Holistic dentistry treats your mouth as part of your whole body. It uses safe, biocompatible materials and considers how dental health affects your overall wellbeing. With 89% of Australian adults experiencing dental decay, holistic dentistry offers a preventative, comprehensive approach that addresses root causes rather than symptoms.
Quick Answer
Holistic dentistry views your oral health as connected to your whole-body wellness. It uses biocompatible, mercury-free materials and focuses on prevention rather than treating symptoms. Unlike conventional dentistry, it considers how dental treatments affect your immune system, sleep, breathing, and overall health.
Understanding Holistic Dentistry
Your dental health affects far more than your smile. Research increasingly shows connections between oral health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. This is the foundation of holistic dentistry.
Holistic dentistry (also called biological dentistry) is an approach that views oral health as deeply connected to your overall health. Rather than treating teeth and gums separately, holistic dentists consider how dental treatments impact your entire body.
The philosophy is simple: your mouth is the gateway to your body. What happens there affects your whole system.
The Core Principles
- Whole-body approach: Considers how oral health affects overall wellbeing
- Biocompatible materials: Uses non-toxic, mercury-free substances
- Prevention focus: Addresses root causes, not symptoms
- Minimally invasive: Preserves natural tooth structure whenever possible
- Patient education: Empowers you to make informed health decisions
“At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, we examine much more than teeth and gums. In every new patient consultation, we want to know your health really, really well. We look for signs in your mouth that might indicate broader health concerns. By thoroughly assessing your oral health, we can often spot early warning signs of systemic issues.”
~ Dr Lewis Ehrlich, Sydney Holistic Dental Centre
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The Mouth-Body Connection: Why It Matters
Current Australian health data reveals significant oral health challenges. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024), 89% of Australian adults have experienced dental decay. Additionally, 29% of adults have gingivitis.
These aren’t merely dental statistics. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications. The bacteria from oral infections can enter your bloodstream and affect organs throughout your body.
Key Health Connections
- Cardiovascular health and diabetes: Gum disease bacteria can inflame blood vessel linings and make blood sugar control difficult
- Respiratory and immune function: Oral bacteria can be aspirated into lungs whilst chronic inflammation stresses your immune system
- Pregnancy outcomes: Gum disease linked to premature birth and low birth weight
What Makes Holistic Dentistry Different?
Holistic dentistry offers distinct differences from conventional approaches in materials, methods, and philosophy.
Biocompatible Materials
Holistic dentists avoid potentially harmful materials, including mercury amalgam fillings, which contain 50% mercury by weight. Instead, we use:
- Composite resin fillings (BPA-free)
- Ceramic and zirconia crowns
- Metal-free dental implants
- Fluoride-free treatment options
Comprehensive Health Assessment
A holistic dental consultation typically includes:
- Detailed health history review
- Nutritional assessment
- Stress and lifestyle evaluation
- Sleep quality discussion
- Examination of jaw function and airway health
Common Holistic Dental Treatments
Safe Mercury Removal
Using the SMART protocol (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique), holistic dentists safely remove old mercury fillings. This protects you, the dental team, and the environment from mercury vapour exposure during removal.
Biocompatibility Testing
Some patients benefit from testing which dental materials work best with their individual body chemistry. This prevents allergic reactions and ensures optimal healing after dental procedures.
Airway-Focused Dentistry
Holistic dentists assess how jaw position and tooth alignment affect breathing. Poor airway function can lead to sleep apnoea, grinding, and systemic health issues that extend far beyond your mouth.
Is Holistic Dentistry Right for You?
Consider holistic dentistry if you:
- Want to avoid mercury and toxic materials
- Have chronic health conditions affected by oral health
- Prefer preventative, minimally invasive care
- Value understanding the ‘why’ behind treatments
- Want to actively participate in your healthcare decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are holistic dentists qualified dentists?
Yes. Holistic dentists hold the same qualifications (Bachelor of Dental Science or Doctor of Dental Surgery) as conventional dentists, plus additional training in biocompatible materials and whole-body health connections.
Q: Is holistic dentistry safe?
Yes. Holistic dentistry prioritises safety by avoiding toxic materials and using evidence-based, minimally invasive techniques. All treatments meet Australian dental health standards and regulations.
Q: Does Medicare or private insurance cover holistic dentistry?
Most standard dental procedures (check-ups, cleanings, fillings) are covered the same as conventional dentistry. Some specialised treatments like biocompatibility testing may not be fully covered. Check with your provider.
Q: How long do holistic dental appointments take?
Initial consultations are typically longer (60-90 minutes) because holistic dentists conduct comprehensive health assessments. This thorough approach helps identify underlying issues that shorter appointments might miss.
Q: What’s the difference between holistic and biological dentistry?
These terms are often used interchangeably. Both approaches focus on whole-body health connections, biocompatible materials, and minimally invasive treatments. The core philosophy and practices are essentially the same.
Take Action for Your Holistic Health
With 89% of Australian adults affected by dental decay, a holistic approach offers hope for better outcomes. By treating your mouth as part of your whole body, holistic dentistry addresses not simply symptoms but underlying causes.
Ready to experience the difference holistic dentistry can make? At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, we’re committed to comprehensive care that supports your total wellbeing.
Book your consultation today: (02) 8188 3718
References:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Oral health and dental care in Australia. Canberra: AIHW.