Holistic dentistry

"COMFORT SMILE DENTAL" 

Holistic dentistry also called alternative dentistry, biologic dentistry, or biocompatible dentistry emphasizes approaches to dental care which consider the patient's dental health in the context of their entire physical as well as emotional or spiritual health in some cases. 

Holistic dental community is diverse in its practices and approaches. They have strong opposition to the use of amalgam (silver fillings) which has Mercury in it. They also encourage non-surgical approaches to gum disease. Mainstream dentists criticize most of the practices and opinions of biologic dentists.   

The Holistic Dental Network defines the field as: "an approach to Dentistry that promotes health and wellness instead of the treatment of disease. This approach to Dentistry encompasses both modern science and knowledge drawn from the worlds great traditions on natural healing...Holistic Dentistry acknowledges and deals with the mind, body, and spirit of the patient, not just his or her "Teeth". And lays out the following basic principles

• Proper nutrition for the prevention and reversal of degenerative dental disease
• Avoidance and elimination of toxins from dental materials
• Prevention and treatment of dental malocclusion (bite problems=physical imbalance)
• Prevention and treatment of gum disease at its biological basis

Holistic Dentistry is best described as looking at a patient as a unique individual and tailoring the treatment plan accordingly. Each patient has a unique immune system and a unique exposure to various stresses throughout life.

To assess a patient from a holistic viewpoint we would assess your exposure to mercury fillings, your structural strengths and weaknesses in relation to your jaw joint and your bite. We would also look at your available airway space which is compromised in the snoring and sleep apnoea patients. This may also lead to lower back and knee and Achilles problems. Recent scientific research has shown that optimising your bite position can increase your overall athletic performance by 10-15%.

The nervous feedback through your tooth nerve (The Trigeminal Nerve) can cause problems with all aspects of your emotions, your immune system, your nervous system and your hormonal system.

The big fancy name for this is Psychoneuroendocrineimmunology (PNEI). PNEI basically means that all your main regulatory systems which help you handle the stressful events in your life are interlinked. Your body will always try and stay in a balanced position (Homeostasis) so you never have too much or too little of anything. In Quantum Physics this is known as “The Goldilocks Effect”.

From a dental perspective the position of your jaw joint, the presence of mercury fillings (depending on size, quantity and length of time in your mouth), the presence of improperly sealed root fillings, a malocclusion (incorrect bite position), underdevelopment of the dental arches and a reduced oral airway space can all contribute to chronic disease states. Periodontal disease has been shown to contribute to Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and strokes.

Mercury Fillings

The silver coloured fillings in your mouth contain at least 50% mercury. Before this mercury goes into your mouth it is regarded as a hazardous material. When old silver mercury fillings are removed the remaining amalgams are regarded as hazardous waste. Mercury has been placed into people’s mouths for over 150 years with no scientific data showing it as a safe material. Modern advances in dentistry such as composite fillings and Cerec inlays have made the need for mercury obsolete. The newer materials are more biocompatible, and cosmetically pleasing.

Mercury: some facts and figures

• Mercury is the most toxic non-radioactive metal in the world
• A large posterior filling can have up to 0.5g of mercury in the mixture
• 0.5g of mercury in a 10 acre lake would result in an advisory warning not to eat fish from that lake due to the levels of mercury.
• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO 1991, advisory paper): The exposure to mercury from dental fillings is greater than all other sources combined (including eating fish).
• Mercury is transported via the trigeminal nerve through the blood brain barrier to the brain.
• Mercury targets tissue of high metabolic rate such as the Heart, Lungs, Kidney, Liver and Brain.

For the full scientific evidence please read: “The scientific case against mercury” by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, www.iaomt.org, Safe Removal of Mercury

It is important that old fillings are removed carefully. However, this does not just mean what happens in the surgery with the use of rubber dam, separate air supply, high speed suction and plenty of water to cool the fillings and so forth, but how the patient prepares before and after mercury amalgam removal.

To conclude, Holistic dentistry is gaining momentum among few people around the world. More and more dentists consider this approach in promoting health and wellness among their patients instead of treating the dental disease by conventional approach. Educating patients on dental practices will reduce the misunderstandings on certain dental procedures and the use of certain dental materials. 

"Comfort Smile Dental"