Biological dentistry, or holistic dentistry, is the wave of the future when it comes to treating the patient as a whole rather than just attending to issues in the mouth.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) says that biological dentistry takes into account the materials and techniques used as well as other factors that may be contributing to oral inflammation and disease before proceeding with dental care.
Biological dentistry seeks to provide balanced and whole health care to the individual rather than just treating dental symptoms as they arise.
What Is Biological Dentistry?
Biological dentistry seeks to eliminate any traditional dental practices that could cause harm in any part of the body. It also considers how other disorders in the body may be contributing to dental problems so that the whole patient is treated rather than just the dental symptom.
Too often, traditional dentistry practices seek to treat the symptom of decay or inflammation in the mouth, but they use dental products containing ingredients that could be harmful to the rest of the body.
Similarly, traditional dentistry may opt to address weaknesses that show up in the mouth without considering that they may be caused by a systemic issue that would be better treated at the source. If there is a systemic disease present causing dental problems, that problem will be identified and treated rather than just addressing the dental symptom.
What Does a Biological Dentist Do?
A biological dentist can do anything that a traditional dentist can do. They have the same foundational education, but a biological dentist has additional specialized education as well.
They may be trained in traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, Ayurveda and/or energy medicine, and dental toxicology. They may also have a dental specialty, such as orthodontia or periodontics.
Essentially, a biological dentist will take the most conservative approach possible in order to avoid invasive procedures whenever necessary, and to limit exposure to any chemicals or compounds that could cause more harm than good.
How Is Biological Dentistry Different Than Traditional Dentistry?
Biological dentists can and do provide all the same treatments that might be received from a traditional dentist.
The difference in style comes from how a biological dentist will approach the issue compared to a traditional dentist. For example, if a patient has tooth decay that has led to a cavity, a traditional dentist will simply set up a time to drill and fill it.
Comparatively, a biological dentist will inquire regarding the diet of the patient, their sleep habits, any hormonal imbalances they may have, and similar topics in order to determine if it is possible to address the issue by changing habits before doing any invasive work.
Are There Biological Dentists in My Area?
Yes! Dison Dentistry offers biological dental care in addition to traditional treatments. Call now to set up your first consultation.