subject: Biological Dentistry - A Conscious Approach To Improving Dental And Overall Health [print this page] We are seeing a number of phrases attempting to describe a new and evolving way to practice dentistry. Among them are Biological Dentistry, Holistic Dentistry, and Mercury-Free Dentistry. What is this new trend in dentistry all about? It is about taking more of the whole person into consideration in any attempt to improve a patients health. It is about being conscious of more aspects of an individuals life than conventional dentistry does.
One aspect the biological dentist takes into consideration is that each person has a unique response to the materials in his or her environment. Because the materials used in dentistry are in intimate contact with the body for as long as they are in place, the biological dentist thinks that the choice of these materials is of prime importance. Many biological dentists use Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing (www.ccrlab.com) to help their patients determine which materials are more biologically compatible. Many also avoid the use of all metals, and especially mercury fillings (a.k.a. amalgam or silver fillings).
Another aspect the biological dentist considers is the possibility of low-grade, chronic infections in the teeth and jaws. These infections are a drain on the immune system, and many biological dentists believe that the toxins produced in these infections can contribute to other health issues. There is no pain like a toothache, but all infected teeth do not cause pain. Many of these infections can go undetected for years. Even teeth that have had root canal therapy can be infected without causing any pain. Many times when an infected tooth is removed, the infection can remain in the bone for years to come. These residual infections are called cavitations. The biological dentist is very careful to remove all the infected bone when the tooth is removed, and will take steps to insure that it does not become re-infected during healing.
Biological dentists have set a trend that many conventional dentists are following. Many dentists are recognizing the connection between oral health and the general health. Two of the largest health issues we face today are heart disease and diabetes. Both are conclusively related to oral health. Many physicians are also becoming aware of this connection and are sending their patients to the biological and conventional dentist to get control of their oral infections as part of their overall therapy.
Biological dentists are generally open to alternative medical practices like acupuncture, homeopathy, and ayurvedic medicine. Many biological dentists offer clinical nutritional services. Some biological dentists are beginning to explore the connection of our emotions, mind, and spiritual nature to our health. It could very well be that what we think, feel, and hold sacred has a quantifiable effect on our overall health.
