Use of Bio-Compatible Dental Materials
Let's face it, we live in a toxic world, and you don't want to add to your toxic load or create more stress for your immune system through your dentistry.  Studies indicate that at some point at least 20% of dental patients develop sensitivity to dental materials.  This is especially true of dental metals like nickel and mercury that are found in fillings and crowns. 

Your holistic dentist will know which materials are least likely to cause you stress and will also pay attention to galvanism, the “battery effect” that can occur when dissimilar dental metals are present in your mouth.  This can cause extra stress to your teeth and even to your system as a whole.

Some patients have particular sensitivity issues. A holistic dentist can offer you a blood test to ascertain which of the hundreds of available dental materials are suitable for you.

Cosmetic Bonding for Preservation of Tooth Structure
Metal fillings that are 15-20 years old can create cracks in your teeth that eventually grow to become fractures. It is not uncommon to have old fillings stay intact while the tooth structure crumbles around it.  In addition to weakening tooth structure, metal fillings can stain the underlying tooth black. It is best to remove old fillings before the tooth breaks, risking root canals or crowns and caps.

Advanced bonding techniques will actually strengthen weakened teeth.  This allows your holistic dentist to be more conservative and remove less tooth structure, creating inlays or onlays instead.  Many durable, tooth-colored filling materials available today look natural and beautiful.

Safe Removal of Metal Fillings
A holistic dentist will tend to follow a strict protocol whenever metal fillings need to be replaced, which include tooth isolation so that no metal particles find their way into your mouth or, worse yet, are swallowed.

Clean air and oxygen for you to breathe, special filtration and a custom high-speed vacuum unit may also be provided.  Consider finding someone who will take the above precautions when it comes time to remove your metal fillings.  This is especially important for mothers-to-be since the FDA has recently confirmed that mercury may be hazardous to developing fetuses and children.

Non-Painful and Natural Treatment of Gum Diseases
Research shows the bacteria that causes periodontal (gum) disease is not only found in the mouth.  When a patient has gum disease, that same bacteria will also be present in the blood stream.  Additionally, gum disease has been associated with a higher incidence of heart disease.

A consistent home hygiene program is the foundation of holistic gum care.  This can be supported with specific hygiene aids and instruction such as in-office treatments with natural, anti-bacterial products and nutritional supplements to support the gums as they heal.

Prevention and Effective Treatment of Bite Problems and TMJ Problems
The patient's bite alignment must always be factored into the total picture of holistic dental treatment.  Along with specific concerns like jaw joint problems (TMJ), bite assessment is important for treatment, not just for the head and jaw, but structurally for the body as a whole.  

Additional measures for bite correction can include use of splints made with state of the art, non toxic materials or muscular adjustments within the mouth.  Your bite must be at its best for the successful outcome to your dental treatment: a relaxed and happy smile.

Your holistic dentist understands the need to coordinate your treatments with other healthcare providers, such as your chiropractor, when advisable.

Nutritional Counseling and Homeopathic Support
An alkaline diet keeps the pH of saliva at the proper balance, so that the digestive processes beginning with the mouth will function optimally.  Your holistic dentist will encourage you to follow simple dietary guidelines to minimize and even eliminate sugar cravings.  An alkaline diet is also helpful in that the stresses of our world tend to cause acidity, which affects the health of both teeth and gums.

Homeopathies are a powerful support to oral health that is used by holistic dentists in various ways.  One way is to help neutralize the effects of radiation from dental X-rays.  They can also be offered to calm anxiety before a dental procedure or used topically after procedures to disperse the effects of anesthetics and promote healing.

Education for Eliminating Toxicity from Your Dental Treatment, Your Home, Your Environment and Your Life!
Limiting the damage caused by toxicity is a hidden determinant to healthy living.  A holistic dentist understands that limiting toxicity is an important component of proper nutrition. Your body has the wisdom to convert whatever you feed it into nutrients it can use, but over time the response to relentless, cumulative toxicity results in the breakdown of the immune system and the organs of the body.
It is important for patients to know about the ingredients to avoid in toothpaste and mouthwash. Your holistic dentist will educate you as to effective, organic and good-tasting alternatives for home dental care.  This education may extend to the many ways that toxic ingredients can be found in personal care and cleaning products, even food and medicine.
Learning which ingredients are best avoided and taking the time to read labels are two ways that you can empower yourself and your family to strive for good oral health and overall well-being.  This orientation to balanced living is another one of the many reasons why your holistic dentist provides an important service to your community.

Dr. Carey O’Reilly is a holistic dentist whose peaceful, supportive practice is surrounded by a ‘green belt’ in Encinitas, CA.  A leading advocate of green dentistry, nutrition and environmental issues, Dr. O’Reilly has recently been accredited by the CA State Board to teach other dentists about bio-compatibility and is available to be your holistic dentist.
Carey O’Reilly, D.D.S. can be reached through his website at www.myholisticdentist.com or by phone (760) 632-1304. Call for your free consultation with one of our New Patient Coordinators, Victoria or Sherry.