Biological Dentistry: Beyond Oral Health
Biological dentistry is a revolutionary approach to oral health, as well as whole-body health, that emphasizes prevention and conservative treatment methods. It discourages the use of mercury and other toxins, or side effect-laden pharmaceuticals.
Biological dentists believe in the mouth-body connection. The “mouth-body connection” refers to the idea that your oral health and overall health are inextricably linked.
What is the mouth-body connection?
The mouth-body connection refers to the fact that your oral health and whole-body health are connected.
9 Reasons to choose a biological dentist
What are the top 9 reasons to choose a biological dentist over a conventional dentist?
1. MERCURY FREE AND MERCURY SAFE
Biological dentists are mercury-free and/or mercury-safe. That may sound like a no-brainer since mercury toxicity has been linked to autoimmunity, Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, miscarriage, multiple sclerosis, and so much more.
But mercury fillings are still in use.
“Silver fillings” or “Amalgam fillings”, contain 50% mercury by weight.
If you already have mercury fillings, a biological dentist will weigh the pros and cons of amalgam removal. Important to note: You are most exposed to mercury while the filling is being put in and taken out. In some cases, it may actually be better to leave the fillings in.
What do biological dentists use for fillings?
Biological dentists may use the following biocompatible materials for cavity fillings:
- Composite resin
- Porcelain
- Zirconium
- Glass ionomer
- Dental gold
2. FLUORIDE-FREE
Biological dentists recognize that fluoride is controversial.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a promising alternative. According to recent research, hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help remineralize teeth similar to fluoride, but without the potential adverse effects!
You don’t need fluoride to prevent tooth decay. All you really need is a good tooth-brushing technique, a healthy flossing habit, and a nutrient-dense, low-sugar diet.
3. FOCUS ON WHOLE-BODY HEALTH
Biological dentists are focused on whole-body health. They care about how your oral health affects the whole person, as well as how your whole-body health affects your oral health.
It is important to recognize that poor oral health is linked to almost every systemic disease you can think of.
However, biological dentists look for that direct link between poor oral health and whole-body health.
4. FOCUS ON PREVENTION
Biological dentists are focused on the prevention of oral health problems, not to mention whole-body health problems.
Biological dentists believe that tooth decay can be prevented with good nutrition, smoking cessation, and good oral health habits.
For biological dentists, prevention is the best cure.
5. MOST NATURAL AND LEAST INVASIVE
There are all-natural dietary supplements that can benefit your oral health, and in turn the entire body. Biological dentistry emphasizes detoxification.
Biological dental practices may use novel techniques, such as state-of-the-art lasers and ozone therapy, which are non-invasive and non-traumatic.
6. AVOIDS ROOT CANALS
Biological dentists tend to avoid root canals unless absolutely necessary.
Root canal alternatives may involve extracting the tooth altogether then replacing it with a:
- Zirconia implant
- Bridge or bonded bridge
- Metal-free partial
7. BIOCOMPATIBILITY TESTING FOR DENTAL MATERIALS
Biological dentists often do biocompatibility testing for various dental materials. These biocompatible dental materials are used for fillings, veneers, even crowns and bridges.
There is no use of mercury fillings, but it’s important to be sure that whatever alternative is used will not react badly with the patient’s whole-person well-being.
8. EMPHASIS ON NUTRITION AND NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
Biological dentists emphasize the importance of nutrition and nutritional counseling.
Tying into their focus on prevention, these dentists believe an educated patient is a healthier patient. The more their patient knows about how nutrition affects their oral health (and overall wellness), the less likely that patient will develop a “dental emergency”.
Your dietary habits have a direct effect on inflammation, your gut health (therefore immune health), and your oral microbiome.
6 nutrition tips for oral health:
1. Avoid sugar, especially processed sugar
2. Steer clear of starchy foods
3. Look for fatty fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids
4. Eat leafy greens, which are beneficial prebiotics
5. Chew on crunchy veggies to promote saliva and get rid of food particles
6. Don’t consume soda or fruit juices, which are very sugary and acidic
9. OZONE THERAPY
Biological dentists often utilize ozone therapy, a non-invasive way to clean bad bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeast, and harmful debris from teeth, cavitations, and other areas.
Ozone (O3) may be used for disinfection and stimulating the immune system. Also, when ozone comes into contact with blood, more proteins and red blood cells form, increasing your oxygen supply.
Not only does it support a healthy immune system, but ozone therapy can also reduce chronic inflammation.
Because ground ozone is considered an air pollutant, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises against purchasing an “ozone air purifier”.
However, biological dentists carefully apply ozone to affected areas in a way that should pose no threat to you, nor the environment.
FUNCTIONAL VS. HOLISTIC VS. BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY
There are several terms used to describe a dentist who uses a biological approach to oral health. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in the actual definitions.
Here are some terms for biological dentistry that can be used interchangeably, but actually mean slightly different things:
1. Biological dentistry — This refers to dentists who follow the philosophy of how German Biological Medicine applies to oral health. They believe that the whole body affects the mouth, and vice versa. For instance, dental mercury fillings may cause whole-body side effects, or dental cavitations may cause systemic disease.
2. Functional dentistry — A functional dentist is concerned with the function of your whole body, as it relates to your oral health. These professionals look for root causes seemingly unrelated to the symptoms.
3. Holistic dentistry — What is the difference between a holistic dentist and a regular dentist? The difference is that a holistic dentist treats the whole person to ensure oral health, or vice versa, even taking into account mental and social factors.
