About Holistic Dentists

A holistic dentist is a doctor who takes a more natural, holistic approach to dental care. These dentists try to avoid using traditional dental materials and ingredients such as fluoride, mercury and other chemicals. A holistic dentist focuses on the person as a whole. These doctors take treatment one step further by addressing several issues such as diet, lifestyle and previous dental treatments. Many holistic dentists encourage the removal mercury amalgam fillings because of the potential health risks associated with these materials. Mercury is a toxic lead which can easily leach into the body.

The Facts

Holistic dentists are required to complete the same level of education as a traditional western medicine dentist. In fact most holistic dentists study various forms of alternative medicine such as hypnosis, acupuncture, foot reflexology and homeopathy.

Many holistic dentists are heavily opposed to root canals and other invasive treatments which they feel could be treated with a more natural approach.

Holistic dentists feel that the health of a person's teeth and gums can affect overall health. Gingivitis is a gum disease which has been linked to other health problems because it can cause inflammation which is believed to be a contributing factor for heart disease.

Benefits

Holistic dentists also take time out with patients to see how diet and lifestyle can impact the health of a person's teeth and gums. Our teeth depend of various minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc and boron just to name a few.

Holistic dentists offer a more natural less invasive approach to dentistry. In some holistic dental practices a professional massage therapist will massage your feet to help you relax while you are receiving dental treatments.

Visiting a holistic dentist is typically less stressful because these dentists and their staff take extra measures to make sure that their patients are comfortable.

Risk Factors

There are little to no risk factors associated with holistic dentistry as compared to traditional dentistry. However, every holistic dentist has a different approach and some of them still use traditional anesthesia which in rare cases may cause death.

Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about holistic dentists. Many people believe that holistic dentists don't have as many treatment options as regular dentists. Actually holistic dentists offer the same treatments that a regular dentist provides. The main difference is holistic dentists use different materials which they believe to be safer for fillings, teeth whitening, and cleanings. Many holistic dentists offer a wide variety of services which include nitrous oxide anesthesia, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, periodontal gum screening, hypnosis, homeopathy, applied kinesiology and some holistic dentists even offer nutritional supplements.

Another misconception about holistic dentists is that they are totally against traditional dentistry. Actually many holistic dentists work with traditional dentist and some holistic dentists worked as traditional dentists prior to changing their treatment methods.

Expert Insight

Dr. Linda Page is a Natruopathic doctor, and author of "Healthy Healing." This book in particular has been used to complement text books for health classes in many colleges across the United States. She also advises people to have their mercury fillings removed because the mouth is the gateway for all disease.

Significance

Holistic dentistry is vital because it offers a more natural healthy approach to dental care. People should be able to choose what type of dentist they would like to visit.

Holistic dentists are always looking into new ways to help the patient without invasive methods or harsh chemicals. These dentists are typically very flexible and easy to talk to.

Many holistic dentists also advise their patients to avoid using regular toothpaste. Instead they advise patients to use natural toothpaste like tooth soap. You can also find a natural toothpaste that doesn't contain fluoride at your local health food store or online.

History of

In the late 1880's the National Dental Association started to see that mercury is toxic. This discovery caused many dentists to begin to practice a more natural form of dentistry now called holistic dentistry. Holistic dentists are also called biological dentists. There has always been place for holistic dentists although there have been many times throughout history when many people were more likely to visit an orthodox mainstream dentists. However, now that alternative medicine has become more popular more people are visiting holistic dentists because most of them tend to spend more time with their patients and use safer treatment methods.