1. Introduction
At the start, we need to get out in the open some information about what holistic dentistry is and how some dentists embrace natural solutions to treat your dental problems. Mainly, holistic dentists take care of your dental health and your body’s well-being by not using the conventional method to cure your dental health. They prefer natural solutions for your gums, teeth or other dental problems. Some of these problems are gum bleeding, tooth decay, teeth whitening, dry mouth, bad breath, bone loss, receding gums, canker sores, toothaches, etc. The following 5 holistic dentists are also well known for their expertise and proficiency in curing severe gum disease. If needed, some of these may extract and make a bone graft to save some of your teeth when extreme gum disease puts teeth at risk. Keep your dental health checked regularly and don’t neglect it. Finally, these holistic dentists are recommended by many who seek a profound dentistry cure.
1.1. Definition of Holistic Dentistry
However, the best way to safeguard a patient’s health is to opt for the natural solution: Leaving the gap untreated for three to six months following the extraction to ensure that the body can heal itself is just as effective as placing a bridge or an implant. And it offers all the same physical benefits, with none of the risks inherent to dental implants.
Holistic dentists advocate for the alternative of removing the tooth entirely, but what about the gap left behind? Placing a bridge or an implant is often seen as the best way to restore the individual’s bite to a state of equilibrium. However, dental implants hide some important contradictions. First, they may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Both artificial implants and natural teeth stimulate the jawbone during normal functions like biting and chewing. This support for the jawbone keeps it both healthy and strong. However, implants are fixed into the jawbone and don’t offer this support. As a result, the jawbone begins to weaken and degrade. This prompts most traditional dentists to recommend that patients with dental implants stop smoking, eat a diet tailored to support their oral health, and make regular visits to the dentist to safeguard both their overall health and the health of their implants.
What most traditional dentists don’t seem to understand is that no matter how much they work to isolate the tooth from the rest of the body, the tooth is still a part of the body. And consequently any infection trapped in the tooth can still affect the rest of the body.
Holistic dentists, on the other hand, look at the big picture when developing a treatment plan. They consider lifestyle, diet, and overall health (including factors like diabetes and heart disease) before they start any dental procedure. For example, traditional dentists may recommend a root canal treatment for a decaying tooth to save it. But holistic dentists think this is a high-risk solution to a systemic problem, one that may expose patients to many risks and that doesn’t address the cause of either the tooth decay or the need for the root canal.
Why should you consider holistic dentistry when looking for a new dentist? Because holistic dentistry is a philosophy that considers dental health from the broader perspective of whole-body wellness. This may seem obvious, but traditional dentists often don’t treat teeth and gums as interconnected elements of the body. And it’s this reductionist tendency that leads traditional dentists to focus on so many quick-fix treatments for symptoms which don’t get at the root causes of dental problems.
2. Benefits of Holistic Dentistry
Nutrition is widely appreciated to have a major impact on health and wellness. Professional healers are well aware that proper nutrition is foundational to comprehensive medical and dental care. Periodontal disease can be a major indication of inflammatory processes negatively impacting the entire body. Holistic professionals appreciate that periodontal disease management may benefit from the use of direct-acting drugs to treat the disease itself, rather than constantly treating the dental symptoms. They take a team approach to use drugs that minimize or eliminate oral pathogens, while stimulating personal healing factors in the affected area of the mouth and the entire body. This team-based treatment approach also assists with reducing systemic health issues, including risk of an immune response.
When a strong treatment modality is in order, savvy professionals use it to minimize side effects. Should an aggressive mesotherapy be necessary, it will be adjusted to minimize side effects; and should a less aggressive treatment suffice, such as ozone, which is broadly recognized in the practice of holistic healing, it will be generously promoted.
