Holistic Dental Health & Hygiene: Prioritizing Prevention for Optimal Oral Well-being

My Journey to Holistic Dental Health: A Personal Story Spanning 50 Years

This story is written with the intention that others will benefit and take charge of their health.

My personal dental health story began roughly six decades ago in England. I distinctly remember my dentist consistently praising me with the words, "You have an excellent set of teeth," a compliment that stayed with me over the years.

However, as time passed and I left England two decades later, I was confronted with a disconcerting reality – approximately a quarter of my teeth had been filled with mercury amalgam. This transformation left me perplexed, questioning how such a significant change had occurred. This curiosity sparked a journey of inquiry and self-discovery, leading me to delve into the realm of:

·       Dental practices around the World

·       My practice of dental hygiene

·       Food I eat and do not eat

·       My life-Style

Along this path of research, I encountered the holistic health approach, which would alter my perspective profoundly.

Over the course of three years, I dedicated myself to extensive research on holistic dental health and oral well-being. The fruits of my labour were submitted for evaluation to a panel of seven esteemed health practitioners. To my delight and validation, they not only reviewed but also endorsed my work.

The culmination of these efforts resulted in the publication of a 250-page book:

"7 Steps to Dental Health: A Holistic Guide for Your Mouth and Body."

In this concise guide, I have distilled the essence of my book into an easily digestible format.

I would be deeply grateful for your feedback and if you find any value in this guide.

Please feel free to reach out to me via email at info@healthyaging.foundation.

Max Haroon

Holistic Approach

Holistic or Biological Dentistry is a term used for dentists who undertake a more natural form of dentistry - dentistry that recognizes that dental procedures do affect the entire body.

A holistic approach to healing recognizes that the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical elements of each person comprise a system. By working with this systems approach, the cause of an illness is targeted, rather than just the symptoms.

 Your Oral Health

We are unaware of our poor dental health unless someone makes us aware of it or we find it the hard way from dental disease. Here are three scenarios, which can make you aware of your poor dental health.  

Scenario 1: Ask yourself, “Why have you had some tooth and gum issues requiring treatment, in spite of the fact that you:

1.   Brush and floss your teeth regularly

2.   Eat healthy food

3.   Look after yourself

4.   Visit the dentist and hygienist regularly

7 Steps to Dental Health will provide you with some answers and various pragmatic guidelines, while we will address here the fundamental cause of “Your Dental Hygiene Process”.

Scenario 2: Take this test to assess your dental knowledge and your dental hygiene routine. Which one of the following is False?

1.   The leading cause of tooth loss is Cavities.

2.   You can thoroughly clean your teeth simply by thoroughly brushing them.

3.   Eating sweets and candy causes tooth decay.

4.   You can destroy tooth enamel by sucking on a lemon.

5.   Chewing on ice cubes will make your teeth stronger.

6.   The presence of gum disease can lead to conditions like pneumonia or diabetes.

7.   You should brush your teeth immediately after eating.

(Answers: #1, #2, #5 and #7 are false (also see FAQ at the end).

Scenario 3: Take this challenge

Do you clean your mouth 100%?

Do you access and clean every part of your personal oral structure?

I bet you think you do. If so consider the following and you will concur with me that most people do not clean their teeth and their mouths 100%:

1.   Did you brush the spaces between the teeth, by flossing or using an Interdental brush?

2.   Did you remove the sticky deposits (plaque) on the gum line, particularly under the gum line?

3.   Did you clean the inaccessible back surface of your wisdom tooth?

4.   Did you clean the back of your mouth?

5.   Did you clean the floor/upper palate of your mouth and Tongue?

6.   Did you clean your Tongue?

7.   Did you use an electric brush?  

Acidity and Plaque

When we eat, the bacteria convert sugary food (easily absorbable carbohydrates) into acids. Acidity not only causes a cavity, but it also dissolves minerals in your teeth. The surface of the enamel becomes porous tiny holes appear. After a while, the acid causes the enamel to decalcify. Once it reaches the dentine, it mushrooms into a cavity. Live and dead bacteria, turn into a sticky substance called plaque that sticks to our teeth (mostly in the back molars). If you do not brush your teeth to remove the plaque, it will calcify in roughly 48 hours. It will harden in almost 12 days to form calculus or tartar.

The Repeated build-up of tartar will inflame the gums.  

