ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews some of the health factors that are contributing to the emerging holistic attitude in dentistry and oral health. Oral health is inextricably interrelated with the person’s environment, with his or her life-style, and with internal and external functioning. More than most other medical specialties, dentistry has emphasized, promoted, and institutionalized preventive health practices. Good dental habits are taught by dentists and hygienists, are presented in schools, and promoted through public service advertising. A nutritionally adequate diet acts as a preventive measure for healthy teeth and gums, enables teeth to develop initially, and promotes health in mature teeth. Life-style and personality affect oral health in more general ways as well. Conventional oral health practices must be regular and habitual to be maximally effective. Dealing with pain is perhaps the most difficult task in dentistry, especially because many dentists themselves are uncomfortable about causing pain, even in the service of oral health.
