An introduction to holistic dentistry
Holistic dentistry is a branch of traditional medicine that traces the relationship between oral health and overall physical and mental well-being. There are various approaches to holistic dentistry, like traditional Chinese medicine, ayurvedic treatments, acupuncture, essential oil therapy, and so on.
Traditional Chinese medicine is particularly concerned with holistic dentistry. Chinese meridian charts are used for acupuncture, but they can also trace the relationship between each tooth and our overall health.
Let’s find out more about the Chinese meridian chart and how it can improve your oral health.
The connection
Traditional Chinese medicine, like conventional medicine systems from other cultures, believes in holistic well-being and interconnectedness of the mind and the body. For example, the concept of qi (or chi) is based on the idea that vital life energy flows through our bodies. This energy is called qi/chi, and it’s necessary to maintain health.
However, there can be blockages in the flow of qi/chi. Whenever there’s a blockage, our bodies become weak and sick. Traditional Chinese medicine aims to ensure the free flow of qi/chi. This life energy flows through ‘channels’ in our bodies, and these channels are called meridians.
Traditional Chinese medicine describes 12 primary meridians and many minor meridians. Teeth fall under the minor meridians category. A tooth meridian chart illustrates the relationship between our teeth and different parts of the body.
For example, the third molars on the lower and upper jaw are associated with the heart. At the same time, the premolars on the lower jaw connect to the stomach. Your liver is related to your canine teeth. Similarly, each tooth has a corresponding organ that it affects.
Teeth and your health
Many of us are already aware of the effect of oral health on our entire body. It’s primarily because everything we eat goes inside our body through our mouth. Like other organs, our teeth and gums are teeming with good and bad bacteria—the likelihood of having harmful bacteria increases if you don’t brush and floss daily. Imbalances in saliva flow can also cause diseases.
Some of the most common diseases associated with oral health are Endocarditis, Pneumonia, and heart attacks. Though the relationship between cardiovascular diseases and oral health is not fully understood, some sources claim that oral inflammatory bacteria can clog arteries.
Poor oral health is also connected to oral cancer, as documented in this 2018 study. While the leading causes of oral cancer are tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor oral health increases the likelihood of cancer.
Specific oral health conditions are also linked to dementia and cognitive impairment. According to a study, tooth extraction, edentulousness, dental cavities, and gingivitis increase the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Holistic well-being is only possible with special attention to oral health. Both modern medicine and traditional medicine systems highlight the importance of oral health. Routine dental cleaning with a dentist is the easiest solution to a range of oral health problems. At the same time, at-home care with brushing and flossing is the foundation of good oral health.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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