The vast majority of the population is used to seeing the same type of dentist, someone who checks the presence of cavities, cleans their teeth, and possibly does a filling. That’s it. However, what if your dentist also listened to the impact of your diet on your gums, or that a filling material may impact your overall health?
This is what a Holistic Dentist does
Holistic dentistry is rapidly expanding in the U.S., particularly in large cities where patients are demanding more personalized, health-focused care. In case you were wondering what the difference is between this kind of dentist and the rest, you have come to the right place. The article dissects what holistic dentistry really entails, the difference between it and standard dental care, treatments included in it, and who it might be a good fit for
What Does a Holistic Dentist Mean?
A licensed dental practitioner who considers your oral health as a component of a larger whole: your entire body is a holistic dentist. They do not merely fix teeth in a vacuum, but instead consider how dental issues can be related to other things, such as heart health, digestion, immune functioning, and even mental stress.
The term holistic is derived from the notion of dealing with the entire individual, and not with the symptom. This strategy began to gain serious momentum in the last 2 decades as more studies have linked oral health to other systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions.
The same dental school training as conventional dentists is undertaken by holistic dentists. The only difference is their philosophy and the other practices and materials they opt to utilize or exclude.
What Is the Difference between a Holistic Dentist and a Dentist?
This is the question that most people will have in mind when they first hear the term. Both kinds of dentists provide care to teeth and gums. Both are licensed professionals. However, the distinctions become evident in approach, materials, a nd philosophy.
Treatment Philosophy
The traditional dentist specializes more in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases like cavities, gingivitis, loss of teeth, and misalignments. They are aimed at correcting the issue in your mouth.
A holistic dentist picks up that same work and overlays questions such as: What caused this cavity? Diet, dry mouth, or acid reflux? Is it possible that this inflammation of the gum is related to the systemic inflammation in other areas? Is it a patient who is highly stressed, and that is taking its toll on their oral health?
It is a more investigative, root cause-oriented practice of dentistry.
Materials Used
Among the largest distinctions is the food that goes in your mouth. Particularly careful are holistic dentists who are alert to materials that could pose health hazards.
- Mercury and Amalgam Fillings: In most traditional dentistry, amalgam (silver) fillings continue to be used. These fillings have mercury, which some patients and researchers have expressed concerns over. Holistic dentists generally do not use amalgam at all and usually provide safe removals of mercury to those patients who need to have old fillings removed.
- BPA Free Composites: There are several standard composite tooth colored fillings that contain BPA, a chemical that is linked with disruption of the hormones. In many instances, BPA-free alternatives are used by holistic dentists.
- Biocompatible Materials: The choice of materials is based on the response the body has to the material, sometimes using testing to check the response of the material to the individual patient.
Radiation and X-rays
Normal dentists have a common procedure when it comes to dental X-rays. Holistic dentists generally limit the amount of radiation exposure, and may wait longer between X-rays, or use digital X-rays, which use less radiation than traditional film.
Relationship to Total Health
Holistic dentists tend to enquire about your diet, sleep, stress levels, medications, and health history. They can collaborate with other health providers like naturopathic physicians, nutritionists, or physicians in order to provide you with more comprehensive care.
Typical Treatments and Services in a Holistic Dental Practice
Holistic dentistry encompasses the same basic services as traditional dentistry, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and orthodontics. However, several services transcendd the usual list.
Safe Amalgam Removal
A large number of patients with old silver fillings desire them to be replaced. When removing, a holistic dentist adheres to stringent safety measures such as those prescribed by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) in a bid to reduce the amount of mercury vapor emitted. This is performed with protective equipment, special suction, and well-regulated steps.
Ozone Therapy
The ozone gas is naturally antibacterial. In some cases, it is used by holistic dentists to treat early cavities, gum disease, and infections without necessarily drilling heavily or using antibiotics. It is the least invasive procedure that is gaining strong scientific support.
Biological Periodontal Care
The treatment of gum disease in a holistic practice can involve nutritional counseling, probiotic counseling, or herbal rinses as well as traditional deep cleaning procedures. It is aimed at decreasing the inflammation, not only locally, but on the systemic level.
