Holistic Dentistry

Holistic Dentistry—My View

Accurate definitions are important prior to a discussion of any subject matter. The word “holistic” is defined in the Thorndike-Barnhart dictionary as, “concerned with all factors, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, that affect health, rather than treating isolated diseases and symptoms.”

A dentist with a holistic approach is not just checking your teeth and gums, looking for decay and periodontal (gum) disease, or wanting to sell you on the idea of an improved smile through the wonders of cosmetic dentistry. To me, holistic dentistry means first getting to know the whole person, their attitudes towards dentistry and their desires regarding prevention and treatment. True health requires patient education, but I believe that the holistic dentist’s first priority is to educate himself about the patient before recommending what they may need or should want.

Traditional dentists and physicians have been in a reactive mode when it comes to treating disease, i.e., dentists who only repair decay and replace missing teeth, and, for example, physicians who react to high blood pressure solely with symptom-controlling medications. In both cases, the cause of the disease is not addressed.

In dentistry, a holistic approach is based on an understanding of how a healthy and attractive mouth looks and functions, and how it influences and is influenced by the rest of the body. This understanding was brought about through careful research of people, some in their eighties and nineties who had exceptional oral health. Besides having attractive smiles, these people exhibited little, if any tooth wear or tooth loss, and most had no or very little dental treatment needs. In other words, the research was based on the study of health, not disease. By observing and measuring these fortunate individuals, it was found that, without exception, they had qualities in common that resulted in beauty, function, comfort, and longevity. It was discovered that their teeth arrangements not only resulted in a naturally attractive appearance, but were aligned in such a manner that there was harmony between the upper and lower teeth and their relation to the jaw joints (TMJ’s). This accounted for why they never experienced jaw joint noise or pain, head and neck discomfort, tooth loss, vertigo or migraines. The components of their oral systems were all working in harmony – TMJ’s muscles, ligaments, nerves, etc. - that precluded not only the above symptoms, but these people also had little or no decay or periodontal disease. The result: A model of oral health was discovered through careful observation of hundreds of healthy oral systems.

These qualities became the Bioesthetic Guidelines, directing the holistic dentist in his diagnostic, preventive and treatment efforts. This research has incalculable value, as any person with a compromised smile, or head and neck aches from an inharmonious bite relationship can be assessed and treated towards this model of health & beauty discovered through the research of Mother Nature’s success.

Within the last decade or so, many new technologies have sprung up in dentistry, such as bonding, life-like porcelain materials used in crowns and veneers, as well as implant teeth replacements. These new technologies have given birth to the field of “Cosmetic Dentistry,” and the predominant content of most all dental journals today has to do with their application.

Although these technologies offer many new and wonderful treatment options, their applications prior to a proper oral diagnosis may result in unfavorable side effects. When applied within the Bioesthetic model of health, the results can be awesome! Also, it is crucial to use materials that are non-toxic and that are designed properly to support the health of the entire oral system. It is interesting that dentistry has named those black fillings as “silver amalgam” fillings when there is almost twice as much mercury in them as there is silver. Aside from the potential mercury toxicity, there are more durable and esthetic materials available that would alone point in the direction of a mercury free dental practice.

Our Hippocratic oath says "First do no harm" and this is why it is important to be under the care of a dentist who has been trained in evaluating not only the oral system (relationship of the teeth, gums, muscles, ligaments, TMJ's), but how all bodily systems effect the health, and are affected by the health of the oral system - true holistic dentistry.

As stated above, definitions are important, and usage of the term “cosmetic” in dentistry does not belie its meaning.

Cosmetics: superficial measures to make something appear better, more attractive, or more impressive.

Esthetics: an underlying principle, a set of principles, or a view often manifested by outward appearances or style of behavior; a guiding principle in matters of artistic beauty and taste. The latter more aptly exemplifies Bioesthetics, the definition of which is: “The study or theory of the beauty of living things in their natural forms and functions.”

Probably the most important word for a holistic dentist is diagnosis. Not only for the dentist to learn the individual nature of the patient’s oral and general health status, but in so doing, he can then teach his patient for the first time, the cause(s) of their problems. The new esthetic and replacement technologies can then be designed within a template of health, encompassing the Bioesthetic Guidelines that will lead the patient to a healthy, attractive, disease-free dental condition.

The power of Bioesthetic Dentistry is that its principles can be universally applied by all dental disciplines to all dental system problems. Bioesthetic Dentists have the knowledge and skill development to treat proactively towards a specific optimal health goal.

A thorough oral health assessment and diagnosis starts with obtaining a thorough medical and dental history and an oral examination that includes:

• Oral cancer examination
• Complete measuring of the spaces between the teeth and gums (periodontal pocket assessment)
• Microscopic assessment of dental plaque (which is the main cause of the infection causing gum disease)
• Assessment of occlusion ("bite"), TMJ's and associated muscles
• Assessment of abnormal tooth wear
• Assessment of the state of existing dental treatment
• Laser decay examination

We also offer basic blood chemistry testing for those whose physical condition may be a factor in attaining optimum oral health.

We have a family of talented, caring people that enjoy working this way within a unique, happy, warm, comfortable and safe environment that inspires amazing results.

By Dr. Robert McBride
Visit Dr. McBride's profile page on top3dentists.com