Another term for holistic dentistry is biological dentistry. Holistic dentists employ certain natural therapies, usually in combination with more conventional ones, in their practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral and dental diseases. The goal of holistic dentistry is to consider and value the patient’s entire physical and emotional health while addressing their oral health. In the late 1970s, a coterie of dentists formed the Holistic Dental Association with the mission of educating fellow dentists and the general public about the health benefits of holistic dentistry. Historically, the treatments for many oral diseases and conditions have included toxic elements, like the mercury included in metal amalgam that has been used for fillings for decades; holistic dentists use non-metallic materials for dental fillings and encourage further developments in non-toxic treatments. Another example of holistic dentistry is demonstrated in routine procedures like dental deep cleanings and root canals, which could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream; to minimize this threat, holistic dentists used natural antibacterial agents when performing these essential procedures.
In addition to the biological risks related to traditional dentistry, holistic dentistry attempts to mitigate environmental risks. For example, when improperly disposed dental waste contains mercury and other heavy metals found in dental amalgam, these metals are released into the water, killing animals and plants, disrupting the food chain, and possibly leading to long-term issues that haven’t even been imagined yet. Mercury can also be released into the air when cotton swabs, gauze, and other trash that’s been in contact with metal amalgam is incinerated.
Many diseases first manifest in conditions of the oral cavity, and the health of the oral cavity is a vital part of the overall health. The relationship between the health of the oral cavity and the overall health is complex and inextricable. Oral health has been clinically demonstrated to be directly related to diseases like diabetes, stroke, and cardiac conditions, with the health of the mouth and the health of the body sharing a reciprocal relationship; poor oral health can increase the likelihood of certain diseases; indicate the presence of certain diseases; and increase the damage caused by certain diseases. Poor oral health can also lead to depression and interfere with social interaction and intimacy. Holistic dentists look at the entire patient when evaluating the condition of the oral cavity; there’s more to a person than just their teeth and gums. While most dentists provide instructions about dental care, holistic dentists are also likely to emphasize smoking cessation, improved nutrition, and behavior modifications like reduced alcohol consumption when applicable to their patients and when related to their oral health.
Some holistic dentists have a more conservative approach than others, but the universal among holistic dentists is a refusal to use metal amalgam, nickel, or any other metal to fill dental cavities. The holistic choice to use composite resin material has become more and more common among traditional dentists who don’t count themselves among the notably holistic, mostly because these materials are resilient and strong like metal but provide the added benefit of being aesthetically similar to the appearance of the teeth. In many cases, in fact, dentists who don’t identify as holistic dentists regularly use holistic methods in their practices; don’t be afraid to ask your dentist if you have questions about how they might incorporate holistic approaches to dentistry.
