In recent years, the concept of holistic dentistry has gained traction among individuals seeking alternative and holistic approaches to oral health care.
Holistic dentistry revolves around the belief that oral health is intricately linked to overall health and well-being.
Understanding holistic dentistry’s potential benefits and risks is important, gaining insights for an informed approach.
What is holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry is an alternative approach that focuses on caring for the body as a whole, including your spiritual, physical and mental health.
Holistic dentistry operates on the belief that your oral health is directly tied to your overall well-being. It’s important to note that holistic dentists obtain dental degrees and licenses, so they still utilize traditional oral health maintenance methods such as flossing, brushing and other common treatments. However, they will combine these practices with alternative methods as well.
Holistic dentistry treatments
In addition to traditional dental treatments, holistic dentistry may suggest remedies that focus on overall health, such as:
- Nutritional changes: Tailoring your diet to include nutrient-rich foods beneficial for your overall health or promoting the consumption of more foods with oral health benefits.
- Herbology: Incorporating herbal remedies to address and manage various dental concerns. For example, a holistic dentist may recommend peppermint oil to help with pain and sage to help with inflammation.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture has an analgesic effect and is often used as an alternative to help manage dental pain.
The risks of holistic dentistry
In certain situations, holistic dentistry practices may pose potential risks. Individuals with a significant history of tooth decay or those fighting severe dental infections might find that conventional treatments such as fluoride or root canals are essential in preventing irreversible damage.
In addition, some herbal remedies may have unintended interactions with prescription drugs. Ask your doctor about using herbal remedies if you’re using prescription drugs.
Holistic Dentistry Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about exploring holistic dentistry, always prioritize your oral health by consulting with your health care professional to ensure a well-informed and balanced approach to dental care.
Note: The American Dental Association doesn’t endorse the practice of holistic dentistry. A policy statement from the ADA says: “Health care interventions, whether or not considered CAM*, should be subject to testing using similar research standards and scientific rigor to provide a strong, evidence-based foundation for their safety and appropriate use. Within this context, the notion of CAM as a specific subset of interventions that belong to a specific discipline can be considered questionable.”
*Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)