We talk about holistic dentistry all the time, but what does it mean? And how does holistic dentistry, rather than traditional dentistry, benefit you as the patient?
Holistic dentistry can mean something different to each dentist, but it boils down to the following: treating patients as a whole, not just what’s happening inside their mouths. Thanks to new advances in science and biology, we understand that your entire body is connected. You know that a stressed out brain can cause issues in your heart, or that a bunion on your foot can cause back problems. So, it makes sense that problems in your mouth don’t just stay in your mouth.
Let’s discuss three cornerstones of holistic dentistry, and how we focus on your whole health during every visit to Contemporary Dentistry.
Avoiding Mercury-based Amalgam Fillings
In the past, fillings were typically made of more than 50 percent mercury. We now know that contact with mercury can cause a slew of health problems, including memory loss, muscle weakness and vision deterioration. And, unfortunately, mercury is not perfectly contained in these fillings. The mercury often impacts the rest of your body, too, including your skin, heart and kidneys.
That’s why the dentists here at Contemporary Dentistry have been mercury-free for more than 30 years. If you have fillings made with mercury, visit us; we can safely remove and replace your mercury fillings.
Not Just Treating Your Mouth
If you don’t take care of your teeth, we know the plaque that builds up doesn’t simply stay in your mouth. The oral bacteria that make plaque can move to your brain, heart and the rest of your body. Poor dental health, at its most extreme, can increase your risk of stroke, be linked to pancreatic cancer and Oral Bacteria Could Cause Alzheimer’s Disease. So, why would we just treat your teeth when you come to visit us? From treating headaches and sleep apnea to therapy and using alcohol-free rinses and toothpastes, the entire Contemporary Dentistry team wants to help you become the best you.
A Minimally Invasive Approach
Another cornerstone of holistic dentistry is a focus on nonsurgical options. Sure, there may be some circumstances in which the surgical route will lead to the best outcomes, but shouldn’t we exhaust the less risky options beforehand? For example, we use remineralization for small cavities rather than jumping into fillings to encourage your body to heal itself.
Healing Your Whole Body
Just as your mind, body and spirit are connected, your entire body is a well-oiled machine. If one part of your body is malfunctioning, the rest of the body malfunctions, too. That’s why we don’t confine our treatments to your mouth, but encourage your entire body to be healthier, too.
If you have questions about holistic dentistry or you’re ready to get your entire body on a healthier path, the holistic dentists at Contemporary Dentistry in Rochester, NY, are here for you. Please schedule an appointment with us by calling (585) 244-3337 today, or send us an email.
