4 Ways Holistic Dentistry Differs From Conventional Dentistry
Posted on: 9 December 2019
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The extent of the differences between conventional and holistic dental services is significant, and there are many reasons why a person may switch to a holistic dental practice. Holistic dentistry views the body as a whole entity that can't be separated into systems or parts that are treated separately. Holistic dentists have the same training and qualifications that conventional dentists do, and they also undergo further training to gain knowledge about alternative treatment techniques that allow them to treat patients holistically. Here's an overview of four differences between conventional and holistic dentistry:
No Amalgam Fillings
The silver-coloured amalgam fillings offered in conventional dental surgeries are not used by holistic dentists, as they contain small amounts of mercury. Holistic dentists believe the mercury from these fillings is dangerous to your health and is released slowly over time and absorbed into your body. Mercury has been linked to a number of health conditions including autoimmune diseases, migraines, tinnitus and some types of cancer. Holistic dentists use composite filling materials, such as resin and porcelain, which are free from chemicals like BPA and are formulated to match the patient's natural tooth colour.
Herbs And Essential Oils Are Utilised
Holistic dentists will use anaesthetic when necessary, but they try to avoid the use of drugs to reduce pain, tackle bacteria or ease a patient's anxiety when possible. Herbs, such as chamomile and valerian, may be used to calm a patient before or during a procedure, and clove oil or neem oil may be used to clean the teeth and gum line or protect against bacterial infection during more invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions.
Fluoride Is Considered Toxic
Fluoride is not used in holistic dental practices, and its use at home is not encouraged. It's considered a neurotoxin, particularly to young children, and it has been associated with a number of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. If you're unsure of the best type of fluoride-free toothpaste for your teeth, your dentist can recommend a product based on their examination of your teeth.
Root Canal Treatment Is Avoided
Holistic dentists do not recommend root canal treatment, but some practices will offer this treatment as a last resort. The deep drilling into the cavity of a tooth is thought to allow bacteria from the tooth surface or the infected tooth pulp to travel into the patient's bloodstream and contribute to the development of a variety of health conditions, such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. A holistic dentist will use alternative procedures to kill bacteria causing an infected root canal, such as ozone therapy, which kills off bacteria by altering the pH levels in your mouth. When root canal infections do not respond to holistic procedures, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.
These are just a few examples of how holistic dentistry differs from conventional dentistry. If you'd like to find out more about the treatment approaches and procedures utilised in holistic dentistry, contact a holistic dentistry clinic.