Holistic dentistry is all about the whole. We don’t just concentrate on your oral health, but your total well-being. That’s why we offer complementary therapies as well as dental ones, because we know your mental state influences your physical health and vice versa.
Your body responds physically to how you’re feeling and how you act. The opposite is also true, your mind responds to how your body feels, which is why you need to look after both. When you’re ill or stressed, your body will tell you so by making you feel tired, suppressing your appetite or a range of other symptoms.
They include:
- Aches and pains
- Change in appetite
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Sexual problems
- Weight loss or gain
We’re into total health, hence the holistic approach to our dentistry. If you’re not functioning well mentally or emotionally, your body isn’t going to function well either. It’s our job to help with that. Not only does your mental state affect how you’re feeling, it also makes for a slower recovery after a procedure and a suppressed immune system.
Positive Mental Attitude
You must have heard the term positive mental attitude. It isn’t just for army boot camp or high-flying entrepreneurs, it’s for all of us. Being mentally positive enhances your emotional health, which reflects on the physical.
It is admittedly hard to quantify, but anecdotal evidence shows us that a patient with a more positive state of mind will cope with dental procedures better and recover faster.
How to Influence Mental State
While underlying psychological issues need professional attention, there are a few things you can do to influence your mental state. Diet, exercise and even exposure to daylight can all make you feel better both physical and emotionally and have an important part to play in your overall health.
Improvements to your diet, eating less junk and more fresh food can massively influence your wellbeing. Taking regular exercise makes your body stronger, burns off stress and releases endorphins which make you feel good. Exposure to daylight too has been proven to help absorb vitamin D and add to a positive mindset.
Try to combine all three for maximum effect.