Allopathic treatments are intended to block symptoms and disease rather than support the body’s own healing processes. In addition to asking about patients’ medical and dental histories, these professionals may use aggressive diagnoses and treatments, apply symptom-suppressing pharmaceutical drugs including opioids, introduce chemicals such as fluoride and nickel that are generally unacceptable in holistic care, and use extreme X-ray exposure. Comprehensive diagnoses involve other specialists as needed.
2.1. Overview of Natural Solutions
Everyone looks for the most natural and least invasive options when it comes to their own health and that of their families. In recent years, with health care cost-cutting efforts cropping up everywhere, patients are learning that being proactive and taking care of their health is less expensive and more effective over the long haul. Today, medical insurance providers are including more options for payment when a plan member chooses to use complementary therapies. Patients can choose services without referrals. Although often not yet covered, many other procedures will save money in the long run because of their preventive ability. Dental health is important for everyone. A healthy set of teeth means less risk of developing other physical problems through the years. While dentists focus on healthy teeth and gums and have a very strong technical knowledge of the body’s systems and overall health, for the most part they still take a very traditional approach to their tasks. In fact, most consultations do not include any kind of advice about how the patient can work on preventing dental problems. Holistic dentists take a different, more proactive approach in an attempt to prevent ailments from developing.
Dentists who practice natural, or holistic, dentistry can be a great alternative for people looking to avoid braces, dentures, or other expensive and potentially harmful dental work. Holistic dentists (known by different names, such as biologic or ecological dentists) are dental care professionals who are focused on using natural treatment options, some of which might include herbal therapies, homeopathy, special diets, and helping patients avoid exposure to toxic dental materials for preventing dental problems. In the event that a patient has a dental problem, these experts use the least invasive options. If you’re wondering ‘do you need to have dental insurance?’, a holistic approach to dentistry is more likely to save you money and doesn’t necessarily require coverage.
3. Criteria for Selecting Top Holistic Dentists
The best dentists work on deep cleaning pockets when taking care of possible gum infections. This solves gum inflammation but does not have the negative side effects associated with the standard discarding of tissue. An organic dental care provider needs to take x-rays while ensuring the lowest radiation use during service at a dental clinic. Always remember that natural-friendly dental care treatments can test you for potential amalgam problems or dangers of mercury vapor release while conducting gum toxicology and biocompatibility tests. This helps to eliminate possible sensitivities or reactions to most dental materials and identifies the safest materials that can be used in patient procedures. Furthermore, they counsel clients to follow a toxicology protocol that can reduce the health risks posed by elective procedures. With a focus on natural therapy, the best dentists can thoroughly identify the underlying causes of dental infections and recommend preservative and non-surgical intervention plans with very few problematic biocompatible supplements.
When choosing the best natural dentists, you need to take certain criteria into consideration. In fact, selecting holistic dentists is no different from deciding on regular dental experts. You have a number of factors related to holistic dentistry, where natural dental care guides your selection of top local dentists. First, know what holistic dental services mean. Generally, the best holistic dentists promote the safest mercury removal of amalgam fillings, enhancing natural preventative dentistry practices, smart amalgam removal, using certified BPA-free materials in fillings and sealants, dental care for the family, and pediatric dentistry. The resulting treatment is free from allergens, in addition to requiring gentle, caring dental procedures using dental materials and products that are both safe and effective.
3.1. Qualifications and Certifications
Dr. Rania Izhiman is committed to overall good health and takes a unique approach to dental care. She is educated on the deep connections between overall health, the structure, and function of our mouths and believes in natural and non-invasive treatment. Her dentistry always encompasses the mind, body, and soul. She is trained in diagnosing and finding natural solutions to improve oral and systemic health. Dr. Izhiman is aware that everyone comes in differently and emphasizes on restoring and regenerating quantifiable tissues. A leader in many biological fields, she is involved in the Institute for Integrated Sports Medicine, American Academy of Environmental Medicine, Frank Spear Education, and the Center for Esthetics Study Group, and is a Pioneer of World Clinical Laser Institute. In addition to educating herself, Dr. Izhiman uses her own media outlet to host educational seminars on several health topics including holistic dentistry via “Ask Dr. Rania.
