Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Just regular brushing and flossing is not what good oral health is all about, for good oral health also includes your overall well-being. As dental professionals spend years studying gums and teeth, they are also very well aware of how their occupation is just as important as other doctors, for oral health is connected to the rest of the body, which is why dentists often recommend different kinds of complementary therapies to boost overall health. One such therapy that has gained significant recognition and recommendation from dental professionals is massage therapy.
A holistic approach to healthcare is massage therapy which manipulates the body’s soft tissues like muscles and tendons, helping reduce stress, relax, and enhance overall physical and mental well-being. At first, it will seem unrelatable to dental health, but the body has an interconnected nature meaning that these benefits from massage therapy can extend to diverse oral health factors.
Correlation between Dental Health and Overall Well-being
Etobicoke family dentist highly recommends massage therapy due to its remarkable connection to well-being. Like the oral-systemic link, which emphasizes the relationship between oral health and overall health, massage therapy can positively impact physical and mental health. Say goodbye to the pain, muscle tension, and discomfort thanks to massages’ positive effects, which improve blood circulation.
Advantages of Massage Therapy for Dental Patients
Receiving regular massages offers a multitude of benefits. It provides a unique, engaging experience and promotes better health and happiness. Massage therapy in Kitchener offers numerous benefits for dental health. Stated below are some of the benefits of massages:
- Blood Flow Is Improved – One of the main advantages of massage treatment for dental health is its capacity to improve blood flow around the mouth and jaw. The tissues’ health and general well-being are promoted by massage, which helps transport necessary nutrients and oxygen to them.
- Reduced Jaw Tension – Massage treatment is an excellent way to relax the jaw muscles, soothe discomfort, and lessen the likelihood of experiencing jaw pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
- Improved Oral Hygiene – Massage stimulates saliva production. Increasing saliva flow helps wash away unwanted substances, promoting better oral hygiene and reducing the risk of dental issues.
- Reduced Stress – Stress and tension can harm oral health, contributing to problems like teeth grinding (bruxism) and TMJ disorders. Massage therapy induces relaxation and reduces stress, promoting a healthier dental state.
Massage Therapy Techniques for Dental Patients
- Swedish massage – Long, gentle kneading and repetitive tapping strokes are used in Swedish massage to target the muscles’ outer layers. The therapist also incorporates joint movements into the treatment. This technique effectively relieves muscle tension, providing both relaxation and revitalization. Moreover, Swedish therapy can be beneficial for post-injury recovery.
- Shiatsu massage – Shiatsu massage, derived from the Japanese term “finger pressure,” involves applying rhythmic pressure on specific body points. These points, known as acupressure points, are believed to play a crucial role in the body’s flow of vital energy, called chi. Advocates of shiatsu massage claim that it can alleviate blockages at these acupressure points, promoting overall well-being.
- Chair massage – Have you ever been to a county fair, music festival, or conference and felt a twinge of envy as you watched other people enjoying chair massages? Chair massages are a convenient and enjoyable experience where you can remain fully clothed and seated in a specially designed portable chair. They tend to concentrate on giving you a back, neck, and hand massage.
Even if getting a massage has many advantages, it’s crucial to remember that high-quality dental treatment should always come first. Instead, it should be considered a complementary therapy to augment the overall dental plan. By addressing the emotional and physical aspects of dental care, massage therapy can support patients in maintaining regular dental check-ups and root canal treatments, ultimately leading to better oral health outcomes.
