Taking care of your oral health is an important part of overall wellness. Everyday brushing and flossing helps keep teeth and gums healthy between regular dental checkups. You probably even visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups.
But do you ever feel like they're just concerned with filling cavities and scraping your teeth... and not much more than that? Have you ever considered the materials they're using? Or, maybe you or your kids haven't seen much of an improvement in your dental health?
As someone who takes a more natural approach to wellness, you might be interested in an alternative dentistry known as holistic dentistry. This approach connects your dental health to your overall well-being. Their approach uses more natural methods to keep your mouth healthy. They also view your mouth as a part of your whole body and understand how it can impact the rest of your health.
What is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry, also known as biological dentistry, views the mouth as an integral part of the entire body. Conventional dentistry only focuses on treating dental issues. On the other hand, holistic dentists take a much broader approach to oral care. They consider how mouth health impacts whole body health. Instead of just treating symptoms, they find and treat the root causes of oral health problems.
Using less toxic materials and procedures that have less of an impact on your body offers more natural options. And their focus on diet and lifestyle choices means you'll need fewer interventions. They also use alternative therapies to support the body’s natural healing processes.
How Is Holistic Dentistry Different from Conventional Dentistry?
Both types of dentistry work to address problems and make sure your mouth is healthy. However, conventional and holistic dentistry have different philosophies regarding oral health. They also use different methods to reach their goals.
Types of Materials
Holistic dentists use biocompatible materials that produce fewer harmful side effects. This includes natural, non-toxic, and metal-free materials for fillings, crowns, dental implants, and other dental work. Their offices are often fluoride-free as well. They don’t use amalgam fillings, which contain mercury. Instead, they offer composite resin or ceramic fillings.
Traditional dentists aren't concerned with toxic substances. They focus on durability and function instead of biocompatibility.
Different Procedures
Holistic dentistry uses minimally invasive techniques. They often avoid root canals, which some experts have linked with potentially severe side effects. Additionally, they might not recommend wisdom teeth extraction or might use alternative therapies for TMJ.
And because they’re more aware of toxic substances, they’ll reduce your exposure during procedures, like removing mercury amalgam fillings. They use advanced safety protocols such as rubber dams and special air filtration systems to help prevent you from swallowing or breathing in the mercury.
Conventional dentists often aren’t concerned with toxic exposure. This means they’re less willing to take extra steps to reduce exposure to toxins. Instead, they work to get things done as quickly and easily as possible.
Focus on Root Causes
Holistic dentists view the mouth as a part of the whole body. They're more interested in what role nutrition, inflammation, hormones, and more impact your oral health. They know bacteria in the mouth can lead to problems elsewhere. So, they take time to assess your overall health and how it relates to your oral health.
On the other hand, conventional dentists are more concerned with treating any issues you may have, like cavities or gum disease. They aren't typically going to assess how you’re doing and make a holistic plan to treat your mouth and whole body.
Integration of Alternative Therapies
Holistic dentistry often uses alternative treatments to heal your mouth and reduce inflammation. This includes things like acupuncture, ozone therapy, or homeopathy.
You typically wouldn't find a conventional dentist using these alternatives in their practice.
Benefits of Holistic Dentistry
There are so many benefits to alternative dentistry! If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to dental care, here are some reasons to make the switch from conventional dentistry.
Reduce Your Exposure to Toxins
Our bodies are inundated with toxins on a daily basis. As we try to reduce our toxic burden, it’s important to not overlook what we might be exposed to at the dentist's office. A Holistic Dentist will avoid dental materials like BPA and mercury fillings. Instead, they choose biocompatible materials.
Many biological dental offices are also fluoride-free. Fluoride exposure is linked to thyroid issues, fertility problems, bone and collagen loss, and more. Any time you can avoid fluoride is good!
Holistic dentists are more cautious about X-rays as well, which reduces your radiation exposure. Some will order fewer pictures of your mouth, while others use digital X-ray technology.
Support for Your Overall Health
Because holistic dentists understand that oral health is a key component in overall health, they’re more aware of the impact dental health has on your whole body. They understand issues like gum disease can lead to heart disease, diabetes, or pregnancy complications. An infected tooth can cause a sinus infection, anxiety, and other side effects. Addressing oral health holistically helps keep your whole body healthy.
Focus on Prevention
Holistic dentists focus on preventing oral health issues to keep you healthy. They’ll work with you and your family to develop a plan that includes nutrition, oral care hygiene, and more to help keep your mouth (and entire body!) doing its best.
Personalized Care
Biological dentists understand one size doesn’t fit all. They work with each patient to create an individual treatment plan for oral care, dental treatment, and prevention. This makes you feel like you’re viewed as an important patient... instead of just someone with a problem who needs more dental procedures!
The dentist's office can be overwhelming for anyone... especially children! A holistic dental practice understands this and will work with everyone to make them feel welcome. They’ll often take time to explain what they’re doing and ease into the process. While some conventional dentists do this as well, that isn’t always the case.
Natural Ways to Care for Your Oral Health Now
If you’re looking for more holistic dental care, there are several things you can do now to care for your family’s oral health naturally. Remineralizing your teeth naturally to reverse tooth decay is easier than you think!
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Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet: A whole-food diet promotes strong teeth and healthy gums. Make sure you eat lots of vegetables, grass-fed and pasture-raised protein, and healthy fats. Focus on vitamins A, D, and K2, which are essential for strong teeth and healthy gums.
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Switch to Natural Oral Care Products: Brush with fluoride-free toothpaste with natural ingredients like hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and essential oils. These products help remineralize your teeth without fluoride, artificial colors or sweeteners, and other not-so-great ingredients. Our Wellnesse products offer a great way to prevent tooth decay and remineralize your teeth.
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Practice Oil Pulling: This ancient Ayurvedic practice is amazing for teeth and gums! Swishing coconut oil for 10-20 minutes can reduce harmful bacteria and promote healthier gums. Add the Balanced Mouth Blend to your oil pulling for an extra boost.
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Stay Hydrated: Saliva is super important to our oral health because it helps balance pH levels. Being hydrated helps support saliva production and balance our oral microbiome. And drinking plenty of water helps clean our mouths and wash away food particles.
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Limit Sugar Intake: You’ve probably heard that sugar causes cavities! And although it does play a role, it’s not the only thing that causes decay. However, reducing sugar consumption lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease.
How to Find a Holistic Dentist
Chances are there’s a biological dentist near you! You can check out the IAOMT website for a directory of dentists. You can also search for a dentist certified in the safe removal of mercury fillings.
If you have any issues you’d like to discuss with your dentist, make sure you let them know when you have your new patient appointment. This is a good time to discuss any aversions or fears you or your family members might have of the dentist as well. They’ll help you work through past traumas and bad experiences so that you can receive the dental care you need in a compassionate way.
Holistic Dentistry: An Alternative to Traditional Dentistry
For anyone who wants to focus on their overall health and reduce their toxin exposure, holistic dentistry is a great alternative. These dentists address the root causes of dental issues, reduce toxin exposure, and emphasize prevention. Alternative dentistry not only supports oral health but contributes to overall wellness.