Holistic health approaches are becoming very popular.
It’s no wonder they have also made their entry into dental practice and have led to the formation of biological dentistry. It is a branch of science that views dental care from a whole-body perspective.
Unlike traditional dentists, who usually focus on teeth and gums, biological dentists say that if you have oral health concerns, the whole body might be affected. Additionally, their treatment is based on natural remedies and caution to prevent general wellness rather than treating symptoms.
But what exactly is a biological dentist? How are their practices different from conventional dentists, and why should you consider this approach for your dental care?
In this article, we’ll discuss biological dentistry, including its principles, practices, and many benefits. Whether you’re looking for a more holistic approach to health or an alternative to dental care, this guide reveals some very helpful insights for you.
What is a Biological Dentist?
A biological dentist is a person who practices biological dentistry, also known as holistic or integrative dentistry. The approach deals with the interrelation between oral health and the body as a whole. It goes beyond what is usually conceived from simple dental care: treating cavities or gum disease.
Biological dentists treat the mouth as part of the overall health of the body. They believe that a dental problem may have further implications for the other systems of the body.
Looking much deeper, we came to know that holistic dentistry combines traditional dental practices with natural remedies. It is primarily focused on using the least toxic materials and procedures for dental problems.
Principles and Philosophy of Biological Dentistry
The core philosophy behind biological dentistry rests on the principle dealing with biocompatibility. In simple words, it implies the use of materials and treatments that are safe, and nontoxic to the human body.
Prevention is another mainstay of the ideology of biological dentists—to stop dental problems before they occur, through education and holistic care practices.
This includes nutritional consultations, lifestyle changes, or natural remedies that help augment oral and general health.
Another core element is the limitation of invasive procedures. Biological dentists often use the least invasive approaches available to preserve natural tooth structure and avoid unwarranted surgeries or extractions.
The Role of the Biological Dentist
Focus on Health for the Whole Body
A biological dentist’s primary concern is the interrelationship of the body’s systems. They are aware that issues in the mouth may affect digestion, cardiovascular, and immune health.
For instance, chronic infections in the mouth trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body, which leads to diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, later in life. Biological dentists aim to improve overall health by holistically correcting these dental problems.
Biocompatible Materials
One outstanding practice in biological dentistry is the use or utilization of biocompatible materials. For many years, amalgam has been used in many dental practices. This substance contains mercury, something that is potentially toxic to the human body.
On the other hand, biological dentists reach for alternative materials that are safer and more likely to be compatible with the body’s chemistry. It could be ceramic or composite resins used in fillings and crowns that do not contain metals and have no toxins.
Preventive and Educational Oriented
Prevention is one of the cornerstones of biological dentistry. It places great importance on the role of diet and lifestyle in keeping teeth and gums healthy through patient education.
Under this belief, biological dentists often teach people about the natural ways to prevent dental troubles. Some of the important steps include,
- Use of fluoride-free toothpaste
- More nutritional value to the diet
- Avoid habits that damage health, like smoking
- Avoid too much sugar consumption
Natural Dental Care Practices
Restorations Free from Mercury and Metal
Biological dentists believe in mercury-free restorations. These materials are not only safer but also aesthetic, blending seamlessly with natural teeth.
Safe Removal of Amalgam Fillings
Biological dentists recommend safe removal techniques for people with amalgam fillings.
The removal of such fillings will usually lead to the restoration of mercury vapor. When inhaled, the vapor is dangerous.
A biological dentist uses special equipment and developed protocols aimed to minimize exposure at the time of removal for the sake of the safety of the person.
Nontoxic Alternatives for Dental Treatments
Biological dentistry also studies nontoxic alternatives for different dental treatments. These can include ozone therapy to disinfect areas, promote healing, and avoid chemical-based disinfectants. Moreover, the biological dentist may treat certain procedures with laser therapy which is far less invasive and can facilitate healing as compared to conventional means.
Benefits of Biological Dentistry
Toxic Material Exposure Reduction: One of the most prominent advantages of biological dentistry is avoiding as little exposure to toxic substances as possible. This approach is appropriate, especially for sensitive people or those who prefer a natural route.
Supporting Overall Health and Wellbeing: Biological dentistry operates holistically. It is more concerned with the cause of the disease than the disease itself.
Individualized Treatment Plans for Each Patient: Each patient is different. Biological dentistry acknowledges that. The field experts devise a treatment plan customized only toward a certain unique requirement.
The biological dentist will consider a person’s medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences to make a treatment plan. This type of treatment, therefore, allows patient care that corresponds to his particular health requirements and objectives.
FAQS
What is a biological dentist?
A biological dentist focuses on alternative holistic approaches to dental care. This includes using biocompatible materials and understanding how oral health is interrelated with overall health.
How does conventional dentistry differ from biological dentistry?
Biological dentistry differs by prioritizing nontoxic materials, preventive care, and healing of the entire body rather than focusing on symptoms.
Are biological dentistry materials safe?
Yes, this is because biological dentists are known to use nontoxic and biocompatible materials that are free of any inclusion of mercury vapor. In this respect, these materials are safe for use in the body.
Can biological dentistry improve chronic conditions?
Biological dentistry can, at times, help alleviate chronic conditions related to dental problems by focusing on oral health about the health of the whole body.
Is biological dentistry right for kids?
Yes, it may prove to be very beneficial for children because biological dentistry uses gentle and nontoxic treatments that support long-term health.
The Bottom Line
Biological dentistry is a holistic approach to oral care that pays immense attention to the correlation between oral care and overall health.
Essentially, the main differences between biological dentists and traditional dental practices are using biocompatible materials, focusing on prevention, and considering the whole body.
Whether you want to avoid poisoning your body with pollutants or prefer a holistic approach, biological dentistry could be just what you need. Good oral health is essential for good general health, and the practice of biological dentistry works in tandem with both.
