Take Control of Your Overall Wellness with Holistic Dentistry
Holistic or biological dentists understand the interconnectedness between your oral and systemic health. As such, holistic dentistry focuses on more than your teeth and gums. Aspects like your lifestyle and diet matter to us. We treat you as a whole, encompassing your physical and emotional well-being to help you achieve overall wellness.
Heritage Dental invites you to our Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, office to see the difference biological dental care can make to your health. When you partner with Dr. Beth Skovron, you’ll discover you aren’t constantly struggling with the same issues over and over because we address the source of your problems.
How is biological dentistry different?
Holistic dentists offer standard treatments like cleanings, fillings, crowns, etc. However, their approach differs from mainstream dentists. The following is what makes holistic dentistry different.
- Mouth-body connection: Holistic dentistry is grounded in the understanding that dental health is linked to overall well-being. This mouth-body connection means that what happens in the mouth can affect your overall health and vice versa. For instance, periodontal disease has been linked to systemic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. We emphasize guarding your mouth to protect your overall health.
- Holistic approach: We treat patients as a whole instead of just focusing on their symptoms. For example, rather than simply filling a cavity, we take the time to explore the underlying factors that may have contributed to the issue. That’s why we consider aspects like your medical history, diet, stress levels, and overall lifestyle, ensuring that our care promotes oral health and well-being. Addressing the root cause of your dental problems provides lasting solutions.
- Emphasis on prevention: Treating dental issues is just part of holistic dentistry. We are proactive, preventing dental problems instead of waiting for them to occur and treating them. Dentistry isn’t always about putting out fires. A preventive approach protects you from unnecessary discomfort and costly treatments.
- Biocompatible materials: We are mindful of the materials we put in your mouth. That’s why we don’t use amalgams in our dentistry. These fillings contain mercury and other metals that can harm your body. When your teeth need repair, we only use BPA-free composites created from biocompatible and toxic-free materials. We dislike amalgams so much that we offer safe mercury removal for those with them!
Experiencing holistic dentistry transforms how you think about dental care, making conventional methods less appealing. Our approach to dental care is personalized and attentive to every aspect of your life. From the dental materials to the impact of your diet, stress levels, and lifestyle on your well-being, every detail about your health matters to us.
What are the benefits of holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry offers numerous benefits. Here are the notable ones.
- Addresses the source of the problem
- No toxic materials
- Minimally invasive treatments
- It’s more cost-effective
- It ensures whole-body wellness by treating issues in parallel rather than isolated cases
Are you ready for holistic dentistry?
Would you like to infuse holistic dentistry into your dental care? Welcome to Heritage Dental, where our approach goes beyond the conventional, symptom-focused approach. To learn more about how our holistic dentistry can benefit you, call us at (215) 792-2227 today.
FAQs
What is holistic dentistry, and how does it differ from traditional dentistry?
Holistic dentistry focuses on the overall health and well-being of the patient, considering how dental treatments impact the entire body. Unlike traditional dentistry, which often focuses on fixing specific dental problems, holistic dentistry emphasizes biocompatible materials and natural healing methods. Holistic dentists avoid materials that may harm your health, such as mercury-based fillings, and instead use safer, more natural alternatives. Additionally, holistic dentists may incorporate dietary counseling, stress management, and lifestyle changes into their treatment plans to ensure a comprehensive approach to dental care that supports your entire body’s health.
Why do holistic dentists avoid using mercury in dental fillings?
Mercury fillings, or amalgam fillings, have been a standard dental material for many years. However, concerns have arisen about the potential risks mercury poses to the body. Holistic dentists avoid using mercury-based fillings because of the potential for mercury to leach into the body over time, which can affect your nervous system, immune system, and overall health. Instead, they opt for safer, biocompatible materials like composite resins, porcelain, or zirconia that blend more naturally with the teeth, offering a more aesthetic result.
How does holistic dentistry approach gum disease treatment differently?
In holistic dentistry, gum disease treatment goes beyond just addressing the symptoms. While traditional methods may focus on cleaning the gums and using antibiotics, holistic dentistry takes a more integrative approach by evaluating the patient’s overall health, including nutrition and lifestyle factors. Holistic dentists may recommend dietary changes to reduce inflammation, support gum health, and natural remedies such as herbal rinses or oil pulling to aid healing. They may also explore the role of stress, hormonal imbalances, or environmental toxins in contributing to gum disease, offering a more personalized, whole-body approach to treatment.
Can holistic dentistry help with issues like chronic pain or TMJ disorders?
Holistic dentistry may provide relief for patients suffering from chronic pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders by focusing on the whole body and identifying underlying causes. Instead of just masking the pain with medications or surgeries, holistic dentists aim to understand the root cause of your symptoms. They may look at how your bite is aligned, recommend natural therapies like chiropractic adjustments, or suggest lifestyle changes to reduce stress, which can contribute to jaw tension. By addressing the problem from a broader perspective, holistic dentistry can help manage TMJ symptoms more naturally and non-invasively.
How does diet play a role in holistic dental care?
In holistic dentistry, diet is critical in supporting oral and overall health. Holistic dentists often emphasize the importance of a nutrient-dense diet that reduces inflammation and supports the body’s natural healing ability. For example, eating foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium can strengthen teeth and bones while reducing processed sugar intake can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
What is the role of natural remedies in holistic dentistry?
Natural remedies are important to holistic dentistry, as they can provide gentle and effective treatments that complement traditional dental procedures. Holistic dentists may use essential oils, herbal rinses, and homeopathic remedies to address gum inflammation, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity. For example, oil pulling with coconut oil is a common practice to help reduce plaque buildup and promote oral detoxification. Tea tree oil and aloe vera may be used to soothe irritated gums.
Is holistic dentistry safe for everyone, and are there any potential risks?
Holistic dentistry is generally safe for most people, as it emphasizes biocompatible materials and non-invasive treatments. However, the approach may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions requiring traditional dental interventions or urgent care that cannot be addressed with holistic methods alone. For example, patients with severe infections or advanced gum disease may need conventional treatments to address immediate issues before exploring holistic options.
Dr. Beth Skovron, DDS, FAGD, is a distinguished State University of New York graduate at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. With advanced training in oral surgery and therapeutic procedures, she embodies a legacy of dentistry—both her father and uncle were dentists, while her mother was a dental hygienist. Dr. Skovron's passion for dentistry extends to creating a serene, spa-like environment for patients. Renowned for her expertise in cosmetic reconstructions, she is a certified CEREC® mentor and a graduate of the prestigious SPEAR® program. Trust Dr. Skovron to provide exceptional dental care, integrating cutting-edge techniques to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience during your visit.
