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Reasons To Choose Holistic Dentistry

Lasers that heal the body

What is Holistic Dentistry?

  • Holistic dentistry recognizes the connection between oral and overall health.
  • Historically, dentists were considered the first line of defense in patient care, even checking blood pressure.
  • The mouth is key to the digestive and immune systems.

Origins of Holistic Dentistry

  • Dr. Weston Price’s “focal infection” theory (1920s): Infected teeth can affect other areas of the body.
  • Poor oral health is believed to be a contributing factor in about 75% of health issues.
Weston Price the first biological dentist

The Oral-Systemic Connection

  • Links exist between gum disease and:
    • Heart disease
    • Stroke
    • Diabetes
    • Preterm births & low birth weight
    • Rheumatoid arthritis

Avoiding Overdiagnosis & Overtreatment

  • Hippocratic Oath: “First, do no harm.”
  • Less dentistry is better: Natural teeth are stronger than any replacement.
  • Teeth distribute forces naturally through their structure and ligament support.
  • Unnecessary treatments weaken teeth rather than preserving them.

Bio-Friendly Materials: Composite Fillings

  • White composite fillings replace metal but may contain 
  • Use of BPA-free composites (hormone-disrupting Bis-Phenols).
  • Metal Free- especially mercury (amalgams) and nickel (suspected carcinogen). California’s Proposition 65 identifies mercury as harmful, especially during pregnancy.

Filtration & Air Quality in the Dental Office

  • High-speed suction removes harmful particles during dental work.
  • Filtration options include:
    • “Elephant trunk” suction (captures airborne toxins).
    •  Mercury ionizers (bind and neutralize mercury vapor).
    •  Windows and doors that open- rare in a dental office- allow full ventilation

Safer Anesthetics

  • Traditional anesthetics (Lidocaine, Novocaine)  stress the system.
  • Septocaine: A less toxic alternative, but contains epinephrine, which can cause rapid heartbeat.
  • Holistic dentists provide multiple anesthetic options.

Advanced Biological Approaches

Ozone Therapy:

  • Helps prevent root canals by eliminating bacteria.
  • Encourages tooth remineralization and healing.
  • Not effective for advanced infections.

Crowns & Root Canals: The Dilemma

  • Crowns concentrate forces, weakening teeth.
  • Root canals remove the blood supply and ligament cushion, leading to:
    • Increased stress on the tooth
    • Potential re-infection or fractures
  • Best approach: Preserve as much natural tooth as possible.
Lasers can help sterilize infected canals and tubules

Use of Laser & Ozone for Necessary Root Canal Therapy

  • Laser Ozone Protocol removes infection from the dental tubules
  • Reduces instrumentation necessary to clean and medicate canals
  • Ensures continued biological connection to the body, so not a ‘dead tooth’
Laser and how they treat common dental problems

Zirconia Implants vs. Titanium

  • Zirconia implants:
    • Non-conductive (unlike titanium).
    • Biocompatible and aesthetic (white, not gray or black).
    • Less risk of gum irritation and metal allergies.

DIY Home Care Instructions and Encouragement

  • Videos to Support Home Care
  • Blog Posts/Articles to Explain and Instruct
  • Oil Pulling and Use of Essential Oils for Dental Care
  • Tips, Tools and Tricks to Empower Patients.

Dental Galvanism & Metal Toxicity

  • Galvanism: Electrical currents caused by mixed metals in dental work can stress the body.
  • Holistic dentists prioritize biocompatibility and metal-free restorations.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Traditional amalgam fillings (50% mercury) can release toxic fumes.
  • Safe removal techniques include:
    • Rubber dams (to isolate the tooth).
    • Clean air and oxygen supply (to prevent inhalation).
    • High-speed suction and specialized filtration.
    • Additional environmental safeguards to prevent mercury contamination.

Minimal Xray Exposure

  • If your Xrays are current within 18 months we will use them and won’t take new ones.
  • Lowest Calibration Possible for Digital Xrays
  • The fewest Xrays possible when a full mouth set is needed

Creating a Supportive Holistic Dental Environment

  • Reducing toxins in the office benefits both staff and patients.
  • Features include:
    • Fresh air circulation (open windows).
    • Natural Supports (essential oils, homeopathics).
    • Calm atmosphere for whole-body well-being.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading All the Reasons to Choose Holistic Dentistry. To find out more visit integrativedentist.com or call 760-632-1304.