By the time you read this article, the worst of it will have passed - I will have gone to the dentist. Although a source of fear for most, a regular trip to the dentist is a necessary practice for good oral hygiene and disease prevention.
Oral Hygiene
Ever since I was old enough to remember, I have visited my dentist twice yearly. Each visit would involve an inspection of my teeth, a thorough cleaning and vigorous blood-inducing floss. At the end of it, slightly sore but teeth squeaky clean, my diagnosis would be a clean bill of health and cavity-free for last 33 years – knock on wood. Could it be due to good oral hygiene, good genes or naturopathic medicine practices? Probably a little bit of all three…
Naturopathic medicine in dentistry?
When we think of our teeth, we seldom think of Toronto Naturopath medicine. This is unfortunate because natural medicines can be very effective in treating certain dental conditions and in preventing common dental complaints. How about naturopathic medicine in cavity prevention?
Cavities
Cavities, also referred to as caries, are holes in the two outer layers of the tooth, i.e. the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost white hard surface while the dentin is the yellow layer just beneath the enamel. These layers protect the inner tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves reside. In general, small cavities don't cause pain, but larger cavities may cause a toothache due to irritation from accumulated food, bacterial toxins, foods that are hot or cold, and from sour/sweet foods.