As a specialist in community dentistry, my role extends beyond providing clinical care to educating individuals about oral hygiene and advocating for a more holistic approach to oral health. We cannot view dental health in isolation, as it is intricately connected to overall well-being.
The holistic approach to oral care
To reduce the burden of dental diseases, we must prioritize prevention. Too often, individuals seek dental care only when problems arise. Early intervention can help address issues before they escalate into more severe conditions. Holistic dentistry considers a patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and well-being to inform preventative treatments. There are three key aspects to be considered when implementing this approach:
- Overall health and whole-body approach
Oral care should not be looked at in isolation as it impacts overall health and vitality. Scientific research has shown that people suffering from certain non-communicable diseases are more susceptible to oral diseases such as periodontitis 1. Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall health management.
- Natural treatments and alternative therapies
There are several natural remedies that can be used to complement oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. Herbal extracts that have been proven to have antimicrobial effects and assist in the maintenance of oral hygiene, include Neem, Echinacea, and tincture of Myrrh 2.
- Preventative focus and care
Broader public health recommendations emphasise the need for preventative care and lifestyle changes. This aspect focuses on addressing oral hygiene education, nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes such as the implementation of harm reduction strategies for use of substances like tobacco and alcohol. Harm reduction strategies have been proven to offer a practical and transformative approach that empowers individuals to make informed decisions and promote health and self-regulation.
Public Health Approach to Oral Care
Public health approaches aim to reduce the burden of oral diseases and promote overall health and well-being. Examining the oral cavity is vital for understanding the burden of disease, as it can reveal early signs of conditions like HIV infection. Regular dental check-ups and consultations contribute to the early detection and prevention of oral health problems. As healthcare practitioners, we need to ensure that all South Africans have access to dental care, this includes providing services to outlying communities and integrating oral health into primary healthcare.
Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing communities about the importance of oral hygiene, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and the impact of diet on oral health. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to lifestyle diseases and negatively impact oral health. Advocating for a balanced diet with proper nutrition and reduced sugar intake is crucial. Simple steps like drinking more water and avoiding sugary beverages can significantly improve oral health. Water helps neutralise the pH levels in the mouth, reducing the risk of acid erosion.
As with sugar, smoking is a well-known risk factor for oral health, contributing to dental enamel erosion, tooth discoloration, and both extrinsic and intrinsic stains. While quitting smoking is the ideal goal, a harm reduction approach can involve gradually reducing cigarette consumption. For example, a smoker who currently consumes six to ten cigarettes daily could aim to cut back to one or two.
If a patient is unable to quit smoking completely, alternative smoke-free products exist like heat not burn products and oral nicotine which pose a lower risk to the oral cavity when compared to traditional cigarettes.
We have to do more to educate communities to understand the importance of advocating for themselves and seeking necessary care. A comprehensive approach to health management requires addressing oral health issues within the broader context of overall well-being. Health promotion policies that support oral health need to be enacted into law.
Going back to the basics
- Health promotion is as simple as going into communities and educating people about oral health. Knowing how to brush your teeth correctly and having regular dental check-ups every six months is essential for good oral health
- The importance of daily flossing cannot be understated. Brushing alone is not enough; you need to get in between the tooth surfaces with flossing
- Using toothpaste with fluoride is critical as it helps strengthen the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. It reduces the amount of acid the bacteria on your teeth produce
We cannot stress enough the need for harm reduction, to focus on preventing dental diseases. Too often by the time people come in for help, it is for a problem. Early intervention can help address the burden of disease before it gets to the disease stage.