Holistic dentistry is the amalgamation of the natural therapies and conventional therapies in for dental treatments. Dentists who practice holistic dentistry look at the whole body, not just the oral cavity as they understand that oral health is important for maintaining overall health. They believe that overall diseases can be prevented by maintaining overall health of an individual.
Holistic Dentistry approaches towards the methods and body areas that are outside of the legitimate scope of dental field. It includes an understanding of each patient’s total well-being, their structural, functional, cosmetic, and health-related dental needs.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND HOLISTIC DENTISTRY – In traditional dentistry we practice in treating the symptoms of oral cavity diseases, whereas, in holistic dentistry usually the underlying problems which cause those symptoms are treated.
Need Of Holistic Dentistry
The oral cavity is the entry point and portal for many microbes which may enter the bloodstream. Poor oral health can affect social interaction, intimacy, and contribute to low self esteem later leading to depression and other mental health conditions.
A holistic approach to dentistry ensures the use of treatment and therapies that cause the least disturbance to the immune system. This involves various environmental, nutritional, physical and spiritual elements which can be influential in promoting overall health.
A dentist who practice holistic approach may offer programs on preventative care that goes beyond practicing good oral hygiene to emphasize better nutrition, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption for their patients who consume alcoholic beverages.
A vital part of our holistic dentistry is the reduction or elimination of toxic materials and products in our dental work. Holistic Dentistry focuses on safer dentistry and decreasing harmful ingestion from dental products by using the most bio-compatible products available.
Holistic Dentistry Approaches
- AMALGAM FILLINGS – Mercury containing fillings (amalgam fillings) are hazardous to the health and the environment. Holistic dentists will not be practicing use of amalgam, nickel, or other metals to fill cavities. Instead, they will use composite resin. They may also encourage patients to replace their amalgam fillings with healthier materials.
- ROOT CANALS – Holistic Dentists believe that the use of chemicals as in sterilizing agents can cause long-term health effects. They advised that patients whose teeth can be treated with a filling are not advised for a Root Canal procedure and the patients who can be treated without systemic Antibiotic coverage are advised to do so.
- FLUORIDE – Some dentist believe that fluoride does not prevent tooth decay and poses long-term health problems such as increased risk degenerative bone diseases. We can reverse tooth decay by remineralizing it. For which oral probiotics and natural, fluoride-free, plant-based remineralization products were used.
- XRAYS EXPOSURE – Holistic dentistry recommends using the minimum dosage of radiation by as much as 90%. with digital X-ray machines, that exposed the patient to less amount of radiation.
- OZONE THERAPY – Ozone is an ideal disinfectant that penetrates deep into the enamel and eliminate infections inside the teeth. Used to treat various dental sensitivities, infected tooth, and extraction sites. And it is also useful in avoiding the need for root canal therapy.
- SURGERY FREE PERIODONTAL TREATMENT – In the past, only surgical options were available for periodontal problems. Today, we have dental ozone and lasers to help us thoroughly disinfect periodontal pockets and support tissue regeneration. Such treatments are painless and easy on patients.
- DENTAL IMPLANTS – Implants need proper care, so that they can last as long. While titanium implants are traditionally used, holistic dentist favor biocompatible zirconium (ceramic) implants when they’re needed to restore a smile.
- LASERS FOR TMJ PAIN – For patients who have frequent headaches or pain due to misalignment of their Temperomandibular joint, laser are used for effective pain reduction. The laser stimulates the healing capacity of the affected tissues and helps reduce inflammation.
- TOOTH WHITENING – For patients who do not want to whiten their teeth with artificial chemicals, 100 percent natural tooth whitening powder with ingredients such as activated charcoal, parsley powder, celery and peppermint is used.
There are certain methods which are incorporated in holistic dentistry to benefit the patient. They include
- AYURVEDA– These include natural remedies that are used to treat problems of gums, tooth sensitivity, poor oral hygiene, oral habits, dental pain and side by side keeps the body system in harmony for example use of neem in toothpaste or powder form for gums and tooth.
- NUTRITION – It is believed that dietary excesses or deficiencies increase the body’s needs for essential vitamins and minerals and they inturn affect the stress levels in patients promoting any sort of fears or phobias.
- AROMATHERAPY – Aromatherapy includes use of pure oil essences from plants and flowers that act as hormone-like stimulants to improve a patient’s health. They are natural and gentle, oils like lavender, sandalwood, basil and are beneficial in their action to soothe, relax, and calm.
- HYPNOSIS – The main advantage is that no drugs are used and still the patient is fully aware of the treatment. The patient is able to relax their bodies and minds by concentrating on suggestions of relaxation. Ideally used for an apprehensive patient.
- HOMEOPATHY -. The therapy is natural, safe and are used to improve the psychological or emotional condition of patients without the drugging effects of tranquilizers. The main remedies considered include: aconite (foxglove); gelsemium (yellow jasmine); and argentum nitricum (silver nitrate).
HOLISTIC DENTISTRY IS AN EVOLVING FIELD THAT IS BIOCOMPATIBLE AND NON-TOXIC
