Dr. John Eddie Green

As a holistic, biological and eco-friendly dental center, we frequently get asked about the differences between “traditional” and “holistic” dentistry also known as alternative or green dentistry. While there are a few distinct differences that categorize dentists and dental practices into one group or the other, the truth is that every dentist is different and to place one dentist in the “holistic” group and another in the “traditional” group is not a good method of segmentation. Holistic Dentistry Focuses on Whole-Body Wellness that Starts with the Mouth Before we can get into depth on the differences, I think it’s important to look at what the word “holistic” really means. The word holistic is not a reflection of the practices and techniques used by the dentist, but of an overall philosophy of the role of oral care. The word itself comes from “wholistic” meaning “the whole.” Truly holistic dentists will educate patients on the importance of overall health and how dentistry can play a role in the overall health. All dentists to some extent see the importance of the mouth in the overall health of an individual. For instance, studies have concluded a link between gum disease and heart health, diabetes, and pregnancies. However, many dentists are not trained in the long term effects of what dentistry does (or could possibly do) to the whole body. Hence the reason the field of holistic dentistry was formed. Truly holistic dentists are dentists who perform dentistry that is good for the body as well as the teeth and gums. There are dentists who call themselves holistic (for marketing or differentiation reasons) but the only thing “holistic” about them is that they don’t place mercury fillings. On the flip-side, there are conventional dentist who perform complex, comprehensive dentistry that involves more than the teeth and gums… it involves the face, head, neck…. the whole body… hence the “wholistic” nature of what they do, yet they don’t call themselves holistic. To say that a dentist is one or the other is not always accurate. At the Dental Wellness Center, we have put emphasis on a more natural or holistic approach to dentistry. But what does this mean? What are the nuts and bolts of the differences between truly holistic dental practices and more traditional dental practices? What are the topical differences? Mercury Fillings: Traditional dentistry espouses the longevity of mercury amalgam fillings and the fact that insurance will typically cover the cost of placement. They will also point to the ADA and FDA’s statements that the mercury in the fillings is stabilized and safe, leaking only tiny amounts of mercury. They are also typically easier for the dentist to place than composite fillings. Holistic dentists understand that mercury is a toxin and even small amounts are too great a risk to the body and your overall health. While amalgam fillings last longer than composites, they put extreme pressure on the tooth and often cause weakening of the tooth — meaning that the filling may outlast the tooth it was placed in. Truly holistic dentists do not place mercury and meet or exceed safety guidelines for removal. Fluoride: Traditional dentists are in favor of using fluoride in both a topical and ingested form. They argue in favor of fluoridating water supplies and recommend fluoride drops for infants. They point to research showing a decrease in cavity rates in areas where the water is fluoridated. Holistic dentists typically argue against any form of ingested fluoride, arguing that research has linked ingested fluoride to cancer and various bone problems while other research has shown no benefit to the teeth from ingested fluoride. They also argue that too much fluoride can cause fluorosis and that fluoridating public water supplies is forced medication of the general public. Some holistic dentists are for topical fluoride and some are against it. Biocompatibility of Dental Materials: Most traditional dentists don’t believe in biocompatibility testing and will not tes