There is nothing quite like a warm and welcoming smile – it can be one of your greatest assets. And you will surely want to keep it that way. Therefore for many people, turning to their cosmetic dentist is the most certain way to protect their investment, by ensuring that their teeth stay white, straight and decay free.
But dentistry is not only about healthy teeth, it is also about protecting the health of the gums and indeed the health of the whole body. In reality a surprisingly large number of ailments have as their origin one or another dental problem.
What is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentists are sometimes also known by the alternative names of biological dentists or natural dentists. As with other holistic medical practitioners, when treating a patient they will consider the whole person, including the mind, spirit and lifestyle, in addition to their body. And when creating a personalized program of treatment, they will endeavor to enhance the patient’s overall health and well-being, not just that of their teeth. In doing this they will pay particular attention to a patient’s immune system.
A holistic dentist will also reduce to a minimum the need to subject the patient to harmful x-rays, by the use of either low emission equipment or alternative means of diagnosis. They will also avoid the use of mercury amalgam fillings, considered to be toxic, in preference for much safer resins, and frequently provide a service of removing old amalgam fillings and detoxification of any remaining mercury deposits.
Biological Dentistry and Amalgam Fillings
There is a body of evidence to suggest that mercury amalgam fillings, sometimes known as silver fillings, pose a health risk for all, but particularly those who are chemically sensitive. Studies have shown that such a low-level exposure to mercury can affect kidney function and even brain function, resulting in a cellular degeneration akin to that found in sufferers from Alzheimer’s disease.
For these reasons holistic dentists are generally against the use of amalgam fillings, and should you wish to have your old fillings removed and replaced, it is recommended that you locate a dentist who can assess the compatibility of other materials and also help you with the process of detoxification.
Natural Dentistry and Fluoride
The vast majority of natural dentists are totally against the ingestion of fluoride by the human body, as for example found in many toothpastes and drinking water. Indeed fluoride itself is known to be toxic and can be harmful even in modest doses. Former studies carried out in support of the incorporation of fluoride in water supplies have since been found to be flawed, and more recent surveys have found little health benefit.
Holistic dentists are important participants in complementary health care and often work in conjunction with other holistic health care practitioners. It is important that you are aware of your options when choosing a dentist and there is an ever growing number of holistic dental practitioners. When selecting a dentist, think also about asking questions involving your own general state of health and on the dentist’s attitude towards the various subjects discussed in this article. They will most certainly be very happy to join the discussion.
