it comes to dental care, there are two main approaches: Western and holistic. The Western approach focuses on treating specific dental problems with traditional methods such as fillings or root canals, while the holistic approach takes a more comprehensive view of oral health and looks at how diet, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors can affect overall dental health. While both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, understanding the differences between them is key to making an informed decision about which type of practice is right for you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the two approaches and how they differ so you can make the best decision for your oral health.
The Western medical model versus a holistic approach
While traditional dentists mainly concentrate on teeth and gums, Holistic dentists prioritize the dental health of each individual. Traditional medicine, also known as western medicine, treats specific diseases or conditions using medical technology. For instance, if you have an infection, you will be prescribed antibiotics, or if you experience depression, you will be given an antidepressant.
On the other hand, the holistic approach involves a deeper understanding of how the mind and body connect and aims to identify underlying imbalances that may be contributing to illness.
What does holistic dentistry mean?
Holistic dentistry, also known as natural or biological dentistry, takes into account and deals with all aspects of a person rather than just one aspect. No more focusing on symptoms, but on root causes. Holistic dentistry focuses on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and reducing toxicity.
What is Western dentistry?
The Western approach to dentistry is focused mainly on treating individual issues with traditional treatments such as:
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Implants
- Braces
This approach is widely used and accepted by the majority of people, as it is seen as a dependable method for treating dental issues.
Do biological or holistic dentists qualify as real dentists?
Biological dentists can be general dentists or specialists such as periodontists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, or pedodontists. They’re not only trained in their area of expertise but also have extensive knowledge in dental toxicology and various healing techniques beyond traditional Western dentistry. These techniques may include TCM, Airway Management, Ayurveda, herbology, homeopathy, iridology, and energy medicine.
How does the holistic approach work for pediatric dentistry?
A traditional pediatric dentist will fill cavities in children’s teeth to treat the decay. On the other hand, a holistic pediatric dentist will ask about the child’s diet, dental hygiene habits, and digestion to check for contributing factors before treating the decay. This includes checking if the child eats sweets or brushes their teeth before bed and ensuring healthy digestion to prevent damage to gums and baby teeth.
Fluoride or the alternative way to prevent caries
According to holistic dentists, fluoride is not recommended due to its potential negative impact on health. Instead, holistic dentists recommend preventative measures such as a balanced diet, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits to help reduce the risk of cavities.
Amalgam fillings and the controversial use of mercury
Holistic dentists do not believe in using mercury due to its toxic nature. This has caused controversy over the use of dental amalgam. This discussion delves into the controversy surrounding the use of dental amalgam, which is a mercury alloy commonly used in dental fillings. Those in favor of its use argue that it is a reliable, effective, and enduring choice. However, those who oppose its use claim that amalgam may pose a danger by causing mercury poisoning and other forms of toxicity.
Natural supplements
The popularity of holistic medicine has risen, giving patients the option to use natural supplements for self-healing. These supplements can address a wide range of issues, such as brain fog, detoxification, and anxiety relief.
Combine the best of both worlds
Although holistic dentists offer regular services such as cleanings and restorations, they prioritize minimally invasive treatments and may not use certain materials commonly used in traditional dentistry.
Educate yourself on alternative medicine
Don’t be scared of learning about healthier dental care alternatives. If you believe that only treating your mouth is not sufficient and you want to improve your overall physical and spiritual well-being by balancing your body’s chemistry and chakras, then go for it.
Traditional medicine can be effective in treating severe conditions quickly. However, combining it with holistic approaches may result in greater health benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to understand the differences between traditional and holistic dentistry in order to make an informed decision. The goal of holistic dentistry is to create a healthy balance between body, mind, and spirit while still offering the same quality of care that you would receive from a traditional dentist. Ultimately, it is up to you as a patient to determine which type of dentistry is right for you and your children. Ultimately, it is important to find a healthcare provider who listens to your needs and understands both approaches so that you can make the best decision for your health.
