Holistic dentistry—also called biological dentistry, alternative dentistry and natural dentistry—is an approach to dental care that takes into account the whole person, not just their teeth and gums. It recognizes that our oral health is connected to our overall health and wellbeing, and that the mouth is a window into the rest of the body.
Holistic dentists work to promote optimal oral and overall health, and they use nontoxic materials and dental procedures whenever possible. Their goal is to treat the underlying cause of dental problems, rather than just the symptoms.
What Are The Benefits Of Holistic Dentistry?
There are many benefits to choosing a holistic dentist. Our holistic Mesa dentists:
- Emphasize prevention and early detection of dental problems
- Use only safe, nontoxic materials and procedures
- Take a whole-person approach to oral health, considering the connection between the mouth and the rest of the body
- Provide individualized care based on each person’s unique needs
Holistic dentistry works to understand how dental decay and gum disease affect, and are affected by, other health issues such as nutrition and stress. This approach can save you time and money by preventing or resolving health problems before they become serious.
Preventing dental problems is always the best option, and holistic dentists are trained to identify risk factors so they can be avoided or minimized.
For example, if you have a family history of gum disease, your holistic dentist will take steps to help you avoid it. If you are at risk for cavities, your dentist may recommend dietary changes or prescribe supplements to strengthen your teeth.
If dental problems do occur, holistic dentistry focuses on treating the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms. For example, if you have tooth decay, your dentist will not just drill out the decay and put in a filling. He or she will also try to identify why the decay occurred in the first place and help to ensure it doesn’t occur again.
Your holistic dentist may also recommend alternatives to traditional dental treatments. For example, if you need a root canal, your dentist may recommend a procedure called ozone therapy to cleanse the tooth and kill the bacteria before performing the root canal.
If you are looking for a more natural approach to dental care, holistic dentistry may be right for you.
Is Holistic Dentistry Legitimate?
Holistic dentistry is legitimate and it works. In fact, traditional dentistry incorporates some holistic practices in its own work.
For example, many dentists now use digital x-rays, which emit up to 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. This is a safer option for both patients and the holistic dental staff.
Some dentists also use lasers to treat gum disease and tooth decay. Lasers are thought to be more effective and cause less damage to the surrounding tissue than other methods, such as scaling and root planing.
In addition, more and more dentists are using natural products, such as fluoride-free toothpaste and mercury-free fillings.
Safe Mercury Filling Removal & Healthful Alternatives
If you have mercury fillings, you may be wondering if they are safe. The truth is that there is a lot of controversy surrounding mercury fillings and many modern dentists are starting to provide mercury filling removal services because dental amalgam can make you sick.
Due to the fact that mercury is a toxic heavy metal and the effects of mercury poisoning are well-documented, mercury fillings are banned from being used in children and pregnant women in many countries in Europe.
Holistic dentists instead typically use resin-based fillings. Unlike dental amalgam, these fillings are:
- Biocompatible (safe for your body)
- Naturally adhesive (they don’t have to be forced or wedged into place)
- Look and feel like natural teeth
Dental amalgam, besides being unsafe for the human body, also expand and contract with temperature changes, creating micro-fractures in the tooth that can lead to further dental decay. Resin fillings, on the other hand, don’t have that problem.
Fluoride & Holistic Dentistry
Holistic dentists also avoid using fluoride, which has been linked to a number of health problems.
Fluoride is a known neurotoxin that can damage the brain and nervous system. It has also been linked to cancer, bone weakness and other health problems.
While it is true that fluoride can help prevent cavities, there are many other ways to achieve the same goal without using a substance that is so potentially harmful to human health.
There are many natural ways to prevent cavities, such as using toothpaste with natural ingredients, gargling with salt water and avoiding sugary foods.
Diet & Holistic Dentistry
What you eat has a direct impact on your dental health. The foods you consume can either promote dental health or contribute to tooth decay and other problems.
For example, sugary foods feed the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities. acidic beverages can also erode tooth enamel.
On the other hand, there are many healthy foods that are good for your teeth. These include crunchy fruits and vegetables that help clean your teeth, milk and cheese that contain calcium for strong teeth and bones, and water which helps rinse away food and bacteria.
In addition to what you eat, how you eat can also impact your dental health. Biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools can all damage your tooth enamel.
If you want to maintain good dental health, it’s important to eat a balanced diet and avoid foods that can damage your teeth. In addition, you should brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
