Nutritive Value of Complementary Therapies for Oral Care Flashcards
What are complementary therapies?
Therapies used alongside conventional treatments to enhance their overall effect.
What are alternative therapies?
Therapies used instead of traditional treatments, often not supported by mainstream scientific evidence.
What are alternative medical systems?
Holistic approaches like Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Homeopathy that focus on balance, energy flow, and lifestyle factors.
What are biologically-based therapies?
The use of herbs, spices, vitamins, dietary supplements, and foods to treat or prevent disease, including natural remedies for oral health.
What are mind-body interventions?
Techniques like yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, and acupuncture that treat both physical and psychological symptoms.
What do manipulative and body-based methods involve?
Therapies like massage, chiropractic manipulation, osteopathy, and reflexology that manipulate the body to relieve pain and improve function.
What are energy therapies?
Practices like acupuncture, Reiki, and therapeutic touch that aim to restore energy balance in the body.
What does Ayurvedic medicine focus on?
Maintaining balance among the body, mind, and spirit.
What treatments does Ayurvedic medicine offer for oral health?
Remedies for dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease, oral injuries, and a balanced approach to nutrition.
What techniques are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Acupuncture, herbal treatments, and massage.
How can acupuncture benefit oral health?
It can help treat conditions like xerostomia (dry mouth), postoperative pain, and dental gag reflexes by stimulating points to reduce pain and inflammation.
What are the chemical benefits of Miswak?
Contains silica for stain removal, tannins and alkaloids to reduce microbes, and resins that help prevent caries.
How effective is Miswak for oral hygiene?
It can reduce plaque and gingivitis to levels similar to traditional toothbrushes.
What is oil pulling?
A practice from Ayurvedic medicine where oil (e.g., coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil) is swished in the mouth for 5-20 minutes.
What are the benefits of oil pulling?
It helps remove bacteria, reduce plaque, improve oral health, and promote teeth whitening.
How does oil pulling work?
The oil attracts bacteria with lipid membranes, pulling toxins from the oral cavity.
What are the additional benefits of oil pulling?
It offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
How does coconut oil contribute to oil pulling?
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.
Can oil pulling impact heart health?
Yes, regular use of oil pulling can improve cholesterol levels and support heart health.
What are common essential oils used in oral care?
Peppermint, lavender, and orange oil.
What are the benefits of peppermint oil?
It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve oral discomfort, reduces bad breath, and improves oral hygiene.
Why should peppermint oil be diluted?
can irritate oral tissues.
What can the tongue reveal about health?
Conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and digestive issues.
What are some safety concerns with complementary therapies?
Miswak should be replaced daily, and essential oils should be diluted to prevent irritation or allergic reactions.
