Holistic dentistry often conjures up images of herbal therapies, fuzzy massage techniques, or some form of made-up dental “voodoo”. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Holistic dentistry is about recognizing and nurturing the vital connection between your dental health and your overall well-being. It acknowledges that while teeth may require dental work from time to time, the approach doesn’t have to be purely mechanical or detached from the rest of the body. Far from being a fringe practice, holistic dentistry is technologically advanced, often more so than traditional dentistry. It’s an inclusive approach that looks at the patient as a whole.
Here are 10 aspects of holistic dental treatments that you might not be familiar with:
1. Holistic Oral Exam and Diagnosis
A holistic oral exam goes beyond checking for cavities or gum disease. It involves understanding the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and stress levels, as these can all impact dental health. A holistic dentist might also discuss diet, sleep patterns, and other factors, offering a comprehensive approach to dental care.
2. Mercury Filling Removal
Holistic dentistry advocates for the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings. These fillings can release mercury vapor, potentially harmful to your health. Holistic dentists use safe removal protocols to minimize any exposure to mercury during the procedure.
3. Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy uses a powerful form of oxygen to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, promoting healing and preventing infection. In holistic dentistry, it’s used to treat a variety of issues, including tooth decay and periodontal disease, without the use of antibiotics or harsh chemicals.
4. Oral Cancer Screening
Holistic dentistry takes oral cancer screening to the next level. In addition to the standard visual and tactile examinations, holistic practitioners may use special diagnostic lights or recommend nutritional and lifestyle changes to lower the risk of developing oral cancer.
5. Periodontal Treatment
Instead of just scraping away plaque and tartar, holistic periodontal treatment may involve using natural therapies and non-invasive treatments to restore gum health. This could include nutritional counseling, herbal rinses, laser therapy or other non toxic treatments.
6. Dental Sedation
While traditional dentistry often uses sedatives for anxious patients, holistic dentistry takes a different approach. It may offer natural relaxation techniques or alternative sedation methods that are less invasive and promote a more calming, healing environment during dental procedures.
7. Dental Implants
Holistic dentistry also provides dental implants, but with a focus on biocompatible materials that integrate seamlessly with the body. This approach minimizes the risk of rejection and promotes faster healing and integration with the jawbone.
8. Orthodontics
In holistic dentistry, orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth for aesthetic reasons. It’s about improving the patient’s bite and jaw alignment, which can have far-reaching effects on overall health, including posture, digestion, and even sleep quality.
9. TMJ Pain Care
Holistic dentistry recognizes that TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain can be a symptom of broader issues, such as jaw imbalances, poor posture, or nutritional deficiencies for example. Treatment may involve not just physical interventions like appliances or dental adjustments, but also lifestyle changes, stress management techniques or nutritional counselling.
10. Sleep Apnea and Snoring Solutions
Rather than just prescribing CPAP machines or similar devices, holistic dentistry looks at the root causes of sleep apnea and snoring. This could involve adjusting the patient’s diet, improving their sleeping position, or using dental appliances that are less intrusive and more in harmony with the body’s natural functions.
Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry in West-Kelowna:
“Our Health & Beauty Dentistry embodies the holistic dental ethos. When I do my job properly, people that were afraid or hesitant to smile will be walking around with a perm-grin. As a proud West Kelowna dentist, I would like to help change people’s lives, not just their appearance. My goal and my priority is to help my clients live better, more fulfilled lives. And that starts with taking your smile and making it ‘you’, and the objective to make it better.
Holistic dentistry is not an alternative to traditional dentistry; it’s an expansion. It’s about considering the whole person, not just the mouth. It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of our body systems and treating them with respect and care. As more and more people seek health care that aligns with their values and views the body as an interconnected system, holistic dentistry stands out as a comprehensive, compassionate, and technologically advanced option. Would you like to know more?“
