Holistic Dentistry: A Natural and Effective Way to Care for Your Teeth and Body

Holistic dentistry is a type of dentistry that has grown in popularity in recent years and is an alternative to traditional dental care. As the name suggests, holistic dentistry is built on the principle of holism, which sees people simply as the sum of their parts. The holistic perspective generally focuses on people as a whole while recognizing each part's vital role within an integrated system, working together.

Holistic dentistry is more than just an alternative to traditional dental care, it can be complementary to what we know as conventional dental care. Therefore, even if you are not interested in changing your dental care specialist or dental care practices, it is best to understand what holistic dentistry can offer for your teeth and body.  

In this article, we'll first explain holistic dentistry, the types of treatments and materials used, and the practices that set it apart from traditional dental care. Then we'll focus on the benefits of holistic dentistry and its potential drawbacks to give you a whole picture of alternative dental care. Keep reading to learn more about the holistic approach to dental health and how it helps to maintain whole-body wellness.

What is holistic dentistry?

Holistic dentistry is a dentistry approach that upholds a holistic understanding, using more natural remedies for oral care. Holistic dentistry deals with how oral health affects your entire body and its role in dental health.

Holistic dentistry offers a complete perspective on oral health, considering various aspects such as physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and aims to use noninvasive treatments for dental issues. You can also see holistic dentistry mentioned as alternative dentistry, natural dentistry, unconventional dentistry, biocompatible dentistry, progressive dentistry, and integrative dentistry. All these names address specific aspects of holistic dentistry.

Dentists who use holistic techniques do not necessarily need to call themselves holistic dentists. However, if they are only using holistic methods, it is more likely for them to classify themselves as  holistic dentists. On the other hand, many traditional dentists are also utilizing holistic approaches and combining holistic techniques with conventional methods when necessary. 

What sets holistic dentistry apart?

Dentistry is the branch of medical care concerned with dental care and treating all teeth and jaw problems. The most common form of dentistry that we refer to here as traditional dentistry is used most when people have a toothache, broken tooth, or need dental consultancy. Traditional dentists help you prevent dental infections and diseases and diagnose and treat dental conditions. Depending on the issue, they use diagnostic and preventive services like X-rays, fluoride application, dental cleanings and fillings, and other cosmetic dental procedures.

People can also choose to go to a holistic dentist when they experience a toothache or have any dental issues. However, the difference here is the approaches these types of dentistry take to diagnose and treat the problems related to the teeth, gums, and jaw. While traditional dentistry focuses on only the affected area, holistic dentistry deals with the overall well-being of an individual and even encompasses many other aspects of a patient's life. 

But what does this mean? Holistic dentistry aims to get a complete view of the factors affecting a patient's oral health and, in turn, how the patient's oral health affects general health. Therefore holistic dentistry focuses on the patient as a whole, not just on the affected area or the apparent symptoms but also tries to understand the factors behind it. Holistic dentistry looks into the many aspects of a patient's life that might affect the quality of their oral health and provides guidance and advice accordingly. These aspects include but are not limited to:

• lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption

• quality of sleep

• stress levels

• genetic conditions

• family health history

In addition to its holistic approach, holistic dentistry differentiates from traditional dentistry with its procedures. As a general rule, holistic dentistry doesn't support using chemical materials or methods that might negatively affect human health. Holistic dentists are known for material testing used in dental processes to prevent adverse reactions. For example, holistic dentistry improves some dental conditions by focusing on good dental hygiene and nutritional care rather than surgically improving the teeth, gums, and jaw. While concentrating beyond teeth and gums, holistic approaches refuse to use non-organic, non-biocompatible materials such as mercury fillings and fluoride. Holistic dentistry also refuses root canal therapy and X-rays because of their possible adverse effects. 

Why should I consider holistic dentistry?

It is a well-known and well-documented fact that certain lifestyle choices can significantly impact oral health, dental health has an impact beyond the mouth, and some oral health problems can lead to other issues that could affect your overall health. Considering that the holistic approach to dental health is the only way to spot and diagnose any correlated problems affecting your dental health and general well-being, its importance cannot be overlooked. 

Holistic dentists aim to understand you as an individual; they will communicate, discuss, and connect with you during the process. This way, the dentist can gather detailed information about you as a person and develop a personalized treatment plan to address the root cause of your dental problem. A holistic treatment plan allows you to:

• understand your symptoms and find out about the root cause

• make necessary lifestyle changes that affect your oral health, including changing eating habits, quitting smoking, or lowering your stress levels

• get natural and functional medications - if necessary- that wouldn't include toxic chemicals

• improve your health and support all your bodily functions by treating the condition rather than covering up symptoms

Holistic dentistry is an excellent way to attain a higher quality of life and improve overall health and well-being through proper dental care, diet, and lifestyle changes. On the other hand, it is always better to note that no study suggests holistic dentistry is safer or more effective than regular dentistry. They are two different approaches to oral care and can co-exist in certain practices. Regardless of the kind of dental care you are interested in, you should always seek a reputable and licensed dentist and follow the advice of your dentist.

To find dentists who apply a holistic approach in your region, please visit Intengine’s Dental Care category. 

Tags: dental care, dentistry, holistic dentistry, oral health, holistic approach