Strathmore, New Jersey Dentist

Holistic or biological dentistry can be defined as an approach to dentistry that focuses on dental health in relation to overall health. As a result, holistic dentists are simply dentists who focus on natural treatments or alternative methods as opposed to prescribing typical medicines.

Holistic dentistry approaches dentistry thinking about the health and well-being of a patient. As a result, there is an unmatched focus on preventive dentistry and alternative dentistry.

While a holistic dentist will take care of their patient’s teeth and overall oral health, he/she recommends extra treatment such as herbs, homeopathy, nutritional changes, and other treatments where necessary.

In holistic dentistry, conditions like tooth infections and tooth decay are approached via personal oral hygiene instead of focusing on dental cleaning services.

Holistic dentistry can be compared to traditional dentistry in two main ways discussed below;

Scope of standards and care: Holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry are similar in standards i.e., both maintain standards of care as per the American Dental Association (ADA). However, there are notable differences. While traditional dentistry is about preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries, diseases, and malformations of the dental formula (teeth, jaws & mouth), holistic dentistry has a similar quality and care scope apart from the fact that there are additional sets of standards and care.

Focus on non-toxic treatment: Holistic dentistry is focused on non-toxic treatment. There is an acknowledgment of potentially toxic materials used in restorative dental work. What’s more, holistic dentistry recognizes the presence and impact of dental toxins and infections on a patient’s overall health. Traditional dentistry offers the minimum or basic standards of care, which may include the use of potentially toxic materials in restorative dental work. As a result, holistic dentists don’t use mercury silver amalgam filling, among other dental materials that aren’t biocompatible to our bodies and may be responsible for causing autoimmune disorders and other health problems.

Addresses the root cause: Holistic dentists don’t simply treat dental problems. They go further and check the root cause of the problem to ensure it doesn’t happen again. For instance, the dentist won’t simply place crowns over worn teeth. They will go further and check what caused the worn teeth i.e., untreated TMJ disorder and treat that as well.

Uses biocompatible & non-toxic materials: Holistic dentistry emphasizes the use of dental treatment materials that are safe for the rest of the body, from sterile tools and non-toxic resin to mercury-free and metal-free fillings & crowns.

As mentioned, Dental Healing Arts offers biological dental solutions in New Jersey that are free of toxins and bio-incompatible materials. Our holistic dentistry offers solutions such as mercury-free dental crowns and fillings. What’s more, our colored fillings are 100% safe and free of mercury. We remove amalgam tooth fillings and crowns, replacing them with non-toxic materials.

High-tech and minimally-invasive treatments: Holistic dentistry also utilizes high-tech minimally-invasive techniques. There is an unmatched focus on avoiding unnecessary pain or procedures that can compromise a patient’s overall well-being, while producing sub-par results. Notable high-tech technologies/techniques include the use of advanced 3D-digital x-rays, laser treatments for gum disease (effective and avoids surgery), same-day crowns, and high-tech dental implants.

Treatment boosts overall health: Since treatment involves materials that are free of toxins and biocompatible, holistic dentistry promotes overall health and well-being. A dental visit doesn’t result in mercury or other metals in your mouth that are known to compromise immune system function in the long-term. What’s more, since underlying causes of dental problems are addressed (i.e., high blood pressure known to cause gum disease), patients are able to enjoy better dental and overall health.

Cost: Holistic dentistry may include procedures that aren’t covered by insurance. This can result in higher out-of-pocket costs.

Decay risks: Since holistic dentistry doesn’t incorporate fluoride in procedures/treatments, there are increased risks of tooth decay.

Treatment by unlicensed dentists: If you don’t check the credentials of your holistic dentist, there’s always a risk that you may be treated by someone who isn’t licensed.

Dental Healing Arts has NJ holistic dentists that are highly trained, licensed, and fully compliant with the ADA.

Holistic dentistry is practiced in dental offices that resemble regular dentist clinics. However, you may need to answer more questions than you would on a regular dental visit at a typical dental clinic. For instance, before treatment, you may be asked about your oral hygiene, physical health, and current diet.

Some tests may also be done (such as X-rays), if needed. While X-rays may be required, holistic dentists order far less X-rays. Blood pressure and blood sugar readings are also taken. Holistic dentists also review patients’ past health and dental problems before commencing treatment.

Besides physical health, they also consider emotional and spiritual health aspects of their patients. For instance, patients experiencing teeth grinding (bruxism) are likely to receive stress management education and pre-bedtime routines as part of treatment, alongside other remedies like a night guard.

Holistic dentists offer general and specialized oral care. They offer typical treatments like dental cleaning/checkups and composite filling to highly specialized services like ozone therapy and oral cancer screening. Biological dentists also evaluate a patient’s entire health, offer oral health technique education and alternative jaw, head, and neck pain treatment.

Composite filling offered by holistic dentists is free of mercury. What’s more, the filling doesn’t discolor the teeth or expose patients to uncomfortable procedures that require drilling. Composite filling also resembles dental enamel.

Generally, biological dentistry or holistic dentistry focuses on dental health and overall physical health. While a regular dentist will focus on the dental formula, holistic dentists will explore dental health issues and their relation to overall health. As a result, a holistic dentist may order diagnostic screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol linked to dental health problems and advice on notable remedies to such problems. Dentists also educate and train on good oral hygiene.

You should visit a holistic dentist for many reasons. First and foremost, they offer a better level of care. If you want dental services that are free of toxins and other harmful effects or procedures (intrusive procedures), a holistic dentist is a good choice. Generally, you should visit holistic dentists when you are interested in alternative dental techniques and natural dental remedies. If you are concerned about amalgam fillings, a biological dentist can have them removed safely, and better alternatives installed.

The dentists are also great when looking for a link between your current dental health problems and overall health. You could also visit a holistic or biological dentist if you are supposed to undergo dental surgery but would prefer alternative treatment instead or surgery when absolutely necessary. What’s more, you should try a biological dentist when traditional dental treatments have failed.

Holistic dentistry history can be traced back to a researcher, Weston A. Price, who blamed common dental problems like tooth decay to the modern western diet. According to Price, foodstuffs like white floor, processed sugar, and pasteurized milk were largely to blame for tooth decay. His theory was later expanded by other pseudoscientists leading to the establishment of a new approach to dentistry that combined modern science and traditional/natural healing methods.

Other notable efforts that pushed holistic dentistry can be traced back to 1978 with organizations such as the HDA (Holistic Dental Association). The HDA was established by concerned dentists who were brought together by a common goal of using new treatment modalities that were excluded in dental school programs. Their push for additional treatment options led to the formation of the HDA which is a notable holistic dentistry organization providing a forum for developing and sharing health-promoting therapies.

In case you are wondering what it takes to become a biological dentist in NJ, you need to complete the same dental program/training done by traditional dentists. Generally, dentists in the US must take programs from accredited or approved dental schools. Holistic dentists get further training via specialized courses on holistic healing.

In summary, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a dental-related field. Holistic dentists also need to pass national board dental exams and have a clinical exam done at the state or regional board of dentistry level. For specific dentist requirements in New Jersey, check the state board.

Other notable efforts that pushed holistic dentistry can be traced back to 1978 with organizations such as the HDA (Holistic Dental Association). The HDA was established by concerned dentists who were brought together by a common goal of using new treatment modalities that were excluded in dental school programs. Their push for additional treatment options led to the formation of the HDA which is a notable holistic dentistry organization providing a forum for developing and sharing health-promoting therapies.