A holistic approach that takes into account the impact that oral hygiene has on the whole body

Though bacteria are vital to human health and well-being, they are responsible for most of the damage done to teeth and gums, e.g. cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis. The starting point for these conditions is the uncontrolled growth of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth, which is the result of poor oral hygiene. The mouth is the door to the body, which means that pathogens don’t just cause oral disease, but they can have implications throughout the entire body if their growth within the mouth is not controlled. Long-term consequences of poor oral hygiene include stroke and heart disease (not to mention loss of teeth and jaw bone). This is why it’s important in the dental industry to shift focus from just the mouth to the entire patient, with all systems working together and not individually.

The four pillars of oral health form the foundation of a holistic approach to oral care. These are:

When it comes to Stephan’s curve, there are three factors to bear in mind:

The health of the entire body depends on a balanced diet, and that includes the mouth. Poor nutrition in the mouth can cause bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis – all in varying degrees of severity. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), bad diets are the cause of more deaths worldwide than tobacco. Not only can a poor diet cause mental health conditions, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but it is also a risk factor for many types of cancer. A healthy mouth, a healthy body and a healthy mind are all linked and the importance of a holistic approach to dental care, starting with the diet, should not be overlooked.

Cleaning

Though it is the second pillar, cleaning for many is perhaps the most obvious starting point of oral care.

To ensure regular plaque removal and optimal oral health, establishing a thorough mechanical cleaning routine that includes the following is recommended:

Prevention with fluoride

The most important ingredient a toothpaste can have

Stephan’s curve describes the continuous fluctuation of pH throughout the day, which fuels the demineralisation-remineralisation cycle. Though the saliva plays a role in buffering pH to try and keep it at the normal level of pH 7, or to at least keep it above the critical pH 5.5, prevention of tooth decay needs the support of chemical products. While mechanical cleaning without chemical intervention can remove plaque, the addition of chemical products to one’s routine can protect teeth and gums, preventing tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis.

The most important ingredient a toothpaste can have is, inarguably, fluoride. Though consumption of this ingredient is a topic of much controversy, the concerns don’t have enough evidence to support them. The benefits, on the other hand, are vast and scientifically backed. Fluoride has been shown to prevent cavities via a number of mechanisms. Firstly, it stops the enamel from demineralising in the presence of bacterial acids and is also said to inhibit these acids, thus protecting the enamel from two different angles. Fluoride enhances the remineralisation by increasing the rate of the process and creating a material that is stronger and more resistant to subsequent demineralisation. Read more about fluoride here.

Here is a selection of our best-selling toothpastes:

Another chemical product that works prophylactically against tooth decay is mouthwash. Many mouthwashes have no therapeutic effect, but medical mouthwashes with low concentrations of fluoride can help reduce the occurrence of cavities by 30-50%. The use of medical mouthwash is particularly beneficial for young people.

Here are edel white's expert mouthwashes:

Professional control

Regular visits to a dental professional are essential for maintaining oral health