Imagine if taking care of your mouth could positively impact your overall health. Well, here’s some good news – it can! Oral health is a vital indicator of overall health. Inflammation in the mouth can even lead to heart disease, as oral bacteria have been found in human heart tissue. Yet, many dentists overlook the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing.
Fear not, the rise of holistic dentistry is here to bridge the gap. Holistic dentists understand that treating teeth and gums involves considering factors such as diet, lifestyle, and mental health in addition to regular dental care. They offer a wide range of dental services while emphasizing whole-body health in their approach.
Mercury Amalgam Fillings: The Elephant in the Room
Traditional dentistry’s use of mercury amalgam fillings has sparked concern over the potential health risks they pose, driving more people towards holistic dentistry practices. If you’ve ever had a cavity filled, the chances are high that it was done with amalgam – a mixture of liquid mercury and powdered metals like silver, tin, and copper. Unfortunately, research now indicates that these fillings can release toxic mercury into your body, leading to a host of health problems.
Safer Filling Alternatives
Holistic dentists opt for safer alternatives to mercury amalgam fillings, using materials like resin, plastic, and composite materials. The worry over mercury exposure is well-founded – in fact, holistic dentists wear hazmat suits and gas masks when removing amalgam fillings to mitigate the risk. Once the filling is removed, it’s placed in a special container and is picked up by an EPA-licensed agent to be properly disposed of. Meanwhile, traditional dentistry still places these fillings in patients’ mouths.
Anesthesia Alternatives and Natural Recommendations
In addition to using safer filling materials, holistic dentists also offer anesthesia alternatives and focus on other holistic practices to improve patients’ overall health. Some holistic dentists use a vitamin C IV as an alternative pain management method. Others offer craniosacral therapy, a technique that involves gentle touches applied to the skull, face, spine, or pelvis to alleviate pain and stress. Moreover, holistic dentists may recommend specific foods and supplements to improve patients’ overall wellbeing and oral health. Some examples include limiting sugar intake, taking daily probiotics, increasing CoQ10 levels, and incorporating more kale into one’s diet.
Finding a Holistic Dentist
If holistic dentistry sounds intriguing, it’s essential to find a practitioner that comes well-recommended to ensure the best care. Websites like the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine can help you locate certified holistic dentists in your area. Prices for cleanings and other services are typically comparable to those of traditional dentists. However, non-mercury composite fillings might be slightly more expensive due to higher material costs.
Most insurance policies cover cleanings and routine checkups by holistic dentists, but it’s crucial to verify this with your provider before making an appointment. By choosing a holistic dentist, you’re taking a stronger stance in protecting your overall health while still maintaining your bright smile.