Seven Dental Hygiene Tools

You need the following basic tools to perform the correct oral hygiene:

1.   Toothbrush

2.   Rubber Tip

3.   Interdental Toothbrush (Sliding hinge system allows you to change the angle) or *Dental Floss  

4.   Tongue Scraper  

5.   Natural Toothpaste (free from Fluoride, SLS, and other toxicity)

1. Soda-salt solution: Make a solution of Baking Soda (½ tsp) and sea- salt (½ tsp) with one glass of water and store it in a bottle. Make a fresh one after a week. Use it to brush your teeth or as a mouthwash.   

7.   Electric Toothbrush

Please refer to the book for a detailed description of these and other tools.                                                                                                

 Seven Steps of Oral Hygiene  

Most food, such as fruit, fruit juices, honey, raisins, yogurt, soft drinks and wine are acidic (low pH value). As such they weaken the enamel of teeth. In such a situation perform Step 1 and wait for 30 minutes before performing the rest of the steps. Follow this simplified seven-step routine after every meal. Details of this routine are given in Chapter 2 of the book.

Step 1: Rinse and brush with Soda-salt solution in water

The purpose is to clean your mouth of food debris and to reduce acidity, which is caused by the bacteria feasting on fermentable carbohydrates in your food. The brushing is very gentle.

Step 2: Clean spaces between the teeth using the Interdental brush or dental floss

The purpose is to remove food fibres and debris stuck in your teeth, which were not removed by the above step of brushing. Use an Interdental brush dipped in the baking-salt solution, and insert the brush in between the teeth, one tooth at a time. If you have dextrous fingers then use dental floss instead.

 Step 3: Brush using the (a very small amount) toothpaste

Brush your teeth using the techniques explained in Chapter 2. Brush all surfaces of teeth (chewing, front and the back). Do not forget to gently brush your upper and lower palate and your cheeks.

Step 4: Remove plaque on your gum line using a rubber tip

The purpose is to remove freshly formed plaque, one tooth at a time, so you will not get a buildup of tartar.

 Step 5: Use an electric toothbrush (no toothpaste)

Manual brushes are only 60% effective. The purpose is to remove the rest of the plaque and bacteria and polish your teeth.

 Step 6: Scraping using a tongue scarper

The purpose is to remove pathogens on your tongue and the back of the tongue. You will notice your mouth will be refreshed.

 Step 7: Massage your gums using your index finger and do a final rinse

The purpose is to enhance the circulation of blood ending with a final rinse with the soda-salt solution (prepared in step 1).

Selective Steps for Different Requirements

You do not have to do all seven steps whenever you brush your teeth during the day. Below are different requirements for different types of eating and the time of the day.

1. Wake-up: Step 1 without salt solution then Step 6.

2. After a Beverage: Step 1 with or without a Salt Solution

3. After a Snack or Lunch: Steps 1 and 2.

4. After Fruit: Wait for 20 minutes: Steps 1 and 2

5. After Dinner: Steps 1 to 6.

 Intensive Dental Hygiene

 If you suspect that any of your teeth has a “pocket” or an issue, such as pain, bleeding, toothache, gum infection/soreness or you have neglected to clean your teeth as described above then add the following to your routine.

Put one drop of Oil of Clove on the tip of an Interdental brush (tool # 3) and brush in-between each tooth (see the picture). End this step by putting a drop of the oil on the tip of your index finger and massage the gum line (inside and outside).

Do this step twice a day. At night do not drink any water after the massage and go to sleep with the intention that this will work to fight your infection. Continuous use for a month will alleviate your issue.

Essential Oils and Supplements

Essential oils are the pure essence of plants and can provide both psychological and physical benefits when used properly.

Your oral hygiene could be vastly improved simply by adding proven and potent antiseptics that are safe and natural and kill bacteria, fungus and parasites.

Essential oils with antiseptic and antibacterial properties that are often used for oral hygiene include peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, thyme, clove, lemon, cinnamon, oregano and rosemary.

The Journal of the American Dental Association has documented over 100 studies on the effectiveness of how essential oils kill microbes that cause tooth decay and gingivitis. Even mainstream dentistry for decades has used essential oil of clove for its antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to numb gums and kill an infection.

A 1999 study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that an essential oil mouth rinse containing thymol, menthol and eucalyptus was far more effective than an antiseptic mouthwash with fluoride.

