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Holistic Dentistry
Basic Principles of Holistic Dentistry.
- Teach and encourage proper nutrition for the prevention and reversal of degenerative dental disease.
- To eliminate and avoid toxins from all dental materials.
- Prevention and treatment of dental malocclusion (bite problems- physical imbalance)
- Prevention and treatment of gum disease at its biological basis.
- Strong opposition to the use of amalgam which contain mercury and other potentially toxic materials in dental fillings.
- Belief that root canals may endanger systemic health of patient through the spread of trapped dental bacteria to the body.
Importance of a healthy mouth.
It is important to note that the body is connected and that nothing works in isolation. The mouth has a rich nerve and blood supply, harbours bacteria and is where our food and water enters our body. It stands to reason then that the mouth needs to be healthy. The aim is to create optimum health throughout the body. For optimum health to be achieved, the six defects of health need to be addressed. The six defects are common to every degenerative disease. These defects have symptoms that will be present in the mouth in varying degrees.
These are:
1. pH imbalance – Acid or Alkaline imbalance – This is when the pH of bodily fluids is out of balance. Acid stress is very common and underlines 80% of all diseases. Oral symptoms include bone resorption, tooth decay, Candida and bacterial infections in the gum and/or bone.
2. Anaerobic Metabolism – The body gains energy from a mix of aerobic and anaerobic, but it favours aerobic metabolism. If the body starts using too much anaerobic metabolism then fatigue, disease, and infections begin to occur. Oral symptoms include bone resorption, tooth decay, Candida and bacterial infections in the gum and/or bone.
3. Free Calcium Excess – In a good state of health, 55% of serum calcium is bound to protein or alkaline buffers while 45% is in a “free” state. If the ratio narrows, too much “free” calcium occurs and this can cause calcification, bone resorption, and alterations in cell signalling, which can then result in a range of diseases. Oral symptoms include calculus on the teeth and calcium deposits.
4. Chronic Inflammation – Acute inflammation helps the body to heal itself but if it is chronic it begins to fail its purpose, raising the risk of infection, toxicity, and all diseases. Oral symptoms include periodontitis tissue destruction.
5. Connective Tissue Breakdown – Connective tissue makes up the superstructure of the body and helps to literally hold the body together. Enzyme produced by chronic inflammation along with damaging free radicals cause the connective tissues to begin to break down. Oral symptoms include bleeding gums, loosening teeth and periodontal diseases.
6. Oxidative Stress - This is when the anti- oxidants are not able to cope with the levels of damaging free radicals. Oral symptoms include aging, fissuring of the lips, dry skin and inflammation of the corners of the mouth.
Homeopathy and Holistic Dentistry
Homeopathy is an important and integral part of holistic dentistry. Homeopathic remedies can help to minimise and reduce inflammation and speed healing times. As well, they can reduce anxiety and pain, as well as help with the treatment of many different dental diseases. They are safe to take with other medications. While homeopathic remedies are safe, it is important that you consult with your holistic dentist before taking any. It can be used in three scenarios of ill health. First aid homeopathy is used post operatively in dental procedures. Acute homeopathy is for conditions that will eventually get better on their own and constitutional homeopathy will treat the whole person in order to trigger a profound healing response. It is very helpful for long term and chronic problems, such as recurring periodontal disease.
Amalgam Fillings
Holistic Dentistry uses non toxic, biocompatible materials for fillings. Biocompatible materials, as the name suggests, do not interfere with any of the body’s functions.
Amalgam filling are not used at all in holistic dentistry as they contain Mercury – a highly toxic substance that is released into the mouth and body over time. When mercury is used as part of a filling, any remainder must be deposed of as toxic waste, by law. It if must be disposed of so carefully, it cannot be safe for the body.
In the treatment removal of amalgam fillings, care should be exercised using the protocols for removal by IAOMT International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) and Huggins. Replacement restorations should avoid additional heavy metal body burden and other toxins.
Treatment should emphasize immune system enhancement before during and after mercury removal using chelation therapy, herbal supplements and detoxification with heavy metal binding chlorella, cilantro, and a detailed nutritional program for restoring balanced body chemistry.
Totally Teeth welcomes Mermaid to the family. Our Mermaid practice specialises in Holistic Dentistry. Holistic Dentistry is considerate of the overall health and wellbeing of the patient and their body’s response to dentistry. With John Sotis and his team at Mermaid Totally Teeth we can now offer you another more natural reason to smile.
