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Introduction

If you’re looking for a dentist who takes a whole-body approach to your oral health and well-being, you may be interested in learning more about holistic dentistry. In this blog post, we’ll explain what it means to be a holistic dentist, how it differs from traditional dentistry, and what you can expect when you visit a holistic dental practice like ours, The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica.

We’ll also explore some of the key principles that guide our approach, and explain how they can benefit your overall health. Finally, we’ll touch on some specific topics that are of particular interest to patients looking for a holistic dentist and give you some tips on how to find the right holistic dental practice for you.

A brief overview of holistic dentistry

Holistic dentistry is a type of dental practice that considers the overall health and wellness of the patient, rather than just their teeth and gums. Holistic dentists take a whole-body approach to dental care, recognizing that oral health is closely linked to other aspects of health, such as nutrition, stress, sleep, and breathing.

Understanding the Role of holistic dentists

As more and more people become interested in natural and alternative forms of healthcare, it’s important to understand what holistic dentistry is and how it can benefit your overall health and wellness. But what exactly does a holistic dentist do? In this blog post, we’ll explore the definition of holistic dentistry, the treatments that are typically used, and the benefits of seeing a holistic dentist.

What is a Holistic Dentist?

A holistic dentist also known as a biological dentist or natural dentist, emphasizes the use of natural, non-toxic materials and techniques. Holistic dentists steer clear of harmful substances like mercury amalgam fillings and focus on biocompatible alternatives such as porcelain, composite resin, and zirconia.

Holistic dentists recognize that oral health is closely linked to overall health and wellness, and they use natural, non-toxic materials and techniques to promote healing and prevent disease. 

How it differs from traditional dentistry

Traditional dentistry focuses primarily on treating oral health problems, such as cavities and gum disease, with little consideration for the overall health of the patient. Holistic dentistry, on the other hand, takes into account the patient’s overall health and wellness and seeks to promote healing and prevent disease using natural and non-toxic materials and techniques. 

A focus on whole-body health and wellness

One of the main tenets of holistic dentistry is the belief that the health of the mouth is closely connected to the health of the rest of the body. Holistic dentists aim to promote overall health and wellness by addressing oral health issues and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, such as proper nutrition, stress management, and good sleep hygiene.

Did you know that recent studies by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s? Your oral health is about more than just cavities, your oral health affects your entire body!

Holistic Dental Treatments

At a holistic dental office, the focus is on more than just treating dental problems. Holistic dentists take a whole-body approach to oral health, recognizing that the health of the mouth is connected to the health of the entire body. Here are some of the holistic dental treatments that you can expect to find:

Use of natural, non-toxic materials

Holistic dentists avoid the use of toxic materials in their practice, such as mercury amalgam fillings. Instead, they use natural, biocompatible materials like porcelain, composite resin, and zirconia.

Did you know that amalgam fillings contain mercury, a known toxic substance? Despite being considered safe by regulatory bodies, concerns persist about the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to mercury. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) highlights that mercury can release vapor, which can be inhaled and absorbed into the body. They argue that this continuous exposure may have adverse effects on overall health. Some holistic dental offices, like The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, offer amalgam removal.

Focus on prevention and nutrition

Prevention is key to maintaining oral health, and holistic dentists focus on helping patients prevent dental problems before they occur. This involves educating patients on proper nutrition and lifestyle habits that promote oral health.

Relief from obstructive sleep apnea through airway & sleep dentistry

At our holistic dental practice, we take a whole-body approach to your dental health. We understand the impact that poor sleep can have on your overall well-being and quality of life. That’s why we offer relief from obstructive sleep apnea through airway and sleep dentistry. 

Sara Larbi, our sleep dentist, can help identify any underlying issues and provide personalized treatment options to improve your sleep and overall health. By addressing the root cause of sleep-disordered breathing, we can help alleviate symptoms such as snoring, clenching/grinding, morning headaches, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help improve your sleep and overall health.

Other Holistic dental treatments may include:

Benefits of Holistic Dentistry

Holistic dentistry is a patient-centered approach that considers the entire body, not just the teeth and gums. By focusing on the underlying causes of oral health issues, holistic dentists provide patients with a range of benefits that traditional dentists may not be able to offer.

