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Holistic Dentistry
ShareHolistic dentistry is a practice that uses safe, non toxic methods of caring for your oral health. It covers the same areas as traditional dentistry but works with the entire body in order to ensure optimal health. Read on to find out more.
What is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry relates your general health to your oral health. It takes into account how the body responds to dentistry. This form of dentistry uses modern, bio-compatible, non-toxic materials and techniques as well as using both complementary and conventional techniques in dental treatments.
A central concern of holistic dentistry is an understanding of the impact that infections in the gums, teeth or jawbone have on the health in general. It is important to note that the body is connected – nothing works in isolation. The mouth has a rich nerve and blood supply, harbours bacteria, and is where all food and water enters the body. It stands to reason then, that the mouth needs to be healthy. The aim is to create optimal health. For optimal health to be achieved, the six defects must be addressed.
Services Provided by Holistic Dentists
Following are some services that may be provided by holistic dentists:
- holistic dental care
- diagnosis and treatment planning
- preventative care and oral hygiene
- treatment of gum disease
- cosmetic dentistry
- smile makeovers
- tooth whitening
- orthodontics
- dental implants
- porcelain dentistry
- laser dentistry
- CEREC restorations
- TMJ treatment
- root canal therapy
- breath freshening
The Six Defects – Signs and Symptoms in the Mouth
The six defects are defects that are common to every degenerative disease. The defects have symptoms that will be present in the mouth to varying degrees. The defects are:
- pH Imbalance – Acid or Alkaline Imbalance – this is when the pH of bodily fluids is out of balance. Acid stress is very common and underlines 80 percent of all diseases. Oral symptoms include bone resorption, tooth decay, candida, and bacterial infections in the gum and/or bone.
- Anaerobic Metabolism – the body gains energy from a mix of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism but it favours aerobic metabolism. If the body starts using too much anaerobic metabolism, fatigue, disease, and infections begin to occur. Oral symptoms include bone resorption, tooth decay, candida, and bacterial infections in the gum and/or bone.
- Free Calcium Excess – in a good state of health, 55 percent of serum calcium is bound to protein or alkaline buffers while 45 percent is in a “free” state. If the ratio narrows, too much free calcium occurs and this can cause calcification, bone resorption, and alterations in cell signaling, which can then result in a range of diseases. Oral symptoms include calculus on the teeth and calcium deposits.
- Chronic Inflammation – acute inflammation helps the body to heal itself but if it is chronic it begins to fail its purpose, raising the risk of infection, toxicity, and all diseases. Oral symptoms include periodontitis tissue destruction.
- Connective Tissue Breakdown – connective tissue makes up the superstructure of the body and helps to literally hold the body together. Enzymes produced by chronic inflammation along with damaging free radicals cause the connective tissues to begin to break down. Oral symptoms include bleeding gums, loosening teeth, and periodontal diseases.
- Oxidative Stress- this is when the anti-oxidants are not able to cope with levels of damaging free radicals. Oral symptoms include aging, fissuring of the lips, dry skin, and inflammation at the corners of the mouth.
Homoeopathy and Holistic Dentistry
Homoeopathy is an important part of holistic dentistry. It can be used in three scenarios of ill health. First aid homoeopathy is used post operatively in dental procedures. Acute homoeopathy is for conditions that will eventually get better on their own. Constitutional homoeopathy will treat the whole person in order to trigger a profound healing response. It is very helpful for long term and chronic problems, such as recurring periodontal disease.
Homoeopathic remedies can help to minimise and reduce inflammation and speed healing times. As well, they can reduce anxiety and pain, as well as help with the treatment of many different dental diseases. They are safe to take with other medications. While homoeopathic remedies are safe, it is important that you consult with your holistic dentist before taking any.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam fillings are not used at all in holistic dentistry as they contain mercury – a highly toxic substance that is released into the mouth and body over time. When mercury is used as part of a filling, any remainder must be disposed of as toxic waste, by law. If it must be disposed of so carefully, it cannot be safe in the body.
Holistic dentistry uses non toxic, biocompatible materials for fillings. Biocompatible materials, as the name implies, do not interfere with any of the body’s functions.
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