Supplements (minerals, vitamins and antioxidants) Calcium, Phosphorus, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Vitamin A have been found beneficial for your dental and gum health.

Remember what your grandma said about Cod Liver Oil is still valid for oral and general health. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 1.   Can you get away with not using toothpaste?

If there is no infection in your mouth, you need no toothpaste. If there is an infection, you can use a disinfecting or herbal product like Aloe Vera or an essential oil product like oil of oregano or tea tree oil to kill the germs. You can also use an Ionic toothbrush, which produces negative ions that kill bacteria.

 2.   Is it better to wait to brush after eating fruits or fruit juices?

Many fruits are very high in sugar and/or acid and will harm the teeth, especially when taken as juice where there is no mechanical cleaning action of the fibrous part of the fruit. When brushing is not convenient, like after lunch at work, it is better to avoid sweets, fruits and juices. First rinse with salt water/mouthwash, then wait for 20 – 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.  

3. I know Mercury Amalgams are not good but how can I live with them? I am too scared to get them out of my teeth.

It is only safe to have them removed by a biologically trained dentist. Otherwise, develop a comprehensive and regular heavy metal detox program with your Wellness Counsellor; avoid very hot or acidic foods, do not have your fillings polished by the hygienist and do not chew gum.

 4. Can I live with my root canal?

You may get away with the low-grade infection and the toxins it produces for many years, but be aware that root canals are not healthy in 75% of the cases. It can be a factor in many diseases especially if the body is already under the stress of emotional trauma, viral attack or severe weather. It may not cause a problem today, but it can add to your pile of ‘sins’.

 5. Where the acid comes from?

Bacteria feed on sugar and carbohydrates that we eat. The end product they produce is acid.

 6.   How is tooth decay formed? What is the process?

The acid formed by the bacteria digesting the sugar etches and dissolves enamel. Once the enamel is penetrated, there is a softer and more vulnerable layer underneath called dentin. Like bone, dentin is comprised of tubules that carry bacteria deep into the tooth and cause cavities to mushroom rapidly.

 7.   Can you catch gum disease from other people?

Most definitely! Gum disease is contagious.

 8.   Is gum disease hereditary?

Gum disease, like any infection, is not hereditary but we are vulnerable to infections from our loved ones by the act of kissing if the loved one has gum disease.                                

 9. Is Acidity in the mouth the same throughout the day and night?

During the night when we sleep, our saliva stops flowing. This changes the pH of our saliva, as can medications, certain food, tiredness and stress. 

 Author  

Max Haroon is a social entrepreneur, author and speaker. He is passionate about holistic health and Integrative medicine; he is the founder of the Healthy Age Foundation (HAF) www.healthyaging.foundation.

Max has authored seven books including 7 Steps to Dental Health https://healthyaging.foundation/books/dental/

The book has been reviewed and praised by many health practitioners. Since 1997, Max has hosted many events (seminars, workshops and conferences) on health and technology.

 Details: www.maxharoon.org Contact at: contact@maxharoon.org   

 Resource  

This Reference Guide is compiled from

7 Steps to Dental Health, A Holistic Guide to a Healthy Mouth and Body, authored by Max Haroon

https://healthyaging.foundation/books/dental/

This book (over 250 pages), now in its 3rd Revised Edition is the result of over three years of research and collaboration among seven health practitioners in medicine, dentistry, dental hygiene, nutrition and Herbology. 

·       100+ point plan to assess your oral health and conduct a self-examination of your mouth

·       Dental infections and their connection to the body

·       A seven-step process to clean your teeth and mouth to achieve optimal oral health

·       Harmful chemicals commonly used in toothpaste and mouthwashes

·       Mercury amalgam fillings, protocols to remove these fillings and metal-free replacement alternatives

·       Tooth conditions and their treatments

·       Practices of holistic hygienists & dentists

·       Seven Essential Principles of nutrition for your body and teeth

·       Nutritional supplements for your oral health

·       Forty frequently asked questions about dental care

·       Resources for Dental and Holistic Health

 The book can be purchased on Amazon or from the website of the Healthy Aging Foundation (HAF):

https://healthyaging.foundation/books/dental/

  Enquire about the educational workshop, based on this Reference Guide and the book for your groups or organizations.                                                   

 © Max Haroon | 2010-232 | info@healthyaging.foundation

 Updated: 2023 Aug 14