What is considered holistic dentistry?

Holistic dentistry is an alternative approach to dental care that emphasizes overall wellness, not just the treatment of oral symptoms. It focuses on promoting good oral hygiene through a healthy diet, exercise, and avoidance of harmful substances like alcohol, and tobacco. It also considers the state of a patient’s mental health when developing his or her oral care plan.

The Principles of Holistic Dentistry in Seattle

Holistic medicine focuses on treating the entire body to help heal illness rather than just one symptom at a time. The holistic dentist in Seattle believes that oral health has an effect on overall health and vice versa. As such, holistic dentists treat patients’ teeth as well as their gums, jaw joints, and even their sinuses.

Many forms of holistic dentistry are similar to other dental practices in that they offer services like cleanings and fillings. However, not all dentists offering holistic services will consult with their patients about nutrition or lifestyle choices. It’s important to find a practitioner who will talk with you about your overall well-being and not just your teeth, as these are two different aspects of health. 

Holistic Dentistry in Seattle and Oral Health

With Seattle Dental Care, oral care is tailored to every patient’s individual needs. This even includes how the patient’s lifestyle affects their smile. As a result, holistic dentistry may incorporate a treatment plan that takes into account a patient’s nutrition or lifestyle. 

Holistic Dentistry vs. Conventional Dentistry

While conventional and holistic dentists may both employ similar techniques in their practices, their philosophies are very different from one another. Holistic dentists focuses on optimal patient health as a whole. They view the oral cavity as just one part of a person’s overall health picture. For this reason, the holistic dentist in Seattle will focus not only on the teeth and gums but also on a patient’s lifestyle habits, diet, and medical history.

In contrast, a conventional dentist generally sees the patient as a biological machine that requires occasional maintenance to keep their body in working order. The mouth is primarily seen as the site of a disease that needs to be cured or treated if it manifests at all. A traditional dentist will likely provide only basic preventive care to patients and focus on restoring damaged teeth with fillings, crowns, and other restorative treatments. They are likely to prescribe antibiotics to treat infections and may rely on pharmaceutical drugs to address pain and other common dental issues.

If you’re ready to find a practitioner that provides holistic dentistry in Seattle, call our team at (206) 728-1330. We’d love to talk to you about the benefits of holistic dental care and how it can improve your health and quality of life.