Holistic Dentistry
The Holistic Dental Association was created in 1978 with the goal and objective of supporting an educational perspective to holistic dentistry. Their perspective is simply that many parts make up the whole. Your oral health care is just one fraction of the entire infrastructure of your body. Holistic dentistry considers the role your oral health care plays in collaboration with your overall health. It takes into consideration the big picture. When it comes to addressing any part of your body, it will look at your entire body, including your mental health, your emotional and physical health, and also your social well-being. They all contribute to your overall health.
You have heard of alternative medical treatments such as acupuncture and herbal treatments. Some dentists have also added training in holistic dentistry and may offer an unconventional method for a treatment of your oral ailment.
Examples of Common Holistic Dentistry
The single biggest example of holistic dentistry is the use of mercury. The most common material used for fillings is a heavy metal called amalgam. This metal contains over 50% mercury, and some people believe it can damage the central nervous system and your immune system. Most Americans have absolutely no idea there is mercury in their dental fillings. The ADA, American Dental Association, does claim there is no risk, but you could be of the opinion of why risk it.
A holistic dentist might not use fluoride but instead could choose to use herbal methods. The holistic viewpoint could also frown on a root canal procedure, claiming there is harm done to your body’s infrastructure.
The Environmental Results
Common dental waste might have a negative effect on our water supply and could threaten wildlife and their natural food chain. This is a recent issue with the fishing industry and the mercury levels now being found in fish. This also includes the disposal of items like cotton swabs and gauze, suggesting incineration of these versus throwing them in the trash.
The Big Picture Approach
Most of us also do not realize that everything we need to sustain life must enter through the portal of our mouth. Everything we eat and drink for necessary nutrition begins with our mouth. A holistic dentist might review your nutritional habits and make suggestions that will improve your eating habits with your whole body in mind. They might make suggestions based on the basic principles of prevention and the reversal of degenerative dental diseases. They may teach you to avoid toxins and how to prevent gum disease.
Good Oral Hygiene and Common Sense
It is wise to just step back and appreciate the role your oral health care plays in the overall health of your body. The dental industry strongly suggests you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. These simple suggestions are preventative. They also encourage you to develop a practice of seeing your dentist twice a year for regular exams. Your dentist then builds a history of your oral health and makes specific suggestions based on prevention. It is good for you to understand the overall value of holistic dentistry and to realize that you always have alternatives.