What Is Natural Dentistry? Understanding This Holistic Approach

What Is Natural Dentistry? Understanding This Holistic Approach

Natural dentistry is another term for holistic or biological dentistry. It uses biocompatible materials (mercury-free, BPA-free), supports your body’s natural healing, and emphasises prevention through nutrition and lifestyle. With 89% of Australian adults experiencing dental decay (AIHW 2024), natural dentistry offers an approach that works with your body rather than against it.

 

Quick Answer

Natural dentistry is the same as holistic dentistry. It avoids mercury and toxic materials, uses minimally invasive techniques, supports your body’s healing abilities, and focuses on prevention through diet and lifestyle. Despite the “natural” name, it still uses modern technology and proven treatments.

 

What “Natural” Actually Means

Natural dentistry DOESN’T mean:

  • Avoiding all modern treatments
  • Using only herbs and home remedies
  • Rejecting dental science

Natural dentistry DOES mean:

  • Mercury-free, biocompatible materials
  • Supporting your body’s healing processes
  • Preventing problems through nutrition
  • Minimising toxic exposures
  • Working with your biology, not against it

How It Differs From Conventional Dentistry

Conventional Natural
May use mercury fillings Always mercury-free
Standard protocols Individualised care
Limited nutrition advice Comprehensive nutrition guidance
Reactive treatment Prevention focused

What Natural Dentists Do

Materials Used

At Sydney Holistic Dental Centre, we use:

  • BPA-free composite fillings
  • All-ceramic crowns
  • Zirconia (metal-free) implants
  • Non-toxic materials only

Treatment Approach

  • Minimal intervention: Preserve your natural tooth structure
  • Ozone therapy: Natural antimicrobial treatment
  • Nutritional guidance: Diet affects your oral health
  • Safe mercury removal: SMART protocol protection

Prevention Focus

Rather than just fixing problems, natural dentistry asks, “Why did this happen?” and addresses root causes through:

  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition
  • Stress management
  • Sleep optimisation
  • Proper oral hygiene

 

“Natural dentistry means respecting your body’s remarkable ability to heal. We provide biocompatible materials, remove toxic substances, and create conditions for natural healing. This doesn’t mean rejecting modern dentistry – it means using science wisely whilst trusting your body’s wisdom.”

~ Dr Lewis Ehrlich, Sydney Holistic Dental Centre

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Common Natural Treatments

Mercury Removal: Safe removal using SMART protocol with biocompatible replacements

Gum Disease: Ozone therapy, laser treatment, nutritional support, anti-inflammatory diet

Cavities: Early remineralisation, minimal drilling, biocompatible fillings, addressing causes

Extractions: Platelet-rich fibrin for healing, ceramic implants, nutritional support

 

Is It Right for Children?

Yes. Natural dentistry is excellent for children because:

  • No mercury exposure
  • BPA-free materials are safe for development
  • Prevention education starts early
  • Minimally invasive, gentle approach

With 22% of Australian children aged 5-14 having gingivitis (AIHW 2024), prevention matters.

 

What It Can and Can’t Do

Natural dentistry CAN:

 ✓ Prevent many dental problems

 ✓ Use safe, biocompatible materials

 ✓ Support your body’s healing

 ✓ Address root causes

Natural dentistry CANNOT: 

✗ Replace all conventional treatments,

Guarantee no cavities through diet alone,

✗ Cure every condition naturally

Natural dentists are realistic. They use conventional treatments when necessary for your health.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it scientifically proven? Yes. Natural dentistry uses evidence-based treatments and scientifically proven materials. The “natural” philosophy guides material selection, but treatments remain research-backed.

Q: Does it cost more? Not usually. Natural materials often cost the same as conventional ones. A prevention focus can reduce long-term costs.

Q: Does natural mean no fluoride? Natural dentists offer fluoride-free options (xylitol, remineralising treatments) whilst respecting informed patient choice.

Q: Will it prevent all cavities? No approach prevents all cavities. But addressing root causes (nutrition, lifestyle, stress) often achieves better long-term outcomes than conventional prevention alone.

 

The Bottom Line

Natural dentistry is another name for holistic dentistry. It combines modern dental science with natural health principles: biocompatible materials, minimal intervention, and prevention through nutrition and lifestyle.

Your body has a remarkable healing capacity when given safe materials, proper nutrition, and optimal conditions. Natural dentistry respects and supports these natural processes.

Ready to experience natural dental care? Contact Sydney Holistic Dental Centre: (02) 8188 3718


References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Oral health and dental care in Australia. Canberra: AIHW.