What is Holistic (Biological) Dentistry?
Holistic Dentistry is an approach to dentistry that promotes health and wellness, not just the treatment of disease. This approach in dentistry encompasses both modern science and knowledge on the traditions on natural healing. It is sometimes call Biological dentistry or Bio-compatible dentistry. Holistic Dentistry acknowledges the mind, body, spirit and emotions of the patient, not just his or her teeth.
The basic principles of this type of dental practice are:
- Proper nutrition for the prevention and reversal of degenerative dental disease.
- Avoidance and removal of possibly toxic dental materials.
- Prevention and treatment of dental malocclusion (bite problems that can cause physical imbalance).
- Prevention and treatment of gum disease at its biological source.
Definition
Aristotle’s phrase: The whole is more than the sum of its parts. Holos means all, entire, total. We use the English word holistic to include mind, body, spirit, emotion, lifestyle and physical environment as interdependent parts of the whole person. Holistic health, a way of living that reflects a balance of mind, body, spirit and emotions, is the future of healthcare.
