Sauna Use and Oral Hygiene: Why There is a Sauna in Your Dentist's Office

Oral health and hygiene is more than brushing your teeth regularly and flossing. Today, sauna therapy is becoming a popular treatment option in dental health due to its numerous benefits. These include enhanced circulation, immune system strengthening, relaxation, and detoxification. But did you know that these benefits can positively impact your oral health?

Dentistry is evolving, and finding a sauna in your dentist's office is no longer surprising. Read on to understand how sauna therapy can be effective for your gums and teeth, improving oral hygiene and overall wellness. 

Saunas Help Alleviate Bacterial Boom in the Mouth and Prevent Tooth Decay

Regular sauna bathing has been found to enhance the function of the adaptive and innate immune systems. When you’re inside an outdoor infrared sauna, various biochemical reactions occur, directly affecting the immune system. You encounter numerous bacteria in the oral cavity. Of course, you can keep your gums and teeth clean by brushing and using fluoride treatments. However, when your immunity is compromised, the bacteria is highly likely to seep and spread across the dentine layers of your teeth. 

While various microorganisms live in your mouth, streptococcus, a spherical bacteria, accounts for 80%. Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene, or when your immunity is low, these microorganisms may multiply in your mouth, causing tooth decay. Research has shown that regular sauna use can highly improve immunity. While the sauna won’t brush or clean your teeth, it can positively impact your immune system.

A robust immune system can combat bacterial infection in the mouth, preserving the health of your dental structure and oral cavity. Experts opine that addressing bacteria in the mouth promptly prevents it from spreading to other parts of the body, damaging internal organs.

By having a 20-minute sauna session three to four times a week, your body can generate more heat shock proteins, which correlate directly with enhanced T-cell production in the bone marrow. The heat shock proteins can be delivered to the infected area in the mouth through the bloodstream. Regular sauna bathing has been shown to improve immunity so much that it can keep your oral cavity healthy while protecting the entire body from a severe illness. 

Cleansing from Metal Fillings

While dental fillings are fast becoming popular, some countries are discouraging the use of metal fillings. Dental fillings are made of different metals, which can pollute the body if misused. If you have metal fillings, you may want to use them in sauna bathing to benefit from their detoxification benefits.

By increasing the body’s internal temperature, perspiration is likely to occur, through which toxins, such as heavy metals, are removed along with sweat. Remember, sauna bathing triggered profuse sweating. If you plan to use the sauna for detoxification, you must drink enough water before, during, and after every sauna session.   

Relaxing the Nervous System to Prevent (Bruxism) Nocturnal Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can have destructive effects on your dental structure. This problem occurs due to anxiety and stress. Apart from stress, some prescription medication and non-prescription drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cocaine, respectively, can trigger teeth grinding.

People who struggle with teeth grinding should wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth. However, to overcome the problem, you must manage stress. Different management options are available, such as non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), yoga, meditation, exercise, and massage. Different forms of thermal therapy and sauna bathing can also aid stress management. The sauna is an effective relaxation tool that works well with the autonomic nervous system.

All you need to do to enjoy its relaxation benefits is sit in the heated cabin. Your body will react naturally to the heat stress through increased heart rate and perspiration, aiding relaxation. Some people hardly achieve a state of relaxation through yoga, meditation, or even massage. If you are experiencing extreme stress or anxiety, concentrating during meditation can be difficult.

Getting a sauna session can be a great way of transitioning your body from a stressful state, where numerous hormones can trigger teeth grinding into relaxation mode. Spending time in the sauna can move the autonomic nervous system from stress response into a relaxation state, reducing or eliminating teeth grinding. 

Reduced Inflammation and Enhanced Circulation to Promote Gum Health

The full spectrum infrared sauna has been found to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Besides reducing inflammation triggered by sports injuries and arthritis, sauna bathing can help reduce inflammation in the gums. When circulation is enhanced across the body, white blood cells and essential nutrients like proteins, which keep the body, including gums, healthy, are delivered appropriately.

According to a journal published by the National Library of Medicine, proteins and cytokines discharged after a sauna session can help reduce inflammation. These revelations act as proof that sauna bathing can sauna bathing can alleviate inflammation. Sauna use activates heat stress, increases blood circulation, and aids the transportation and delivery of essential nutrients to the mouth, improving oral health.

Alternative Methods to Boost Your Oral Hygiene

Besides the sauna, you can adopt alternative methods to boost oral hygiene and enjoy a bright smile. These include:

·       Brush Your Teeth with a Soft-bristled Brush

Experts say you should change your brush every three months or sooner, depending on the condition of the bristles. Additionally, if your brush is hard-bristled, replace it with a firm and medium-bristled toothbrush for cleaner teeth. 

You likely already know you should change your toothbrush every two to three months (or sooner if the bristles are frayed), but if you’re using a hard brush, consider replacing it now. Medium- and firm-bristled toothbrushes may leave your teeth feeling cleaner, but they can be very abrasive—and damaging over time.

·       Brush Your Teeth before Bed

Brushing before bed is important to clear plaque and germs accumulated throughout the day.

·       Start Brushing Your Teeth from the Back

Brushing the hard-to-reach spots is vital because it allows you to remove all the residue, which makes your molars vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. 

·       Rinse Your Mouth after Eating

Use fresh water to rinse your mouth after eating to eliminate any acidic residue from food that can cause tooth decay. Rinsing removes any decaying food leftovers in your teeth, where bacteria can breed. 

·       Adopt Proper Nutrition

Good nutrition is vital for healthy gums and teeth. Remember, vitamin C is crucial for proper gum development. Additionally, calcium and phosphorus can remineralize your teeth. So, consuming lentils, beans, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables can help supply adequate calcium to the teeth. You can get phosphorus from eggs, fish, and lean meat, while broccoli, citrus fruits, and spinach can supply you with vitamin C. Adopt a balanced diet that contains these foods to promote good oral health. 

·       Clean the Tongue

Your tongue can harbor bacteria and germs, and to keep them at bay, you must clean it periodically to alleviate stubborn bacteria and keep your mouth fresh and healthy.

·       Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash acts as a protective layer against bacteria. However, you must exercise caution when using them because some can be harsh enough to alleviate bad and good bacteria. Consult your oral health specialist for guidance on the best brand that suits your needs without harming you. 

Finally

While saunas are not a substitute for oral care, using them regularly can enhance oral hygiene. Sauna therapy has been found to be a natural and effective approach to promoting dental hygiene and health. The sauna aids detoxification, reduces inflammation, and enhances circulation, making it an essential addition to oral care and hygiene. Always consult your dentist before using the sauna for your oral hygiene needs.