the right water), and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive sugar- your teeth down the line will thank you. Taking these steps will help keep your teeth and gums healthy naturally.

Written by

  • Lisa Hanley is both the Founder and Editor of Ankha Azzura Magazine, a media platform that blends her passion in wellness, science, and holistic living. Having spent over a decade working in media, beginning with local radio and print and later transitioning to producing and luxury travel writing, Lisa established Ankha Global in 2022. She attended three universities in the UK to study Journalism and Media studies and currently resides in London with her partner.

    View all posts

More Articles