What is functional dentistry?

A holistic dentist, sometimes called a biological dentist, functional dentist, or natural dentist, aims to address not only the symptoms of dental issues but also the root causes of the dental problem. They focus on preventive strategies, patient education, and personalized treatment plans to promote overall well-being by treating from the mouth.

Holistic dentists also ensure the dental materials are as natural as possible, and use non-toxic techniques to treat dental concerns,  hence reducing patient’s exposure to harmful chemicals and invasive treatments. They may collaborate with other healthcare practitioners to provide comprehensive care and may incorporate complementary therapies or alternative treatment options into their practice.

Biological dentistry focuses on the connection between oral health and overall health. Holistic dentists does not separate oral health from the rest of the body, or health needs. They recognize the impact that dental problems can cause on a person's well-being.

Our holistic dentist and hygienist will develop a plan for your oral health based on your medical and oral history, diet, lifestyle, and home care routine. These plans are personalized for you, and intended to strengthen your preventative care and improve oral and overall health from the root. 

Some common approaches used by our functional or biological dentist include:

1. Nutrition: Functional dentists understand that what you eat affects your oral health. During your evaluations, they will provide guidance on nutrition and its impact on preventing dental problems.
2. Minimally Invasive Treatments: We aim to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible when treating dental issues. Our biological dentists prefer conservative treatments and prioritize techniques that minimize the need for drilling and removal of healthy tooth structures.
3. Biocompatible Materials: Biological dentists concern about the potential health risks of certain dental materials. Hence, they use non-toxic, natural materials that are less likely to cause adverse reactions or systemic health issues. We strictly evaluate our dental materials to ensure they are fluoride free, mercury free, BPA free, and toxin free. We believe that if we cannot use these dental materials on ourselves, or our loved ones, they should not belong to our patient’s mouth. 
4. Preventive Approach: Holistic dentists prioritize preventive measures such as oral hygiene, nutrition, and healthy habits for overall well-being. During your first biological cleaning appointment, our providers will customize an oral hygiene regimen that is personalized for you based on your oral microbiome, the pH level of the saliva, nutrition, and lifestyle. 

The goal of a functional dentist is to optimize oral health while considering its impact on the body. This will help patients achieve a balance between dental well-being and overall wellness.

At Seattle Dental Care, our team of dedicated biological dentist will ensure that you receive the best care possible and that you understand the importance of preventive care and nutrition. If you're ready to experience the best natural dentistry, please contact holistic dentist Seattle at (206) 728-1330 or visit us at 2107 Elliott Ave Ste 210, Seattle, WA 98121. We will be happy to guide you further.