In the world of “healthcare” there is the conventional/allopathic/mechanistic approach (Medical Doctors, diagnosis, treatment with prescriptions, surgery. etc.) and then there is alternative/holistic/vitalistic approach (Chiropractic, Naturopathic, Homeopathic, etc., with therapies, dietary & lifestyle changes, etc.). The same holds true in the dental profession, with an ever growing number of holistic “biological” dentists establishing themselves as “alternative dentists.”
What is Biological dentistry?
Biological dentistry, also known as holistic dentistry, takes into account a person’s entire state of physical and emotional health in relation to their oral health.. Holistic dentists use natural therapies and alternative approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases of the oral cavity. As an example, they tend to shy away from fluoride, root-canals and amalgam fillings (silver fillings) or any filling for that matter, believing rather that there is an underlying root cause to the health issue.
How did it come about?
Most conventional dental treatments are now known to be toxic, including amalgam fillings, which contain 50% or more mercury – a known heavy metal toxin that can cause nerve system & immune system damage. A recent poll found that as many as 75% of Americans, and the majority of dentists, didn’t know the extent or level of mercury used in dental fillings.
Additionally, common procedures such as gum cleanings & root canals can force bacteria into the bloodstream, causing more harm than the procedure itself.
In 1984, 11 dentists, a medical doctor and a lawyer grouped together and decided to take a stand against “toxic dentistry,” forming the IAOMT, which stands for the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
Today, there are now more than 800 active members with certified Biological Dentists in more than 14 countries in the world.
How is holistic dentistry different from traditional dentistry?
A biological dentist will tell you they look at the whole body, not just the teeth and gums for your overall oral health. Many of them believe your oral health is an outward expression of your internal health, such that if you have an internal organic issue (thyroid, diabetes etc) you will “see” the stress visibly in your teeth, gums, tongue and other oral components.
Views among biological dentists may differ. For example, the majority avoid fluoride therapy because they believe it does nothing to prevent tooth decay and poses long-term health problems, such as an increased risk for cancer and degenerative bone diseases. Many biological dentists prefer not to perform root canals as they hold the chemicals used in sterilizing agents, in addition to running the risk of trapping bacteria in the canal as a result of the procedure, which can cause long-term health effects.
Biological dentists will not use amalgam, nickel, or other metals to fill cavities. Instead, they only use composite resin, a practice that has only just recently become an alternative option among dentists who do not describe themselves as holistic. Most biological dentists encourage patients to let them remove existing amalgam fillings and replace them with healthier materials, while detoxing from the dangers of toxic mercury and other heavy metals.
What is the relationship between oral health and overall health?
Oral health is vital for overall health as the oral cavity is the starting point and portal for most microbial infections. Most people with diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues and cancer have specific patterns of oral health issues – so much so that when trained, you can almost “see” internal diseases by looking at the gums and teeth of an individual. The majority of biological dentists discuss the “teeth-organ-connection,” which links each tooth to a specific organ in your body and its health as direct reflection of the health of each tooth and vice versa.
Holistic and integrative approaches are important in any area of medicine, and I contend that dentistry is no exception.
My advice: whether you use a conventional or holistic dentist, don’t be afraid to ask questions such as the types of materials that are used in fillings and if there are safer, non-toxic alternatives as well as what dental procedures they have as alternatives, whether they use digital X-rays (lower radiation dose), and how more specifically what their philosophy is towards alternative, non-toxic or less toxic protocols are. If you are someone with amalgam fillings, root canals or other dental work that you suspect may be linked to a health issue, I recommend you visit www.IAOMT.com and search for a biological dentist in your area. After all, a second opinion sometimes comes with primary results!
Amalgam vs Composite Filling
Dental Amalgam (Silver Filling) is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. First used in 1826 England and popularized in the US in 1830s. This nearly 200 year-old practice is still widely in use today.
Composite Filling (White) is a metal free, resin-based mixture of plastic and glass. First developed in 1962 and popularized in the mid-1980s. It is now becoming the alternative to amalgam fillings.
