Over the past few years, some dentist professionals have begun to refer to themselves as “holistic dentists.” While that term may be unfamiliar to most dental patients, there really aren’t that many differences between a regular dentist and a holistic dentist. When it comes to holistic dentistry, it’s really all about the dentist’s outlook on oral health.
One of the best ways to better understand holistic dentistry is to consider where the term “holistic” comes from, which is the word “wholistic,” meaning “the whole.” Rather than just focusing strictly on a patient’s oral health, a holistic dentist employs a broader focus that includes whole-body wellness that begins with oral health. When a holistic dentist discusses oral health with a patient, he or she will not only discuss issues that are directly related to oral health – such as cavities and gum disease, for example – but also how those issues are intertwined with the patient’s overall health. There is an abundance of evidence that shows just how integral oral health is to overall health, and vice-versa.
Several studies have shown a direct correlation between a patient’s oral health and more serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and others. But the traditional education and training of dentists didn’t include the connection between oral health and overall health, as well as the long-term effects that dental care has on the overall well-being of the patient, which is why the concept of holistic dentistry was formed. Generally speaking, holistic dentists focus their attention on treatments and parocedures that not only benefit the patient’s oral health, but their overall health as well.
Although the term itself might be easy to understand, categorizing dentists as either “regular” or “holistic” isn’t so simple. The fact is that many dentists perform procedures that go beyond simple fillings and crowns. Many dentists provide more comprehensive treatments that involve the face, neck, jaw, and even sleep disorders. These trained professionals may or may not refer to themselves as “holistic dentists,” even though their focus obviously goes far beyond simple oral health issues.
Holistic dentists have specific concerns that further distinguish them from other dental professionals. Most holistic dentists, for example, avoid use of silver amalgam fillings because of mercury contained in the amalgam and the associated health concerns, even though research has not definitively shown that the small amount of mercury in silver amalgam poses a health risk. Holistic dentists don’t always agree with root canal treatments because of concerns over the chemicals used to sterilize the canal, even though root canals have been an accepted as an effective dental procedure for many years. And most holistic dentists do not recommend fluoride treatments for similar reasons.
While there are a few specific differences between holistic dentistry and regular dentistry, professionals who fall in both categories share one very important concern: the health and well-being of their patients. Talk to your dentist for more information about holistic dentistry and how it does or doesn’t affect your dental care.
