What Is Holistic Dentistry?

Holistic dentistry is the belief that one's dental health is connected to their whole-body health (via Restore Health Dentistry). This approach to dentistry is an alternative to traditional dental care. Holistic describes the belief that body parts are connected, and if one part of the body isn't doing well, it can affect the health of other body parts. For instance, if your body is at risk for heart disease you may also be experiencing gum disease since both conditions cause inflammation.

A holistic dentist is similar to a traditional dentist when it comes to their education. WebMD reports that holistic dentists must still earn a degree and license to practice. However, beyond their degree, they also take special courses in holistic healing. Just like holistic dentists, traditional dentists have to acquire their bachelor's degree, a four-year doctor of medicine in dentistry, pass the National Board Dental Examination, and go through a clinical exam run by the state or regional board of dentistry.

Although holistic dentistry offices offer the same services as any general dentist, holistic dentists tend to opt for more natural treatment options. A holistic dentist isn't just going to fill in your cavity and send you home (via Healthline). Instead, the dentist will consider the material being used in the cavity filling, and then educate the patient on why the cavity was formed by discussing the patient's health and lifestyle. For patients with gum disease, a holistic dentist will spend much more time talking to the patient about gum health and how to properly care for them once they leave the dentist's chair.

Holistic dentistry has been around for about 100 years, as per Élan by Dr. Meghan Hodges. When it comes to filling cavities in a holistic dentistry office, composite resin fillings are used instead of amalgam fillings, which have mercury, and fluoride isn't used. However, according to the American Dental Association, amalgam dental fillings are safe to use. In fact, the material of amalgam fillings is affordable and durable. All in all, the choice of dentistry simply comes down to the patient's preference and the lifestyle they follow.