There is nothing quite like a warm and welcoming smile – it can be one of your greatest assets. And this is how you will want to keep it. Therefore for many people, turning to their cosmetic dentist is the most certain way to protect their investment, by ensuring that their teeth stay white, straight and decay free.

But dentistry is not only about healthy teeth, it is also about protecting the health of the gums and indeed the health of the whole body. In reality a surprisingly large number of ailments have as their origin one or another dental problem.

What is Biological Dentistry?

Holistic dentists are sometimes also known by the alternative names of biological dentists or natural dentists. As with other natural medical specialists, when treating a patient they will consider the whole person, including the mind, spirit and lifestyle, in addition to their body. And when developing a treatment program, they will make every effort to improve the patient’s overall health and well-being, not just that of their teeth. In doing this they will pay particular attention to the state of the immune system.

A natural dentist will also avoid the use of potentially dangerous x-rays, by the use of either low emission equipment or alternative means of diagnosis. They will also avoid the use of mercury amalgam fillings, considered to be toxic, in preference for much safer resins, and frequently provide a service of removing old amalgam fillings and detoxification of any residual mercury deposition.

Natural Dentistry and Amalgam Fillings

Growing evidence suggests that traditional mercury amalgam fillings might be a significant health risk. Studies have shown that such a low-level exposure to mercury can affect kidney function and even brain function, resulting in a cellular degeneration akin to that found in sufferers from Alzheimer’s disease.

For these reasons holistic dentists are typically opposed to using amalgam fillings, and should you wish to have your old fillings removed and replaced, it is recommended that you locate a dentist who can assess the compatibility of other materials and also help you with the process of detoxification.

Natural Dentistry and Fluoride

Most natural dentists are totally against the ingestion of fluoride by the body, as for example found in many toothpastes and drinking water. In fact the toxic properties of fluoride have been known for some time. Former studies carried out in support of the incorporation of fluoride in water supplies have since been found to be flawed, and studies carried out more recently indicate little or no actual benefits to people’s health.

It is important that you are aware of your options when choosing a dentist and there is an ever growing number of holistic dental practitioners. When choosing your dentist, do not hesitate in posing questions relevant to your overall health and on the dentist’s attitude towards the various subjects discussed in this article. They will surely be more than happy to oblige.