Integrative Dental Practice of New York
212-973-9425

Q. I've heard of Holistic Dentistry. Can you please tell me what it is?

A. The term "holistic dentistry" is becoming increasingly familiar, but many people aren't sure what it means. It refers to a specific, organic approach which views oral health as part of the patient's overall well-being. Holistic dentistry is unique because it combines modern dental techniques with proven, long-established traditions of natural healing.

Dentists who have chosen to take a holistic approach have the same degree as traditional dentists. Holistic practitioners focus on long-term preventive care and prefer to use non-invasive procedures as often as possible.

I believe that the body can maintain itself in a constant state of health, if given the right tools, which include nutrition and biochemistry. For example, experienced practitioners stress the importance of strengthening the immune system to help fight infection.

Is it effective? Hundreds of articles in well-respected dental journals have validated the main principles of holistic dentistry. Already, more than 25% of American dentists incorporate at least one holistic approach into their practices. The trend is growing, so you'll be seeing the phrase more often.

Q. How is holistic dentistry different from what a traditional dentist does?

A. A holistic dentist considers overall health, while a traditional dentist focues on oral health. These diverse perspectives bring some real differences in diagnosis, treatment and practice. Our emphasis is always on preserving teeth -- even those which a traditional dentist may have suggested removing.

Holistic dentists use fewer surgical procedures. Instead, we work to prevent future cavities and gum disease. We take time to talk with patients about their individual lifestyles and diets, to see if any change might have oral health benefits. We suggest which foods to eat or avoid, to improve their tooth and gum condition.

Concerned about patient safety, we use digital low-radiation x-rays which require only minimal exposure, and select dental materials to suit each person's unique immune system. My own office environment is designed to protect people who have allergies, and utilize the therapeutic benefits of sunlight. We use filtered water and have special air cleaners. Our overall goal is to help patients have a relaxing experience while they're being treated.

Q.. What do holistic dentists think of "gum disease"?

A. Holistic dentists take periodontic disease very seriously -- but our view is non-traditional. We recognize it as a long-term chronic degenerative disease of the gums, which weakens the bones supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

I feel that since gum disease is an infection, why not treat it as one? Using a brush and dental floss for periodontic infection is like putting a BandAid on a strep throat. Some sort of antibiotic is needed to kill the infection, which is caused by harmful microbes at the base of the "pocket" of inflamed tissue.

However, as a holistic dentist, I avoid conventional antibiotics because of potential negative side effects (including long-term resistance to other antibiotics.) Bacteria, viruses, and fungi each cause aspects of gum disease. The holistic approach is to conquer them gently and naturally, rather than with the painful surgery periodontists perform.

Since we believe lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to gum disease, we talk with patients about their diet, exercise and vitamins. Then we suggest an individual approach that can improve oral health. I've reversed the progression of gum disease is patients who had been told their teeth were hopeless and would require extraction and then implants.

Q. How does a holistic dentist treat gum disease?

A. It starts with a thorough evaluation: clinical exam, microbial analysis, and nutritional assessment. Then, based on individual findings, we devise a specific treatment plan.

Holistic health providers believe that all systems of the body are interconnected, so that any type of infection is caused not only by germs, but by controllable external factors. The treatment we recommend to a patient is geared towards eradicating the infection known to cause periodontal destruction, and to supporting the immune system with proper nutrition and supplements.

In our practice, we do find that herbal approaches, when used long-term, continue to protect the gums, while significantly reducing infection. That's why we've developed our own line of herbal and anti-microbial preparations. These not only fight the bacteria, but are effective against viruses and fungi, which also contribute to the development of gum disease.

We see visible improvement in a patient's condition within two to four weeks. Each patient is placed on a completely customized maintenance program, which specifies the number of annual office visits, as well as on a home-care regimen.

Many of these articles appear on the publication's website, which are often password-protected or members-only. For your convenience, I've gathered them on my own website.