What is Holistic Dentistry and Why It’s Good for Your Overall Health
What is Holistic Dentistry?
The main principle of any holistic dental practice is the belief that the body functions as a whole unit, with every part playing a role in health and vitality. Holistic dentists, in particular, integrate into their practice not only oral health care, but they consider your overall health as well when you seek out treatment. They treat systems, not symptoms. Most times, there are underlying problems causing symptoms in your mouth. Holistic dentists work with you to eliminate those problems and prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place. They ensure your dental care will not have any adverse effects on your whole-body health and well-being.
Holistic dentistry is also known as:
- Alternative dentistry.
- Natural dentistry.
- Biocompatible dentistry.
- Integrative dentistry.
How a Holistic Dentist Differs from a Conventional Dentist
So, what specifically makes a holistic dentist so different from a conventional dentist? If both practices offer the same repairs and treatment, how does a holistic dentist stand apart? Let’s compare.
Teeth Cleaning
Conventional Dentist: The conventional method of cleaning teeth typically begins with using an ultrasonic instrument that uses tap water that is most likely contaminated and a polishing paste with artificial dyes and flavorings and fluoride.
Holistic Dentist: A holistic dentist cleans your teeth in a similar way, but considers things such as city-line tap water that potentially has contaminants as well as fluoride which is a known neurotoxin. A holistic approach to dental hygiene involves water that is infused with essential oils and ozonated to disinfect and enhance immunity.
X-rays
Conventional Dentist: Most conventional dentists provide bite-wings, full-mouth series, and panoramic x-rays. Some may use more advanced technology as well.
Holistic Dentist: Holistic dentists also provide the same x-rays as a conventional dentist but, in addition, they offer a way to help negate any potential negative effects to the body by the use of the supplements at the time of exposure of any radiation to bind any free radicals that may be formed. Holistic dentists may also offer 3-D technology. The digital x-ray technology that is used decreases your radiation exposure by 90%.
Fillings
Conventional Dentist: Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-colored plastic, and materials called composite resin fillings. On average only 50% of American dentists practice mercury-free dentistry but not all can properly practice mercury-safe dentistry without proper training and protocols.
Holistic Dentist: Provides fillings but through the practice of mercury-free dentistry. A holistic dentist provides amalgam-free fillings that are BPA, Bis-GMA, and fluoride-free so that patients will not be exposed to toxins, while also evaluating what caused the cavities to prevent others from occurring in the future.
Gum Disease
Conventional Dentist: A conventional dentist treats gum disease through routine cleanings, scaling, and root planing (deep cleanings), and antibiotic medications. Typically, Periodontists are needed for advanced cases of gum disease called periodontitis which is out of the realm of treatment for a general dentist.
Holistic Dentist: A holistic dentist treats gum disease, but it’s done holistically with highly effective laser and ozone treatments and an iodine irrigation system. Part of the treatment includes determining what caused the periodontal disease in the first place.
Dental Implants
Conventional Dentist: Most dentists are trained to perform dental implant placement and may be able to complete the operation without a third party being needed. However, dentists may be less trained than an oral surgeon or a periodontist when it comes to performing dental implant placement. Titanium is most often the material of choice.
Holistic Dentist: Provides dental implants, but the material of choice is zirconia dental implants which are biocompatible and metal-free, meaning people who suffer from metal allergies or autoimmune disorders can enjoy the benefits of this smile restoration solution.
Why Holistic Dentistry is Good for Your Overall Health
Most people don’t expect their dentist to look at them as anything more than a mouth with a set of teeth and gums. Visiting a holistic dentistry practice, however, will introduce you to a very different kind of oral health experience. As a holistic practitioner, Dr. G takes various factors into account, observing your overall well-being, and addressing your physical and emotional needs as they occur throughout treatment.
The perspective of a holistic dentist is broad, extending beyond the prevention or treatment of dental diseases. Dr. G believes in creating a balance within your mouth and the rest of your body for a greater quality of life. Your consultation with a holistic dentist will involve a thorough examination and discussion of any concerning or ongoing medical conditions or health issues.
