How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
If you are in the market for a new dentist, you may be overwhelmed with all the choices. However, most dentists practice what is called traditional or conventional dentistry. There is also another option, known as holistic dentistry. Most people have never even heard of holistic dentistry services let alone know anything about them. If you are one of those people, get to know some of the important facts about holistic dentistry and the ways that it may benefit you. Then, you can decide if holistic dentistry services are the best way to go for you and your dental health.
Holistic Dentistry Focuses on Overall Health
In holistic dentistry, dentists are keenly aware that the mouth does not exist in a vacuum completely separate from the rest of the body. Therefore, a person's overall health must be taken into account as well as the health of their teeth and gums specifically.
One example of this is with gum disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can actually get into the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This bacteria has been connected to heart disease. Plaque on the teeth can sometimes be connected to plaque in the arteries. Even brain health can be connected to oral health.
As such, recognizing and embracing these connections between oral health and overall health is one of the main tenets of holistic dentistry services. If you have gum disease, for example, your dentist may refer you to your primary care doctor or a cardiologist to assess your cardiovascular health.
Holistic Dentistry Does Not Use Mercury-Based Fillings
Dental amalgams are what was typically used to fill teeth to prevent cavities or to improve the structural integrity of a tooth. However, dental amalgam is actually a mercury-based metal. Many dentists, particularly holistic dentists find the practice of putting mercury, a known carcinogenic element, into the mouth problematic. As such, holistic dentists do not use mercury-based fillings. They will use alternative forms of fillings like resin fillings when fillings are necessary. This will serve the same purpose as a dental amalgam without the added risks of mercury.
Holistic dentistry is a practice that takes the whole person into consideration, not just their isolated tooth issues. Because of this, it can be better for your overall health and well-being. If holistic dentistry services sound like a good option to you, be sure to contact a holistic dentist to set up your first appointment.