Definition of Holistic Dentistry
Holistic dentistry is an approach to dental care that focuses on the overall health of an individual as opposed to solely their teeth and gums. It takes into consideration the person’s diet and lifestyle, environmental exposures, and other factors that could contribute to their dental health.
Holistic dentistry is different from traditional dentistry in that it emphasizes prevention and focuses on treating the underlying causes of dental problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. It also seeks to maintain overall wellness through nutrition, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits.
Benefits of Holistic Dentistry
There are many potential benefits of holistic dentistry for overall health, including:
- Reducing toxic exposure: Holistic dentists prioritize the prevention of exposure to toxic metals, such as mercury fillings, which can be released into the body through chewing and cause health problems. Holistic dentists may use more natural materials when possible that are less likely to be toxic.
- Improving overall well-being: Holistic dentists sometimes consider factors such as the patient’s diet and lifestyle when creating treatment plans. They may provide advice on how to improve overall health, such as eating a balanced diet and participating in regular physical activity.
- Addressing underlying causes:A holistic approach seeks to treat the underlying cause of a dental issue, rather than just the symptoms. In this way, it seeks to provide long-term relief from dental problems instead of just temporary relief from the symptoms.
What to Expect from a Holistic Dentist
When visiting a holistic dentist, you can expect a personalized assessment of your oral health needs. A holistic approach considers a patient’s overall health, diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures in order to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
The holistic dentist may order tests to assess the mouth, throat, and other parts of the head and neck. They may take photos and x-rays, as well as inspect your teeth and gums to identify any issues.
The dentist may discuss with the patient the use of holistic treatments such as teeth bleaching with natural substances, and the use of detoxifying substances such as proteolytic enzymes to reduce the impact of infections in the teeth and gums, reduce inflammation and improve overall oral health.
A holistic dentist may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as dietary alterations and stress reduction strategies, to improve dental health and overall wellness.
Using Natural Oral Care
Patients receiving holistic dental care may also choose to use only natural oral care products when brushing, flossing and rinsing to prevent tooth and gum disease. Holistic oral care products often contain ingredients such as baking soda, natural oils, herbs, and plant extracts that can benefit the mouth.
These products are non-toxic, so they are less likely to cause any negative side effects. They may also be more effective than traditional dental products at addressing dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease, by directly targeting the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Holistic dentistry is an approach to dental care that considers the patient’s overall health and lifestyle when creating a treatment plan. It seeks to address underlying causes of dental problems, reduce toxic exposure, and improve overall well-being.
When visiting a holistic dentistry, you can expect a personalized assessment and treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs. In addition, you may be advised to switch to natural oral care products, such as those made with baking soda, natural oils, herbs, and plant extracts. These products are non-toxic and can be more effective at preventing and alleviating dental issues.
Overall, holistic dentistry offers an alternative approach to dental care that is gentle and focused on preventive care. By taking a holistic approach to dental care, you can reduce your risk of dental problems and improve your overall health.
What are the benefits of holistic dentistry?
1. Holistic dentistry promotes overall health, not just oral health. It takes into account the connection between oral health and the health of the entire body.
2. Holistic dentists use natural materials that are free of toxic compounds, such as mercury and lead.
3. Holistic dentists strive to use the most minimally-invasive techniques when performing treatment.
4. Holistic dentists take into account the patient’s overall health history, and their lifestyle habits, when formulating a treatment plan.
5. Holistic dentists focus on prevention and teaching patients how to maintain healthy oral hygiene.
6. Holistic dentists use a combination of techniques, such as acupuncture, nutrition, chiropractic treatments and herbal remedies, to promote overall health.
What is the difference between holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry?
Traditional dentistry focuses on treating the isolated problem the patient has with the teeth, gums and mouth. It often focuses on repairing individual problems through the use of restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. Holistic dentistry is more comprehensive, taking into account the overall health of a patient’s teeth, gums, and entire body. It uses preventative and non-invasive treatments as well as utilizing dietary and lifestyle changes to help keep the mouth healthy. Holistic dentists look at diet and nutritional deficiencies, oral pH levels, mercury fillings, and other external factors that may contribute to a patient’s dental problems. Holistic dentistry also takes into account the environmental and emotional effects on oral health.