Holistic Dentistry – All Your Questions Answered

What is Holistic Dentistry?

There are a lot of question about holistic dentistry and in this blog Brisbane Holistic Dentist Dr Rachel Hall provides her answers. Simply put holistic dentistry combines traditional dentistry together with medicine, science and natural health philosophies to support health and wellbeing.

How Does Holistic Dentistry Differ from Normal Dentistry?

Holistic Dentistry always considers your overall health; we want you to feel and look your best and know how to best care for yourself and your teeth and gums.

We work with you to achieve your dental health goals and want you to have great oral health for life.

All aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry are provided including preventative care and education. We use the latest techniques and safe dental materials that work in harmony with your body.

Is Holistic Dentistry More Expensive?

As a Holistic Dentist, we spend more time with you than most traditional dentists so we can understand your health history and know how to best assess your current dental needs. A comprehensive treatment plan may require additional costs for specialised testing, nutritional supplements and the equipment required to ensure you are not exposed to toxins or dental pollutants during your treatments.

That said the dental aspect of treatments is comparable to any standard dentist and all your treatment options and costs will be made available to you at the time of your consultation.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Offered?

Holistic dentistry wants you to feel and look your best and if part of that is creating a healthy great looking smile then yes we offer cosmetic dentistry. This includes tooth whitening, white fillings, veneers or crowns to improve the look, shape and colour of your teeth or orthodontic treatment in some cases.

Is there a Protocol or Set of Guidelines that Holistic Dentists Follow?

Holistic dental practitioners follow protocols for safe dentistry set out by The International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology. This assures that your health and safety are our number one focus during all treatments like amalgam mercury filling replacement.

We keep up to date with current developments in holistic dentistry and ensure we follow the guidelines to protect your health, the health of the dental team and the health of the planet.

What are the Key Areas of Focus in Holistic Dentistry?

Holistic Dentistry understands that your mouth is part of your body. The health of your teeth and gums impacts on the health of your body and your health affects your teeth and gums.

We want you to have the best possible dental and overall health, so we focus on the following:

1. ORAL HYGIENE
Oral hygiene requires more than just brushing your teeth. Holistic Dentistry considers dental hygiene an essential element of holistic practice. The dentist works closely with you to achieve and maintain clean, healthy teeth and gums; paying special attention to any areas of chronic inflammation and infection caused by harmful bacteria. In addition to nutritional advice, Holistic Dentistry also recommends natural toothpaste and mouthwashes to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

2. NUTRITION
The first signs of many illnesses can be seen by changes in the mouth. Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances lead to ill health, gum disease and tooth decay. We use nutrition to improve general health and to support the body. We encourage our patients to become actively involved in their care, health and well-being.

3. TOXIC MATERIALS
Research indicates that exposure to heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury are detrimental to our health. Heavy metals contribute to what is termed oxidative stress – a process that produces free-radicals which reduce our ability to heal and remain youthful.

Silver amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury, so special procedures for their removal are part of the Holistic Dentistry way of dental practice. These procedures ensure your safety as well as that of the dental team and the environment.

We also ensure the materials we use are as non-toxic, non-allergenic and free of fluoride as is possible.

4. ORAL INFECTIONS
Holistic Dentistry treats any oral infection seriously, as the blood supply to the mouth is that which supplies the whole body. Any infections in your mouth like gum disease or abscesses can seriously affect your general health. A detailed consultation with the dentist provides you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about treatments using Holistic principals.

5. STRESS
Holistic dentistry is very aware of the damaging effects of stress due to emotional states, physical conditions, oxidative processes, and muscular head/neck strain on your teeth. Holistic Dentistry acknowledges that individual jaw structure and teeth placement can also contribute to muscular imbalances, headaches, migraines and chronic neck pain. Holistic Dentistry recommends nutritional medicine in conjunction with oral adjustments and mouth-guards to reduce further damage to the teeth, which is a majority of cases also relieves pain.

For more information on our services or to make an appointment with Dr Rachel Hall holistic dentist call our Brisbane office 07 3720 1811 or email us via the contact form.