{"id":2349,"date":"2022-07-21T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beamsbermuda.org\/?p=2349"},"modified":"2022-07-21T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-07-21T13:00:00","slug":"biological-dentistry-how-it-can-keep-you-healthier-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beamsbermuda.org\/biological-dentistry-how-it-can-keep-you-healthier-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Biological Dentistry: How it Can Keep You Healthier & What You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you noticed that we’re becoming increasingly health-conscious<\/a> as a nation in recent years? <\/p>\n

Healthy foods, organic produce, and better habits are all on the rise, compared to years past. \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n

And this means increased demand for better healthcare (including dentistry!).<\/p>\n

We’re starting to understand that we can’t simply treat one isolated part of the body, without addressing other systems & components. <\/p>\n

Which is why keeping medical & dental completely separate makes very little sense!<\/p>\n

But biological dentists are shaking things up (for the better), because they believe whole-heartedly in the connection between oral health & overall health. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\nSo, How Are Oral Health and Overall Health Related?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many demonstrations of this connection, but gum disease (or periodontal disease) is a prime example. <\/p>\n

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of chronic inflammation in the body. And nearly half<\/em> of adults in the U.S. have some level of gum disease<\/a>.  <\/p>\n

Pretty crazy, right?<\/p>\n

When left untreated, long-term inflammation in the mouth can lead to serious health problems<\/a>, including high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart attacks, diabetes, and even cancer. <\/p>\n

We also know that by eating certain foods and adopting certain lifestyle habits, you can begin to gain control over systemic inflammation and disease, including in the mouth. <\/p>\n

This is why it’s so important <\/em>that your doctors, whether natural, medical, or dental, understand the connection between your mouth & body, and treat the whole person – not just the symptoms.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

\nOkay, But… What Exactly <\/em>is Biological Dentistry?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You’ve probably already guessed correctly, but biological dentistry<\/a> (also referred to as holistic dentistry) is concerned with not only the health of your teeth, but your whole body. <\/p>\n

Some people like to think of it as alternative medicine in the field of dentistry. <\/p>\n

A biological dentist understands the importance and significant impact oral health has on the rest of the body, and vice versa. <\/p>\n

They then incorporate this understanding by using specific treatment approaches in their practices. <\/p>\n

\nWhat is the Difference Between Biological Dentistry and Traditional Dentistry?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Both biological and traditional dentists attend dental school and offer similar services, such as regular cleanings and filling cavities. <\/p>\n

The primary difference is in their approach. <\/strong><\/p>\n

What it really comes down to is addressing the root cause of disharmony within the mouth – biological dentists understand the connection whereas traditional dentists are more often focused on just treating the symptoms. <\/p>\n

Because of this holistic approach (much like a functional & naturopathic medicine), biological dentists also try to use modalities that cause no harm. <\/strong><\/p>\n

What does this look like in reality?<\/p>\n

Let’s dive into 3 key holistic methods that set biological dentists apart:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Biocompatibility Testing<\/li>\n
  2. Fluoride-free Offices<\/li>\n
  3. Mercury-free Treatments<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \nBiological Dentists Offer Biocompatibility Testing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Biocompatibility testing determines the risk of toxicity<\/a> of a material and its potential to cause a reaction in an individual patient.  <\/p>\n

    In other words, biological dentists test different dental materials, which may be used for fillings, veneers, and more, to ensure what they’re using is the safest option for each patient.<\/p>\n

    By testing materials in this way, it creates a customized experience for the patient, acknowledging that every person is uniquely different.<\/p>\n

    Wouldn’t you feel better knowing<\/em> (rather than hoping) that what’s being placed in your mouth wouldn’t have any negative side effects on your overall health?<\/p>\n

    I sure would!<\/em><\/p>\n

    \nBiological Dentists Have Fluoride-Free Offices<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Did you know that fluoride can actually cause harm to the brain?<\/p>\n

    Some even argue it’s a neurotoxin<\/a>. <\/p>\n

    In one study which aimed to determine the effects of fluoride on children<\/a>, it was found that fluoride consumption was highly correlated with a lower IQ. So sad.<\/p>\n

    And there’s more research to back this claim. In a study conducted in 2014, researchers found that ingesting fluoride<\/a> poses serious dangers to our health and should not be used in dental offices, or anywhere for that matter. <\/p>\n

    Isn’t it crazy, then, that fluoride continues to be used in traditional dental offices today? <\/strong><\/p>\n

    Biological dentists understand the potential dangers of fluoride, and that it isn’t required to prevent tooth decay. So they don’t use it. Simple as that.<\/p>\n

    \nBiological Dentists Use Mercury-Free Fillings<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Mercury toxicity is associated with serious health problems, like autoimmune diseases<\/a>, Alzheimer’s disease<\/a>, and more. <\/p>\n

    But still, many conventional dentists use mercury-based cavity fillings (also known as “amalgam fillings” or “silver fillings”)…<\/p>\n

    In 2008, the American Dental Association (ADA) announced that the use of mercury fillings was banned in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. <\/p>\n

    Why?<\/em><\/p>\n

    Because these countries consider mercury to be a dangerous environmental toxin and potential health risk<\/a>.  <\/p>\n

    It’s clear this heavy metal concoction should be banned in every mouth and every dental office across the globe. But until then, a biological dentist is your best option for fillings that are safer and mercury-free.<\/p>\n

    \nOther Practices Unique to Biological Dentistry <\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The practices I listed above are key differentiators between biological and traditional dentistry. But there are even more reasons why choosing a biological dentist should be on the top of your list:<\/p>\n

    Emphasis on nutrition<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Compared to conventional dentists, biological dentists spend more time educating their patients about the impacts of nutrition on overall health. They want you to have a sense of ownership over what happens in your mouth, and your body, so you can make better decisions.<\/p>\n

    Goodbye, root canals<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Root canals, typically performed to remove deeply-rooted cavities or infections, are painful and challenging for the body to deal with.<\/p>\n

    And it’s no secret that they can also damage tooth structure<\/a>. <\/p>\n

    Biological dentists rarely (if ever) recommend root canals, because they understand the impact that a root canal can have on the rest of the body. I won’t get into all the potential negative effects, but just know there are many. It’s not worth taking the risk of having a root canal when the risks for secondary complications are so high.  <\/p>\n

    Instead, biological dentists prefer tooth extractions – a much less invasive treatment. <\/p>\n

    Ozone therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Biological dentists also love to use ozone therapy, which is a gentle and effective way to clean unwanted bacteria from the mouth, ultimately healing & protecting your teeth and gums. <\/p>\n

    A few of the primary benefits include:<\/strong><\/p>\n