Are you interested in a more natural approach to healthcare? In the world of oral health, holistic dentistry is the less-invasive, more natural choice for patient care. Holistic dentistry is growing in popularity as many people are seeking healthcare providers who have an integrated approach to medicine. At the core of the practice of holistic dentistry is a profound respect for the body’s natural mechanisms, as well as the individuality of the patient. A holistic dentist recognizes that every dental intervention presents both risks and benefits to a patient, and, for some patients, many dental benefits celebrated by conventional dentistry may actually be risks with respect to the rest of the body. Through advanced imaging, biological testing, biomechanical restoration design, and careful avoidance of mercury and fluoride in dental materials, a holistic dentist is best positioned to support systemic health while delivering quality dental treatment.
If you think holistic dentistry might be right for you, consider this overview of the holistic approach to help you decide what’s best for your health.
What is Holistic Dentistry?
Like holistic medicine in general, holistic dentistry has three main elements:
- Whole-body approach. When it comes to treating a person’s oral health, it is important to consider their overall health and general wellness at the same time. Oral health is an excellent indicator of a person’s whole-body health, as the mouth is the gateway to the body’s airway, microbial, and digestive health status. Conscious treatment of the mouth enhances whole body health, while tooth-driven oral care may inhibit bodily function.
- Natural treatments. Holistic dentistry uses natural treatments and materials to maintain and restore oral health. This includes metal-free, BPA-free fillings and prosthetics, biomimetic restoration designs, and use of ozone and lasers for a variety of procedures. Antibiotic use is used for emergent care only, and largely avoided.
- Preventive care. Another pillar of holistic dentistry is prevention. While conventional dentistry treats diseased teeth, it often fails to identify risk factors and underlying conditions that led to the diseased terrain in the first place. Through dietary analysis, microbiology testing, and airway evaluation, and careful assessment of a person’s medical history, dental disease risk can be identified and mitigated before it becomes destructive to the mouth.
Holistic Dental Treatments, Materials, and Tools
- Dental lasers. Many dental procedures can be performed gently with lasers rather than with more invasive instruments, preserving tooth structure and promoting healing.
- Ozone treatments. Holistic dentistry recognizes the wonderful benefits of ozone insufflation and irrigation. Ozone is super-charged medical grade oxygen that disinfects tissue and promotes cellular healing.
- Fluoride-free materials. Toothpastes, sealants, medicaments, fillings, and prosthetics are available in fluoride-free versions to minimize toxin exposure.
- Metal-free fillings and prosthetics. Holistic dentistry preferentially uses high quality, metal-free materials for fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants.
- Safe removal of metal fillings. Specialized evacuation filters and personal protective barriers are available to mitigate heavy metal exposure from drilling.
- Biological testing. Salivary testing, microscopic analysis, and dental materials compatibility testing are available through a holistic dentist.
Benefits of Holistic Dentistry
Holistic dentistry is not a new approach to care, although it is becoming more popular due to its many benefits.
People may feel more comfortable with their holistic dentist and experience lower levels of anxiety as compared to traditional dentistry. Between the minimally invasive treatment options and not having to worry about the dentist disregarding their health concerns, many people find that holistic dentistry is the best match for their personal health goals.
Additionally, a natural approach to dentistry often results in improved overall health. The careful removal of dental toxins, the natural, supportive materials and medicines, and root-cause testing offered by a holistic dentist all serve to decrease systemic inflammation and kickstart a healthier body.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holistic Dentistry
Is holistic dentistry as effective as traditional dentistry?
Holistic dentistry is just as effective at restoring teeth as traditional dentistry, and more effective at supporting systemic balance than traditional dentistry. The protocols and treatments employed by holistic dentistry not only address symptoms, but they identify and eliminate the source of the problem to prevent recurrence and promote stability.
Where can I find a holistic dentist in Oconomowoc, WI?
At Apollonia Dental Wellness we believe that your oral health and your general well-being go hand in hand. Our holistic approach to dentistry takes the whole person into consideration when providing care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation in Oconomowoc, WI and find out how natural dental care can benefit you and your family.