Some people get cavities more easily than others. You may think you're doing all you can by brushing your teeth twice a day, but if your teeth are sensitive or stained, you may need some extra work. Tooth pain and cavities could be caused by health problems outside of your mouth. That's where a holistic dentist comes in. A holistic dentist (or biologic dentist) focuses on whole-body wellness for managing dental problems and leans on the natural side for treatments. Here's how you can prevent cavities from a holistic dentist's perspective.

1. You Need to Floss

According to The American Dental Association, children and adults should not only brush their teeth twice daily but also floss at least once every day. Routine flossing not only helps you dislodge food particles stuck in between your teeth but also gets rid of harmful bacteria. It can prevent tooth decay and gingivitis by removing plaque. It also makes your breath smell a whole lot better. You should be flossing at least once per day before bed, but flossing after meals would be ideal. It'll help with smelly breath and give you that clean, fresh feeling.

2. You Need to Maintain a Healthy Diet

You are what you eat! It should be a no-brainer that constantly eating sweets and unhealthy treats is the best way to invite cavities. Candy and soda are obvious enemies, but junk food like chips, bread, and fast food contains a significant amount of added sugars and/or carbs that wreak havoc on your dental health. You should be eating more whole foods like vegetables, unprocessed meat, and fresh fruits. Make sure to hydrate properly every day and watch your sugar intake.

3. You Should Consider Oil Pulling

Oil pulling, or the act of swishing your mouth with oil, has been around for thousands of years. It's an old Ayurvedic technique that's meant to pull toxins out of your gums, kill bacteria, and prevent tooth decay. The act of oil pulling usually involves using coconut oil. You'll take about two tablespoons of oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 seconds as you might with mouthwash. Make sure you're swishing back and forth between your teeth. Be sure to spit it out afterward as you don't want to swallow it.

4. You Need More Quality Sleep

This might seem like an obvious tip, but if you're getting toothaches and sensitivity and you can't figure out why, you should consider your sleep health. A good night's sleep is a pillar of healthy body maintenance. Along with other health problems, poor sleep could be the culprit behind tooth pain and cavities. You should also avoid breathing through your mouth as you sleep. You'll prevent snoring and dry mouth, which can lead to increased bacteria and acid production, which can cause cavities. Nasal strips on your nose or a tiny piece of tape on your lips are simple solutions.

5. You Should Consider Green Tea

Many holistic dentists consider products with fluoride unnatural and potentially harmful for consumption. Flouride is in most of the water we drink, but it's also in many dental products that traditional dentists commonly use. The good news is that green tea contains a natural version known as fluorine, which can act as a preventative for tooth decay. Green tea is also believed to contain a large number of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation throughout your whole body.

6. You Need to Clean Your Tongue

Another Ayurvedic medicinal tip is to try tongue scraping. Your tongue is bacteria's favorite place to live. Many people only think about brushing their teeth, but the tongue should also get some attention. You could just brush your tongue, but tongue scraping is believed to provide a deeper cleaning. Many people believe it can remove toxins and dead bacteria, leaving you with better breath and a healthier mouth. Cleaning your tongue is also believed to have an effect on the rest of your body. Some people think it helps to clear your mind and improve the health of your organs.

If you believe in a whole-body approach to managing your health, a biologic dental office is exactly what you should be looking for when considering dental treatment. Scott Udoff DMD PC offers high-quality holistic dental care in Middletown, NY. Reach out today for a consultation if you're searching for a biologic or holistic dentist.