Unless you have a perfect dental history, you probably have experience with novocaine and other oral pain killers. In fact, you might have insisted on something to dull the discomfort. Some dental procedures are invasive and the mouth is full of nerve endings. So, managing pain is a priority for competent dentists. Yet common medications come with side effects and are not always effective. However, a positive development in this field is the treatment of disorders like temporomandibular joint pain, or TMJ. Holistic techniques — both old and new — are proving their power to ease suffering and bring comfort to this afflicted joint and other parts of the oral cavity.
Holistic Smile Care avoids the temptation to view a patient as a mouth with a body attached. Instead, we seek to treat oral conditions as part of a strategy to attain overall good health and wellness. While some conventional treatments appear to solve one problem, they can sometimes create others in the long term: silver fillings, for example. The goal is a radiant smile and optimal health at the same time. Using state-of-the-art technology, holistic dental professionals address alignment issues, chips, brokenness, gum disease and decay without leaving any collateral damage.
Defining Oral and Maxillofacial Pain Holistically
How do we balance pain reduction and optimal health successfully? For starters, proper evaluation of the problem is necessary. Using TMJ as an example, a dentist must confirm the telltale signs before developing a plan of treatment. These include:
- Headaches
- Difficulty in chewing
- Clicking when jawbone is in motion
- Pain in various regions of the face
- Ear sensitivity
Although pain is always among the symptoms, its origin can be someplace other than the temporomandibular joint. The ache associated with TMJ may just as likely have its genesis in unexpected places: poor alignment of the vertebrae, inflammatory reactions to certain foods as well as mental or emotional stress can lead to TMJ aching. Research findings published in 2016 observed that at least some dental pain is referred from other parts of the body. One subject responded to neck massage and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for relief. Typically, corticosteroids are common among TMJ therapies though their side effects — weight gain, lower immunity, for instance — can sometimes harm overall health. In addition, oral pain sometimes originates in the nervous system, making treatment alternatives necessary.
Integrative Therapies for Holistic Pain Relief
By centering on the actual causes of TMJ and other forms of mouth pain, holistic dentists seek lasting solutions over conventional treatments that might see a return to discomfort later on. With the above-referenced causes in mind, patients can find alleviation from pain with the following therapies:
- Chiropractic adjustments — Jaw position is connected to sppine position.Therefore, a misaligned vertebra or vertebrae can affect the TMJ.
- Dietary choices — Nutritional science has pinpointed the foods that lead to inflammatory reactions. Sometimes, the simplest changes in food consumption can yield a reduction in pain and suffering.
- Stress reduction — Science demonstrates the link between emotional burdens, fear and anxiety, on the one hand, and physical suffering on the other. Meditation, massage and mindfulness practices help to lower stress levels and, accordingly, diminish pain as well.
- Osteopathic intervention — Osteopathy is a realm of medicine that advocates the least invasive procedures before medications or surgery are options. Like chiropractic, this involves manual adjustment. In many cases, subtle manipulations of the jaw and adjacent areas make more invasive treatments unnecessary. Other avenues include acupuncture and biofeedback, i.e. using electrodes to bring relaxation to surrounding muscles.
Empowering Self-Care and Mindfulness
There is an old proverb: “Mind over matter.” While mindset is not always the only solution, it plays an important role in achieving better health and physical comfort. Mindfulness is not simply positive thinking. It focuses the thoughts on the very cells, tissues and organs that are causing physical distress. Not only does this intentional relaxation help with the control of breathing and sensations, it can, according to the Mayo Clinic, lessen the fear that frequently accompanies pain.
Mental practices such as these are learnable, at times with the assistance of a mental health professional like a psychologist or other holistic counselor. For other patients, these techniques come from literature, seminars and webinars. There are even locally-based groups in many towns and cities that offer education in mindfulness and holistic healing. The various methods are as simple as deep breathing but they also incorporate movement like walking or yoga postures. Also, the body scan meditation is effective in promoting a relaxed physical state. Whatever option you choose, the aim is always to focus the mind on the root causes of pain.
The Holistic Smile Care Experience
West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Dental Care is a practice that views dentists and their patients as partners in healing and wellness. Starting with the least invasive procedures, we employ non-toxic materials for fillings and other remedies. More than that, our clinicians affiliate with professionals in other fields, recognizing the many factors that affect oral health. If we determine the need for alternative treatment, these practitioners are available to our patients. Holistic health means treating dental issues with the whole body — and mind — in mind. Dentists can not do this alone.
If you get anything from this post, please realize that we understand how stress is a negative force when it comes to radiant health. We also understand the stress and nervousness that comes with going to a new dentist. The good news is that the initial anxiety dissolves quickly after one visit to our West Hollywood office. You will discover that your well-being — physical and emotional — is our top priority. Our patients testify to the excellence of our dentists and assistants as well as the serenity of the atmosphere and integrity of the office staff.
Reach out to us today and find out what our current patients know for a fact.
