Are All Holistic Dentists Equal?

• The use of dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte (saliva), which causes a small electrical current. There is some evidence that this electrical current may affect the nervous system and have negative effects on health.
• The systemic cause and effect of chronic inflammation, connective tissue breakdown and excess free calcium, all of which are associated with many diseases including periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or pyorrhea) and heart disease. There is evidence that poor oral health can increase risk of heart attack by 2.5 times.
• The cause and effect of acidic saliva and its connection to dental breakdown and other systemic health problems.  If the saliva is acidic, the body’s chemistry is out of balance and this can contribute to disease.
• The presence of a biofilm (a film of microorganisms including bacteria and fungi, also known as plaque) and its relationship to periodontal disease that damages the gum tissue and the jawbone supporting the teeth. There is special concern relating to routine treatment of infected periodontal pockets with antibiotics, since bacterial resistance to the antibiotics is increasing.
• The presence of a biofilm associated with abscessed teeth. This bacterial infection can spread to dentinal tubules of a tooth even if that tooth is treated with a root canal and potentially harm systemic health.
• The role of systemic issues in TMJ/TMD, which is characterized by degenerative joint disease of the jaw joints, tooth grinding, headaches and facial, neck and back pain.
• Malocclusions, or a dysfunctional bite, that cause worn teeth and cracked or broken teeth.  This condition leads to increased need for crowns, root canal therapy and eventually to tooth loss and resulting bridgework, implants and dentures.
• Areas of decreased bone density in the jaw’s bone marrow, called “cavitations.” These cavitations may be associated with poorly healing extraction sites or other areas of decreased blood flow in the jaws and are sometimes sources of facial pain.
• The effect of dental implants on the immune system.  Metal vs. non metal implants.
  

The quality of the dental care and treatment provided by all dentists can vary significantly, holistic dentists included. There are no set rules or requirements necessary for a dentist to call themselves holistic.  Holistic treatment plans can be very involved, invasive and expensive. So patients must be good consumers.  They must educate themselves as to their options and consider their priorities before making a choice.