10/04/2016 / By holisticdentistry
According to an article published in Journal of California dental Association “There is growing interest in alternative medicine and dentistry and the use of alternative dental products. Dentists and hygienists should have some knowledge about these products. This will enhance their credibility as knowledgeable and empathic health care providers”.
Article by curetoothdecay.com
Conventional dentistry treats the symptoms of the disease of tooth decay. Alternative dentistry refers to alternatives to the conventional way of thinking in which the root cause of tooth decay is addressed. Alternative dentistry is a more of a systematic and preventivative approach to oral care. A conventional dentist seeks treatment for our dental ailments by treating the symptoms without bothering to know the cause of the problem. Whereas, a dentist practicing alternative dentistry does not try to find out the underlying cause of the disease but he does use less toxic treatments. Beyond alternative dentistry from a dentist, is alternative dentistry through diet. Changing your diet in a specific way helps you to not just treat the symptoms but treat the under lying cause of tooth cavities. This approach of alternative dentistry through diet is totally different from the standard dentistry philosophy of “Drill ’em, fill ’em and bill ’em!”
Alternative dental philosophy acknowledges the fact that the systems of our body and oral health are inter related to each other. If you have pain in your tooth then your whole body is affected in one way or another. All the organs of human body are linked by blood and other important systems which work together to maintain the functions of the body. These systems rely on body’s natural immune defenses to keep the body functioning. But if one system is affected due to weak immunity then it affects all the other systems of the body.
This should not be difficult to understand. That one part of the body affects the other part. That the body is a whole organism. And that just isolating teeth from the rest of the body doesn’t make sense because this is the way our body works! There has been research on the impact of dental diseases on the rest of the body. In simple words you can say that general health of our mouth is not separate from our overall health.
Whatever is done in the mouth to treat a dental disease, will affect other parts of the body. When we go to a dentist for treatment then the treatment method and materials used can have a positive or negative impact on the overall health, depending on which procedures are done and how. Alternative dental science acknowledges these factors and attempts the preservation, protection and enhancement of immune systems by using biocompatible materials. Therefore, protection of oral immunity is very important as it has a direct relationship to immunity of the body and health. When your oral health is good then it means your oral immunity is good.
There are many practices in conventional dentistry that may harm your body. Amalgam fillings is one of the worst practices of dentistry. We all know that amalgam contains mercury which is one of the most toxic substances. It may enter the body and cause harm to the neurological centers of the brain as well as other vital organs. It then weakens the immunity system of the body, making it more susceptible to all kinds of diseases. That’s why Alternative dentistry has adopted the approach of metal-free dentistry. Read about amalgam fillings hazards here
A good alternative dentist is supposed to offer his patient a biocompatible material for fillings. These materials should be toxin free and should be able to restore teeth to their original strength. However usually biocompatible materials are less toxic, but not non-toxic. These compounds are closer to being natural and biologically friendly to the body than mercury is. Read more about biocompatible dental materials here.
Acupuncture is many years old Chinese way of treatment in which needles are inserted in specific areas of the body. The philosophy of healing in Chinese Medicine is to balance the flow of energy in the body and to develop higher levels of energy throughout the system. In the Geneva WHO 2003 report, pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction), facial pain and postoperative pain were listed among the conditions for which acupuncture has been proven through controlled trials, to be an effective treatment. The role of acupuncture in dentistry may not involve removing the cause of dental pain, but rather, as an adjunct in providing postoperative pain relief. Several studies have been conducted which shows that acupuncture can help in reducing postoperative pain and anxiety. Other dental conditions in which acupuncture can be of use are Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and xerostomia. To read more about acupuncture as an alternate dental option, click here
Homeopathy also offers alternative treatment options in dentistry. Homeopathy does not seek to treat symptoms but rather it provides strength to a person so that his or her own healing capacities can function better. It utilizes remedies made from plants and materials that are non toxic and have no side effects. There are many homeopathic remedies that have been found to be effective in treatment of various dental conditions . The use of the appropriate homeopathic medicines can provide rapid relief from a number of conditions for conventional medicine doesn’t have much to offer. Some of the conditions in which it is found to be effective are tooth pain, gingivitis, dry socket, halitosis, dental trauma, abcess, mouth ulcers etc.However care must be taken to ensure that the medicines should be prescribed by a qualified homeopathic practitioner. I don’t have specific suggestions because homeopathy should be used with the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
Other available alternative dental treatment options are use of herbal remedies. Many plants have the ability to provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect. Herbs which are known to have positive effects are Echinacea, Aloe vera, Chamomile, Peppermint, Willow bark, Eucalyptus etc.They can provide relief in pain and canker sores.
The ultimate alternative to your conventional dentist is to change your diet. Because you can prevent tooth decay and heal already decayed teeth by changing what you eat. Nutrition has been found to be of supreme importance in prevention and reversal of tooth decay and other related dental conditions. Studies and investigations have shown that food which is deficient in important vitamins and minerals contributes towards tooth decay or cavity formation. So if nutrient-rich diet is taken then it helps in prevention of tooth decay. And this is something that a conventional dentist will never tell his patient. This is the best alternative dental option which can save your money and give you good oral health. Read more about what foods help heal cavities here
Even in case where your dentist tells you to get a root canal and insist that it is the only option considering leaving and getting a second option. Because there are alternatives to treat it with alternate and natural ways. Read more about alternative to root canal here.
Alternative dentistry is practiced by many holistic dentists. If you want to know about them then you can find about them here and let them treat your teeth in a natural and healthy way
Alternative dentistry can provide healthy treatment options for your mouth. Always take second opinion and do your own research before choosing any treatment for your teeth. And if you are looking for a real method to heal cavities naturally, get the book, Cure Tooth Decay
Read more at: curetoothdecay.com
Tagged Under: alternative medicine, dentistry, diet, food, Holistic Dentistry, Teeth Care