There is nothing quite like  a warm and welcoming smile – it can be one of your greatest assets. And this is how you will want to keep it. Therefore for many people, turning to their cosmetic dentist is the most certain way to protect their investment, by ensuring that their teeth stay white, straight and free from decay.

But dentistry is not only about healthy teeth, it is also about protecting the health of the gums and indeed the health of the whole body. In reality a surprisingly large number of ailments have as their origin one or another dental problem.

What is Biological Dentistry?

Holistic dentists are sometimes also known by the alternative names of biological dentists or natural dentists. As with other holistic medical practitioners, when treating a patient they will consider the entire human being, including their lifestyle and even spirit, not only their body. And when developing a treatment program, they will make every effort to improve the patient’s overall health and well-being, not just that of their teeth. So as to achieve this they will pay particular attention to a patient’s immune system.

A natural dentist will also avoid the use of potentially dangerous x-rays, by the use of either low emission equipment or alternative means of diagnosis. They will also avoid the use of mercury amalgam fillings, considered to be toxic, in preference for much safer resins, and frequently provide a service of removing old amalgam fillings and detoxification of any residual mercury deposition.

Holistic Dentistry and Amalgam Fillings

Growing evidence suggests that traditional mercury amalgam fillings might be a significant health risk. Studies have shown that such a low-level exposure to mercury can affect kidney function and even brain function, resulting in a cellular degeneration similar to that found in sufferers from Alzheimer’s disease.

For these reasons natural dentists are generally opposed to using amalgam fillings, and should you wish to have your old fillings removed and replaced, it is preferable that you find a dentist who can assess the compatibility of other materials and also help you with the process of detoxification.

Natural Dentistry and Fluoride
 
The vast majority of natural dentists are very much opposed to the ingestion of fluoride by the human body, as for example found in many toothpastes and drinking water. Indeed fluoride itself is known to be toxic and can be harmful even in modest doses. Former studies carried out in support of the incorporation of fluoride in water supplies have since been found to be flawed, and more recent surveys have found little health benefit.

It is important that you are aware of your options when choosing a dentist and there are now increasing numbers of holistic dental practitioners. When choosing your dentist, do not hesitate in posing questions relevant to your overall health and on the dentist’s attitude towards the various subjects discussed in this article. They will surely be more than happy to oblige.

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