Non-Toxic Dental Products
Even to what you put in your mouth, holistic dentists are sensitive to what chemicals enter your body, even in minute amounts.
Do Holistic Dentistry and Science Go Hand in Hand?
This is just a question. Research supports some of the aspects of holistic dentistry. The connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, e.g., is well known. The American Heart Association has recognised that gum disease is linked to the risk of heart attack and stroke.
There is also an increasing body of clinical evidence that the use of ozone in dentistry is effective against oral bacteria.
Where it becomes less obvious is with certain of the more alternative claims, such as the idea that certain teeth are energetically related to organs (a concept in dental meridian therapy). These assertions are less peer-reviewed and more a part of integrative or alternative wellness than evidence-based dentistry.
An effective holistic dentist will be open to what has good evidence and what is regarded as complementary or supportive. They will not lead you to treatments that are not based on real science.
Who ought to think about visiting a Holistic Dentist?
Holistic dentistry is not just a thing that should be conducted among already health-conscious people. It can be a good fit for a variety of patients.
Individuals Sensitive or Allergic to Metal.
Should you have had a reaction to dental materials previously, a holistic dentist can perform biocompatibility testing to identify the best dental materials to work with your body.
Patients with chronic health conditions.
When you are dealing with conditions like autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, or inflammatory conditions, you may want a dentist who considers your overall health picture.
Mercury-Free Care at the request of the patients.
Be it that you do not wish to remove old amalgam fillings or even that you just do not want them in the future, the standard option of mercury-free dentistry is holistic dentists.
Anyone Who Wants a More Preventative Approach.
Holistic dentistry is also focused on a lot of prevention and treatment of causes before they develop into larger problems. This philosophy suits you quite well if you would like to avoid having repeated dental work.
How to find a Holistic Dentist: What to look at.
Not all dentists who identify themselves as holistic adhere to the same principles. These are the items to examine when seeking the name of a qualified provider.
- Search IAOMT Membership: The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology establishes strict criteria of mercury-safe dentistry and biological dental care.
- Ask about Materials: An authentic holistic dentist will be in a position to explain clearly the materials that they use and the reasons, and provide alternatives.
- Assess their attitude toward X-rays: Are they reducing the amount of radiation but still offering safe care?
- Find Integrative Thinking: Are they interested in how well you are overall, in your diet and lifestyle, or do they drill right away?
In case you are in the City of New York, you can access several experienced providers. A holistic dentistry NYC practice will usually provide the full range of biological dental services, not just in the removal of safe amalgam, but also in the ozone therapy service.
FAQ
Q: Does holistic dentistry cost more than normal dentistry?
It can be. In some cases, biocompatible materials and special protocols may be more expensive than regular treatments. Most holistic dentistry does not take insurance on all services, but basic cleanings and examinations are usually covered. Enquire about the price before treatment.
Q: Does a holistic dentist also provide cosmetic services such as veneers or whitening?
Yes. The majority of holistic dentists provide cosmetic services. They can suggest certain whitening techniques or types of veneers which do not involve the use of harsh chemicals, but the cosmetic work per se is in no way restricted.
Q: Is it safe to remove old amalgam fillings?
Safe amalgam removal is deemed to be low risk when done in accordance with proper safety measures such as those provided by the IAOMT. Efforts to remove it without these precautions may produce an acute increase in mercury exposure, so it is important to choose a trained provider.
Q: Don’t I have to believe in alternative medicine to visit a holistic dentist?
Not at all. When most patients visit a holistic dentist in Manhattan, they are merely seeking mercury-free treatment or a more preventative treatment. You do not have to subscribe to any other health philosophy. You simply have a dentist who is more broad-minded about how to think about you in terms of health.
Conclusion
The purpose of both holistic and conventional dentistry is the same: to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. The distinction lies in the extent to which they consider that end. A holistic dentist takes into account your overall health, utilizes less toxic materials, reduces exposure to toxins, and attempts to identify underlying causes instead of merely treating symptoms.
In case you have been feeling that standard dental care is not providing you with the whole picture, exploring holistic dentistry would be a prudent next step. Set up an appointment, pose the correct questions, and identify a provider whose approach best aligns with what you need.
