Holistic Dentistry

Oral health is a crucial part of our overall health. Dentistry can affect the body as a whole in ways that some patients may not realize and traditional dentists are not all trained to consider the entire body during treatment. Holistic dentistry is a method of treatment using natural therapies to prevent, detect, and treat dental and oral melodies while taking into consideration the overall emotional, and mental well-being of the patient. Periodontal disease is proven to have negative effects on heart health so it is vital that your providing dentist knows your entire health history and has the ability to take that into account when providing treatment.

How does oral health affect overall health?

A holistic dentist arlington va helps their patients understand how their oral health affects their overall health and uses that knowledge when treating their patients. Our mouth is the initial point of intake and absorption of vital nutrients and minerals. Some diseases even enter our bodies through our mouth and poor oral hygiene can cause periodontal disease which can actually be indicative of a more serious medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes.

Is traditional dentistry unsafe?

Traditional dentistry is not unsafe but most traditional dentists do not give their patients any options of materials used during treatment. A holistic dentist takes a different approach and makes sure to use only materials that are bio compatible with each individual patient to ensure that their treatment is as successful as possible.

For instance, some traditional dentists may still use amalgam material when filling a cavity. Amalgam is not very common anymore but some dentists still use it because it is strong, durable, and easy to use. Most traditional dentists use fluoride to treat tooth sensitivity and strengthen tooth enamel. Amalgam and fluoride are two materials that a holistic dentist will not use. Amalgam contains small amounts of mercury and though the chances of mercury leaking into the tooth and being absorbed by your body is minimal it is considered a toxin so holistic dentists steer clear.

Fluoride is often found in public drinking water and is extremely common but some holistic dentists remain concerned that there is a link between fluoride and bone issues, and even cancer.

How do holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry differ?

The biggest difference between holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry is that holistic dentists look at the big picture and work to treat underlying problems that may be causing recurring issues in your mouth. Traditional dentistry does not typically address the underlying issues but works to restore and prevent recurring problems in the mouth. This difference between holistic dentists and traditional dentists may give some patience pause when considering the benefits of prevention with a holistic dentist.

If you think you might be interested in seeking treatment by a holistic dentist, you can visit the website for the Holistic Dental Association to learn more and find a holistic dental provider in your area.

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