Improved oral health

One of the primary benefits of holistic dentistry is improved oral health. Holistic dentists use natural, non-toxic materials and focus on prevention and nutrition to promote strong, healthy teeth and gums. They also take into account the interconnectedness of the mouth and the rest of the body, ensuring that treatments and procedures promote overall wellness.

Reduced risk of negative side effects

Holistic dentistry uses biocompatible materials that are less likely to cause negative side effects or allergic reactions. This can be particularly important for patients who may be sensitive to traditional dental materials or who have pre-existing health conditions.

Increased overall health and wellness

Holistic dentistry recognizes the interconnectedness of the mouth and the rest of the body, and as such, treatments and procedures are designed to promote overall health and wellness. By addressing underlying health issues and promoting good oral hygiene and nutrition, patients can experience improved energy levels, better sleep, and a greater sense of overall well-being.

Meet Emily – A holistic dentistry story

When it comes to dental exams, holistic dentists offer a unique and comprehensive approach that sets them apart from traditional dentistry. Let’s consider the story of Emily to understand how a holistic dental exam can be better than a traditional one.

During Emily’s visit to a holistic dentist, Dr. Larbi performed a thorough examination and noticed that Emily had a tongue tie, a condition where the tongue’s movement is restricted due to an unusually tight frenulum. This finding was crucial because it revealed an underlying issue that traditional dentistry might have overlooked.

Potential Breathing issues from tongue tie

Dr. Larbi explained to Emily that her tongue tie could potentially cause breathing issues, impacting her overall health and well-being. By addressing this concern early on, Dr. Larbi recommended a collaborative treatment plan involving myofunctional therapy and possible frenectomy. These interventions aimed to improve her tongue posture, enhance breathing patterns, and alleviate potential future complications.

Had Emily visited a traditional dentist, her tongue tie and associated breathing issues may have gone unnoticed. The focus would have solely been on cleaning her teeth, overlooking the underlying problem. Over time, untreated breathing issues could lead to TMJ disorders and even cardiovascular disease, as inadequate airflow during sleep can strain the cardiovascular system.

Holistic dentists look at more than just your teeth

This example illustrates how a holistic dental exam offers more, considering the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being. By addressing underlying issues like tongue ties and promoting optimal breathing, holistic dentists can help patients like Emily avoid potential complications, improve their quality of life, and maintain long-term oral and systemic health.

Finding a Holistic dentist near me

At The Dentist Lounge, we take pride in our comprehensive approach to dental care. Our team, led by the talented and caring holistic dentists Dr. Sara Larbi and Dr. Dmitry Dolgov, is dedicated to providing you with an extraordinary dental journey that focuses on your overall well-being.

By choosing our holistic dental practice, you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Holistic Approach: We go beyond traditional dental care by considering your entire body’s health and well-being. Our holistic dentists understand the intricate connection between oral health and overall wellness, ensuring that your treatments promote optimal balance and harmony.

2. Personal Experience: We believe in the power of personalized care. When you visit The Dentist Lounge, you’ll receive individualized attention tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our holistic dentists take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly evaluate your oral health, and create a customized treatment plan that addresses both your dental needs and overall health.

3. Non-Toxic and Natural Approach: We prioritize your safety and well-being by using natural, non-toxic materials and techniques. Unlike traditional dentistry which may rely on potentially harmful substances, we offer biocompatible materials that minimize the risk of negative side effects or allergic reactions. You can have peace of mind knowing that we prioritize your long-term health.

4. Enhanced Overall Health: At our holistic dental practice, we understand that your oral health is intricately connected to your overall health. By addressing underlying dental issues, promoting good oral hygiene, and emphasizing the importance of nutrition and lifestyle habits, we strive to enhance your overall well-being. Improved oral health can lead to benefits such as better digestion, increased energy levels, and improved immune function.

5. Relaxing and Comfortable Environment: We believe that a calming and comfortable environment plays a crucial role in your dental experience. Our practice is designed to provide a serene and welcoming atmosphere, helping you feel at ease during your visits. From our friendly staff to our state-of-the-art facilities, we prioritize creating a positive and stress-free environment for our patients.

Don’t wait any longer to experience the benefits of holistic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with The Dentist Lounge today and take the first step toward a healthier smile and a healthier you.