Dr. Shvartsman has extensive knowledge about the mouth-body connection and the very important role our mouth plays in our overall health. She has made it her mission to determine the root cause of dental disease and imbalances in the mouth-body connection. Dr. Shvartsman’s participation in the Holistic Dental Association serves to connect her knowledge with other regenerate dentists across the nation, promoting education and furthering awareness. As a result of her passion for health and the importance of proper techniques for any of the treatments, Dr. Shvartsman has written educational material and distributes it to other holistic health care professionals through educational seminars as a curriculum. Aside from participating in and co-teaching the Academy for Comprehensive Integrative Course for Hyperbaric Medicine (HYPERBA 400) at the Whitaker Institute for Hyperbaric Medicine, Dr. Shvartsman has co-written proactive dental management protocols and has presented them at various health and wellness summits, including Loma Linda Hospital’s Department of Medicine Grand Rounds.
4. Top 5 Holistic Dentists Near You
Kari L. Woo, DDS Natural Dentistry is the Santa Monica area’s specialist in exclusive holistic dentistry designed to the individual patient’s needs. With a unique approach to patient care, Dr. Kari’s dental team has been with her for a very long time, and they await your call for a “first visit” consultation to explore the center’s options and natural dental treatments that promote overall wellness. Dr. Kari’s patients give her 5 stars for the quick appointments, listening skills, and willingness to make sure they understand all of her recommendations.
There are top-rated holistic dentists all over the United States, Canada, and the rest of the globe. You will be able to find one nearby, and often more than one option in areas with high demand. But which are some of the highest-rated and most notable holistic dentists in North America? The following five top holistic dentists are listed in multiple directories and come with typical ratings of four or more stars out of five on platforms like Yelp and Google My Business. As you’re facing some of the best holistic dentists in cities well known for their natural wellness lifestyles, this can make it somewhat easier to begin the process of using a whole-health professional to take care of your oral wellness and the health of your whole self.
4.1. Dr. John Smith
When it comes to natural toothpaste, Dr. Smith prefers to use Ora MD and recommends it to all his patients. Ora MD is a spearmint flavored toothpaste that is all natural. Using tea tree oil, this product is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. Marketed as a tooth and gum treatment, Ora MD also has whitening procedures for the teeth as well.
In bleaching the teeth, Dr. Smith exclusively uses a water solution with a newly developed system. This procedure cleanses the mouth along with bleaching both the teeth and restorations. Many teeth whitening systems leave you with sensitive roots due to the harshness of the bleach. Not the Ultrablast system! This is truly a unique bleaching experience.
It is through the leadership of the dental field in both traditional and holistic dentistry that Dr. John Smith has received his high honors. He has served as the founding father of the Dutchess County NY chapter for the Holistic Dental Association. Dr. Smith has also gained his knowledge and training from fellow holistic practitioners from all over the country.
5. Conclusion
In general, it’s hard for the average person to navigate the many different dental philosophies and practices out there. However, it’s essential to find a dentist who understands our dental, oral, and overall systemic health and can help us maintain it. A holistic approach, like the many treatments and techniques in this type of healthcare generally, seeks to avoid harsh chemicals or unnatural interventions, preferring instead to make use of natural, organic options when possible. The best or right dentist for you respects your wishes and tries to locate treatments and strategies which work towards your health goals. Remember that not all good dentists who don’t promote holistic treatments are not caring of patients, but it’s less difficult to locate a dentist focused on holistic dental philosophies who definitely IS caring of their patients. We trust you found at least one dental professional your area to consider now or in the future. Do your part. Schedule regular appointments for your entire family. Protect your pearly whites. And save your whole mouth and body in the future.
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The Benefits of Visiting Holistic Dentists for Improved Oral and Overall Health
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